If you're the type of drummer who obsesses over shell composition, tuning subtleties, and wood tonalities (and let’s face it—who among us isn’t?), then the two-part Sonor SQ2 Ultimate Shootout from the Drum Center of Portsmouth is basically your holy grail.

In this detailed breakdown of not just one or two—but 13 different shell configurations—Shane and the crew at DCP aim to tackle one of the most common, yet frustrating questions among drummers looking to build their dream kit:

“What does each SQ2 shell type actually sound like in the real world?”

From thin Maple to heavy Birch, vintage Beech to clear acrylic, every shell was tested under consistent tuning, controlled miking, and no-frills playthroughs. If you've been stuck deciding between wood types or thicknesses, this post is your roadmap to understanding how each choice translates to sound.

Before diving into wood types and shell profiles, it’s worth addressing what sets Sonor’s SQ2 line apart from the crowd.

Unlike most manufacturers that use horizontal grain plies, Sonor shells are built with vertically cross-laminated plies. This isn’t just marketing—it actually changes the way the shell resonates. The shells are also undersized by about 12mm, allowing the drumhead to float slightly over the bearing edge. It’s similar to how timpani heads sit—and it results in a clearer, more articulate tone with less interference from the hoop.

Other small touches that define the Sonor quality:

• Deline inserts in the lugs that prevent tension rods from backing out (a godsend for tuning stability)
• Sonor’s subtle branding embedded throughout the hardware, giving every kit a boutique, high-end finish

Let’s talk about the testing process, because the level of detail here is… next-level.

Each shell type was played in two different tunings, followed by a head-to-head comparison where every tom was struck individually for reference. That’s 195 separate tunings across 65 drums, with an obsessive eye for sonic consistency.

• Tom Heads: Clear Remo Ambassadors top & bottom
• Kick Batter: Remo Powerstroke 3 Clear
• Kick Reso: Remo Fiberskyn Powerstroke 3
• No muffling for kick drums in head-to-head section
• Mics: Earthworks SR25 + Audix A133, placed ~16" from center of drumheads

The result? A clear, consistent sonic picture of each shell type—recorded and tuned by seasoned professionals who understand how subtle the differences can be.

Let’s break down the primary shell types covered in both Part 1 and Part 2 of the SQ2 Shootout. Whether you’re a fan of warmth, punch, clarity, or vintage vibe—there’s something here for every ear.

• Sound Profile: Warm, round, full-bodied
• Best For: Versatility across all genres; classic studio tone
• Shell Thickness Options: Thin (5mm), Medium (6mm), Heavy (8mm)

Maple has long been the “default” for many drummers, and in this shootout, its familiar warmth really comes through—especially in the midrange tuning. It’s forgiving, balanced, and super resonant with thinner shells, while the heavy option gives you a more focused tone with shorter sustain.

• Sound Profile: Bright, punchy, scooped mids
• Best For: Live rock, pop, and situations where clarity cuts
• Shell Thickness Options: Thin, Medium, Heavy

Birch delivers articulation and clarity, especially in higher tunings. Floor toms felt tighter, and the kick drum had a focused thump with slightly less bloom compared to Maple or Beech. It’s a surgical sound—clean and aggressive without being harsh.

• Sound Profile: Flat EQ curve, pronounced mids, less “hyped”
• Best For: Players looking for a balanced, organic tone
• Shell Thickness Options: Thin, Medium, Heavy

Oddly enough, Beech wasn’t Shane’s top wood—until now. The mids are more present, and the sound doesn’t feel as “scooped” as Birch. On thin shells, the resonance is wide-open and musical. On heavy shells, you get a surprisingly focused punch that still keeps a lot of body.

• Sound Profile: Open, mellow, extremely resonant
• Best For: Jazz, vintage rock, studio nuance
• Shell Specs: 4mm with 2mm reinforcement rings

The vintage shells are standout performers for drummers who love that “breathing” drum sound. These are exceptionally thin shells that sing when you play them. Reinforcement rings give some structural integrity, but don’t expect the same tightness as an 8mm heavy shell. These are all about resonance and tone.

• Sound Profile: Emphasized lows and highs, minimal mids
• Best For: Visual appeal + a unique punchy tone for live settings
• Shell Specs: Transparent, single-shell acrylic

The X-ray acrylic kit stands apart visually—and sonically. It’s not a “wood-like” sound by any means. The lows are thunderous, and the highs are bright and snappy, but there’s a noticeable mid scoop. If you want to stand out both on stage and in sound, this is your wild card.

 Shell thickness arguably plays just as big a role as the wood itself in determining tone.

• Thin Shells (5mm):
  • More sustain
  • Wider resonance
  • Ideal for ambient or open tunings

• Medium (6mm):
  • Balanced tone and response
  • Slightly shorter sustain than thin
  • Standard bass drum spec on most kits

• Heavy Shells (8mm):
  • Focused, punchy, fast decay
  • Controlled low end
  • Great for live settings or precise studio work

On floor toms especially, this difference was easy to spot. Thin shells rang out with rich resonance, while heavier shells had a more “direct” sound with less spread.

Throughout both videos, the snare remains consistent: the Artist Bronze model. Described as a “beast,” this drum is slated for its own feature video—and based on what we heard, it deserves it. Think cutting crack, powerful projection, and that bronze warmth that bridges modern snap with classic character.

That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it?

Even Shane admits it’s tough to pick a favorite. One day it’s Birch, the next it’s Beech. And that’s kind of the beauty of this shootout—there’s no universal best. It’s all about what fits your playing, your genre, your ears.

That said, here are a few impressions:

• If you want something balanced and familiar: Go with Maple Medium
• If you need cut and clarity: Birch Heavy or Medium is solid
• If you crave vintage warmth: Vintage Beech is a sleeper hit
• If you want a wild card: Acrylic X-Ray will get you noticed

Putting together a shootout of this scale takes insane attention to detail—from matching tunings across 195 drums, to placing microphones by ear for the most natural sound possible. The team at DCP clearly poured their hearts into this one.

Whether you're about to drop serious cash on a custom SQ2 kit or you're just geeking out over wood types on your lunch break, these videos are a goldmine. And if you're thinking of building your dream kit, DCP will help you get it right—sound and all.

Want to test your ear? Put on a good pair of headphones and do the A/B comparisons yourself. 

Let your ears decide—and don’t forget to leave your take in the comments.

Choosing the right Sonor SQ2 Drum Set is a personal journey that can deeply shape your drumming tone and feel. By exploring the different wood types, shell thicknesses, and sonic characteristics, you’re one step closer to building a kit that truly represents your voice behind the drums.

Still unsure which shell combination suits your playing style? Our drum experts are here to help. Reach out anytime for personalized recommendations and real-world advice.