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Author Topic: Sonor Phonics, head suggestions?  (Read 128 times)
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Eesau
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« on: August 14, 2008, 06:17 AM »

Hey!

I bought recently old set of -79 Sonor Phonics, and been trying three different Remos on toms. First Coated Ambassadors, then Clear Emperors, and now i'm with Clear Pinstripes. With Ambs the sound was kind of "too open" and ringy. With Emperors toms sounded maybe a bit better, but not good for my taste. I was surprised, when Emperors didn't work for me in these drums. It's hard to describe sounds, but toms sounded quite hard, no warmth there. Especially smaller toms, 13 and 14.

With Pinstripes these drums sound better, but i'm still looking for something else.

I don't mind if drums ring, don't want a "dead" sound by all means. Drums are allowed to ring. Guess i'm looking for a warmer sound, or something like that.  

There is this possibility, that Phonics aren't for me, but i'm willing to give them a chance. Still. Smiley

EDIT: Thick beech shells in Phonics.

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felix
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« Reply #1 on: August 14, 2008, 06:46 AM »

I like a clear Aquarian studio X on mine.  I paired them up with aquarian hi frequency resonant heads.

Had coated G2's/clear G1 resos on them and those did not work for my taste.  I do have clear G2's on my sonor signature kit and they work surprisingly well.  The studio X's are slightly brighter on the rimshot tone- which is a big proponent of my playing... not everyone digs studio X's though.

Phonics have a hard sound anyways I've noticed.  They are very attacky with great definition but to me their sweet spot is not so large.  I think that has to do with all the heavy mounting hardware.  No way is a phonic going to sustain like the more modern maple designs- but they will sing very readily if the reso and batter are working together.  They are more of a cutting type sound.

 Pretty much I tune the two pitches the same, with the reso maybe slightly higher or lower depending on size of the drum.  Aquarian heads are very forgiving with tuning I think as well.  An easy head to get a good sound from.  I don't know if you have tried 1/4 to 1/2 pcs of moongel on clear ambassadors but that is a GREAT sound if you can't get the studio X's.  Clear ambassadors just don't last as batters heads though.  The studio X's are a little tougher for a single ply head.

Phonics require a firm playing technique and it's all about the fundamental with those drums.  They sound better the further you get away from them.  The also sound good right on top or directly below, so maybe have a friend play them while you move around the perimeter kit.  If that doesn't sell you on their sound then get rid of them.  They will sell; still a very popular drum   Cool

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Eesau
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« Reply #2 on: August 14, 2008, 08:29 AM »

Thanks Felix! Very good points, they make perfect sense to me. Hard, attacky sound and everything, indeed.

I've noticed too, or i've thought that Phonics may require a solid and pretty accurate hit to the drum, then they sound good. Now i'm sure, they do.

You know, i'm not always sure, if i'm right in these drum sound etc. -things since i've been playing only couple of years. Tuning is also tricky enough, but i'm getting better all the time.

My local shop is a "Remo -shop", but i can order anything else too. So maybe i'll give Aquarian a chance. You think, that i can get a warmer sound with that Aquarian Studio X -head? Hmmm, though you said they are brighter than...was it G2's? Brightness isn't on the list, when i think about the new heads. Wink

The bass drum was a slight disappointment at first too. It's "only" 14" deep, so you can't get the same kind of deep kick out of it, what you can with deeper drums. BUT, you can play it softer, and it still sounds good. So you have at least two different sound in it, which isn't necessarily the case with the 18" or 20" deep drum. I think. 
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felix
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« Reply #3 on: August 14, 2008, 09:13 AM »

Thanks Felix! Very good points, they make perfect sense to me. Hard, attacky sound and everything, indeed.

I've noticed too, or i've thought that Phonics may require a solid and pretty accurate hit to the drum, then they sound good. Now i'm sure, they do.

You know, i'm not always sure, if i'm right in these drum sound etc. -things since i've been playing only couple of years. Tuning is also tricky enough, but i'm getting better all the time.

My local shop is a "Remo -shop", but i can order anything else too. So maybe i'll give Aquarian a chance. You think, that i can get a warmer sound with that Aquarian Studio X -head? Hmmm, though you said they are brighter than...was it G2's? Brightness isn't on the list, when i think about the new heads. Wink

The bass drum was a slight disappointment at first too. It's "only" 14" deep, so you can't get the same kind of deep kick out of it, what you can with deeper drums. BUT, you can play it softer, and it still sounds good. So you have at least two different sound in it, which isn't necessarily the case with the 18" or 20" deep drum. I think. 

Brightness on the rimshot I said/clearer.  A 2 ply has a warmer/duller rimshot sound.  You have a long way to go in finding your sounds bro; I can only let you know what is working for me at this particular moment on this particular kit.

You want a superkick 1 and an aquarian regulator for that kick drum.  My kick is a 22x14 also.  It sounds fantastic.  One has to hit it firmly and if you need alot of sustain you have to be willing to come off the batter with the beater.  The beautiful part of it is just playing "normally" into the head you will get a wonderful mix between the long and short tones.  You can really hear the diff between the two tones.

But yes, it's a 14" depth bass drum.  Articulate for sure.
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Eesau
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« Reply #4 on: August 14, 2008, 10:55 AM »

Brightness on the rimshot I said/clearer.  A 2 ply has a warmer/duller rimshot sound.  You have a long way to go in finding your sounds bro; I can only let you know what is working for me at this particular moment on this particular kit.

You want a superkick 1 and an aquarian regulator for that kick drum.  My kick is a 22x14 also.  It sounds fantastic.

Ah, rimshot, ok. My mistake.

Yes, long road ahead, so much to learn etc..., but the main thing is in order already. Playing with our band is almost every time sooooo nice.   Cheesy 

Soundwise i'm beginning to think, that Phonics aren't the best choice for me. That much i know, despite the lack of years in practise. Before Phonics i had Gretsch Renown Maples, which i sold because i thought the "band years" were over.  Embarrassed They weren't.  Grin Out of nowhere came new band.

Well, i liked Renowns, warm sounding toms, punchy and deep sounding bass drum (18x22) etc... So i guess a modern (maple) kit might be better for me.

Thanks for the tips anyway. Haven't decide yet, what to do... Roll Eyes     



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