What components are included in this shell pack?

This is a 3-piece shell pack consisting of a 22-inch bass drum and two toms. Please note that snare drums, cymbals, and hardware stands are typically sold separately.

What type of wood is used for the shells?

The shells are constructed from beech. This wood is chosen for its balanced frequency response, offering a mix of low-end punch and clear high-end attack.

What is the purpose of the T.A.R. system?

The Total Acoustic Resonance (T.A.R.) system is a mounting bracket designed to minimise shell contact. This allows the drum to vibrate more freely, resulting in improved sustain and resonance.

How does the TuneSafe system work?

TuneSafe is a mechanism built into the lugs that prevents tension rods from loosening due to vibration. This helps keep the drums in tune for longer periods, even during heavy playing.

What are the bearing edges on the Sonor Momentum?

The drums feature 45-degree bearing edges. This design provides a sharp contact point for the drumhead, which increases attack and makes the drums easier to tune.

Is the finish a wrap or a lacquer?

The GT Black finish is a matte lacquer. This provides a clean, understated look compared to high-gloss finishes or plastic wraps.

Who is this drum kit designed for?

It is designed for professional gigging drummers and studio engineers. The balanced sound profile and reliable tuning systems make it highly adaptable for various musical genres.

How does beech compare to maple or birch?

Beech is often considered a middle ground between the two. It provides the low-end warmth associated with maple while maintaining the crisp, cutting attack found in birch.

What size is the bass drum in this pack?

The bass drum is 22 inches in diameter. This is a standard size that provides a versatile foundation suitable for rock, pop, and session work.

Can the toms be tuned for different styles?

Yes, the medium shell construction and 45-degree edges allow for a wide tuning range. They can be tuned low for a punchy rock sound or higher for melodic articulation.

How does the Sonor Momentum compare to the Sonor AQ2?

While both are high-quality kits, the Momentum uses beech shells and features the T.A.R. system, whereas the AQ2 series often uses different wood types and configurations like the 20" 5-piece or the Safari 4-piece.

What is the typical price for this shell pack?

The typical price for the Sonor Momentum 22" 3pc Beech Shell Pack is approximately £2969. This places it in the premium category of professional drum kits.

Gear article

Sonor Momentum 22" 3pc Beech Shell Pack

The Sonor Momentum 22" 3pc Beech Shell Pack is a professional-grade acoustic drum kit featuring medium-thickness beech shells and a matte GT Black lacquer finish. Designed for versatility in both studio and live environments, it utilizes a 22-inch bass drum configuration to provide a balanced frequency response and controlled sustain.

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Overview

The Sonor Momentum shell pack is a German-engineered drum set tailored for gigging professionals and studio session players. This 3-piece configuration focuses on core components, providing a foundation consisting of a 22-inch bass drum and accompanying toms. The kit is defined by its use of beech wood, a material traditionally favoured by Sonor for its specific tonal properties that bridge the gap between the warmth of maple and the projection of birch.

Construction and Key Features

The shells are built using a medium-thickness construction method, finished with precision 45-degree bearing edges. This combination ensures a quick response and high sensitivity across different tuning ranges. A standout technical feature is the Total Acoustic Resonance (T.A.R.) tom mounting system, which suspends the drum to minimise shell contact, thereby enhancing natural resonance and sustain.

To ensure reliability during heavy use, Sonor has equipped the lugs with the TuneSafe system. This internal mechanism prevents tension rods from vibrating loose, maintaining tuning integrity during long recording sessions or high-intensity live performances. The exterior is finished in a minimalist GT Black matte lacquer, designed to offer an understated aesthetic that does not distract in professional environments.

Sound Character

The beech shells offer a balanced sound profile characterised by a solid low-end and clear attack. The 22-inch bass drum provides a punchy foundation, while the toms are engineered for controlled sustain, allowing them to sit comfortably in a mix without excessive overtones. Because of the 45-degree edges, the kit is highly articulate, responding equally well to low-tuned 'thud' and higher, jazz-influenced tensions.

Market Comparison

Within the high-end shell pack market, the Sonor Momentum competes with several notable alternatives. While the Ludwig Neusonic series offers a similar professional utility in various sizes like the 20" Downbeat or 22" Rapid MOD2, the Sonor distinguishes itself through the specific use of beech and the T.A.R. mounting system. Other competitors include the DW Performance Series, which offers different shell plies and finishes like Black Diamond, and the Tama Superstar Classic, which serves as a more accessible alternative. For those seeking different materials, the Natal Arcadia Acrylic offers a starkly different tonal profile compared to the organic, balanced response of the Momentum beech shells.

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Frequently asked questions

What components are included in this shell pack?: This is a 3-piece shell pack consisting of a 22-inch bass drum and two toms. Please note that snare drums, cymbals, and hardware stands are typically sold separately.
What type of wood is used for the shells?: The shells are constructed from beech. This wood is chosen for its balanced frequency response, offering a mix of low-end punch and clear high-end attack.
What is the purpose of the T.A.R. system?: The Total Acoustic Resonance (T.A.R.) system is a mounting bracket designed to minimise shell contact. This allows the drum to vibrate more freely, resulting in improved sustain and resonance.
How does the TuneSafe system work?: TuneSafe is a mechanism built into the lugs that prevents tension rods from loosening due to vibration. This helps keep the drums in tune for longer periods, even during heavy playing.
What are the bearing edges on the Sonor Momentum?: The drums feature 45-degree bearing edges. This design provides a sharp contact point for the drumhead, which increases attack and makes the drums easier to tune.
Is the finish a wrap or a lacquer?: The GT Black finish is a matte lacquer. This provides a clean, understated look compared to high-gloss finishes or plastic wraps.
Who is this drum kit designed for?: It is designed for professional gigging drummers and studio engineers. The balanced sound profile and reliable tuning systems make it highly adaptable for various musical genres.
How does beech compare to maple or birch?: Beech is often considered a middle ground between the two. It provides the low-end warmth associated with maple while maintaining the crisp, cutting attack found in birch.
What size is the bass drum in this pack?: The bass drum is 22 inches in diameter. This is a standard size that provides a versatile foundation suitable for rock, pop, and session work.
Can the toms be tuned for different styles?: Yes, the medium shell construction and 45-degree edges allow for a wide tuning range. They can be tuned low for a punchy rock sound or higher for melodic articulation.
How does the Sonor Momentum compare to the Sonor AQ2?: While both are high-quality kits, the Momentum uses beech shells and features the T.A.R. system, whereas the AQ2 series often uses different wood types and configurations like the 20" 5-piece or the Safari 4-piece.
What is the typical price for this shell pack?: The typical price for the Sonor Momentum 22" 3pc Beech Shell Pack is approximately £2969. This places it in the premium category of professional drum kits.