Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $4,346

High-end/Boutique

$999

$2500+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Sonor SQ2 Drum Kit". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Sonor SQ2 Drum Kit is where precision meets passion, offering an unparalleled drumming experience. Crafted with over 140 years of expertise, this kit is the epitome of Sonor's dedication to superior sound and craftsmanship. Each Vintage Maple shell undergoes meticulous hand sanding and finishing, ensuring a custom quality that both the eyes and ears will appreciate. The shells are enhanced with reinforcement rings that echo a vintage charm, while the White Marine Pearl wraps add a nostalgic touch reminiscent of the 1960s.

The kit's tone-maximizing hardware includes the innovative T.A.R. (Total Acoustic Resonance) tom mounts and the Advanced Projection System (APS) grommets, which minimize wood-on-metal contact to prevent any unwanted rattling or tone leach. This attention to detail guarantees a sound that is both rich and resonant. The TuneSafe lugs offer stability, ensuring your tuning remains consistent, even through the most intense sessions.

Whether you’re recording in the studio or performing live, the Sonor SQ2's tonal balance and dynamic range, aided by the 2.3mm Power Hoops, make it an exceptional choice for drummers seeking both reliability and versatility. Discover the perfect harmony of vintage aesthetics and modern innovation with this beautifully crafted drum kit.

Key Features:

  • Vintage Maple shells with warm, balanced tones
  • Hand lacquered and finished for custom quality
  • 2.3mm Power Hoops for a full, dynamic sound
  • Advanced APS grommets to eliminate metal-on-wood contact
  • T.A.R. tom mounts for enhanced resonance
  • Performance-stable TuneSafe lugs for consistent tuning
  • AcoustiGate feature for adjustable shell sustain
  • Includes Remo USA drumheads
  • Shell sizes: 7"x10" and 8"x12" toms, 15"x16" floor tom, 17"x22" bass drum

Product specs

Bass drum(s) 22x18"
Tom(s) 12x10"
Floor tom(s) 14x14" & 16x16"
Snare 14x6"
Total pieces 5
Shell material Beechwood
Drum Shell Finish Elder Tree Vintage
Lugs TuneSafe
Mounts T.A.R.

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the Sonor SQ2 Drum Kit and how does it affect the sound?

The Sonor SQ2 Drum Kit uses premium German beechwood, which provides warm, balanced, and full tones, making it suitable for a wide range of musical styles.

What is the Total Acoustic Resonance (T.A.R.) system in the Sonor SQ2 Drum Kit?

The Total Acoustic Resonance (T.A.R.) system in the Sonor SQ2 Drum Kit ensures unmatched resonance by minimizing the contact between the shell and mounting hardware, allowing the drum to vibrate freely.

How does the TuneSafe system benefit the Sonor SQ2 Drum Kit?

The TuneSafe system in the Sonor SQ2 Drum Kit prevents detuning under extreme conditions, ensuring that the drums maintain their tuning stability during performances and rehearsals.

What are the dimensions of the bass drum in the Sonor SQ2 Drum Kit?

The bass drum in the Sonor SQ2 Drum Kit measures 22x18 inches, providing a deep and powerful low-end sound.

Is the Sonor SQ2 Drum Kit suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Sonor SQ2 Drum Kit is ideal for live performances, thanks to its handcrafted shells, advanced projection system, and durable TuneSafe lugs, which offer powerful sustain and tuning stability.

Lone Star Percussion

Lone Star Percussion

Sonor SQ2 Beech Drum Set Shell Pack with American Walnut and Ebony Veneer

Video thumbnail for Sonor SQ2 Beech Drum Set Shell Pack with American Walnut and Ebony Veneer by Lone Star Percussion

Sonor SQ2 Beech Drum Set Shell Pack with American Walnut and Ebony Veneer

Lone Star Percussion

Lone Star Percussion

Video thumbnail for The ULTIMATE Sonor SQ2 Drum Set Comparison - Part 1 by Drum Center of Portsmouth

The ULTIMATE Sonor SQ2 Drum Set Comparison - Part 1

Drum Center of Portsmouth

Drum Center of Portsmouth

Video thumbnail for Sonor SQ2 Birch - IMPROVISED DEMO - High Gloss African Marble & Scandinavian Birch - Aaron Holler by Aaron Holler

Sonor SQ2 Birch - IMPROVISED DEMO - High Gloss African Marble & Scandinavian Birch - Aaron Holler

Aaron Holler

Aaron Holler

Video thumbnail for The Ultimate Sonor SQ2 Drums Comparison | Part 2 by Drum Center of Portsmouth

The Ultimate Sonor SQ2 Drums Comparison | Part 2

Drum Center of Portsmouth

Drum Center of Portsmouth

Video thumbnail for Sonor SQ2 Series Maple Drum Set 18/12/14 - African Marble Semi Gloss by Memphis Drum Shop

Sonor SQ2 Series Maple Drum Set 18/12/14 - African Marble Semi Gloss

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Sonor SQ2 Thin Beech Shells in Gloss White by MrNickDrummer

Sonor SQ2 Thin Beech Shells in Gloss White

MrNickDrummer

MrNickDrummer

Video thumbnail for Sonor SQ2 Medium Maple Drum Set by West Coast Drum Shop

Sonor SQ2 Medium Maple Drum Set

West Coast Drum Shop

West Coast Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for SONOR SQ2 Medium Beech Drum Set - High Gloss Brown Walnut Burst by Steve Maxwell Drums

SONOR SQ2 Medium Beech Drum Set - High Gloss Brown Walnut Burst

Steve Maxwell Drums

Steve Maxwell Drums

Video thumbnail for Sonor 5-Piece Beech/Bubinga SQ2 Drum Kit in Walnut Root by Rubix Drums

Sonor 5-Piece Beech/Bubinga SQ2 Drum Kit in Walnut Root

Rubix Drums

Rubix Drums

Video thumbnail for Sonor SQ2 Vintage Maple Drum Kit - High Gloss Pastel Green by Steve Maxwell Drums

Sonor SQ2 Vintage Maple Drum Kit - High Gloss Pastel Green

Steve Maxwell Drums

Steve Maxwell Drums

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sonor SQ2 Drum Kit.

Build quality

  • Custom hybrid bearing edges with rounded batter side and 45-degree reso side enhance sound versatility.

    Source
  • Owners highlight variations in shell thickness: 8” and 10” toms are about 9-ply, 12” is medium, and floor toms are thin, all constructed from birch.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Comes standard with REMO heads, including a Coated PowerStroke3 and Fiberskyn with Sonor logo.

    Source
  • Owner confirmed a rare configuration with both 22” and 18” kick drums, indicating customization options within the SQ2 lineup.

    Source
  • It's noted that Sonor shells are slightly smaller than those of other major drum companies, a design choice rather than a quality compromise.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Vintage Marine Pearl wrap over vintage beech shells, 4mm thick with 2mm reinforcement rings, noted for durability.

    Source

User experience

  • Transitioning from Sonor Ascent to SQ2 is described as a significant upgrade in sound and build quality.

    Source
  • Photos often fail to capture the true beauty of the Sonor SQ2 kits, as noted by those who've seen them in person.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Described as a "creative-kit-for-life," indicating long-term satisfaction and suitability for diverse musical styles.

    Source
  • The SQ2's diverse shell configurations allow for tailored sound dynamics, appealing to enthusiasts seeking specific tonal qualities.

    Source
  • Aggressive music styles like metal may not necessitate high-end kits, especially when using triggers.

    Source
  • Wrapped shells are more resilient to scratches, while lacquered shells might fare better outdoors, depending on conditions. The choice should depend on intended use.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Approximately $6,000 USD, noted as a worthwhile investment for a lifetime kit.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • It's suggested to use clear batter heads over coated resonant heads for a controlled sound and better visibility inside the shells.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Sonor SQ1 kits offer excellent quality but lack the custom finishes of the SQ2, with slightly smaller shells by design, not quality.

    Source
  • SQ1-level alternatives include Pearl Masters, DW Performance, and Tama Starclassic, each offering similar quality at a potentially lower cost.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Sonor SQ2 Review 2025 | Drum Helper

drumhelper.com

The Sonor SQ2 Drum Kit stands as a testament to German craftsmanship, offering unparalleled build quality and exquisite tonal beauty. With handpicked North American maple shells, the sound is balanced and dynamic, making it a top contender among high-end kits like DW Collector’s Series and Pearl Masterworks. The kit excels in studio settings and live performances, with versatile tuning and resonance. However, its premium price tag may deter beginners, and the finish options might not be to everyone's taste compared to rivals like Tama and Pearl. For professionals seeking a long-term investment, the SQ2 is a dream kit worth considering.

positive

Sonor SQ2 Kit review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Sonor SQ2 Drum Kit impresses with its luxurious design and customizable options, allowing drummers to craft their ideal kit with a vast range of shell materials, finishes, and hardware configurations. Praised for its superior craftsmanship, the SQ2 offers exceptional sound quality with a deep, resonant timbre, thanks to its birch shells. However, the kit is not without its drawbacks; the snare strainer tension knobs are noted as being somewhat fiddly. Despite this minor flaw, the kit's hefty price tag is justified by its exceptional build and personalization capabilities, making it a worthy investment for those with the budget.

positive

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Nicko McBrain uses Sonor SQ2 Drum Kit

Nicko McBrain

Drummer

Iron Maiden

...
Verified via YouTube

This is the drumkit that Nicko used for The book of souls world tour. Its a Sonor SQ2 with custom Eddie beachwood shells and golden Hardware. He explains what it is @ 0:40

See how Christoph Schneider uses Sonor SQ2 Drum Kit

Christoph Schneider

Drummer

Rammstein

...
Verified via YouTube

At the 1:45 you can see the drum finish that is exclusive for this model: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TR12QnOAzE

See how Shannon Leto uses Sonor SQ2 Drum Kit

Shannon Leto

Drummer

Thirty Seconds to Mars

...
Verified via MusicRadar

Listed on this article from 2011

See how Benny Greb uses Sonor SQ2 Drum Kit

Benny Greb

Drummer

...
Verified via Modern Drummer Magazine

in this interview with modern drummer benny states that he uses a sonor sq2 kit

See how Mikkey Dee uses Sonor SQ2 Drum Kit

Mikkey Dee

Drummer

Scorpions

...
Verified via YouTube

At 1:07 in the video titled "Mikkey Dee - Scorpions - Tour Kit Rundown" on YouTube, Mikkey Dee, the drummer for the Scorpions, demonstrates his Sonor SQ2 Drum Kit. The kit includes 10", 13", 14", 16", and 18" toms, two 22" kick drums, and a 7 1/4" x 14" snare drum.

The drums are just amazing sq2 they are so good sounding they're really really pushing it out there nice Dynamic feel on the drums sounds great really warm

See how Steve Smith (drummer) uses Sonor SQ2 Drum Kit

Steve Smith (drummer)

Drummer

Journey

...
Verified via YouTube

Shown in this video playing a white Sonor SQ2 Drum kit. Sizes are: 2 22 x 14 bass drums (medium beech) 8x7, 10x8 ,12x9 tom toms (medium maple) 14 x 14, 16 x 16, 18 x 16 floor toms (medium maple) 14 x 5.5 snare drum(medium beech) 12 x 5 snare drum (medium maple)

See how Todd Sucherman uses Sonor SQ2 Drum Kit

Todd Sucherman

Drummer

Styx

...
Verified via YouTube

Todd Sucherman, the drummer for Styx, confirmed in a video titled "Todd Sucherman and Sonor Drums in 2025" on YouTube that he is returning to Sonor drums, specifically using the Sonor SQ2 Drum Kit. He describes the kit as featuring a Heavy Beech construction with an African Marble High Gloss Outer, African Marble Semi-Gloss Inner, and 24-carat Gold Plated Fittings. The kit includes two 22 x 16 Bass Drums, a custom 6 x 7 Tom Tom, an 8 x 7 Tom Tom, a 10 x 8 Tom Tom, a 12 x 8 Tom Tom, 14 x 14, 16 x 16, and 18 x 16 Floor Toms, a 20 x 14 Gong Tom, and a 14 x 5.5 Snare Drum with double lugs.

See how Josh Manuel uses Sonor SQ2 Drum Kit

Josh Manuel

Drummer

Issues

...
Verified via Photo

Josh Manuel has confirmed through an Instagram post that he is a Sonor artist and is currently using the Sonor SQ2 Drum Kit in a 10x8, 12x9, 16x16, 22x17 configuration. In his own words, he is "honored to be a part of such an insane artist roster" and describes the SQ2 kit as "unreal" for studio use.

See how Glenn Kotche uses Sonor SQ2 Drum Kit

Glenn Kotche

Drummer

Wilco

...
Verified via Photo

This photo shows Glenn setting up a Sonor SQ2 in the White finish

See how Jan Axel Blomberg uses Sonor SQ2 Drum Kit

Jan Axel Blomberg

Drummer

Mayhem

...
Verified via Hellhammerdrummer

everything he uses is listed on his own website

See how Murry uses Sonor SQ2 Drum Kit

Murry

Drummer, Composer

Koes Plus

...
Verified via Dennysakrie63's Blog

Murry was confirmed to be using the Sonor SQ2 Drum Kit during his last performance with Koes Plus at Balai Kartini on September 27, 2013, as noted by dennysakrie63 on their blog, "Obituari Murry (1949 – 2014)."

See how Ryan Van Poederooyen uses Sonor SQ2 Drum Kit

Ryan Van Poederooyen

Drummer

Devin Townsend Project

...
Verified

"So here it is guys, my amazingly, awesome Sonor SQ2 drum set. Sonor made this for me, it's called the 'Sonor SQ2'. It's their custom-made drum sets, the SQ2. They made me two of these, one is here in beautiful Vancouver BC for my North American touring stuff I do over here, and then I also got one in Europe, an exact duplicate of this kit. I'll start with the bass drums, they're 22x18s for the kicks, when we go to the rack toms, it's an 8x8, a 10x8, and a 12x8. And then, when we go to the floor toms, we got a 16x16, and that's a 14x14. Snare drum is a custom-made 6.5x14', so that's the drum, they sound incredible. Every time I play them live or in the studio or in rehearsal, it just sounds incredible."

Album Usage

The Sonor SQ2 Drum Kit has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Sonor SQ2 Drum Kit, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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