Hi Gaven, I just wanted to relate that a good member on the Sonor Forum made an SQ2 opposite to yours, with thicker toms and thinner floor toms, I believe influenced by Danny Carey. I have a Sonor Signature Bubinga Heavy 12mm Beech kit with a final floor tom is a 15" Signature. I ended up getting a 16" Phonics Plus 9mm Beech for the last floor tom as I waited over 2 years for the last Signature and it never showed up so I took a hint from the forum member and went thinner. I found that the thinner floor tom was a good way to go as opposed to thicker especially as I finished my kit for $150, then a 16 Signature did show up and went for $800, so I was glad I got the Phonic. I had the red wrap taken off and Bubinga veneer put in and out and I was very happy.
I got a Designer Five Star Ebony after hearing you play at the Montreal Drum Festivale two years back now. I wonder how much companies realize how many drums they sell when they are on stage at a Drum Festivale and comparisons can be made by all? I bought that kit because of hearing yours that day. I remember the Pearl Drummers Forum talk post show and everyone agreed hands down that your kit and in particular your floor toms were the best drums of the day, which was the last position, after Todd Sucherman and his sweet Pearl Kit. That was a big notch in the Sonor belt on the Pearl Forum. I see your point about floor toms and PA, You ovbiously know what your talking about because your floor toms were just sick that day. I had a thick kit but I wanted a thin shell after listening to yours.
My Ebony kit was played by Steve Smith and Thomas Lang before I got it. It came with Attack 2ply clear heads and they are the most incredible heads on Designers. I have pinstripes on the Signatures and look forward to putting Attack 2ply clear on them. Since I told the Sonor forum members that, several have gone that route on SQ2 and others kits like S Classix, etc and everyone just loves them. Have you ever tried these heads on your Sonors?
I will always remember that day, meeting you and your Sonors. Your a wonderful musician for Sonor to have and they are indeed the most incredible drums,Thick (12mm Beech) or Thin (Designers 6.2mm, Delites 4.5mm). I really enjoyed your first DVD and have used those principles effectively since. Thanks.