What are the dimensions of the bass drum in the Natal Arcadia Poplar 18 kit?

The bass drum measures 18 inches in diameter by 14 inches in depth. This 'jazz size' facilitates a punchy, controlled sound with a smaller stage footprint.

What type of wood is used for the shells?

The shells are constructed from poplar. This wood is chosen for its clear, bright tone and its ability to provide a precise sonic presence.

Does this kit include hardware?

Yes, the Natal Arcadia Poplar 18" Drum Kit is sold as a package that includes hardware. This typically makes it a more complete solution compared to shell packs that require separate hardware purchases.

What finish is available for this specific model?

This specific model features a 'Red Strata' finish. It is complemented by standard chrome hardware on the shells and stands.

What are the sizes of the toms included in this kit?

The kit includes a 12" x 8" rack tom and a 14" x 12" floor tom. These sizes are balanced to match the 18" bass drum for a cohesive jazz-style configuration.

Is the Natal Arcadia 18" kit suitable for genres other than jazz?

Yes, while its sizes are perfect for jazz, the manufacturer describes the poplar tone as versatile enough for a range of styles. The clarity of the shells allows them to be manipulated into various musical contexts.

What snare drum comes with the Natal Arcadia Poplar 18?

The kit includes a matching 14" x 5.5" snare drum. It features poplar construction and chrome hardware to match the rest of the kit.

How does the price of the Natal Arcadia compare to the Ludwig Neusonic?

The Natal Arcadia is positioned in the £462 range, making it significantly more affordable than the Ludwig Neusonic series. The Neusonic is a more premium product line often sold as shell-only packs.

What is the primary sonic characteristic of poplar shells?

Poplar is known for producing a clear, bright, and accurate tone. It provides a definitive presence that is easy for the drummer to shape through tuning.

How does this kit compare to the Natal Arcadia Acrylic model?

The Arcadia Acrylic features larger 22" shells made of transparent acrylic, which offers a different visual and louder, punchier sound. The Poplar 18 is smaller, made of wood, and focuses on jazz-style precision.

Does the kit include cymbals?

While the kit includes hardware, cymbals are typically not mentioned as part of the standard Arcadia Poplar 18" package. Users usually need to purchase cymbals separately to complete the setup.

Is the floor tom mounted or standing?

The kit includes a 14" x 12" floor tom, which is a traditional standing tom with its own legs. This provides stability and a deeper resonance compared to rack-mounted toms.

Gear article

Natal Arcadia Poplar 18" Drum Kit

The Natal Arcadia Poplar 18" Drum Kit is a compact, jazz-sized acoustic drum set featuring poplar shells and a Red Strata finish. It is designed to provide a precise, bright tone with a focus on clarity, making it suitable for jazz performance and versatile enough for various modern styles.

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Overview

The Natal Arcadia Poplar 18" Drum Kit is a complete drum solution that includes both shells and hardware. Positioned as a versatile entry-to-mid-level kit, it utilises poplar wood, a material known for its consistent density and balanced resonance. The 'Red Strata' wrap provides a vintage aesthetic, while the 18-inch bass drum configuration allows for a smaller footprint, ideal for small stages, rehearsal rooms, or jazz clubs.

Shell Construction and Configuration

The kit is built around four primary shells:

Bass Drum: 18" x 14"
Rack Tom: 12" x 8"
Floor Tom: 14" x 12"
Snare Drum: 14" x 5.5"

The use of poplar in these specific dimensions results in a kit that prioritises accuracy and a bright, punchy presence. The hardware is finished in chrome, offering a traditional contrast against the Red Strata wrap.

Sonic Characteristics

Poplar is traditionally valued for its clear and bright tone. In the Arcadia series, this manifests as a definitive 'presence' that is easily manipulated to suit specific musical needs. While the 18-inch bass drum provides the higher-tuned 'bop' sound associated with jazz, the shells are capable of producing a precise sound that remains articulate across various tuning ranges. This clarity allows drummers to achieve a specific style through varied head selection and tuning techniques.

Target Audience and Application

Due to its compact dimensions and poplar construction, the Arcadia 18" is primarily targeted at jazz drummers requiring a portable, responsive instrument. However, its versatile sonic profile makes it an appropriate choice for pop and smaller acoustic settings. It also serves as a comprehensive package for students or intermediate players who require a full set of hardware alongside their shells.

Market Comparison

Within the compact drum kit market, the Natal Arcadia competes with several notable alternatives. The Yamaha Rydeen 20" kit offers a slightly larger footprint with hardware at a similar entry level, while the Sonor AQ2 Safari (16" bass drum) or AQ2 20" kits provide different shell materials like maple for those seeking a different tonal foundation. For drummers moving into higher price brackets, the Ludwig Neusonic series or the DW Performance Series offer domestic manufacturing and premium shell blends, though often at a significantly higher cost than the Arcadia's £462 price point.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the dimensions of the bass drum in the Natal Arcadia Poplar 18 kit?: The bass drum measures 18 inches in diameter by 14 inches in depth. This 'jazz size' facilitates a punchy, controlled sound with a smaller stage footprint.
What type of wood is used for the shells?: The shells are constructed from poplar. This wood is chosen for its clear, bright tone and its ability to provide a precise sonic presence.
Does this kit include hardware?: Yes, the Natal Arcadia Poplar 18" Drum Kit is sold as a package that includes hardware. This typically makes it a more complete solution compared to shell packs that require separate hardware purchases.
What finish is available for this specific model?: This specific model features a 'Red Strata' finish. It is complemented by standard chrome hardware on the shells and stands.
What are the sizes of the toms included in this kit?: The kit includes a 12" x 8" rack tom and a 14" x 12" floor tom. These sizes are balanced to match the 18" bass drum for a cohesive jazz-style configuration.
Is the Natal Arcadia 18" kit suitable for genres other than jazz?: Yes, while its sizes are perfect for jazz, the manufacturer describes the poplar tone as versatile enough for a range of styles. The clarity of the shells allows them to be manipulated into various musical contexts.
What snare drum comes with the Natal Arcadia Poplar 18?: The kit includes a matching 14" x 5.5" snare drum. It features poplar construction and chrome hardware to match the rest of the kit.
How does the price of the Natal Arcadia compare to the Ludwig Neusonic?: The Natal Arcadia is positioned in the £462 range, making it significantly more affordable than the Ludwig Neusonic series. The Neusonic is a more premium product line often sold as shell-only packs.
What is the primary sonic characteristic of poplar shells?: Poplar is known for producing a clear, bright, and accurate tone. It provides a definitive presence that is easy for the drummer to shape through tuning.
How does this kit compare to the Natal Arcadia Acrylic model?: The Arcadia Acrylic features larger 22" shells made of transparent acrylic, which offers a different visual and louder, punchier sound. The Poplar 18 is smaller, made of wood, and focuses on jazz-style precision.
Does the kit include cymbals?: While the kit includes hardware, cymbals are typically not mentioned as part of the standard Arcadia Poplar 18" package. Users usually need to purchase cymbals separately to complete the setup.
Is the floor tom mounted or standing?: The kit includes a 14" x 12" floor tom, which is a traditional standing tom with its own legs. This provides stability and a deeper resonance compared to rack-mounted toms.