lest face it Sonor have made excellent modern kits since the 70's, you may have to go the the 90;s designers if you want inhouse suspension mounts, but very little has got better in acoustic drums in the last 50 years.
The Ludwig Super 70s 12, 13, 16, 22 has all it takes! Superb sounding drums...plus the sizes are studio oriented. Jaw dropping indeed! Cheers from Brasil!
The Ludwig Evolution with i cymbals is the way to go for starting drummers, but here you can really feel the difference in sound among this beasts. I loved the Oak kits (Yamaha and DW) and i always felt the Armory is kinda underrated, it feels and sounds amazing even without thinking about the price.
That damn armory sneaks into almost every top kit review everywhere. lol. Kits are no joke man. Love the finish on this one too. Classy. I also find Ludwig classic maple Tom's seem to be super consistent between kits to paiste standards. Deep dark and thuddy every time! Thanks for all the hard work guys to encourage my GAS diagnosis
Okay all those kits are great in their own way, but I was particularly blown away by the "effortlessly" resonant sound of the Ludwig Super 70s classic maple. I'm generally more partial to overall kit configurations/sound like the Yamaha Oaks, but damn those Super 70s got my attention. Also how often do you see a 12, 13, 16 set up anymore? That's the configuration that I'd get. Really cool.
I took this test blind and my results were: 1) Joyful Noise Legacy Solid-Ply 2) Yamaha Live Custom Hybrid Oak 3) Ludwig Classic Maple "Super 70s" Interesting that three different woods were represented.
Really thought that the Tama set was outstanding. As good at or better than most of the other drums that are double the cost. I have to agree that the big Ludwig kit had that “god of thunder” sound. Remarkable.
I really like the George Way, and reasonably priced for what you get. The Brass Beauty used in the Ludwig kit would be my choice of snares from the video.
I own a seven-piece Pearl Masterworks kit built to my specs and a 14"x6.5" Ludwig Black Beauty, so I'm pretty happy with what I've got and not averse to spending big money on gear. My favourite kit out of all of these was the Mapex Armory. Every drum sounded brilliant.
Very nice list this year with a few unexpected ones! I liked the Tama Superstar, Yamaha Live Oak and the Ludwig Super 70's classic maple. I was surprised by the Joyful Noise kit which also sounded amazing!!
I just can't go passed the beautiful Ludwig classic maple - love the sound and look! I have a Black Beauty snare I purchased back in the late 80s and the finish isn't that great. It has burred edges on the air hole and many other sharp edges that simply should have been buffed, so I hope the quality and finish is better today, because the overall sound is fantastic.
I’ll take the Way kit with the cymbal setup from the Roger’s kit. PERFECT Although the Brooklyn kit is all kinds of special too…I just need that cymbal setup Tony!
@@Martin-kn6vc 😂 Martin, “Yammy” is what us Yamaha motorcycle lovers call our..Yammys! I also owned a beautiful set of Recording Customs in that Redwood finish ( I don’t remember the exact name f the color but you probably know which one I am referring to..) and I swapped out the front Bass resonant heat for a black Aquarian ( I think..) and put the iconic Yamaha motorcycle triple “ Tuning Fork” emblem sticker on it instead of spelling out “ Yamaha “ on the front. I thought it was cool AF…🤨
The George Way tuxedo kit for the win. They sound great, look fantastic, they’re a conversation starter guaranteed, easy and fast setup, ergonomically sound. And a drum set you can both record with in a professional studio or gig with. Guys and gals, bar owners looking for a tremendous house drum kit…. This is the answer that solves your dilemma. Buy this kit and it will impress everyone. The drummer, the band mates, audience, sound engineer. ***black chrome hardware is almost a must add on*** ‼️
For me what was relevant was room mic mix because it is the sound that everyone will hear when they enter the room without additional microphones, because in the full mix they all sound more or less good.My choice in this order: YAMAHA,LUDWIG SUPER 70' ,DW,BDC,SONOR.
Asked my wife & her friends, all Non-drummers for their opinion. They picked the British Co, Yammy and thought most of the kits looked good in general. But all thought the BC kit looked awesome. The worst looking award went to the Joyful Noise & Ludwig Element. They also thought Shane was the best drummer !🤪 WTF ? I had them listen to Tom twice, and they still thought it was Shane 😳 I reckon banging the drums really hard gets the women off ! ha ha ha🤣😂🤣 So take everything with grain of salt. Sheesh. For me it was the Super Ludwig and everyone else a distant 2nd lol. Good Choice DCP. Y'all got it right . Liked Adams SQ2 & the Tama. Nice . Great upload, Merry X'mas everyone !
Ludwig 70's style and Gretsch Brooklyn Series for my top 2 spots. All of them nice kits or is it set? Nice drumming! Nice comparisons! Thanks from Omaha! Happy New Years!
Definitely some great signature sounds here there is something to love about all of these kits , but for me Something about that oak that just sounds best Yamaha and dw. For the win with those tone woods as I don’t have the space for all 10 of them 😊
The '70s Classic maple Ludwigs sound great tuned like that - deep and fat with a wet attack. It would be excellent to also hear them tuned like a lot of 70s drummers would have done: much higher pitches with coated amb or emp over coated amb, felt strips on bass drum, that type of approach. Could make a great youtube video! Thanks so much for all that you share and the videos you make, much appreciated!
Oh, I hear you! It's why I own so many Ludwig drums. I have three full sets of Vistalites (one Bonham kit, 12-14-20 in blue, and 13-16-18-24 in blue with matching snares), a 1976 Big Beat in mahogany cortex, 1963 Downbeat in sky blue pearl, 1978 stainless steel Pro Beat, 1999 classic Maples in natural maple, and 2016 natural maples in red sparkle. And an embarrassing number of Ludwig snare drums😂
All sound fantastic. I think MAJOR props need to go to the dude who does the mixing. Would love to know how much eq/comp is involved. But I personally think the Sonor tops them, and that was without snares on!
Thanks for the video, I preferred the Yamaha, it has a musicality and gorgeous tone. Next the DW oak, once again the musicality of the wood I think! The Greitch would make a great jazz kit., the Ludwig, what a great big fat sound! The Tuxedos tuning sounded off to my ear. Must say I was a little disappointed with the BDC kit, being a big fan of theirs.
love the videos! i think it would be a good move to hire a really good professional to demo the gear. you guys are great! but it’s never as consistent as i would hope. best of luck in 2025! ✌🏻
Beautiful selections! I kinda like that DW COLLECTION (Oak) Almost criminal putting Joel Cameron behind an electronic set. I follow him on TH-cam. He definitely knows his stuff. I like his playing style.
That Yamaha kit was yummy.
@@trafalgerdavis7839 hi hi puffy amy yummy
💯
Was it
Those 70’s style Luddies are insane!!! Man I’d love to get a set in golden slumber lacquer
Yes they are
Ha! Agreed just gorgeous
@@nathanfisher4452 Yep
they sound amazing.. they have an awesome low end
@@miked5487 Yea nice and punchy! I want a set but Gretsch first!!
lolololol The drumeo booth cutaway got me good.
Impressed by the Yamaha and the Sonor.
The best companies, along with Dw
Yes, for me, the Yamaha kit was the best: #1. Don't know if it was just me but the top five didn't sound as good as the bottom five.
‘Reflection’ on the SQ2 was a nice touch hah. Great video, guys!
To my old ears, it's Sonor for me. Thanks, DCP. Fantastic production as always.
Me too....plus that set up w/ rack toms off to the left is the way I like my drums, because I like my ride down fairly low.
lest face it Sonor have made excellent modern kits since the 70's, you may have to go the the 90;s designers if you want inhouse suspension mounts, but very little has got better in acoustic drums in the last 50 years.
@@krusher74 Agree with you. Been playing Sonor since mid 80s. Guess you could say I'm biased. But I do like my Round Badge kits.
Those Gretsch and Ludwig drums!!
Great production job fellas! Merry Christmas!!
yES
The Ludwig Super 70s 12, 13, 16, 22 has all it takes! Superb sounding drums...plus the sizes are studio oriented. Jaw dropping indeed!
Cheers from Brasil!
Yamaha Live Custom Hybrid Oak for the win. Thanks guys. Look forward to this every year. Happy Holidays to everyone over there
The Ludwig Evolution with i cymbals is the way to go for starting drummers, but here you can really feel the difference in sound among this beasts. I loved the Oak kits (Yamaha and DW) and i always felt the Armory is kinda underrated, it feels and sounds amazing even without thinking about the price.
The Sonor SQ2 was great and those British Drum Co. drums! Always so musical and clean sounding. Nice!
That damn armory sneaks into almost every top kit review everywhere. lol. Kits are no joke man. Love the finish on this one too. Classy. I also find Ludwig classic maple Tom's seem to be super consistent between kits to paiste standards. Deep dark and thuddy every time! Thanks for all the hard work guys to encourage my GAS diagnosis
@@justinreynolds3935 I smell something familiar. I have GAS too ! 💨🥁 Every time I fart, it seems I find a surprise snare drum crawling out my ass! 😆
Last year's "best of" is hard to beat. Thanks for the video just the same. Those Tama Super Stars really sound great!
That Ludwig 70’s 16” floor mic’d 💥🔥
Okay all those kits are great in their own way, but I was particularly blown away by the "effortlessly" resonant sound of the Ludwig Super 70s classic maple. I'm generally more partial to overall kit configurations/sound like the Yamaha Oaks, but damn those Super 70s got my attention. Also how often do you see a 12, 13, 16 set up anymore? That's the configuration that I'd get. Really cool.
JESSUSSSS CHRIST that last Ludwig Kit is HUGEEEEEEEEE SOUNDING!!!!!
Man, they ALL sound great, but I have a real soft spot for the Ludwig Super 70's.
That Rogers kit! Wow! The tom toms were so open and melodic.😊
Awesome video. Tama sounded the best.Yamaha looked the best
Drum Center of Portsmouth comes correct each time out! 💯 🥁
Great sounds on all the kits to me! Thanks for another year of great videos guys! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!
they all sound great. happy holidays, guys!
Awesome video thanks guys merry Christmas to all there
Thanks and right back at you!
Love the sound of those Ludwig Maple drums. I like the white finish too.
Super 70's OMG!!!!!!!
Kinda falling back in love w/ Ludwig. I'd be all over a super 70's, if I were back in the market.
A big shoutout to my man on the brooklyn kit who gave a phenomenal solo on it, very impressive and musical !
brass beauty is just awesome!
Merry Christmas DCP! Hoping to see a video of the DW Performance Birch in 2025 🥳
#7 the Gretch kit with that crisp sound
yep
I always love your videos.... It would be very tough to choose or rank these... They all sounded so good.
These are great kits, and each one would inspire me to play in different styles based on how they sound. very cool
The DW and Yamaha oak kits sound really clean! And on the #1 kit (Ludwig with 24"), the clear Emperors sound like the perfect match.
I took this test blind and my results were:
1) Joyful Noise Legacy Solid-Ply
2) Yamaha Live Custom Hybrid Oak
3) Ludwig Classic Maple "Super 70s"
Interesting that three different woods were represented.
The Ludwig Super 70's with the Paiste cymbal pack are perfect combination. Unfortunately we don't have them here in Brazil.
Really thought that the Tama set was outstanding. As good at or better than most of the other drums that are double the cost. I have to agree that the big Ludwig kit had that “god of thunder” sound. Remarkable.
the green George Way kit is GORGEOUS !
Even better in person!
I really like the George Way, and reasonably priced for what you get. The Brass Beauty used in the Ludwig kit would be my choice of snares from the video.
The George Way kits are an exceptional value for sure!
I like the 24" ludwig bass drum.
Me too. One of the best bass drums sounds in recent memory for me.
The Gretsch Brooklyns and the Brass Beauty snare sound great
I own a seven-piece Pearl Masterworks kit built to my specs and a 14"x6.5" Ludwig Black Beauty, so I'm pretty happy with what I've got and not averse to spending big money on gear.
My favourite kit out of all of these was the Mapex Armory. Every drum sounded brilliant.
I liked your switching between 'mic'd' and 'room' - gave a good overview.
I’m a Gretsch player, but the Yamaha won it for me! Absolute beauty. 👌🥁
Very nice list this year with a few unexpected ones! I liked the Tama Superstar, Yamaha Live Oak and the Ludwig Super 70's classic maple. I was surprised by the Joyful Noise kit which also sounded amazing!!
Yeah, those are all killer kits for sure!
That Joyful Noise! Incredible!
Sonor and Ludwig 70s are amazing too.
Couldn’t agree more.
Super 70's classic!
I just can't go passed the beautiful Ludwig classic maple - love the sound and look! I have a Black Beauty snare I purchased back in the late 80s and the finish isn't that great. It has burred edges on the air hole and many other sharp edges that simply should have been buffed, so I hope the quality and finish is better today, because the overall sound is fantastic.
Ludwig quality is SO much better now than in the 80's. That was a dark time for them.
Ludwig represented three times - 👏👏👏
La Ludwig del 70´ es el sonido definitivo, por dios como suena. Me parecía buena la Dw, pero esta Ludwig y sus medidas me enamoraron!
Very good list. Guess I’m an oak-man now ‘cuz whenever i look over at the phone it’s the Yamaha Oak !
Loved that George Way kit. The Armory punches above its weight big time.
Totally agreed on the Armory kit!
@@drumcenternh I'm a biased Saturn V Tour owner 😉
Lol, love the Drumeo "cameo"!
I’ll take the Way kit with the cymbal setup from the Roger’s kit. PERFECT
Although the Brooklyn kit is all kinds of special too…I just need that cymbal setup Tony!
Love the British. Can't think of a least fave.
Actually really liking the BDC kit. Well done, folks.
The Yammy and the DW are my favourites. Those toms be singingggggg!
@@Martin-kn6vc 😂 Martin, “Yammy” is what us Yamaha motorcycle lovers call our..Yammys! I also owned a beautiful set of Recording Customs in that Redwood finish ( I don’t remember the exact name f the color but you probably know which one I am referring to..) and I swapped out the front Bass resonant heat for a black Aquarian ( I think..) and put the iconic Yamaha motorcycle triple “ Tuning Fork” emblem sticker on it instead of spelling out “ Yamaha “ on the front. I thought it was cool AF…🤨
Ludwig’s sound so good
Great choices!
The George Way tuxedo kit for the win. They sound great, look fantastic, they’re a conversation starter guaranteed, easy and fast setup, ergonomically sound. And a drum set you can both record with in a professional studio or gig with. Guys and gals, bar owners looking for a tremendous house drum kit…. This is the answer that solves your dilemma.
Buy this kit and it will impress everyone. The drummer, the band mates, audience, sound engineer.
***black chrome hardware is almost a must add on*** ‼️
Loved the simple small Rogers kit.
I’m usually a Ludwig guy..
"Old Plays a Tool" is a classic
I’m blown away by the Yamaha Hybrids and the DW Oaks. I can’t decide which one I like better!
Go for YAMAHA
Those Paiste Formula 602's really put in the work this year!
That they did!
Yamaha, DW Collector, Joyful Noise, Ludwig DCP Winners in my Opinion 😊
That DW collectors pure oak sounds beautiful 😍
I love the Rogers and Gretsch for what I play! They sound phenomenal.
For me what was relevant was room mic mix because it is the sound that everyone will hear when they enter the room without additional microphones, because in the full mix they all sound more or less good.My choice in this order: YAMAHA,LUDWIG SUPER 70' ,DW,BDC,SONOR.
Asked my wife & her friends, all Non-drummers for their opinion. They picked the British Co, Yammy and thought most of the kits looked good in general. But all thought the BC kit looked awesome. The worst looking award went to the Joyful Noise & Ludwig Element. They also thought Shane was the best drummer !🤪 WTF ? I had them listen to Tom twice, and they still thought it was Shane 😳 I reckon banging the drums really hard gets the women off ! ha ha ha🤣😂🤣 So take everything with grain of salt. Sheesh. For me it was the Super Ludwig and everyone else a distant 2nd lol. Good Choice DCP. Y'all got it right . Liked Adams SQ2 & the Tama. Nice . Great upload, Merry X'mas everyone !
The Joyful Noise kit is 🔥! Definitely if money was no object.
sonor sounded amazing !
Ludwig 70's style and Gretsch Brooklyn Series for my top 2 spots. All of them nice kits or is it set? Nice drumming! Nice comparisons! Thanks from Omaha! Happy New Years!
Love the Ludwig 70's. Surprised there is no Noble & Cooley kit.
Didn’t film any in 2024. Maybe in 2025 though!
Definitely some great signature sounds here there is something to love about all of these kits , but for me Something about that oak that just sounds best Yamaha and dw. For the win with those tone woods as I don’t have the space for all 10 of them 😊
Love those Ludwig "Super 70's" !
The joyful noise Was killer and of course the Yamaha and dw oaks
All good to me 🥁🤟🏼🥁🇨🇦
Love the Ludwig classic maples !
Drum head choice and mic placement is so much more important than shell construction.
The '70s Classic maple Ludwigs sound great tuned like that - deep and fat with a wet attack. It would be excellent to also hear them tuned like a lot of 70s drummers would have done: much higher pitches with coated amb or emp over coated amb, felt strips on bass drum, that type of approach. Could make a great youtube video! Thanks so much for all that you share and the videos you make, much appreciated!
We’ve done a ton of videos on “bonham” Ludwig kits actually. Check them out!
@@tinterlande True, and those were excellent. I suppose tuning these in a similar manner would be redundant, gotcha.
@ more just that it’s fun to mess around with them. That’s the nice thing about these drums, they sound good no matter how you tune them.
Oh, I hear you! It's why I own so many Ludwig drums. I have three full sets of Vistalites (one Bonham kit, 12-14-20 in blue, and 13-16-18-24 in blue with matching snares), a 1976 Big Beat in mahogany cortex, 1963 Downbeat in sky blue pearl, 1978 stainless steel Pro Beat, 1999 classic Maples in natural maple, and 2016 natural maples in red sparkle. And an embarrassing number of Ludwig snare drums😂
All sound fantastic. I think MAJOR props need to go to the dude who does the mixing. Would love to know how much eq/comp is involved. But I personally think the Sonor tops them, and that was without snares on!
Thanks! That would be Tony who does the mixing. Any questions on the processing side of things, you can email him directly: tony@drumcenternh.com
Amazing video!
I Would like to inform me the type of snare in Rogers kit .
Thanks in advance!
If i name the song @ 18:30 do i win that sonor set? :D
Thats reflection not ticks and leeches.
Man that Rogers Cleveland kit !! Great open tone! Even with a tom on a snarestand! What about an endorsement Rogers?
My top 5 sound wise 1) Sonor SQ2, 2) Luddies Super 70's, 3) Joyful Noise, 4) DW, 5) Mapex Armory
The TAMA ! What else ???
DW solid oak, 1st.
Yamaha hybrid Oak 2nd
Last George Wey. Honorable Mention Ludwig Tulip or maple
I'd still take my Tama Starclassic maple exotic kit any day :) I did really like the Yamaha kit though
I’m diggin the playin man
Thanks for the video, I preferred the Yamaha, it has a musicality and gorgeous tone. Next the DW oak, once again the musicality of the wood I think! The Greitch would make a great jazz kit., the Ludwig, what a great big fat sound! The Tuxedos tuning sounded off to my ear. Must say I was a little disappointed with the BDC kit, being a big fan of theirs.
Ludwig Super 70’s
George Way Tuxedo
Tama Superstar
The Joyful Noise solid birch shells are truly in their own sonic realm.
My top pick for this would be the ludwig classic maple 70s, tama superstar and the gretsch bop kit!
Ha Ha yes I agree and also the Sonor's...my top 3!
@michaelcavazuti3270 ohh yes the sonor too! Kinda crazy kit with different wood species
@@drumgym Yes Sonor drums in general are beautiful drums and in particular the SQ2'S WHICH I own one!!Craftmanship!
Yamaha Live Custom also beautiful sound, especially that Live Custom snare! Yamaha knows how to make good oak snares.
love the videos! i think it would be a good move to hire a really good professional to demo the gear. you guys are great! but it’s never as consistent as i would hope. best of luck in 2025! ✌🏻
Eloy doesn't return our calls.
Really liked the Ludwic but the star ofthe show were the Paiste cymbals
Beautiful selections! I kinda like that DW COLLECTION (Oak) Almost criminal putting Joel Cameron behind an electronic set. I follow him on TH-cam. He definitely knows his stuff. I like his playing style.
I would take either the Yamaha or DW. I don't like Yamaha's thru the shell mounting system but they do look and sound awesome.
For me British 1^ yamaha 2^ dw 3^, paiste top cymbals awards and you all bring home the highest play improvement in one year award!... Great!
What is the Hi-hat being used in 8.31 fantastic sound
I have a video idea, could you guys do another under $1,000 cymbal or drum set review again. I really enjoy those types of videos