YAMAHA STAGE CUSTOM VS. SONOR FORCE 3005

[gretsch223]

I was just on musiciansfriend and I saw the Sonor Force 3005 set is marked down to $850.....I have been looking at the Yamaha Stage Custom set for $800. I am considering purchasing one of these two sets or another you may recommend in that price range (800-1000) or less but good quality.

I will be playing funk, rock, and i like low pitched toms.

Which of the two would you recommend me getting? Which is better? Any information would be great!

Thanks.

[larlev]

I loved my 3005......but.....yamaha is top quality too

I would recommend making a pro-con list....ex. sizes offered, price of add-ons, availability of add-ons, etc.

I can tell you if you pick the 3005 you will not be dissapointed one bit...it is a very good kit..sounds incredible with just about every head choice you can think of....I say this because some kits are limited..My ddrum ash is an example...

Sonor and Yamaha are companies that you won't hear negative things about..ever

[Fardunda]

Both are fantasitic sets and you won't get any grief chosing either one.

I was personally in the same boat and decided on the Sonor because:

- all maple shells
- I liked the hardware package
- The reputation that sonor has built over the years
- the reviews I had read

Needless to say I have been ecstatic with my kit ever since.

However, without taking into account the maple shells, you could easily make the same argument for the Yamaha and I wouldnt disagree.

[Drum_Master_D]

Well I have had my stage custom about 6-8 months now.I am loving it.I still have the stock heads on it and it is still sounding great.Thats because I have tuned it well but it still is an amazing kit.I cant wait to get some new heads on it.I haven't personally played on a Sonor in my life but I have never heard a bad word bout them but no mater what I would always stick with Yamaha.But then again it's all down to personal preference to be honest.

[rendezvous_drummer]

I'm a yamaha guy and own the stage custom and love it to death!!! I've never been impressed with anything below higher end Sonor kits. The hardware, shell construction on the Yamaha's are much better than the Sonor.

[DamoSyzygy]

The hardware, shell construction on the Yamaha's are much better than the Sonor.
In what regard? Sonors shell construction is top notch!

I mean, its no secret I love my Sonor stuff. Here in Australia the Yamaha Stage custom is nearly half the price of the Sonor 3005 but I would still save the extra for a 3005. Yamaha has some great cymbal stands but I prefer the Sonors mounting system. Ive also found that the snare on the 3005 has a lot more sensitivity and projection than what the Yamaha does, not to mention that Sonor has the ol' 10-lug snare vs 8 (if that means anything to you!)

Id personally take the Sonor, or a Mapex M/Pro-M if you can find one at that same price.

[larlev]

The hardware, shell construction on the Yamaha's are much better than the Sonor.

Dude....that is the dumbest statement I have ever heard come out of your mouth....absolutely no truth to that whatsoever

[max77]

Sonor it's a better choice for me.
Warm and clear sound .. beautiful finish ... quality drums.

[sharky 007]

Buy the Sonor!!!!!!!!!

[emmerson]

sonor.

202020202020

[moe.ron]

thats a very tough decision. i have a stage custom and love it, although i would like to get a pro yamaha kit. i would say find a finish you like and possibly go from there because other than that i don't know how you would choose between the two

[lawacker]

It depends on which stage custom. Advantage or Noueau? On the Advantage the toms are 10x9, 12x10. On the Noueau there 10x8,12x9. It may not seen like a big difference but if your playing rock I would go with the deeper toms. I think the sonor has the deeper toms on the 3005. The new 3007 does not. I have the oak custom and like it but payed more because of the finish I wanted. Or I would of bought the sonor and still may because I mostly miss that 10x9 tom tom.

[rendezvous_drummer]

Dude....that is the dumbest statement I have ever heard come out of your mouth....absolutely no truth to that whatsoever

Out of my mouth? I typed it for your information.

I've played Sonor kits before..never owned a sonor kit, but have friends who have them and have had plenty of experiences with them, and they weren't so great. The Yamaha hardware is built from the same metal that is used on Yamaha motorcycles. Not once have I had a problem with Yamaha Hardware, and the YESS mounting system holds more possibilites for angles and whatnot. With Sonor hardware, I didn't find them as well built as Yamaha's. They didn't seem as durable.

As for the shells, and this is true, but I've seen on a few kits in a number of stores, not all, but a few kits have the same issues as PDP's with the bearing edges. There were dents and bumps. This was on the more lower end-intermediate kits, but didn't notice the problem on the Elite, SQ2 series, but have never seen this problem on Yamaha's or Tama's, etc. I'm not saying Sonor sucks...I'd take Sonor over companies like Pearl, PDP, or Taye anyday, but imho, they don't compare to Yamaha. I'm not saying this just because I am a huge Yamaha fan, I'm just talking from personal experience and did some bracketing here. I'm not one to just hate on a company for no reason.

And yes, the snare on the Yamaha Stage Custom is crap...only bad thing I can say about the Stage Custom, but I wasn't thrilled with the Sonor snare either.

[larlev]

Wow what a post.........our first complaint against Sonor....I don't think I have ever heard of one...ever

Not much merit behind it....but a complaint nonetheless

[fusssion]

this single kit aside....

The Sonor will have a maple shell,.....that in and of itself would / could persuade me!

But the idea about a list of pros and cons is a great one!!

[Drum-Head]

That would be a tough decision to make; they are both excellent kits for the semi-professional range and I doubt either will disappoint you. If you can, go out a see if you can try these kits at a store, maybe that could help you make your mind...

Tough one lol.

[rendezvous_drummer]

Also just to bring it to your attention, Yamaha released the Tour Customs which is an all maple shell. You can find a good deal on these on the internet for only a little bit more than the Stage Custom.

[dingbat]

All things considered, keep in mind the Sonor set comes with a hardware package at that price, the Yammies do not. Also, if a 10 lug snare and bass drum (22 inch kick) are important to you, then again it's Sonor.

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

I'd take the Sonor. I'm a big fan of both companies, so I'm basically neutral, but for me it's the shell material that slightly pips it. The hardware on the Yamaha is definitely excellent, no doubt, and it will be constructed flawlessly and these are points without any bias. The Sonor hardware may be different, but it is also good (if not as flexible as the Yamaha) and the shell construction is equally flawless, but for me the only difference is the shell composition.

In all honesty, both are absolutely quality kits and you can't lose with either. As far as I'm concerned, quality of construction is the most important aspect when deciding on a kit and both these kits have quality in abundance.

[gretsch223]

Thank you so much for all of your input!

One question......For the Sonor- Would I be able to buy any add-on toms (10" or 14" floor)?

That is a big part of my decision because later on I will want to expand and I know that the yamaha stage custom sells add ons. I don't see any add-ons for the Sonor on musiciansfriend.

[Drum-Head]

Thank you so much for all of your input!

One question......For the Sonor- Would I be able to buy any add-on toms (10" or 14" floor)?

That is a big part of my decision because later on I will want to expand and I know that the yamaha stage custom sells add ons. I don't see any add-ons for the Sonor on musiciansfriend.

That would be something to take in account - both sets are discontinued lines.

As you may know, all the mid and low range Yamaha lines are being replaced by the Tour Customs and the Gigmaker kits. I was in contact with the Yamaha representant today since I wanted to inquire about an 8" tom. He told me that if I would like to order one I have to make up my mind quick because very soon Yamaha will cease orders for individual SCA, SCN and Rydeen shells. Your only resources will then be eBay and remaining stocks.

I'm guessing it will be the same story with the Sonors 3005.

[gretsch223]

is there anyway i could buy a sonor add on tom, either 10" or 14" floor?

I see a yamaha one, but i am leaning toward buying the sonor.

[larlev]

massmusic.net...........20

[gretsch223]

wow! thank you very much! i also found some on ebay but that is a big selection..Thanks again!

[thumper]

My band and I were recently playing at a dance with another band, and their drummer (who is my lead guitarists son, incidentally) had a 5 pc set of Sonor Force 3005's. (I have SC Nouveaus). I thought his kit looked and sounded pretty decent, definately on par with my Yammies. The only edge I had over his kit was that his sounded out of tune (I use a Drum Dial), and his skins were in pretty bad shape. (Taped up batter on his bass drum, and the others were mismatched Remos). I think if he had some Evans G2 clears on it, and they were properly tuned, they would have sounded great. His rack toms were quite a bit deeper than my 10" and 12" as well. Very nice "honey amber" finish too....

[Afrolicious]

I'd go with the Sonor. Both are good and high quality kits but the Sonor has 100% maple shells which the Yamaha hasn't. There are add-on toms for the Sonor Force line, but since the 3005 will be replaced by the 3007 line, in a year or so you'll probably have to add a force 3007 tom to your setup. As far as I know most of the finishes still exist in the new line so there won't be any problems with this.

[ns3476]

I would go with the Sonor, it sounds like a better deal to me. Maple shells and a hardware package sounds like a good deal. I have heard good things about Yamaha but then again i have heard really good things about Sonor kits.

[DamoSyzygy]

One question......For the Sonor- Would I be able to buy any add-on toms (10" or 14" floor)?
Sonor will still make parts for kits that are up to 2 years out of date.

[just_play]

hi . . .

stage custom made in Indonesia, and the wood from Indonesia and Philipina forest. Birch in Stage Custom (SC) or Stage Custom Advantage (SCA) just for finish not for sound (only 1 ply birch outer shell drum). SC and SCA made from Birch, Mahogany, Falkata.

so you must buy SONOR 3005 (full maple!!! in Indonesia SONOR 3005 more expensive.) or Yamaha Oak Custom or yamaha tour custom (full Maple). for hardware SC vs 3005, 3005 more beter, in Indonesia come with 400 series hardware.

[dingbat]

hi . . .

stage custom made in Indonesia, and the wood from Indonesia and Philipina forest. Birch in Stage Custom (SC) or Stage Custom Advantage (SCA) just for finish not for sound (only 1 ply birch outer shell drum). SC and SCA made from Birch, Mahogany, Falkata.

so you must buy SONOR 3005 (full maple!!! in Indonesia SONOR 3005 more expensive.) or Yamaha Oak Custom or yamaha tour custom (full Maple). for hardware SC vs 3005, 3005 more beter, in Indonesia come with 400 series hardware.

Are you in Indonesia? I lived there for 8 years as a kid before moving back to the US.

[just_play]

Are you in Indonesia? I lived there for 8 years as a kid before moving back to the US.

Exactly. i am in Jakarta now.

In Indonesia, where did you stay?

I don't know why music tool more expensive in Indonesia rather than Singapore or Malaysia.

[Hegnirst]

yamaha stage custom all the way, but it depends if u are talking about the nouveau or not. i own one myself, http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=11440&stc=1&d=1173109966 and the kit is amazing, the snare can be tuned to sound like a brass snare, tis very good my friends, and the toms are so warm especially with evans emabassador's on. so ide go and stick with my yamaha thanks

[dingbat]

Exactly. i am in Jakarta now.

In Indonesia, where did you stay?

I don't know why music tool more expensive in Indonesia rather than Singapore or Malaysia.

Lived in Jakarta as well, in Kemang Indah, Banka satu, went to school at JIS, long ago, left Indo in 1986. Nama saya Michael, siapa nama mu? Sampai Jumpa Lagi!

[rendezvous_drummer]

Lived in Jakarta as well, in Kemang Indah, Banka satu, went to school at JIS, long ago, left Indo in 1986. Nama saya Michael, siapa nama mu? Sampai Jumpa Lagi!

I agree, get the Yamaha's.

[just_play]

Lived in Jakarta as well, in Kemang Indah, Banka satu, went to school at JIS, long ago, left Indo in 1986. Nama saya Michael, siapa nama mu? Sampai Jumpa Lagi!

nama saya Simon.

from yamaha, i like noveau lug. it's best for me to tour. i can plug-out-in the head (resonant) with the rim. because for drum, need more space than guitar or bass. i can store 8" tom to 12" tom, 10" to 14" . . .

[just_play]

I agree, get the Yamaha's.

do you mean ? ? ?

dingbat introduce himself, not about yamaha or sonor.

[radeq]

If you want a good wood, than get the sonor, you have maple there..in yamahas stage custom, there si no maple...

[rendezvous_drummer]

do you mean ? ? ?

dingbat introduce himself, not about yamaha or sonor.

I know haha, I was just messing around since I couldn't understand what he was saying.

[JRH7]

First off, what kit do you like?
What kit can you not live without?
What can you afford?
What mounting system is the most adjustable for your need?
What hardware and finish do you like the look of?
What kit sounds the best for the music you play?

Though, many who post their opinions mean well and are very educated in drum construction, some of the post are very subjective and based off their taste. I will tell that both kits have great construction and hardware. Both kits are made in asian factories. Both have very adjustable mounting systems.

I suggest calling three 5 Star drumshops who carry both kits and ask the sales people their opinion on which kit is better and which kit they see less problems with quality and craftsmenship. Don't use a Guitar Center, no offense if any of you work there but in my experience the sales folks are not the most knowledgeable. The folks at 5 star drum shops are usually gigging drummers, have been working there for more than one year and lastly are very educated on shell construction and hardware. I suggest the following drum shops:
The Drum Pad-Palatine,IL
The Drum Shop- Portland,MA talk to Shane this guy know his Sh*t
Forks Drum Closet-Nashville, TN

If your looking for a great price try the guys at MassMusic.net. They great prices and their customer service and follow-up are top notch. They are not as knowledgeable as the shops I listed above but they are still a butt load more educated than the folks at Guitar Center.

I hope this post helps you. Making a decision on drums can be a bit nerve racking. The only thing I can suggest is do your research first and you won't regret your decision. Asking the members of drummerworld is a great start. There are a lot of educated drummers in here. We should thank Bernard and his staff for creating venue for us to bounce ideas off of each other.

J.

[MapleCustom2B]

Both kits are excellent choices. Play both until your ears decide.

MC2B

[stp112192]

go with that yamaha stage custom. if neither than go with a gretsch catalina maple or birch both sound terrific and right now they come wih a free floor tom. for 750$

[Celereon]

Well I have the same problem. I am also considering the M-birch, but anyway, my question is:
I can get the SCA or SCN for $500-600 less than the Sonor 3005, even after the price reduction (Australian).
Would it then be a better deal if I were to go with the Yamaha?

[rendezvous_drummer]

Well I have the same problem. I am also considering the M-birch, but anyway, my question is:
I can get the SCA or SCN for $500-600 less than the Sonor 3005, even after the price reduction (Australian).
Would it then be a better deal if I were to go with the Yamaha?

DUDE! Yes! That's an amazing deal, go for it.

[DWfan20005]

Definitly go with the Yamaha, in my opinion. There's something about the sound of a sonor that bugs me to no end, I think its that their too open,i dunno.

[Celereon]

DUDE! Yes! That's an amazing deal, go for it.

I don't know if I should take that, or save up $300 more and get the M-Birch because

It has better shells (birch)
It has a nicer snare
And I get a free tom.


So...I dunno really.
What do you think?
Thanks very much.
Cel

[wnameth]

i had a 3005 maple sonor kit in front of me and was in the same price range as the yamaha kit. I went with the yamaha and could never be happier! quality parts, great sounding bass drum. everything is amazing, except the snare, which i don't use.

-Wes

[Afrolicious]

i had a 3005 maple sonor kit in front of me and was in the same price range as the yamaha kit. I went with the yamaha and could never be happier! quality parts, great sounding bass drum. everything is amazing, except the snare, which i don't use.

-Wes

It's not unlikely though, that the sonor kit would've had the same great quality, same great bass drum, same amazingness PLUS a decent snare.

[Drum-Head]

I don't know if I should take that, or save up $300 more and get the M-Birch because

It has better shells (birch)
It has a nicer snare
And I get a free tom.


So...I dunno really.
What do you think?
Thanks very much.
Cel


Hum... I would go for the Mapex. The kit is worth the 300 dollars more in my opinion. Also, like I mentioned further up, the SCN's are discontinued. So adding on in the future may not be easy.

[gusty]

can someone clear some things up for me?
What is the difference between the stage custom advantage and the stage custom noveau?
Is there much difference between the stage custom and the 3005?
And in australia, what is the actual rrp of the yamahas? i was planning on getting a 3005 (i could get it for 2000), i never really considered the yamahas. im still saving up for a kit (working at maccas, so far ive got about 500 bucks), i get 10% off everything i buy (student discount). someone said that the yamahas are half the price. so technicaly im halfway towards the kit. could someone give me advice? also, take these things to consider...
ive got a bp snare, so the snare that came with it would become a side snare
ive got enough hardware, since im not planning on getting anymore cymbals anytime soon. my bass pedal and hats pedal are a bit screwed up (stater kit hardware), but its fine for me. not that ill be keepoing it forever, cause the next upgrade after the kit would be a double pedal.
finishes dont really affect me that much, unless the finishes available are totally ugly.
thanks

[Afrolicious]

I think I can answer some of your questions:
The Stage Custom Nouveau has different lugs, that seems to be the main feature. The advertisement says:The lug hooks onto a post that is mounted to the shell at the nodal point so there is no vibration of the shell dampened at the tuning points. The Nouveau lug also allows you to change heads in about half the time since the tension rods don't have to be removed to remove the head.
The Yamaha and the Sonor are both really good quality-wise but the Stage Custom is constructed of an outer ply of Birch (gloss finishes) or Oak (matte finishes), six plies of Philippine Mahogany, and an inner ply of Falkata whereas the Force 3005 is made of 100% Maple which means that the shells should be slightly superior, since they're made out of wood that's considered "higher quality", it's still a matter of personal taste of course, but that's what would make me decide for the Sonor if there isn't too much of a price difference.

[Drum_Master_D]

To be honest!I dont think the shell material makes much difference in this case.The sound I am getting out of my SCN is amazing. I cant find anything wrong with it. I also got my drum tutor to help me tune the snare and we got it sounding great as well. So to be honest all these little points that people keep mentioning dont really help. Also whoever said that you dont get a hardware package with the Yamaha is wrong. Unless Yamaha sent me a hardware package by mistake.

So yeh really the final choice should mainly be down to personal preference and whatever kit gives you a sound that you like.

[gusty]

so...if i could get a stage custom for hundreds of dollars less...it'd be better?

[Celereon]

If you have to pay the full $2199 for the Sonor I'd take the Yamaha every time, but I think you should be able to get the 3005s for about $1700-$1800 now that they're discontinued and replaced with 3007s, and in that case I dunno...
I'd just take an M-birch :D

[gusty]

If you have to pay the full $2199 for the Sonor I'd take the Yamaha every time, but I think you should be able to get the 3005s for about $1700-$1800 now that they're discontinued and replaced with 3007s, and in that case I dunno...
I'd just take an M-birch :D

m birch vs stage custom? and i dont think ill be able to get it any less than 2000 (the 3005) dollars. m birch is somewhere around the 1500 range im quite sure.

[Butch Axsmith]

You will be very happy with SONOR''''''''''''
Butch Axsmith

[Pukeboy]

what about a sonor force 3005 VS a gretch catalina maple. aren't these 100% maple kits. wich ones comes out best when compaired?

[larlev]

what about a sonor force 3005 VS a gretch catalina maple. aren't these 100% maple kits. wich ones comes out best when compaired?


Sonor is complete.....grestch is shell pack only..

Sonor..purely for reputation with building a solid product, there has been some quailty issues with gretsch...again you never hear problems with Sonor's

[fusssion]

yep...

massmusic... has 3005s FREE SHIPPING and a FREE tom ..... $1,050 !!

[Pukeboy]

yep...

massmusic... has 3005s FREE SHIPPING and a FREE tom ..... $1,050 !!

wow!! that's amazing! do they ship to europe?

[larlev]

3005's are on e-bay new for $750

[thumper]

All I can say is my Matte black Oak finish SC Nouveaus sound absolutely great, with no buzzing or rattles apart from my snare drum, of course...For a mid level kit, they sound professional, as I'm sure the Sonor Forces do as well. I just happen to play the Yammies...

[rendezvous_drummer]

Sonor is complete.....grestch is shell pack only..

Sonor..purely for reputation with building a solid product, there has been some quailty issues with gretsch...again you never hear problems with Sonor's

Umm, I have stated in the past when testing out Sonor's, I've noticed problems with their bearing edges being dented and chipped on several occasions.

[Rickk]

I have to say , and this has nothing to do with Yamaha or Sonar.
I just changed sets and went from a Ludwig ACS Philippine Mahogany set to a DW Maple set.
The sound is totally different, I know they are different kits, But the sound of the Maple compared to the Philippine Mahogany is very noticeable, not just on the DW but other sets I was trying at the shops.
So my point is , definitely try them both, if there is such a big difference in price there is a reason.
Just my personal opinion.
Hope this helps.

Rick

[larlev]

Umm, I have stated in the past when testing out Sonor's, I've noticed problems with their bearing edges being dented and chipped on several occasions.

Your the first I have heard.......1 out of 1000...I'll take those odds anyday

[DamoSyzygy]

What is the difference between the stage custom advantage and the stage custom noveau?
The lugs - The nuovea lugs is detachable.

Is there much difference between the stage custom and the 3005?[quote]
MANY differences - Hardware design, pack configuration sizes, shell material, construction method...

[quote]And in australia, what is the actual rrp of the yamahas?
The Stage Custom Nuovea is not being brought into Australia anymore, but was $1299rrp just prior to being discontinued. Stage custom advantage kits are available for $1399. Sonor force kits will be discounted just about everywhere now to make room for the Force '07 series, but here are the current AU retail prices.

Force 505 - $829
Force 1005 - $1295
Force 2005 - $1799
Force 3005 - $2195

[just_play]

New from yamaha drum, Yamaha Tour Custom with Maple wood from Indonesia (less price other than brand???)