What is included in the Natal Café Racer 3-piece shell pack?

The shell pack typically includes the bass drum, a rack tom, and a floor tom. Please note that 'shell pack' implies that cymbals, stands, pedals, and a snare drum are sold separately.

What material are the shells made from?

The shells are constructed from high-quality tulipwood. This material is chosen for its unique ability to produce a dry and focused sound compared to standard birch or maple.

What is the primary finish of this specific model?

This specific model features a Champagne Sparkle finish. It is a classic glitter-style wrap that offers a professional and vintage aesthetic on stage.

What kind of lugs does the Café Racer use?

The kit uses Natal's signature high-mass chrome-plated zinc sun lugs. These are designed not only for their unique appearance but also to provide stable anchoring for the tension rods.

Are the tension rods special in any way?

Yes, the kit features Tru-Tune tension rods. These are engineered to provide more consistent and reliable tuning, helping the drums stay in tune longer during heavy play.

Is a 20-inch bass drum large enough for rock music?

While 22-inch drums are traditional for rock, a 20-inch tulipwood bass drum provides a punchy, focused low end. It is highly capable for rock, especially when miked, and offers better portability.

How does tulipwood affect the sound compared to maple?

Tulipwood tends to be drier and more focused than maple. While maple offers a wide frequency range and long sustain, tulipwood provides a controlled resonance that is often easier to mix.

Who is the intended user for the Café Racer series?

Natal designed the Café Racer for the everyday gigging drummer. Its combination of compact sizing, durable hardware, and versatile tone makes it ideal for frequent live performance.

Does this kit include a snare drum?

No, this is a 3-piece shell pack. A matching snare drum or an alternative would need to be purchased separately to complete the set.

How does the Café Racer compare to the Natal Arcadia Acrylic?

The Café Racer offers a warmer, drier, and more traditional wooden tone due to the tulipwood shells. The Arcadia Acrylic is much brighter, louder, and features a transparent aesthetic.

What hardware finish is used on the shells?

The shells feature polished chrome hardware. This includes the hoops, sun lugs, and brackets, providing a high-contrast look against the Champagne Sparkle finish.

Is this kit suitable for studio recording?

Yes, the dry and focused tone of the tulipwood shells is highly regarded for recording. It requires less dampening than more resonant shells to achieve a clear, professional drum sound.

Gear article

Natal Café Racer 20" 3pc Shell Pack

The Natal Café Racer is a professional-grade 3-piece acoustic drum kit featuring unique tulipwood shells designed for a dry, focused tone. Specifically configured for the gigging drummer, this shell pack combines compact dimensions with high-mass chrome hardware and a distinctive Champagne Sparkle finish.

See live prices

Overview

The Natal Café Racer 20" 3-piece Shell Pack is an acoustic drum set engineered to balance portability with high-end sonic performance. It is characterized by its use of North American tulipwood, a tonewood choice that distinguishes it from the more common maple or birch alternatives found in this price bracket. The kit is presented in a Champagne Sparkle finish, providing a classic aesthetic suitable for various stage environments.

Construction and Hardware

The shells are equipped with high-quality polished chrome hardware. A primary feature is the inclusion of high-mass chrome-plated zinc 'sun' lugs, which are a signature design element of the Natal brand. To ensure stability during performance, the kit utilizes Tru-Tune tension rods, which are designed to provide consistent tuning across the drum heads. The build quality targets the 'everyday gigging drummer,' focusing on durability and ease of setup.

Tone and Character

The defining characteristic of the Café Racer series is its 'dry, focused tone.' The tulipwood shells produce a sound that is controlled and articulate, lacking the excessive overtones sometimes associated with brighter woods. This makes the kit highly versatile across genres, as the natural resonance is punchy without being overwhelming, which is particularly useful in both studio recording and live miked environments.

Target Audience

This shell pack is specifically aimed at the working musician. Its compact 20-inch configuration makes it easier to transport to venues than larger 22-inch or 24-inch kits, while still retaining enough low-end presence for rock, pop, and jazz. It suits drummers who require a reliable, professional-sounding instrument that maintains its tuning under the rigours of frequent transport.

Market Comparison

Within the mid-to-high-end market, the Café Racer competes with several notable models. For those seeking a similar 20-inch configuration, the Ludwig Neusonic 20" Downbeat and the Sonor AQ2 20" offer different tonal profiles (typically maple/cherry or maple blends). For drummers preferring a larger footprint, the DW Performance Series or Tama Superstar Classic in 22-inch configurations serve as alternatives. Within Natal's own catalogue, the Arcadia Acrylic series offers a more aggressive, modern aesthetic compared to the vintage-leaning Café Racer.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is included in the Natal Café Racer 3-piece shell pack?: The shell pack typically includes the bass drum, a rack tom, and a floor tom. Please note that 'shell pack' implies that cymbals, stands, pedals, and a snare drum are sold separately.
What material are the shells made from?: The shells are constructed from high-quality tulipwood. This material is chosen for its unique ability to produce a dry and focused sound compared to standard birch or maple.
What is the primary finish of this specific model?: This specific model features a Champagne Sparkle finish. It is a classic glitter-style wrap that offers a professional and vintage aesthetic on stage.
What kind of lugs does the Café Racer use?: The kit uses Natal's signature high-mass chrome-plated zinc sun lugs. These are designed not only for their unique appearance but also to provide stable anchoring for the tension rods.
Are the tension rods special in any way?: Yes, the kit features Tru-Tune tension rods. These are engineered to provide more consistent and reliable tuning, helping the drums stay in tune longer during heavy play.
Is a 20-inch bass drum large enough for rock music?: While 22-inch drums are traditional for rock, a 20-inch tulipwood bass drum provides a punchy, focused low end. It is highly capable for rock, especially when miked, and offers better portability.
How does tulipwood affect the sound compared to maple?: Tulipwood tends to be drier and more focused than maple. While maple offers a wide frequency range and long sustain, tulipwood provides a controlled resonance that is often easier to mix.
Who is the intended user for the Café Racer series?: Natal designed the Café Racer for the everyday gigging drummer. Its combination of compact sizing, durable hardware, and versatile tone makes it ideal for frequent live performance.
Does this kit include a snare drum?: No, this is a 3-piece shell pack. A matching snare drum or an alternative would need to be purchased separately to complete the set.
How does the Café Racer compare to the Natal Arcadia Acrylic?: The Café Racer offers a warmer, drier, and more traditional wooden tone due to the tulipwood shells. The Arcadia Acrylic is much brighter, louder, and features a transparent aesthetic.
What hardware finish is used on the shells?: The shells feature polished chrome hardware. This includes the hoops, sun lugs, and brackets, providing a high-contrast look against the Champagne Sparkle finish.
Is this kit suitable for studio recording?: Yes, the dry and focused tone of the tulipwood shells is highly regarded for recording. It requires less dampening than more resonant shells to achieve a clear, professional drum sound.