What is included in the Sonor AQ2 Safari shell pack?

The shell pack includes a 16-inch bass drum, a 10-inch rack tom, a 13-inch floor tom, and a matching 13x6-inch snare drum. Please note that as a shell pack, cymbals and stands are typically sold separately.

What material are the shells made from?

The shells are constructed from high-quality maple. This 7-ply maple build is chosen for its ability to deliver warm, mellow, and balanced tones across different tuning ranges.

What is the purpose of the Sonor SmartMount system?

The SmartMount is a minimalist isolation mounting system. It is designed to improve the resonance and sustain of the rack tom by minimising the amount of hardware bolted directly to the wooden shell.

Do the lugs have any special features?

Yes, the kit features Sonor's TuneSafe lugs. These contain a specialized mechanism that prevents the tension rods from vibrating loose, which helps maintain consistent tuning during long performances.

Is the 16-inch bass drum loud enough for live gigs?

While smaller than a standard 22-inch kick, the 16-inch bass drum is described as 'punchy' and is specifically designed for gigging drummers. It is well-suited for small-to-medium venues and can be mic'ed for larger stages.

What finish is available for this specific model?

This specific model features a Brown Fade finish. Other variations in the AQ2 Safari line include White Pearl and various other lacquer or wrap options depending on the current catalogue.

Which drummers is the Safari kit best suited for?

It is ideal for gigging professionals, session drummers, and casual players who require a portable kit. Its compact size makes it perfect for street performing, jazz clubs, or small rehearsal spaces.

How does the AQ2 Safari compare to the Tama Superstar Classic?

The AQ2 Safari is significantly more compact, utilizing a 16-inch bass drum compared to the 22-inch bass drum found on the Superstar Classic. The Sonor kit focus is on portability and resonance through the SmartMount system.

What genres is this kit suitable for?

The maple shells provide a versatile, balanced tone that suits a wide range of genres. It is particularly popular for jazz, funk, soul, and pop where a controlled, warm drum sound is desired.

Does the kit include a snare drum?

Yes, the AQ2 Safari 4pc shell pack includes a 13x6-inch snare drum. This is a common size for compact kits, offering a crisp response that complements the 10-inch and 13-inch toms.

Is the hardware mounting for the tom included?

The shell pack includes the SmartMount hardware attached to the tom and the necessary mounting arm that typically fits into the bass drum bracket.

What is the typical price for the Sonor AQ2 Safari in Brown Fade?

The typical price for this shell pack is approximately £966. Prices may vary slightly based on the retailer and shipping costs, but it sits in the mid-to-high price bracket for compact kits.

Gear article

Sonor AQ2 Safari 4pc Shell Pack - Brown Fade

The Sonor AQ2 Safari is a professional-grade compact acoustic drum kit featuring all-maple shells designed for portability without compromising tonal depth. Built with Sonor's proprietary SmartMount technology and TuneSafe lugs, this 4-piece shell pack is engineered for high-performance gigging and reliable tuning stability.

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Overview

The Sonor AQ2 Safari is a high-specification compact drum kit tailored for the working musician. As part of the AQ2 series, it represents a bridge between entry-level kits and flagship professional lines, offering all-maple construction in a portable 'Safari' configuration. The Brown Fade finish provides a classic aesthetic, while the hardware implementation focuses on resonance and ease of setup.

Construction and Key Features

The kit is constructed from 7-ply maple, a wood known for its balanced frequency response and warmth. A primary feature of the AQ2 series is the SmartMount system. This minimalist tom mounting system is designed to avoid unnecessary metal-to-shell contact, allowing the maple wood to resonate more freely. Additionally, the kit utilizes Sonor's TuneSafe lugs, which feature an internal mechanism to prevent tension rods from loosening during heavy play or transit, ensuring the kit stays in tune throughout a performance.

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Component Specifications

The Safari shell pack consists of four specific components:

16" x 15" Bass Drum: A small-footprint kick that delivers a punchy, focused low end.
10" x 7" Rack Tom: A shallow-depth tom for quick response and easy positioning.
13" x 12" Floor Tom: Provides the necessary low-mid depth to round out the kit's range.
13" x 6" Snare Drum: A versatile wood snare that complements the maple kit's overall character.

Sound Character

Thanks to the maple construction, the AQ2 Safari produces a mellow, warm, and balanced tone. Despite its diminutive size, the 16-inch bass drum is engineered to provide a punchy presence suitable for various genres, including jazz, funk, and pop. The kit's overall sonic profile is defined by clear sustain and a wide tuning range, making it adaptable to both small club stages and studio environments.

Market Comparison

Within the Sonor range, the AQ2 Safari sits alongside larger variants like the AQ2 20-inch 5pc Shell Pack, offering a more compact alternative for drummers with space constraints. When compared to rivals like the Ludwig Neusonic or the Tama Superstar Classic, the Safari stands out for its specific 'bop-style' 16-inch kick drum. While the Yamaha Rydeen provides a more entry-level solution with included hardware, the AQ2 Safari targets the intermediate to professional player who prioritises shell resonance and premium hardware features like the SmartMount system.

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Frequently asked questions

What is included in the Sonor AQ2 Safari shell pack?: The shell pack includes a 16-inch bass drum, a 10-inch rack tom, a 13-inch floor tom, and a matching 13x6-inch snare drum. Please note that as a shell pack, cymbals and stands are typically sold separately.
What material are the shells made from?: The shells are constructed from high-quality maple. This 7-ply maple build is chosen for its ability to deliver warm, mellow, and balanced tones across different tuning ranges.
What is the purpose of the Sonor SmartMount system?: The SmartMount is a minimalist isolation mounting system. It is designed to improve the resonance and sustain of the rack tom by minimising the amount of hardware bolted directly to the wooden shell.
Do the lugs have any special features?: Yes, the kit features Sonor's TuneSafe lugs. These contain a specialized mechanism that prevents the tension rods from vibrating loose, which helps maintain consistent tuning during long performances.
Is the 16-inch bass drum loud enough for live gigs?: While smaller than a standard 22-inch kick, the 16-inch bass drum is described as 'punchy' and is specifically designed for gigging drummers. It is well-suited for small-to-medium venues and can be mic'ed for larger stages.
What finish is available for this specific model?: This specific model features a Brown Fade finish. Other variations in the AQ2 Safari line include White Pearl and various other lacquer or wrap options depending on the current catalogue.
Which drummers is the Safari kit best suited for?: It is ideal for gigging professionals, session drummers, and casual players who require a portable kit. Its compact size makes it perfect for street performing, jazz clubs, or small rehearsal spaces.
How does the AQ2 Safari compare to the Tama Superstar Classic?: The AQ2 Safari is significantly more compact, utilizing a 16-inch bass drum compared to the 22-inch bass drum found on the Superstar Classic. The Sonor kit focus is on portability and resonance through the SmartMount system.
What genres is this kit suitable for?: The maple shells provide a versatile, balanced tone that suits a wide range of genres. It is particularly popular for jazz, funk, soul, and pop where a controlled, warm drum sound is desired.
Does the kit include a snare drum?: Yes, the AQ2 Safari 4pc shell pack includes a 13x6-inch snare drum. This is a common size for compact kits, offering a crisp response that complements the 10-inch and 13-inch toms.
Is the hardware mounting for the tom included?: The shell pack includes the SmartMount hardware attached to the tom and the necessary mounting arm that typically fits into the bass drum bracket.
What is the typical price for the Sonor AQ2 Safari in Brown Fade?: The typical price for this shell pack is approximately £966. Prices may vary slightly based on the retailer and shipping costs, but it sits in the mid-to-high price bracket for compact kits.