Gear article
Dixon Drums Little Roomer 20 5pc Shell Pack
The Dixon Drums Little Roomer 20 5pc Shell Pack is a compact acoustic drum kit designed for space-conscious environments such as practice rooms, small venues, and home studios. It features a unique shallow 20x7" bass drum and 9-ply mahogany shells, finished in a distinctive Cerulean Frost wrap.

Overview
The Little Roomer 20 5pc Shell Pack is specifically engineered for drummers who require a full-sized footprint in terms of diameter but a significantly reduced depth for portability and volume control. The kit is finished in Cerulean Frost and is sold as a shell pack, meaning it includes the drums and specific mounting hardware, but excludes the throne, cymbals, and external stands.
Shell Construction and Design
The shells are constructed from 9-ply, 100% mahogany. Mahogany is traditionally chosen for its rich, low-end frequencies and warmth. The drums feature 45-degree bearing edges, a design choice intended to improve clarity and responsiveness by ensuring precise contact between the drumhead and the shell.
A defining characteristic of the Little Roomer is its slimline dimensions. The bass drum measures 20x7", providing the punch of a 20-inch diameter while remaining easy to transport. The kit also includes a slimline 10" snare drum and a 6" tambourine, which adds percussive texture to the standard kit setup.

Sound and Character
Due to the mahogany construction, the Little Roomer produces a warm and punchy tone. While the shallow depths of the shells naturally result in less resonance and volume than standard 'deep' kits, this makes the kit easier to control in tight acoustic spaces or home practice environments. The 45-degree edges counteract the inherent darkness of mahogany by providing enough high-end definition for articulate playing.
Target Audience
This kit is primarily aimed at:
- Gigging professionals: Those playing small clubs, cafes, or venues with limited stage space.
- Home practitioners: Drummers needing a kit that fits into a bedroom or study without overwhelming the room physically or sonically.
- Commuting musicians: The shallow shells make the kit significantly easier to load into a standard vehicle compared to traditional rock or fusion kits.
Comparison to Alternatives
In the market for compact or portable kits, the Little Roomer competes with several models. Compared to the Sonor AQ2 Safari 4pc or the Yamaha Rydeen 20", the Dixon kit offers a shallower bass drum profile. While the Ludwig Neusonic 20" Downbeat and DW Performance Series offer higher-end materials and different tonal profiles (such as maple/cherry blends), they typically come at a different price point or configuration. The inclusion of a tambourine and the specific 9-ply mahogany construction distinguishes the Little Roomer from Natal's Arcadia Acrylic or Tama's Superstar Classic series, which focus more on traditional birch or maple tones.
Related gear
£2,418.00 ($3,071)Ludwig
Ludwig Neusonic 20" Downbeat 3pc Shell Pack Blue Super Sparkle
£2,249.00 ($2,856)DW Drums
DW Performance Series 22" 3pc finish ply Black Diamond Shell Pack
£739.00 ($939)Tama
Tama Superstar Classic 22 3pc Shell Pack Transparent Black Burst
£1,495.00 ($1,899)Sonor
Sonor AQ2 20 5pc Shell Pack Transparent Black
£873.00 ($1,109)Sonor
Sonor AQ2 Safari 4pc Shell Pack White Pearl
£2,971.00 ($3,773)Ludwig
Ludwig Neusonic 22 Rapid MOD2 4pc Shell Pack Satin Gold Slumbers
£789.00 ($1,002)Yamaha
Yamaha Rydeen 20" Drum Kit w/ Hardware Burgundy Glitter
£941.00 ($1,195)Natal
Natal Arcadia Acrylic 22 4pc Shell Pack Transparent
Frequently asked questions
- What is included in the Dixon Little Roomer 5pc shell pack?
- The shell pack includes the 20x7" bass drum, a slimline 10" snare, various toms, a 6" tambourine, and a drummer's pouch for accessories. It does not include cymbals, a throne, or hardware stands.
- What are the dimensions of the bass drum?
- The bass drum is 20 inches in diameter but only 7 inches deep. This 'slimline' design is intended to save space while maintaining a larger low-end footprint than a 16 or 18-inch kick.
- What material are the drum shells made of?
- The shells are made from 100% mahogany. They are constructed using a 9-ply process to ensure durability and a warm, punchy tonal response.
- What type of bearing edges does the kit have?
- The kit features 45-degree bearing edges. This common angle is used to provide a balance between shell resonance and head sensitivity for better clarity.
- Is this kit suitable for high-volume rock performances?
- While it can be used for any genre, its shallow shells are designed for control and portability. In high-volume settings, it may require microphones to compete with amplified instruments.
- What is the Cerulean Frost finish?
- Cerulean Frost is the specific aesthetic wrap applied to the exterior of the shells. it is a light, cool blue shade designed to be both stylish and professional.
- Does the kit come with a snare drum?
- Yes, it includes a slimline 10-inch snare drum. This smaller diameter and shallow depth contribute to the kit's overall space-saving design.
- What is the purpose of the included 6" tambourine?
- The 6-inch tambourine is included to provide additional percussive textures. It can be integrated into the kit setup to expand the rhythmic possibilities beyond standard drums.
- Can the Little Roomer be used for home practice?
- Yes, it is ideal for home use. The shallow shells take up less floor space and produce a more controlled volume that is easier to manage in residential settings.
- Do I need to buy extra hardware for this kit?
- Yes, because it is a shell pack, you will need to provide your own hi-hat stand, cymbal stands, snare stand, bass drum pedal, and a throne.
- How does mahogany affect the sound of this kit?
- Mahogany is a relatively soft wood that emphasizes lower frequencies. This gives the Little Roomer a warm, dark, and punchy character compared to brighter woods like birch.
- What is the drummer's pouch mentioned in the description?
- The kit includes a dedicated pouch for the drummer. This is designed to keep essential tools, such as drum keys or small accessories, organized and within reach during play.
