Tom Bradley

Since the initial popularity of acrylic drums in the 1970s (thanks mainly to John Bonham and his famous Ludwig Vistalite) most drum companies, it seems, have tried their hand at a see-through kit.

American percussion giant LP has been a world leader in its field for decades.

Pacific Drums and Percussion, the offspring of parent company DW, has made a strong reputation of its own since being launched 15 years ago.

A couple of months back, we were so impressed with the Shure 'PGADrumKit6' microphone set that it earned a prestigious five-star rating.

Meinl is a company that needs little introduction when it comes to the cymbal world.

Meinl is a company that needs little introduction when it comes to the cymbal world.

Since the popularity of Sonor's Jungle Kit in the 1990s, there has been an ongoing demand for scaled-down kits.

Meinl is a company that needs little introduction when it comes to the cymbal world.

Shure is a name that has been synonymous with quality microphones for many years, with the SM57 and SM58 in particular often recognised as the industry standard for snare and vocal mics respectively

The rather unique Bettis B20 snare is the to be added to the latest model Californian custom drum builder's USA line which is manufactured in the Pork Pie workshop

Pork Pie Percussion has forged a strong reputation as one of the USA's top custom drum manufacturers since its inception in 1987

Expanded range offers a lot of drum for the money

With over 35 years on the cymbal-making scene, the Istanbul cymbalsmiths need little introduction.

Unquestionably up there as one of the most (if not the most) important parts of our kit, getting a quality bass drum sound is paramount whether playing live or in the studio.

Meinl has been at the forefront of shaping the 'modern' drum sounds that we've become so familiar with in recent years.

Originally designed with the help of renowned big hitter Mark Richardson (Skunk Anansie, Feeder), British-made Tuner Fish Lug Locks have been in development for the last 10 years.

In 2015 Sabian re-released its classic HH range under the guise of the HH Remastered series.

Led by Serbian metallurgist and drum designer Vukan Karadzic, boutique drum manufacturer Oriollo has been producing seamless metal drum shells for various drum manufacturers since 2003.

The Session Series gets reincarnated

Since Tama led the way with the first bell brass snare drum back in the '80s, they have become revered as both live and studio workhorses.

Despite nearly a decade in production for the Istanbul-based company, Symrna Cymbals are still relatively unknown here.