What is the shell material of the Natal Originals Maple kit?

The shells are constructed from high-quality 7-ply maple, which is selected for its resonance and balanced tone.

What drums are included in the 3-piece shell pack?

The shell pack includes a bass drum, a rack tom, and a floor tom. It does not include a snare drum or hardware like cymbal stands.

What finish does this specific model feature?

This model features a high-quality Orange Sparkle lacquer finish, complemented by black nickel hardware.

Is hardware included with the Natal Originals Maple 18 shell pack?

No, this is a shell pack only. It includes the drums themselves but requires separate purchases for a snare, cymbals, pedals, and stands.

How does maple compare to other tonewoods like acrylic?

Maple provides a warmer, more resonant sound compared to acrylic, which tends to have a punchier, louder, and more focused attack.

What genre of music is this kit best suited for?

The 18-inch bass drum and maple shells make it highly versatile for jazz, funk, and studio work, though it is suitable for any genre requiring a balanced tone.

Can I add more drums to this kit later?

Yes, the kit is designed to allow expansion with high-quality add-on drums and holders from the Natal range.

What is the hardware finish on the shells?

The kit features black nickel hardware, which provides a dark, modern contrast to the Orange Sparkle lacquer.

What is the typical price range for this shell pack?

The kit typically retails for approximately £849 in the United Kingdom.

How does it compare to the Ludwig Neusonic series?

While both are high-quality kits, the Natal Originals Maple uses 7-ply maple, whereas the Neusonic often uses a maple/cherry hybrid shell.

Is this kit suitable for professional studio recording?

Yes, the Natal Originals Maple range is specifically noted by the manufacturer as being ideal for use in the studio due to its astonishing tone.

How many plies are the shells made of?

The shells are made of 7-ply maple, providing a sturdy build that enhances the drum's natural resonance.

Gear article

Natal Originals Maple 18 3pc Shell Pack

The Natal Originals Maple 18 3pc Shell Pack is a professional-grade acoustic drum kit featuring 7-ply maple shells and black nickel hardware. Finished in a distinctive Orange Sparkle lacquer, it is designed for versatility across studio and live performance environments.

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Overview

The Natal Originals Maple 3pc 18 Shell Pack is a high-specification drum kit from Natal’s premium maple range. It is defined by its compact three-piece configuration, which provides a foundations for drummers to build upon. The kit is designed to provide professional-standard construction at a mid-market price point, appealing to both touring musicians and session players.

Construction and Design

The shells are constructed from seven plies of high-quality maple. This choice of timber is a industry standard for professional kits due to its structural integrity and acoustic properties. The aesthetic is defined by a vibrant Orange Sparkle lacquer finish, contrasted by black nickel hardware, including Natal's signature lugs and mounting systems. The shell pack consists of a bass drum, a floor tom, and a rack tom, though it is designed to be easily expanded with additional holders and cymbals.

Sound and Performance

Due to the 7-ply maple construction, this shell pack offers a balanced tonal profile with a focus on warmth and resonance. Maple is known for having a wide tuning range, making this kit suitable for a variety of musical genres, from jazz to rock. The 18-inch bass drum configuration suggests a punchy, controlled low end that excels in smaller venues or studio settings where space and volume control are necessary.

Market Position and Alternatives

Situated at approximately £849, this kit competes with other maple and hybrid kits in the mid-to-high price bracket. Notable alternatives include:

Ludwig Neusonic 20" Downbeat: A 3-piece alternative with a slightly larger bass drum.
Tama Superstar Classic 22": Offers a larger configuration and different aesthetic.
Sonor AQ2 Safari: A smaller 4-piece kit designed for portability.
Natal Arcadia Acrylic: An alternative from the same brand using synthetic shell materials rather than maple.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the shell material of the Natal Originals Maple kit?: The shells are constructed from high-quality 7-ply maple, which is selected for its resonance and balanced tone.
What drums are included in the 3-piece shell pack?: The shell pack includes a bass drum, a rack tom, and a floor tom. It does not include a snare drum or hardware like cymbal stands.
What finish does this specific model feature?: This model features a high-quality Orange Sparkle lacquer finish, complemented by black nickel hardware.
Is hardware included with the Natal Originals Maple 18 shell pack?: No, this is a shell pack only. It includes the drums themselves but requires separate purchases for a snare, cymbals, pedals, and stands.
How does maple compare to other tonewoods like acrylic?: Maple provides a warmer, more resonant sound compared to acrylic, which tends to have a punchier, louder, and more focused attack.
What genre of music is this kit best suited for?: The 18-inch bass drum and maple shells make it highly versatile for jazz, funk, and studio work, though it is suitable for any genre requiring a balanced tone.
Can I add more drums to this kit later?: Yes, the kit is designed to allow expansion with high-quality add-on drums and holders from the Natal range.
What is the hardware finish on the shells?: The kit features black nickel hardware, which provides a dark, modern contrast to the Orange Sparkle lacquer.
What is the typical price range for this shell pack?: The kit typically retails for approximately £849 in the United Kingdom.
How does it compare to the Ludwig Neusonic series?: While both are high-quality kits, the Natal Originals Maple uses 7-ply maple, whereas the Neusonic often uses a maple/cherry hybrid shell.
Is this kit suitable for professional studio recording?: Yes, the Natal Originals Maple range is specifically noted by the manufacturer as being ideal for use in the studio due to its astonishing tone.
How many plies are the shells made of?: The shells are made of 7-ply maple, providing a sturdy build that enhances the drum's natural resonance.