What is included in the Sonor AQ2 Bop 4pc Shell Pack?

The shell pack includes a bass drum, a rack tom, a floor tom, and a snare drum. It also specifically includes a combination cymbal and tom holder with a boom arm to save space on additional stands.

What wood is used for the AQ2 shells?

The shells are constructed from a 7-ply maple blend. This material is chosen for its smooth, warm tonal characteristics and excellent projection.

Is the AQ2 Bop Set suitable for beginners?

While it can be used by beginners, its price point and maple construction position it as a mid-to-high-level kit. It is primarily designed for gigging professionals or students looking for a high-quality secondary kit.

What finish does this specific model come in?

This specific model features a Transparent Black finish. This is a translucent lacquer that provides a dark, modern look while still showing the natural wood grain of the maple.

How does the 'SmartMount' system affect the sound?

The SmartMount system is designed to hold the rack tom without excessive drilling or heavy metal contact. This allows the maple shell to vibrate more freely, resulting in better sustain and resonance.

Can this kit handle loud rock music?

While the maple shells provide good projection, the smaller 'Bop' sizes are naturally quieter than a standard 22-inch kit. It can be used for rock if mic'd up, but it is better suited for jazz, funk, or acoustic styles.

Does this shell pack include cymbals or pedals?

No, this is a shell pack only. It does not include cymbals, a bass drum pedal, a hi-hat stand, or a throne; these must be purchased separately.

What is the typical price for the AQ2 Bop Set?

In the UK market, the Sonor AQ2 Bop Set 4pc Shell Pack typically retails for approximately £938. Prices may vary slightly based on the retailer and current promotions.

How does it compare to the Sonor AQ2 Safari?

The Bop Set is slightly larger than the Safari. The Bop usually features an 18-inch bass drum, whereas the Safari uses a 16-inch bass drum, giving the Bop a deeper and fuller sound.

Why is it called a 'Bop' set?

The term 'Bop' refers to Bebop jazz, a genre where drummers preferred smaller, high-tuned kits that were easy to carry into small jazz clubs. The name signifies its small footprint and musical agility.

Are the depths of the drums standard or shallow?

The drums in the AQ2 Bop Set feature shallower depths compared to standard kits. This design choice is intended to provide a sharper attack and more compact transport dimensions.

Is the hardware on the AQ2 Bop durable for touring?

Yes, Sonor is known for high-quality engineering. The AQ2 series features robust lugs and mounts that are designed to withstand the rigours of frequent gigging and modern travel.

Gear article

Sonor AQ2 Bop Set 4pc Shell Pack

The Sonor AQ2 Bop Set is a compact four-piece acoustic drum kit featuring all-maple shells designed for portability and versatility. Positioned as a professional-grade small-footprint solution, it is engineered to deliver a balanced, warm tone suitable for modern gigging environments where space is a priority.

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Overview

The Sonor AQ2 Bop Set is a high-quality shell pack designed for drummers who require a reduced footprint without compromising on sonic integrity. Part of Sonor's popular AQ2 series, this 'Bop' configuration is specifically scaled down to suit jazz, small-club performances, and rehearsal spaces where traditional kits may be too cumbersome. The kit features maple shells, which are widely regarded for their musicality and broad tuning range.

Design and Construction

The hallmark of the AQ2 Bop Set is its construction from 7-ply maple. Sonor utilizes a blend of Canadian and Chinese maple to achieve a shell that offers strength and resonance.

Key features include: * SmartMount System: A minimalistic tom mounting system that maximizes shell resonance by minimizing metal-to-shell contact. * Proportional Hardware: The lugs and mounting hardware are scaled down to match the smaller shell sizes, ensuring the kit maintains a consistent aesthetic and functional voice. * Transparent Black Finish: A sleek, modern aesthetic that allows the natural grain of the maple to show through the dark lacquer.

Sound Character

Despite its diminutive stature, the AQ2 Bop Set is engineered for projection. The maple shells provide a naturally smooth and warm fundamental tone. Because the drums feature shallower depths than standard kits, they produce a sharp, defined attack that cuts through a mix. This combination of warmth and bite makes the kit highly versatile across various genres, though it excels in settings requiring dynamic control and nuanced playing.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Sonor range, the Bop Set sits alongside the even smaller AQ2 Safari, which is better suited for extreme space constraints but offers less low-end resonance. Compared to larger kits like the AQ2 20-inch 5-piece set, the Bop version offers significantly easier transport.

When looking at other brands, the AQ2 Bop competes with the Ludwig Neusonic series and the Tama Superstar Classic. While the Neusonic 20-inch Downbeat offers a slightly larger bass drum for more rock-oriented applications, the AQ2 Bop is often preferred by jazz purists for its 18-inch kick drum and sophisticated German-engineered hardware appointments.

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Frequently asked questions

What is included in the Sonor AQ2 Bop 4pc Shell Pack?: The shell pack includes a bass drum, a rack tom, a floor tom, and a snare drum. It also specifically includes a combination cymbal and tom holder with a boom arm to save space on additional stands.
What wood is used for the AQ2 shells?: The shells are constructed from a 7-ply maple blend. This material is chosen for its smooth, warm tonal characteristics and excellent projection.
Is the AQ2 Bop Set suitable for beginners?: While it can be used by beginners, its price point and maple construction position it as a mid-to-high-level kit. It is primarily designed for gigging professionals or students looking for a high-quality secondary kit.
What finish does this specific model come in?: This specific model features a Transparent Black finish. This is a translucent lacquer that provides a dark, modern look while still showing the natural wood grain of the maple.
How does the 'SmartMount' system affect the sound?: The SmartMount system is designed to hold the rack tom without excessive drilling or heavy metal contact. This allows the maple shell to vibrate more freely, resulting in better sustain and resonance.
Can this kit handle loud rock music?: While the maple shells provide good projection, the smaller 'Bop' sizes are naturally quieter than a standard 22-inch kit. It can be used for rock if mic'd up, but it is better suited for jazz, funk, or acoustic styles.
Does this shell pack include cymbals or pedals?: No, this is a shell pack only. It does not include cymbals, a bass drum pedal, a hi-hat stand, or a throne; these must be purchased separately.
What is the typical price for the AQ2 Bop Set?: In the UK market, the Sonor AQ2 Bop Set 4pc Shell Pack typically retails for approximately £938. Prices may vary slightly based on the retailer and current promotions.
How does it compare to the Sonor AQ2 Safari?: The Bop Set is slightly larger than the Safari. The Bop usually features an 18-inch bass drum, whereas the Safari uses a 16-inch bass drum, giving the Bop a deeper and fuller sound.
Why is it called a 'Bop' set?: The term 'Bop' refers to Bebop jazz, a genre where drummers preferred smaller, high-tuned kits that were easy to carry into small jazz clubs. The name signifies its small footprint and musical agility.
Are the depths of the drums standard or shallow?: The drums in the AQ2 Bop Set feature shallower depths compared to standard kits. This design choice is intended to provide a sharper attack and more compact transport dimensions.
Is the hardware on the AQ2 Bop durable for touring?: Yes, Sonor is known for high-quality engineering. The AQ2 series features robust lugs and mounts that are designed to withstand the rigours of frequent gigging and modern travel.