I have Phonic kits in three sizes: bop, 20, 13, 16, and 22, 13, 14, 16. The smaller kits I use for jazz, they sound very nice at higher tunings. The smaller bass drums will require a soft beater (lambswool, type) to sound their best in jazz contexts.

However, I would not recommend the 22x14 setup for jazz, for the very simple reason that these are drums that project exceedingly well, i.e. will be loud unless controlled - and that bass drum strikes me as plainly too big for that purpose. Also, a kit like that is VERY heavy, which may be an issue for you.

I really love my Phonics, but would recommend you to get a kit with a smaller bass drum. Unfortunately, both the 18 and 20 Phonic bass drums are hard to come by.

The config you have been offered is the most common one, except for the 12x8 tom. They usually can be found at quite reasonable prices.

Best,

Magnus

I have phonics as well with an 18" bass and a 24". I'm using fiberskyn3 heads with coated ambassadors on bottom. These work great for jazz. If the price is right and they are complete I would go for it. Phonics like the higher tuning in my opinion.

While I agree a smaller bass would be ideal with the right heads and beater you should be ok with the 22 considering it is only 14" deep.

Good luck and let's see some pics if you get them.

Gary

Thanks to both gSonor and Magnus N for your time and insights - join going tomorrow to hear them as we both got tied up - Im not planning on dragging them around so weight not an issue and I do wish the bd was a 20 but price is reasonable and condition near mint.

CanuckDrumGuy,

I am sure you will be happy with that config, too. Gary is of course right that you will be ok with the 22" BD. Given my particular situation with three different size Phonic BDs, it is obvious that I will use the 18 and 20 for jazz, and not the 22.

Phonics have a lovely, very open sound, almost timpani-like. Tune them high, the thick shells will not choke. For jazz, I have started using Remo Skyntones on toms and snares, which pulls the volume back down a bit and gives a warm, focused sound.

Good luck and please post back if you buy the kit.

/Magnus

Joe Morello did ok with a 22 BD.

A friend had a phonic kit that I took apart and detailed,they had been on a Flock of Seagulls american tour,and they cleaned up great and went back together like they were almost brand new,a couple of the rivets on on the cymbal stands were a little loosey goosey,but that was it.

I have heard these drums tuned high for jazz and they seem to like that tuning,responsive and still plenty of bottom end like a Gretch kit.

In the U.S. market they are one of the best bangs for the buck for a pro quality built to last a lifetime rig.

I would convert that 16 to a BD...put either calf on it..or a Fiberskin on the batter side...the rest with Ambys..and you are all set...

You Sonor guys are a breath of fresh air. Its impossible to find many players at all that relate to Sonor. I have just picked up a 22,12,13,14,16 Phonic kit and noticed the interiors are rough, as in not smooth. Is it just me or are yours the same?...As far as jazz with a 22, why not. Its the drummer that controls the drum, not the drum controlling the player.

Yes you are right, theres now getting away with having no touch. But there are some Drums that are just built loud, then when you play them down quiet they lose their tone. I find a lot of modern drums do that. Also loud drums means you have to reign in your playing more. My Ludwig Downbeats are much quieter overall than my DW's. Meaning I can dig into my playing more and stay in dynamic context. Its the same with Cymbals too. I prefer a drier ride for jazz, and a nice thin Constantinople Ride with one rivet for the sizzle.

Also with the size issue, it's not that a 20" drum is quite than a 22", it's the frequency band it occupies. In most types of Jazz you want to give the feeling of being agile which seems to match higher frequency drums. Ducking in and out between the other instruments in the band.

Anyway all that aside. My late drum teacher from when I was a lad had a Sonor deal. I remember he had this orange Phonic kit which was in 22"13"16". He played Jazz, and was on the TV a lot playing that Jazz. He loved it. It was his only kit. For anyone reading this from the south west of England he was Eddie Clayton.

Congratulations on acquiring a great set of drums, Wayne!

I have quite a few Sonor Phonic and Phonic Plus (square sized) drums. All of the interiors on mine are pretty smooth. Maybe one is a little more rough than the others.

Can you post any pics? Also, pics of the bearing edge would be helpful. Do the lugs and tom mounts have black spacer/protectors?