Back to navigation


Birch Drums for Today's Demanding Performer





This article was


Written By





Our Product Research Team





Get to know them!





From its modern birch shells to its cutting-edge tom mounts, the SQ1 series is proof that Sonor is an unstoppable force in the drum world. These exquisite German drums pack a ferocious tone and sport designer good looks inspired by hot rods of the mid-20th century. Shells are built from select plies of European birch for great tonal balance and a crisp, modern attack. Hardware innovations include visually clean, acoustically neutral Sound Sustainer tom/floor brackets and Sonor's renowned TuneSafe lugs, which keep tuning stable between takes. Whether you live on the road or in the studio, Sweetwater's Sonor SQ1 shell packs are guaranteed to bring out the best in your performances. Just ask Chris Coleman and Nir Z ? two artists who have already made the switch to SQ1.





Related Videos: SQ1 3-piece Shell Pack - GT Black with Matching Bass Drum Hoops





NOW PLAYING:


Sonor Drum Factory Tour and SQ1 Drum Build





What’s So Great About Buying Drums from Sweetwater?


100% European birch shells





Your SQ1 shells are the result of several blindfolded tests between Sonor and its artist endorsers. For both tone and strength, no wood combinations fared better than 100% European birch. In concert with Sonor's CLTF construction and OSM sizing, SQ1 shells offer balance across the entire frequency spectrum and a modern dry tone. Low-contact 45-degree bearing edges give heads the freedom to sing out to their full potential.





CLTF ply construction





Sonor's Cross Lamination Tension Free (CLTF) ply construction gives the SQ1 shells superior strength and roundness. This means better defense against aging and long-lasting great performance.





OSM shell sizing





Sonor undersizes its SQ1 shells, a process it calls Optimum Shell Measurement (OSM), to allow standard-sized drumheads to float freely on the shells. This unrestricted contact between the heads and bearing edges promises a pure, satisfying tone at every tuning range.





Shown here in Cruiser Blue


Sound Sustainer tom brackets





Another feature unique to the SQ1 series is Sonor's visually clean, acoustically neutral Sound Sustainer tom brackets. This 2-part system, found at each mounting point and leg, is inspired by German automobile engine mounting systems. It uses beefy, 3D-printed rubber insulators to prevent shell-to-mount energy loss, for larger, louder toms and floor toms. And because they forgo the hoop-attached mounts of traditional tom suspensions, Sound Sustainers won't distract from the beauty of your shells.





Matte lacquered finishes inspired by classic cars





The SQ1 series' exquisite looks were inspired by racetracks across the world, from Havana to Amsterdam. With four great hot rod finishes to choose from, each with its own complementary bass hoops, you're sure to find the kit of your dreams in Sweetwater's Sonor SQ1 series shell packs.





Cymbals, hardware, and extra shells not included. Shown here in Cruiser Blue.


Sonor Drums SQ1 3-piece Shell Pack Features:


Developed with Chris Coleman and other Sonor artists


100% European birch shells are balanced across the frequency spectrum


CLTF ply lamination yields a more stable drum


OSM shell sizing and 45° bearing edges allow heads to sing to their full potential


Low-footprint, acoustically neutral Sound Sustainer tom/floor tom brackets


TuneSafe lugs keep tension screws from vibrating loose


Hot-rod-inspired matte lacquer finishes


Complementary bass drum hoops


Includes Remo USA heads: Ambassador Coated/Clear tom heads and Powerstroke P3 Clear/Fiberskyn bass heads


Proudly made in Germany