I purchased a Sonor AQ2 Maple Martini Set in White Marine Pearl from DCP a few weeks ago. I purchased this specific kit because our trio is playing a lot of very small clubs/restaurants with very little space. I can set this kit up using kick-mounted cymbal and a rack tom and leave all the space on my right available for amps and equipment for the other guys in group.
The AQ2 shells and hardware are the same as other AQ2 sets, so I'll comment on the quality and sound: flawless quality and unbelievable sound. The floor tom rivals the sound of my Saturn Tour floor tom, and is very similar sounding to Gretsch Renown or Brooklyn, but at a much lower price point. The kick drum (14x13) is the size of a normal floor tom and sounds fantastic tuned as a kick. It is THE best sounding mini-kick I have ever heard. The kick hoops are also of excellent quality.
The maple shells really sound great. A kinda Gretsch sound but with one extra lug. Very similar to Saturn Tour sound, too. I think the Saturn Tour shells sounds a lot like Gretsch.
The hardware is very robust and sturdy. Very much gig-quality hardware. You won't worry about hardware issues with these drums if you gig 2-3 times a week. They'll stand up to heavy use.
The WMP wrap is beautiful. It's a bit different than other WMP in that there are no striation patterns. It's very good looking and very expensive looking.
I'm using the stock heads. I have no issues with them. I see no need to immediately invest in new heads. They tuned up well and held tuning through 2 weeks of practice and a gig. We have another gig this Saturday so I'll probably check tuning this week.
Compared to something like Tama Club Jam (similar price) there is no comparison. The Tama is a toy. I know: I bought the kit with 18" kick and sold it quickly. Not very well constructed, significant tension rod lug splay, and the drums just don't sound very good. I would not trust the money I make on a gig to it.
The snare that comes with the Martini version is a metal 12" snare. I thought, from pics, it would be a maple in WMP. It's not. It's a good snare for funk or high-volume situations, but not for our jazz/blues trio. I also am not using the 8" tom: too small for me. I am replacing with a 12x8 AQ2 tom that should be here this week.
Thanks to DCP with their help buying this kit. Great service quick shipping and lowest price. Can't beat that!!!!
The pic shows me using the floor tom as a rack tom until the 12x8 tom gets here this week. You can see how little space the Martini version of the AQ2 needs. It's gotta be the best bargain in small kits available: high quality great sound bargain price.