Mixdown’s Christmas Gift Guide: Drums
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Mixdown’s Christmas Gift Guide: Drums

Gon Bops Alex Acuna Special Edition Cajon

DISTRIBUTED BY: Electric Factory

EXPECT TO PAY: $599

RECOMMENDED FOR:

Players looking for a quality instrument. Intermediate to professionals. Players looking for clarity and response. Designed in consultation with Alex Acuna himself based on his specific requirements and preferences.

SOUND/VERSATILITY:

The Cajon has strong bass frequencies that are easily achieved. Clarity from the snares/wires gives wonderful response and are adjustable to suit your style. Responds to lighter touches too.

USABILITY:

The sensitivity from this drum invites you to try more complicated rhythms and phrases. Combined with the bass response, this Cajon delivers a really nice playing experience for every situation. A versatile instrument.

CONSTRUCTION:

20″H x 14″W x 12.5″D. Handcrafted in Peru from Peruvian Mohena with artisan inlays and a natural lacquer for a unique and striking look overall. Also features adjustable faceplate, dovetail corners, rubber feet for stability and adjustable snares/strings inside the body. It even includes a free carry bag.

OVERALL:

A quality piece of kit. You can feel and hear that this Cajon is well constructed and thought out. It’s simplistic in design and focuses on good tone, response and clarity; a beautiful thing. You’ll pay more money for this one but it’s worth it for the quality and sound. 

 

Opus Percussion Ash Cajon

DISTRIBUTED BY: Pro Music Australia

EXPECT TO PAY: $179 w/ free carry bag

RECOMMENDED FOR:

Beginners wanting a great value Cajon, but also equally suitable for anyone just wanting to have a decent instrument for small gigs and events. Simple and timeless design overall.

SOUND/VERSATILITY:

Considering the price point, the Opus Cajon makes a noise for itself. Bass response is good and easy to achieve with minimal effort. Response from the adjustable snares gives crisp attack and articulation making faster rhythms/phrases and slaps easily audible. Quite musical.

USABILITY:

The bonus bag is a great addition. Snug and made especially, it makes transportation a breeze. Liked the balance between bass and treble in the tone and could see this Cajon working for a lot of situations. Actually looks more expensive than it is too.

CONSTRUCTION:

Ashwood front and basswood top, back and sides. Two rows of snares in the body adjustable by Allen key on the bottom of the shell. Natural satin appearance with rubber feet for stability and it even comes with a great padded carry bag.

OVERALL:

A great value instrument. I like that you can adjust the sensitivity of the snare wires to suit how you play. Was able to get a good sound immediately and felt comfortable. The addition of the rubber feet gives a little more height and zero movement during play.

 

Bosphorus 21” Syncopation Ride

DISTRIBUTED BY: Pro Music Australia

EXPECT TO PAY: $759

RECOMMENDED FOR:

Intermediate/professionals. Any drummer looking for a crashable, lighter ride that projects and is versatile for many applications with a good combination of angry and sweet.

SOUND/VERSATILITY:

Slightly trashy overtones combined with clear stick definition and a longer sustain. Light to the touch, it can still be aggressive and loud when you want it to. Does tend to get away from you if you really lay into it, but it’s a great sound when you do.

USABILITY:

Incredibly musical with a light feel that’s wonderfully responsive to the lightest touch. Crashable in every sense of the word with a slightly integrated bell that still speaks with great clarity. A good degree of control unless you really get heavy handed.

CONSTRUCTION:

Lighter weight ride. Lathed top and bottom for a clean look with moderate/aggressive hammering across the cymbal. Medium sized bell with a medium profile overall – a great looking cymbal.

OVERALL:

A great cymbal. Could easily double as a big crash and with a little tape, you could tailor the amount of sustain and wash the cymbal has. It’s a musical cymbal and one that would suit a variety of situations.

 

Yamaha DTX400K Electronic Drum Kit

DISTRIBUTED BY: Yamaha Music Australia

EXPECT TO PAY: $649

RECOMMENDED FOR:

Beginner to intermediate players.

SOUND/VERSATILITY:

The DTX400K includes ten preset kits, ranging from hard rock sounds through to jazz and funk. Each kit sounds great and provides you with a wide range of dynamics depending on the sound you’re looking for. The pads and cymbals are quiet, but the new silent kick unit is incredible. Perfect for those late nights where you want to groove without annoying the neighbours.

USABILITY:  

The kit itself is compact without feeling too small. The inclusion of the interactive training function and play-along songs makes for hours of fun and allows you to work on fills/grooves in the context of songs.

CONSTRUCTION:

The rack for the DTX400K is really sturdy without being too bulky. The pads and cymbals are comfortable to play and can certainly take a fair beating.

OVERALL:

Looking for a cost effective and compact means to work on your drumming without the noise that comes with an acoustic kit? The DTX400K has you more than taken care of.