SONOR Introduces 150TH Anniversary Drumsets

Drumming News

To celebrate 150 years of quality, tradition and craftsmanship, Sonor proudly presents their 150th Anniversary SIGNATURE and SONORLITE Drum Sets. These instruments are said to pay homage to their legacy while also representing modern technology. 

The original SONOR Signature Series was introduced at the Frankfurt Musikmesse in 1980. It was the result of extensive scientific research commissioned by SONOR in the pursuit of building the most sonically and technically advanced high-end drum set of its time. The extremely deep and heavy 10.5mm beechwood shells were designed for the most unobstructed drum head vibration, resulting in the purest tone with the most resonance and projection. To say that the Signature Series raised the bar for high-end drums would be an understatement. It defined what high-end drums were supposed to be from that point on.

The 150th Anniversary Signature Series Shell Sets are more than just a reissue of the original from the 1980s. They are a tribute which merges tradition and innovation by combining a replica of theSignature Series shell with contemporary state-of-the-art shell hardware features.

To faithfully recreate the iconic Signature Series shell, 13 plies of selected German beech veneer are cross-laminated. As with the original, genuine Bubinga is used for the outer and inner ply of the shell. The stunning grain structure, various color shades and dark streaks of the Bubinga Pommelé (Guibourtia demeusii) used for this instrument add even more visual dimension. To emphasize the naturally grown beauty of the Bubinga veneer, the shells are finished with clear high gloss lacquer, which is applied in multiple lacquering and polishing stages by hand. All hardware on the drums is plated with 24-carat gold to offset the dark and saturated brown color of the veneer as well as create the ultimate luxurious experience. Finally, all drums receive individually numbered commemorative badges to certify the uniquenessof each 150th Anniversary Signature Series Shell Set.

The 150th Anniversary Signature Series Shell Set is strictly limited to 75 pieces worldwide. 25 of which are made in the ‚Heritage‘ outfit featuring authentic Signature Series shell depths, whereas the remaining 50 use shallower, more contemporary depths.

The original SONORLITE was introduced in 1983 and derived from the light shell variant of the SONOR Signature Series. Therefore, sonic and technological perfection were considered equally important, both for SONORLITE and SONOR Signature. Yet, the use of a significantly thinner and lighter shell with an equallystrong shell construction in addition to slightly shallower drum depths granted SONORLITE far superior practicality compared to the heavy SONOR Signatures. Thus, it became the ultimate premium drum set forthe working musician of its time.

The original SONORLITE used two different shell constructions. Bass drums and snare drums used a 12-ply (7mm) shell, whereas toms and floor toms used a 9-ply (6mm) construction. All shells were made from selected Finnish birch which was used because of its similar mechanical qualities compared to German beech, however at a much lower weight. The result was a mechanically strong and light shell that allowed for unobstructed drum head vibration, resulting in a pure, full and open tone with lots of resonance.

The 150th Anniversary SONORLITE Shell Sets are more than just a reissue of the original from the 1980s. They are a tribute which merge tradition and innovation by combining a replica of the SONORLITE shell with contemporary state-of-the-art shell hardware features.

To faithfully recreate the iconic SONORLITE shell, 9 respectively 12 plies of selected Finnish birch veneer are cross-laminated. For the outer and inner ply of the shells, stunningly grained Scandinavian Birch (Betula alba) is used. Originally introduced with the SONORLITES, this veneer has remained one of the most iconic SONOR finishes to date. To emphasize the naturally grown beauty of the Scandinavian Birch veneer and in homage to the original, all shells are finished with clear semi gloss lacquer, which is applied in multiple lacquering and polishing stages by hand.All hardware on the drums is plated with Ruthenium to offset the blonde color of the veneer whilst alsoadding a luxurious touch to the understated elegance and simplicity of the original. Finally, all drums receive individually numbered commemorative badges to certify the uniqueness of each 150th Anniversary SONORLITE Shell Set.

The 150th Anniversary SONORLITE Shell Set is strictly limited to 75 pieces worldwide. 25 of which are made in the ‚Heritage‘ outfit featuring authentic SONORLITE shell depths, whereas the remaining 50 use shallower, more contemporary depths.

SONORLITE Heritage HERE

Signature Heritage HERE