Check this site out...

http://www.sonormuseum.com/

It should help you a bit with the manufacturing end of it. Bottom line imho, if it's German made Sonor, it should do the job. I've owned a couple of different Sonor lines from the 70's and 80's...all were stellar performers. Back then, most were either beech or birch. Excellent sound. The birch is that cold weather Scandinavian birch and has a very tight cell structure which gives it a seriously different sound from other birch kits out there. I love that sound. The beech is also very cool. Some of the hardware is a bit ... well ... odd.

Hi Mangus, phonics are pro drums all the way but are very, very heavy. I have a set in rosewood that are my pride and joy but lugging them around is a serious workout. Even when i use just my 18" bass that thing weights a ton.

Phonics are 9 ply 9mm thick beech shell (unless you have veneer like mine which most are 11mm thick) but they tune up great for jazz and rock. I had coated emperors on top and coated ambassadors on bottom for a long time and the sound is just enormous. They also use slotted tuning rods so you'll need a key for that (or a screwdriver). My 24" bass has been known to cause a sporadic heart beat so don't come around if you have a pacemaker!

If the price is right you won't be disappointed with them. Finding parts for them is pretty easy on ebay or at the sonor museum message board.

Good luck, Gary.

Hi there,

Thanks a lot for the quick answers. They were helpful.

Regards

Magnus