What is included in the Sonor AQ2 20 5pc Shell Pack?

This pack includes five drum shells: a 20-inch bass drum and four matching toms/snare. It is sold as a shell pack, meaning hardware, stands, and cymbals must be purchased separately.

What material are the shells made from?

The shells are constructed from 7-ply maple. This consists of a combination of Canadian maple and Chinese maple to balance professional tone with structural integrity.

What is Sonor's 'Optimum Shell Measurement' technology?

OSM technology involves manufacturing the shells to slightly undersized dimensions. This allows the drumhead to sit better on the bearing edge, resulting in improved resonance and easier tuning.

How does the SmartMount system benefit the sound?

The SmartMount system attaches to the tom lugs rather than the shell itself. This reduces the amount of metal-to-wood contact, which maximises the natural sustain and vibration of the maple wood.

What finish is available on this specific model?

This specific model features a White Pearl wrap. It is also available in other finishes such as Transparent Black, but the White Pearl is noted for its classic, high-visibility stage presence.

Is this kit suitable for jazz or rock?

It is highly versatile; the 20-inch bass drum provides enough punch for rock while remaining controlled enough for jazz. The maple shells offer a balanced frequency range that fits most musical styles.

Does the kit include a snare drum?

Yes, as a 5-piece shell pack, it typically includes a matching wood snare drum alongside the bass drum and three toms.

How does the AQ2 20 compare to the AQ2 Safari?

The AQ2 20 uses a standard 20-inch bass drum for a fuller sound, whereas the Safari model uses a much smaller 16-inch bass drum designed for extreme portability and tight spaces.

Are cymbals included in the price?

No, cymbals are not included. The typical price of £1,495 covers only the drum shells and the necessary mounting hardware for the toms.

What is the typical price range for this shell pack?

In the UK market, the Sonor AQ2 20 5pc Shell Pack is typically priced around £1,495. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.

How does maple compare to acrylic shells like the Natal Arcadia?

Maple shells like those on the AQ2 provide a warmer, more resonant, and harmonically rich tone. Acrylic shells, such as the Natal Arcadia, tend to have a louder, punchier sound with less sustain.

Can I use standard hardware with this kit?

Yes, the shells are compatible with standard drum hardware. While the pack includes the SmartMount tom holders, you will need your own bass drum pedal, snare stand, hi-hat stand, and cymbal stands.

Gear article

Sonor AQ2 20 5pc Shell Pack

The Sonor AQ2 20 5pc Shell Pack is a professional-grade acoustic drum kit featuring 7-ply all-maple shells and proprietary SmartMount technology. Finished in White Pearl, this configuration is designed to provide a balance of warm, focused tones and precise frequency response for a variety of musical settings.

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Construction and Design

The Sonor AQ2 series is built using 7-ply maple shells, utilizing a blend of Canadian and Chinese maple. These shells are manufactured using Sonor's 'Optimum Shell Measurement' (OSM) technology. This process ensures the shells are slightly undersized to allow the drumheads to float freely, resulting in a completely rounded shell that promotes better contact between the bearing edge and the head.

The 5-piece configuration features a 20-inch bass drum, providing a compact footprint that remains versatile for both studio and stage use. The kit is finished in a traditional White Pearl wrap, intended to provide a classic visual aesthetic that reflects stage lighting effectively.

SmartMount Technology

A defining feature of the AQ2 series is the inclusion of the SmartMount tom isolation system. Developed in Germany, this minimalist mounting hardware is designed to avoid unnecessary holes in the shell. By attaching to only two lugs, the system maximises the natural resonance and sustain of the maple shells, allowing the drums to ring freely without the dampening effects associated with traditional hard-mounted hardware.

Sonic Characteristics

Due to the all-maple construction, the AQ2 20 shell pack delivers a sound characterised by balanced high and low frequencies. The 7-ply design produces an exceptionally warm and focused tone that is synonymous with maple drums. The precision of the OSM manufacturing ensures that the tuning range is wide, offering a clean, articulate sound that works across multiple genres from jazz to pop and rock.

Target Audience and Application

The 20-inch bass drum configuration makes this kit particularly suitable for drummers who require a portable yet sonically capable instrument. It suits intermediate to professional players who need a reliable workhorse for gigging or recording. Because hardware and cymbals are not included, it is aimed at drummers who already own a preferred hardware setup or wish to customise their kit from the ground up.

Market Comparisons

In the mid-to-high-end maple drum market, the AQ2 competes with several notable models:

Ludwig Neusonic: Offers a hybrid shell (Maple/Cherry) with a different tonal profile compared to the all-maple AQ2.
DW Performance Series: Typically features a larger 22-inch bass drum and a different ply orientation, often at a higher price point.
Tama Superstar Classic: Provides an all-maple alternative, though the AQ2 is distinguished by its specific German-engineered SmartMount system.
Yamaha Rydeen: A more entry-level alternative that includes hardware, whereas the AQ2 is a shell-only professional pack.

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Frequently asked questions

What is included in the Sonor AQ2 20 5pc Shell Pack?: This pack includes five drum shells: a 20-inch bass drum and four matching toms/snare. It is sold as a shell pack, meaning hardware, stands, and cymbals must be purchased separately.
What material are the shells made from?: The shells are constructed from 7-ply maple. This consists of a combination of Canadian maple and Chinese maple to balance professional tone with structural integrity.
What is Sonor's 'Optimum Shell Measurement' technology?: OSM technology involves manufacturing the shells to slightly undersized dimensions. This allows the drumhead to sit better on the bearing edge, resulting in improved resonance and easier tuning.
How does the SmartMount system benefit the sound?: The SmartMount system attaches to the tom lugs rather than the shell itself. This reduces the amount of metal-to-wood contact, which maximises the natural sustain and vibration of the maple wood.
What finish is available on this specific model?: This specific model features a White Pearl wrap. It is also available in other finishes such as Transparent Black, but the White Pearl is noted for its classic, high-visibility stage presence.
Is this kit suitable for jazz or rock?: It is highly versatile; the 20-inch bass drum provides enough punch for rock while remaining controlled enough for jazz. The maple shells offer a balanced frequency range that fits most musical styles.
Does the kit include a snare drum?: Yes, as a 5-piece shell pack, it typically includes a matching wood snare drum alongside the bass drum and three toms.
How does the AQ2 20 compare to the AQ2 Safari?: The AQ2 20 uses a standard 20-inch bass drum for a fuller sound, whereas the Safari model uses a much smaller 16-inch bass drum designed for extreme portability and tight spaces.
Are cymbals included in the price?: No, cymbals are not included. The typical price of £1,495 covers only the drum shells and the necessary mounting hardware for the toms.
What is the typical price range for this shell pack?: In the UK market, the Sonor AQ2 20 5pc Shell Pack is typically priced around £1,495. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.
How does maple compare to acrylic shells like the Natal Arcadia?: Maple shells like those on the AQ2 provide a warmer, more resonant, and harmonically rich tone. Acrylic shells, such as the Natal Arcadia, tend to have a louder, punchier sound with less sustain.
Can I use standard hardware with this kit?: Yes, the shells are compatible with standard drum hardware. While the pack includes the SmartMount tom holders, you will need your own bass drum pedal, snare stand, hi-hat stand, and cymbal stands.