Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,050

Standard/Professional

$999

$2500+

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High-end

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Description

Step into a nostalgic groove with the Vox Telstar drum set, a stunning revival of the iconic 1960s Vox/Trixon kits. This set is a dream come true for vintage drum enthusiasts and modern players alike. The elliptical bass drum is a standout feature, originally designed for dual pedal use, allowing drummers to experiment with tonal variations effortlessly. The reissue embraces the classic vibe with a full birch construction for the bass drum, enhancing its resonance and depth. The toms and snare, crafted from high-quality alder, deliver a balanced tone that suits both live performances and studio sessions.

The Telstar’s aesthetic pays homage to its roots with modern Silver Croco wrapped shells and heritage Vox Ampliphonic badges, ensuring it looks as good as it sounds. The flat-base hardware, including a kick pedal, hi-hat stand, snare stand, and bass-mounted tom and cymbal arms, is not only lightweight but also adds a retro flair that complements any setup. Outfitted with Remo USA coated heads, this kit promises durability and a responsive playing experience.

Whether you're a collector looking to add a piece of music history to your arsenal or a performer seeking a unique sound, the Vox Telstar delivers with its blend of vintage charm and modern upgrades.

Key Features:

  • Inspired by the rare Vox Telstar drum kits from the 1960s
  • Birch bass drum and alder toms/snare for rich, dynamic tones
  • Silver Croco shell wraps with heritage Vox Ampliphonic badges
  • Non-chambered elliptical bass drum for versatile sound manipulation
  • Full set of flat-base retro hardware included
  • Outfitted with Remo USA coated heads for enhanced durability
rdavidr

rdavidr

VOX TELSTAR - The WEIRDEST Bass Drum You've Ever Seen!

Video thumbnail for VOX TELSTAR - The WEIRDEST Bass Drum You've Ever Seen! by rdavidr

VOX TELSTAR - The WEIRDEST Bass Drum You've Ever Seen!

rdavidr

rdavidr

Video thumbnail for This Vox Drum Kit is NUTS! by 66Samus

This Vox Drum Kit is NUTS!

66Samus

66Samus

Video thumbnail for A Closer Look at the Vox Telstar by rdavidr

A Closer Look at the Vox Telstar

rdavidr

rdavidr

Video thumbnail for Vox Telstar Drum Set Demo by Sweetwater

Vox Telstar Drum Set Demo

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Vox Telstar.

Features and functionality

  • The bass drum can be tuned with uneven tension, allowing for unique sound variations by cranking one side tighter and leaving the other looser.

    Source
  • The original design included a wooden baffle dividing the kick drum, offering distinct sounds on each side, though this feature isn't present in the reissue.

    Source
  • Unlike the original, the reissue's bass drum shape is purely aesthetic, missing the functional aspects that added value to the vintage design.

    Source
  • The flat bottom hi-hat and snare stands are praised for their retro appeal, mimicking 60s drum kits.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Replacement bass drum heads for this model are challenging to find and may cost around $250, with Remo being a potential supplier for custom orders.

    Source

User experience

  • The kit is compact, making it suitable for smaller spaces despite its unconventional shape.

    Source
  • Owners find the bass drum head replacement difficult, with costs potentially reaching $240 to $300.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The kit was purchased at a steep discount of $1,700 off, totaling $399, suggesting potential deals exist for those who search.

    Source
  • Some collectors express concern over potential devaluation, suggesting that maintaining these drums in good condition is crucial for preserving their novelty value.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The design allows for dual kick pedal setup, theoretically offering two different kick sounds from one drum.

    Source
  • Some drummers find the unconventional shape appealing for studio use, potentially reducing standing waves.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners consider adding a custom wrap to enhance the kit’s visual appeal, matching its quirky design.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Original Trixon models are noted for superior stands and pedals, unlike the reissue's cheaper construction, which disappoints some enthusiasts seeking classic features.

    Source
  • The original Trixon 'Speedfire' kit featured a baffle for two distinct bass drum sounds, a feature absent in the reissue.

    Source

Build quality

  • The reissue lacks innovative elements like the Trixon snare strainer, highlighting the original's unique engineering that included a dual-side snare wire lowering mechanism.

    Source
  • The reissue's hardware, like the tom rack and cymbal stand, is described as flimsy compared to the original Trixon models.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Review: Vox Telstar drum kit | Jazzwise

jazzwise.com

The Vox Telstar drum kit makes a nostalgic return, boasting a unique elliptical bass drum and a visually striking design that pays homage to its 1960s roots. While the craftsmanship impresses, particularly the use of Russian birch for enhanced resonance, the kit’s quirky shape may not appeal to all drummers looking for conventional sound. Additionally, the price tag of around £1,999 raises questions about its value relative to more established competitors. Ultimately, while the Telstar is a fascinating blend of retro aesthetics and modern tech, its ability to capture the hearts of today’s drummers remains uncertain.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Matt Helders uses Vox Telstar

Matt Helders

Singer, Drummer

Arctic Monkeys

...
Verified via YouTube

In this music video by the Arctic Monkeys you can clearly see Matt Helders playing red vox telstar drum kit at 4:20. Also you can see exactly this kit at 2:13 in the same video

See how David Raouf (rdavidr) uses Vox Telstar

David Raouf (rdavidr)

Drummer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video David reviews the vox telstar kit.

See how James Brown uses Vox Telstar

James Brown

Singer

James Brown & The Famous Flames

...
Verified via Photo

James Brown is confirmed to use the Vox Telstar, as evidenced by Clyde Stubblefield's performance during the 1968 Boston Garden Concert, shown in the source image.

See how Yuna Matsui uses Vox Telstar

Yuna Matsui

Drummer

Hitsujibungaku

...
Verified via ドラマガWeb |

In an article on ドラマガWeb, Yuna Matsui discusses her experience with the Vox Telstar drum kit, highlighting its features and her usage of it in performances.

Album Usage

The Vox Telstar 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.

1 alternative for Vox Telstar, curated by the Equipboard community.

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