Sonor Beginner Drum Kits: The Ultimate Buyer's Guide

• Posted on 24 June 2026
• By GRD
• Posted in Beginner Kits, Sonor
• 0

Starting out on the drums, or buying a first kit for someone else? Our team of professional working drummers talks you through the Sonor beginner range, the AQX, AQ1, AQ2 and the compact Safari, covering what you actually get in the box, which kit suits which player, and the head upgrade that takes any of them up a level. Come and play them in our Fareham showroom, or read on to find the right one.

Sonor Beginner Drum Kits: The Ultimate Buyer's Guide

So you, or someone you love, want to start playing the drums. Brilliant decision. It is one of the most fun and most addictive things you can do, and the kit you learn on makes a real difference to how much you enjoy those first few months.

Which kit suits a beginner is one of the questions we get asked the most, whether it is a parent buying a first kit for a ten-year-old or an adult finally scratching a lifelong itch. We are a team of professional working drummers, we carry the full Sonor beginner range, and helping people choose the right first kit is something we do every day. These kits are almost always all set up on the floor of our Fareham showroom, so you are always welcome to come and play them before you decide.

The range runs from the AQX, through the AQ1 and AQ2, up to the compact AQ2 Safari. Here is how they differ, what you actually get in the box, and which one we would point you towards.

First, a few things to think about

Answer these and most of the decision makes itself, before you even land on a particular kit.

How much room have you got, and how much noise can you make? A full-size kit with a 22 inch bass drum needs a bit of space and makes a proper acoustic racket, which is all part of the fun. If you are tight on space, or the neighbours are close, a smaller kit with a 16 or 18 inch bass drum is easier to live with. More on the compact options further down.

What is actually in the box? This is the one that catches people out, so let us be clear. To play, a drum kit needs three things: the shells (the drums themselves), the hardware (the stands and the bass drum pedal) and the cymbals. Some kits include all three, some give you the hardware but not the cymbals, and some are sold as a shell pack with neither. We spell out exactly what you get for each kit below, so there are no nasty surprises at the checkout.

New or used? A new kit comes with a full warranty and no history to worry about, which suits most first-time buyers. We always have a good range of used kits too, so it is worth asking if you fancy more drum for your money.

Budget. Spending a little more early on usually buys you a better shell and hardware that lasts, which pays off if you stick with it. That said, the dearest kit is not always the right one. We are drummers, not salespeople, and we will happily tell you when a cheaper kit is the smarter buy. Our general advice to first time buyers is that the priority in purchasing your first kits (or any future kits for that matter) is to get the best cymbals you can, then prioritise the snare and then the shells of the rest of the drums. You can tune a drum and change its head, but you can't tune a cymbal. 

The bit nobody tells you: poplar, birch and maple

Here is the thing most people do not know when they start out. The wood the drums are made from changes how they sound, and it is the main thing separating these kits. It is also, handily, the quality ladder across the Sonor beginner range.

• Poplar (the AQX) is a softer, affordable wood with a warm, forgiving sound and a gentle attack. Ideal for learning on.

• Birch (the AQ1) is brighter and more focused, with a punch and projection that cuts through when you play with a band.

• Maple (the AQ2 and the Safari) is the warmest and most musical of the three. It responds to how hard you hit it, records beautifully, and only sounds better as you improve.

The more you play, the more you will appreciate climbing that ladder. But there is no wrong rung to start on.

The Sonor beginner range at a glance

Always check the live product page for the current price and finishes.

AQX vs AQ1 vs AQ2: the short version

If you are weighing two of them up directly, here is how they stack against each other.

AQX vs AQ1. This jump is really two upgrades in one. The poplar shells become brighter, punchier birch, and you move from an everything-in-the-box package to a shells-and-hardware kit that you add your own cymbals to. Go AQX if you want the simplest, cheapest complete start. Go AQ1 if you want a better-sounding drum and do not mind sorting cymbals.

AQ1 vs AQ2. Now it is birch against maple. The birch AQ1 is bright, focused and cuts through; the maple AQ2 is warmer, rounder and more musical, and it rewards you more as you improve. The AQ1 also comes with hardware, while the AQ2 is a shell pack (we usually bundle it with hardware here). If you know you are sticking with it and want a kit to grow into, the AQ2 is the one. If you want gig-ready and great value today, the AQ1.

AQX vs AQ2. These are the two ends of the range: the AQX is the easiest, most affordable complete starter, and the AQ2 is the proper maple kit you will not outgrow. For an outright first kit, especially for a child, start with the AQX. If the budget stretches and you want one kit for the long haul, go AQ2.

Whichever pair you are torn between, bring it to us or give us a call, and we will talk you through the differences in plain English.

Sonor AQX: the easy way in

If you want the simplest possible start, this is it. The AQX is Sonor's newest entry-level range, and the AQX Complete kits are about as close to "open the box and play" as drums get. The Stage (22 inch bass) and Studio (20 inch bass) versions come with the lot bar sticks and a stool: poplar shells, a Sonor 1000 Series hardware set, and a set of B8 bronze cymbals (hi-hats, a crash and a ride). The poplar shells are warm and forgiving, easy to tune while you are finding your feet, and Sonor's clever TuneSafe lugs help the kit stay in tune rather than drifting on you.

Short on space? There are compact AQX shell packs too, the 18 inch Jazz, the 16 inch Jungle and the 14 inch Micro. These are shell packs, so no hardware or cymbals, but they tuck into a corner and still sound like a real kit.

It is the kit we point most first-timers and parents towards, simply because there is nothing else to buy and nothing to puzzle over. Fair warning: poplar is a learning shell rather than a pro one, and the stock heads are worth upgrading once you are up and running (more on that below).

• Have a look at the Sonor AQX 22" Stage complete kit and the Sonor AQX 20" Studio complete kit.

• Tight on room? See the compact Sonor AQX 18" Jazz and Sonor AQX 14" Micro shell packs.

Sonor AQ1: birch shells, hardware in the box

Ready to spend a bit more for a noticeably better drum? The AQ1 steps up from poplar to 100% birch shells, and you can hear it. Birch gives a sharp, focused, punchy tone with real projection, the kind of sound that holds its own in a band. It runs the same SmartMount tom suspension and TuneSafe lugs you will find much further up the Sonor range, so it is far better built than the price suggests.

Best of all, it comes with a full 5-piece 2000 Series hardware set and a double tom holder, so it is gig-ready straight away. It does not include cymbals, so factor those in, and we are happy to sort you a starter cymbal pack to match. You can have it as the 22 inch Stage or the 20 inch Studio, in finishes including Piano Black, Piano White and the lovely Caribbean Blue.

This is the one for the beginner who already knows they are hooked and wants a drum that sounds the part, as long as you do not mind adding cymbals.

• See the Sonor AQ1 22" kit in Caribbean Blue at £1,095, or the AQ1 20" Studio in Piano Black and Piano White.

Sonor AQ2: the all-maple step up

This is where things get serious. The AQ2 is built from 7-ply all-maple shells, and maple is the classic choice for proper kits for good reason: it is warm, resonant and genuinely musical, it responds to how you play, and it records a treat. SmartMount and TuneSafe run right through it.

Its other trick is choice. The AQ2 comes in five configurations, each built around a different bass drum: the 22 inch Stage, 20 inch Studio, 18 inch Bop, 16 inch Safari and 14 inch Martini. So you can match it to your room and the music you love. It is sold as a shell pack, which means no cymbals, although we usually pair it with a hardware pack as a bundle to keep things simple. 

If you, or your budding drummer, are in this for the long haul, the AQ2 is a kit to grow into rather than replace.

• See the Sonor AQ2 20" Studio in White Pearl with hardware, or the AQ2 22" Stage in Transparent Stain Black.

Sonor AQ2 Safari: maple in a small space

Short on space? Meet the Safari, the AQ2's compact little sibling. It is built around a 16 by 15 inch bass drum, with a 10 by 7 inch tom, a 13 by 12 inch floor tom and a 13 by 6 inch snare, and a bass-mounted holder to keep the whole thing tidy. You get all the warmth and easy tuning of maple in a kit that happily lives in a small bedroom, a rehearsal room, or the boot of the car.

It is a shell pack, so no hardware or cymbals, but because it is part of the AQ2 family it shares the same shells and fittings as the full-size kits. In other words, it is a proper maple kit, not a toy that has been shrunk down.

Perfect for a teenager's bedroom, a tight rehearsal space, or anyone who wants a real kit without giving up half the room.

• See the Sonor AQ2 16" Safari in White Pearl.

So, which one should you get?

If you twisted our arm:

• A first kit, especially for a child: the AQX Complete, every time. Hardware and cymbals included, so all you add is sticks and a stool.

• A better-sounding first kit, happy to buy cymbals: the AQ1, with its birch shells and gig-ready hardware.

• A kit to grow into: the all-maple AQ2, which sounds the part and comes in five sizes.

• Tight on space: the compact AQ2 Safari, real maple warmth that fits almost anywhere.

Still scratching your head? That is exactly what we are here for. Give us a call on 01329 834012, drop us a message, or better still pop into the showroom and have a play. We are drummers too, and we would much rather help you walk away with the right kit than the dearest one. You can also browse the full Sonor beginner drum kits range whenever you like.

One upgrade that takes any of these kits up a level

Here is a tip we share with almost every beginner once the new-kit excitement has settled. The quickest and cheapest way to make any of these kits sound dramatically better is to change the heads. The shells are great, but the heads fitted on entry kits are the weak link, and a decent set transforms the sound for not a lot of money. This is the single biggest upgrade you can make to the AQX, and it lifts the AQ1 and AQ2 too.

On the toms, a set of two-ply heads like the Evans G2 or Remo Emperors. Two plies give you a fatter, fuller, more controlled tone with far less of the uncontrolled ring you get from thin stock heads, and they stand up to a learner's enthusiasm a lot longer. Most of these kits take one of two packs:

• 22 inch kits (10, 12 and 16 inch toms): a G2 Rock pack. See the Evans G2 Rock pack.

• 20 inch kits (10, 12 and 14 inch toms): a G2 Fusion pack. See the Evans G2 Fusion pack, coated or clear.

Coated or clear comes down to taste. Clear heads give you a bit more attack and cut, coated heads are warmer with a touch more control. Every pack comes in both, so if you fancy a clear Rock pack or a coated set for a 22, just ask and we will sort it. (Compact kits like the Safari use a 10 and a 13, which is not a standard pack, so grab those as singles)

On the kick, an Evans EMAD. This is the one that makes people grin. The EMAD comes with two clip-in foam damping rings, so you can dial in exactly how much punch and thump you want without ever reaching inside the drum, and it turns a boxy stock kick into one that genuinely dominates. Match it to your bass drum:

• 22 inch: Evans EMAD 22"

• 20 inch: Evans EMAD 20"

• 18 inch Bop: Evans EMAD 18"

• 16 inch Safari: Evans EMAD 16"

A G2 pack on the toms and an EMAD on the kick is a small spend that punches well above its weight, and it is the first thing we would do to any of these kits.

After the heads, think about cymbals. Cymbals are where you will hear the next big jump. The B8 cymbals on the AQX Complete are perfectly good to learn on, but stepping up is one of the most satisfying upgrades there is, and the most personal too, because every cymbal sounds different. Rather than rush it, have a read of our Beginner Cymbal Buyer's Guide for what to listen for, and when you are ready, come and try some in The Cymbal Loft, our dedicated cymbal room and the largest cymbal showroom in the country. You can play them next to a kit like yours before you spend a penny.

Frequently asked questions

Do Sonor beginner kits come with cymbals and hardware? It depends on the kit. The AQX Complete kits give you hardware and a set of B8 cymbals. The AQ1 comes with hardware but no cymbals. The AQ2 and the Safari are shell packs, so you add hardware and cymbals separately, though we usually bundle a hardware pack with the AQ2. Whatever you are looking at, we list exactly what is included on the product page.

What size bass drum should a beginner get? A 22 inch gives you a fuller, deeper sound and suits rock and pop. A 20 inch is a great all-rounder. A 16 or 18 inch, like the Safari and Bop, is the one for small rooms and for carrying about.

Is a 4-piece or 5-piece kit better for a beginner? Either is fine, and the difference is really just one tom. A 5-piece (two rack toms and a floor tom) gives you a bit more to move around and is the most common setup especially if you are looking to sit drum, grades, which is why most of these Sonor kits are 5-piece. A 4-piece (one rack tom and a floor tom), like the compact AQX and AQ2 Safari kits, is simpler, takes up less space. For a first full-size kit we usually suggest a 5-piece; for a small room or for the sake of mobility, a 4-piece is a great shout.

Are Sonor drums any good for beginners? Very. Sonor's beginner kits use the same lug and tom-mounting design as their high-end ranges, so the build quality is excellent for the money and they hold their tuning nicely.

Is the Sonor AQ1 birch or maple? The AQ1 is 100% birch, which gives that bright, focused, punchy tone. The step-up AQ2 is maple, which is warmer and more resonant.

Should I change the heads on a brand new kit? You do not have to, but it is the best-value upgrade going. The shells on these Sonor kits are great; the stock heads are the weak link. A set of two-ply Evans G2 heads on the toms and an EMAD on the kick will transform any of them, the AQX especially, for not a lot of money. See the upgrade section above for the right pack and size.

Should a beginner go acoustic or electronic? Acoustic kits feel and sound like the real thing and are brilliant value. Electronic kits are quieter, which helps if noise is a worry.

Why buy from Graham Russell Drums?

We are the UK's largest drum store, and we are a team of professional working drummers, so the person you speak to actually plays. Our 5000 square foot showroom in Fareham spreads across two floors and has been called drum heaven by the drummers who visit, and it is home to The Cymbal Loft, the largest cymbal showroom in the country, where you can try before you buy. Come and see, hear and play any of these kits before you commit. We offer next day delivery on orders placed before 2pm, an easy returns policy, and finance so you can spread the cost.

Written by Joel Smith 

I have been part of Graham Russell Drums since I was 15 in 2019 and now work here full-time. Starting on the shop floor, I have built and tuned hundreds and hundreds of drum kits across every price point and playing style, advised everyone from families buying a first kit to international touring drummers, and had my knowledge sharpened further by years of in-store clinics and masterclasses with some of the world's finest players. The advice here comes from that experience, not a spec sheet.