What is included in the Natal Arcadia 22 5pc kit?

The kit consists of five drum shells: a 22-inch bass drum, two rack toms, a floor tom, and a matching snare drum. Please note that cymbals must be purchased separately to complete the setup.

What material are the drum shells made from?

The shells are made from poplar. This wood choice is selected for its ability to produce enhanced high frequencies and a strong, punchy low-end response.

What type of lugs does this kit use?

The Arcadia series features the iconic Natal Sun lugs. These are the same design used on Natal's more expensive professional drum lines.

Are the hoops on the Arcadia 22 triple-flanged?

Yes, the kit is equipped with triple-flanged hoops. These are designed to increase the sustain of the drum and provide a smooth decay.

Is the Natal Arcadia 22 suitable for beginners?

Yes, it is described as a great kit to get started on a drumming journey. It offers a professional look and sound that can grow with the player as they move into gigging.

Can this kit be used for studio recording?

Absolutely. The enhanced highs and punchy lows provided by the poplar shells are specifically noted as being ideal for studio environments.

What is the specific finish of this model?

This particular model comes in a 'Red Strata' finish. It provides a high-end, boutique aesthetic that stands out on stage.

How does the sound of poplar compare to other woods?

In the context of the Arcadia, poplar is voiced to be brighter and more cutting than mahogany, but with a deeper low-end punch than standard birch.

Does the kit include cymbals or hardware?

The manufacturer description specifies that cymbals need to be added to complete the setup. Hardware inclusions may vary by retailer, so checking the specific package is advised.

What does 'American Fusion' refer to in the title?

American Fusion typically refers to the sizing of the drums, often featuring a 22-inch bass drum combined with tom sizes that bridge the gap between standard rock and smaller fusion setups.

How does this compare to the Natal Arcadia Acrylic kit?

The Red Strata model uses poplar shells for a traditional wood tone, whereas the Acrylic version uses plastic shells which typically offer more volume and a shorter, drier attack.

What is the typical price range for this drum kit?

The Natal Arcadia 22 American Fusion 5pc kit typically retails for approximately £526. Prices may vary slightly based on the specific retailer and current promotions.

Gear article

Natal Arcadia 22 American Fusion 5pc Drum Kit

The Natal Arcadia 22 American Fusion is a versatile five-piece acoustic drum kit designed for both studio recording and live performance. Featuring poplar shells and high-end aesthetic touches like the signature Natal Sun lugs, it offers a professional sound profile at an entry-to-mid-level price point.

See live prices

Overview and Design

The Natal Arcadia 22 American Fusion kit is engineered to provide a high-end visual and sonic experience without a prohibitive price tag. The kit is finished in a distinctive Red Strata wrap, offering a vintage yet modern aesthetic. It is specifically designed as a 'fusion' setup, which generally balances the power of larger rock drums with the articulation of smaller jazz-style kits.

A key design element is the inclusion of the 'Sun' lugs, a signature feature shared with Natal’s flagship lines. These are paired with triple-flanged hoops which are designed to enhance the natural sustain of the shells while ensuring the decay remains smooth and predictable.

Construction and Shell Material

The shells are constructed from poplar, a wood known for its consistent density and tonal versatility. In the Arcadia series, these poplar shells are voiced to produce enhanced high frequencies and a pronounced low-end punch. This 'V-shaped' EQ profile makes the kit particularly effective for modern music styles where a cutting snare and deep kick drum are required.

Sound Character

The tonal signature of the Natal Arcadia 22 is described as bright and cutting, complemented by deep, punchy low tones. The use of triple-flanged hoops allows the drums to resonate freely, preventing the sound from becoming choked. This makes the kit highly adaptable for:

Studio Recording: Where the enhanced highs help the drums sit clearly in a mix.
Live Gigging: Where the low-end punch ensures the kick and toms are felt by the audience.

Market Position and Alternatives

At a typical price point of approximately £526, the Arcadia 22 competes in the competitive intermediate drum market. It serves as a more affordable alternative to higher-tier series such as the DW Performance Series or the Ludwig Neusonic, while offering a different tonal character than the Yamaha Rydeen or the acrylic variants of the Natal line. It is positioned for the 'serious drummer' who requires a reliable, versatile workhorse for various musical environments.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is included in the Natal Arcadia 22 5pc kit?: The kit consists of five drum shells: a 22-inch bass drum, two rack toms, a floor tom, and a matching snare drum. Please note that cymbals must be purchased separately to complete the setup.
What material are the drum shells made from?: The shells are made from poplar. This wood choice is selected for its ability to produce enhanced high frequencies and a strong, punchy low-end response.
What type of lugs does this kit use?: The Arcadia series features the iconic Natal Sun lugs. These are the same design used on Natal's more expensive professional drum lines.
Are the hoops on the Arcadia 22 triple-flanged?: Yes, the kit is equipped with triple-flanged hoops. These are designed to increase the sustain of the drum and provide a smooth decay.
Is the Natal Arcadia 22 suitable for beginners?: Yes, it is described as a great kit to get started on a drumming journey. It offers a professional look and sound that can grow with the player as they move into gigging.
Can this kit be used for studio recording?: Absolutely. The enhanced highs and punchy lows provided by the poplar shells are specifically noted as being ideal for studio environments.
What is the specific finish of this model?: This particular model comes in a 'Red Strata' finish. It provides a high-end, boutique aesthetic that stands out on stage.
How does the sound of poplar compare to other woods?: In the context of the Arcadia, poplar is voiced to be brighter and more cutting than mahogany, but with a deeper low-end punch than standard birch.
Does the kit include cymbals or hardware?: The manufacturer description specifies that cymbals need to be added to complete the setup. Hardware inclusions may vary by retailer, so checking the specific package is advised.
What does 'American Fusion' refer to in the title?: American Fusion typically refers to the sizing of the drums, often featuring a 22-inch bass drum combined with tom sizes that bridge the gap between standard rock and smaller fusion setups.
How does this compare to the Natal Arcadia Acrylic kit?: The Red Strata model uses poplar shells for a traditional wood tone, whereas the Acrylic version uses plastic shells which typically offer more volume and a shorter, drier attack.
What is the typical price range for this drum kit?: The Natal Arcadia 22 American Fusion 5pc kit typically retails for approximately £526. Prices may vary slightly based on the specific retailer and current promotions.