I really dig the early stuff.

I have a friend that had a complete 70's (80's?) set with all of the hardware.

The hardware was so heavy he rarely used it and just tossed it in the garbage. Cymbal stands, hi hat stand, snare stand, you name it, the complete set of hardware. This is an 8 piece set from the 70's!!

One stand was about 60lbs!! This was when most companies were making everything double braced and as heavy duty as they could make it.

I agree, they have always made high quality drums.

I have not checked in to them recently and do not know what they are up to, so I can't comment on the new stuff.

I have a Sonor snare in the collection.

It is for sale!

David

Sonor is an exceptional drum company. They have been through several phases in their history all of which produced great professional level drums. And, as you say, are highly sought after by players and collectors alike. There is no smoke and mirrors....they are simply the highest quality drums ever produced, especially in the 80's and early 90's.

I think their drums also contain an incredible amount of artistic content. From the slotted lug screws to the tube lug look - from the incredible furniture grade veneers to the 45 degree bearing edge, these drums are just beautiful works of art.

There are certain aspects of design that I don't like but even these, such as the huge Designer "track" tom mount and the tune-safe adjustment mechanism have their own fans. These latest features seem a little over the top today and to some detract from the purity of the instrument.

As far as the heavy hardware knock....yes, some of the hardware has been over the top but again, it is generally loved by those who own it. Sonor has always offered well designed lighter single and double braced hardware and even had an aluminum version of its heavier hardware called Protech as did some other drum companies. This hardware is highly sought after today by collectors.

Early shells were always European beech which is a great drum material having both the warmth of maple and the focus of birch. Beech is now again available in the top of the line SQ2 series.

Personally, I own 2 Sonor kits, a Chinese Mahogany kit which I use for gigging and a Pro level German Birch kit which never leaves the house. Both sound and look fantastic. I have 3 Sonor snares, an 8 lug steel (chinese), 8 lug poplar and 10 lug birch (both German made). The 10 lugger is simply killer.

Great topic wayne.

Great drums, but they started to lose me after they discontinued the Phonic and SonorLite series, the latter of which are some of the best drums to ever come off of a production line. The Designer series, to me is WAY overengineered and SERIOUSLY overpriced.

I agree with your assessment.

Had a set of Sonor Designer heavy maples which were really heavy with all the sturdy fittings and heavy shells - but what a beautiful sound they had! Sold them to get a Brady kit. Quality engineering and great value second hand.

Sonor (German)drums are like Steinways-art work.But,at the same time,I never played at the Louvre.Loved to look at them,but never considered purchasing-always had wife,kids, car payment come first.Saw a set of Champions in the mid-70's at Jacks in Boston-was afraid to TOUCH them,never mind PLAY them.

I wish those stands had been thrown in my trash can.....

Fell in love with the hardware as soon as I saw this 60's snare stand owned by a Forum Member.

Loved my Sonor kit when it was in the house. My school now owns it. I help out teaching and guiding a couple of hand picked kiddos to play. Great kit. Terrible hardware. I replaced what I could for them. Sonor hardware is sucky at best. I like simple and strong and unobtrusive. Sonor is the antithesis of this. Lovely drums. Outstanding sound.

I love my 1984 Sonorlite kit! Scandinavian birch with black hardware. 20,12,13,15. 14 was stolen from vehicle during a gig years back and matching snare is in Kansas somewhere but still a great kit! Original hardware is built like a tank! Stopped using that years ago and went with 700 series Yamaha single braced stands .