PDP vs Mapex vs Sonor

[midknight]

I know this is a pretty standard question, but I've searched the forums and didn't really find a thread that adequately answered my questions. I'm currently looking into a new set, and have it down to three birch kits: the Mapex M Birch, the PDP FS, and the Sonor Force 2005, all in Fusion sizes. I've had a chance to check out similar models (a Force 3005 and some random PDP kits at my local shops), but still can't come to a consensus. If anyone has any thoughts on the pros and cons of the three, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

[hawk9290]

There really isn't one kit that is immensley better than the others. The Sonor 2005 series to me never has had quite the feeling of near pro quality to me that either the FS or M Birch have had. Theres just something about the 2005's that makes me think of them as only intermediate sets. The PDP sets are good, and have good hardware, good quality, good sound, and the backing of the DW name; The Mapex M Birchs are also good quality good sound, but the hardware isn't quite as solid as the PDP FS. The M Birchs are great for the money though, and there are more standard models to choose from. Don't forget to consider other kits like the Tama Superstar series, Gretsch Catalina Birch, Pearl Session SBX, and others (maybe take a look at the Pearl Vision VSX, though I'm personally not fond of it). And make sure birch is the wood you want.

[harryconway]

I'd put your hard earned dollar into a gently used Yamaha Recording Custom: http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Yamaha-Recording-Custom-drums-w-Tama-Snare_W0QQitemZ290099531908QQcategoryZ64444QQssPag eNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem Pro level all the way. Get a popular color you can add on to later (if necessary) and you've got a drum kit that will last you the rest of your life.

[Afrolicious]

There really isn't one kit that is immensley better than the others. The Sonor 2005 series to me never has had quite the feeling of near pro quality to me that either the FS or M Birch have had. Theres just something about the 2005's that makes me think of them as only intermediate sets. The PDP sets are good, and have good hardware, good quality, good sound, and the backing of the DW name; The Mapex M Birchs are also good quality good sound, but the hardware isn't quite as solid as the PDP FS. The M Birchs are great for the money though, and there are more standard models to choose from. Don't forget to consider other kits like the Tama Superstar series, Gretsch Catalina Birch, Pearl Session SBX, and others (maybe take a look at the Pearl Vision VSX, though I'm personally not fond of it). And make sure birch is the wood you want.

I have to disagree with you. I played several different PDP sets and none of them seemed any better than a Sonor Force 2005 to me. Especially not the FS which is a rather low level line by PDP, by far not "near pro quality". I haven't played the Mapex M Birch, but have heard good things about them. Since the 2005s are replaced by 2007s, you might find a good deal and they're definetely worth their money. I do own one and most people on this forum will agree that the sound and hardware quality is one of the greatest in that price range.

[hawk9290]

I have to disagree with you. I played several different PDP sets and none of them seemed any better than a Sonor Force 2005 to me. Especially not the FS which is a rather low level line by PDP, by far not "near pro quality". I haven't played the Mapex M Birch, but have heard good things about them. Since the 2005s are replaced by 2007s, you might find a good deal and they're definetely worth their money. I do own one and most people on this forum will agree that the sound and hardware quality is one of the greatest in that price range.

hmm, I thought the PDP felt better and sounded better than the 2005 (the one kit from Sonor that I am not fond of, anything else kicks butt). I still am partial to the Mapex, but I didn't think the FS was that bad of a kit. The M Birch is my favorite of the three, but I tried to be as un-biased as possible. The M Birch is a kit that I would use in a heartbeat for any recording or live performance of mine. I would use either the FS or 2005 live, but recording not so much. The FS does win the hardware battle though, which isn't big, but it is an issue. For the price though, and now that I consider it more, I would take a 2005, which is cheaper, over an FS. My opinion is that for the cost, the M Birch is the best value out there, as it does hold its ground very well against some of the much more expensive kits. Again, though, this is my opinion, do your own research and listen to them yourself for your ultimate decision.

[AveyTare]

I just don't like pdp. they seem somehow cheap to me. sonor and mapex kits are great though. I just bought mapex pro m fusion kit and it's great. I used to own m birch kit also and it was really good also. with good, two-ply heads it will sing.

[zidjan]

I would definetely buy the Sonor 3005 hands down...it's not bias or anything like that ..it's just Sonor has the best features of all the drums you mentioned.....Mapex and PDP makes good drums...i just don't like their lugs ..to me they look cheap and maybe they are ( just look at the quality of their hardware) ..the chrome on their hardwares are abit dark...if you look at Sonor's lugs and harware..you'll see the difference i am talking about...Finish wise also proves that Sonor is the best ( they are lacquered) not wrapped like the other two brand....sound wise i would say all three are identical...so hope this helps.

[hawk9290]

I would definetely buy the Sonor 3005 hands down...it's not bias or anything like that ..it's just Sonor has the best features of all the drums you mentioned.....Mapex and PDP makes good drums...i just don't like their lugs ..to me they look cheap and maybe they are ( just look at the quality of their hardware) ..the chrome on their hardwares are abit dark...if you look at Sonor's lugs and harware..you'll see the difference i am talking about...Finish wise also proves that Sonor is the best ( they are lacquered) not wrapped like the other two brand....sound wise i would say all three are identical...so hope this helps.
mapex M birch is laquered as well, and I believe the PDP's are a satin oil finish. I would tend to agree, though, that the 3005 is the best of any mentioned series, but it is a maple shell and he mentioned birch shells. Sonor does have nice finishes though, I'll give you that!

[zidjan]

but it is a maple shell and he mentioned birch shells. !

OO...he did mentioned birch....my mistake...but i'll stick to my opinion...Sonor that is.

[Butch Axsmith]

'SONOR' is the best////
you will be happy.....
Butch Axsmith