Here at the Drum Center of Portsmouth, we love Sonor drums, especially their high-end offerings. Unfortunately, high-end Sonor sound is typically associated with a high-end price tag. Needless to say that we were beyond excited to hear about their newest line of metal snare drums - the Kompressor Series. This new release not only fills a noticeable gap in terms of snare drum sounds for the brand, but also hits a price point that is not unreasonable for the general drumming public.
Kompressor Specs
The Kompressor is available in 3 different shell types, Brass, Steel and Aluminum. The sizes range from 13x7 all the way up to 14x8. Each shell is made to Sonor’s signature “Optimum Shell Measurement”, which is notably undersized compared to your traditional shell diameter. This allows the drum head to “float” on the bearing edge, creating a tympany-like effect. The result is a clear, resonant note with precise articulation.
Each drum comes equipped with 2.3 triple flanged “PowerHoops”, which are just the right weight for solid rimshots while still permitting the drum to open up. The mallet style lugs are all equipped with Sonor’s Tunesafe - a straightforward yet effective method of helping keep the Kompressor in tune under heavy-handed hitters.
A solid throw off, premium snare wires and genuine USA made Remo heads make these snares good to go, right out of the box.
Kompressor Steel
The steel-shelled Kompressor is a thin, 1mm chromed shell. It has all the qualities we love about thin steel - great cut, clear articulation with sharp, controllable overtones. This is the most affordable entry into the lineup, and comes in 2 sizes - 14x5.75 and 14x6.5.
Kompressor Brass
The Brass model Kompressor boasts a heavier 1.2mm black nickel plated shell. This weighty drum has a ton of rich character in its tone. The snare response blended with throaty articulation made this one an instant hit with our video team! Kompressor Brass is available in 3 sizes - 13x7, 14x5.75 and 14x6.5.
Kompressor Aluminum
The most interesting addition to the Kompressor lineup is definitely the aluminum. These shells are the first seamless aluminum offering from Sonor that we know of, and they are a hefty 2mm thick! They have the exceptional feel of the Ludwig Acrolite, with just a little more dry volume. The standout size in Kompressor Aluminum is objectively the beastly 14x8, which gives you a little more everything. The 14x5.75 and 14x6.5 models are no slouch, either!
The Verdict
The new Sonor Kompressor series metal snare drums are unquestionably pro-quality drums, at a price that is on-par with its competitors. These snares deliver that signature Sonor performance and clarity without decimating your bankroll. We can confidently recommend these to anyone in the market for a premium metal snare drum. Nobody knows Sonor like the staff at Drum Center of Portsmouth, so when you’re ready to pull the trigger on a Kompressor, give us a call!