Sonor have been building exceptional drums in Germany since 1875 - over 150 years of engineering excellence that shows in every kit they produce. But with a range that spans from the entry-level AQX all the way to the bespoke SQ2 custom shop, choosing the right Sonor drum kit can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down every range in plain English, so you can find the right kit for your playing level, style, and budget.
Into Music Store is an authorised Sonor dealer in Horncastle, Lincolnshire, stocking the full Sonor drum kit range both online and in our showroom. If you'd like to try any of these kits in person, you're welcome to visit us - or call our team for expert advice.
Sonor AQX - The Best Way to Start
The Sonor AQX is Sonor's entry-level kit - and it's a strong one. Available in Stage and Studio configurations complete with cymbals and hardware, the AQX gives beginners everything they need to start playing straight out of the box. The ultra-compact 14" Micro Shell Pack is also available for drummers who need maximum portability. If you're buying your first drum kit and want a complete, reliable setup from a brand with genuine heritage, the AQX is an excellent starting point.
Best for: Beginners, younger players, drummers on a budget who don't want to compromise on brand quality.
Sonor AQ1 - A Step Up in Shell Quality
The Sonor AQ1 uses a poplar/maple hybrid shell - a meaningful step up from the AQX in terms of tonal quality and resonance. Available in Studio configurations including the Limited Edition Satin Black, the AQ1 is a solid choice for drummers who are progressing beyond their first kit and want something that will grow with them.
Best for: Developing players ready to step up from a beginner kit.
Sonor AQ2 - Professional Maple at a Mid-Range Price
The Sonor AQ2 is where things get seriously impressive. A professional-grade maple shell at a mid-range price point, the AQ2 is available in 5pc standard, 18" Bop, and 16" Safari configurations - plus the special 150th Anniversary Limited Edition. The maple shell delivers a warm, open, versatile tone that works across virtually any style. This is one of the best-value professional maple kits on the market.
Best for: Intermediate to advanced players who want a genuine maple shell without a professional price tag.
Sonor SQ1 - Premium Hardware, Premium Feel
The Sonor SQ1 steps up in both shell quality and hardware specification. Available in 20" and 22" 3pc configurations in GT Black and Cruiser Blue, the SQ1 is a premium maple shell with Sonor's renowned precision hardware throughout. If you've played an SQ1, you'll immediately notice the difference in feel, tuning stability, and overall quality. This is a serious professional kit at a price that remains accessible.
Best for: Advanced players and working drummers who want professional quality without the SQ2 price point.
Sonor Vintage - Warm, Open, and Timeless
The Sonor Vintage series is a vintage-inspired maple kit with a warm, open tone and classic aesthetics. Available in 20" and 22" configurations across a range of finishes including California Blue, Rosewood, Vintage Pearl, and Vintage Silver Glitter - with free snare drum included on selected models. If you're drawn to the sound and look of classic vintage drums but want modern reliability and consistency, the Sonor Vintage is the answer.
Best for: Jazz drummers, vintage enthusiasts, and players who prioritise a warm, musical tone over raw projection.
Sonor Prolite - Professional Tone, Reduced Weight
The Sonor Prolite is a lightweight professional maple shell designed for touring drummers who need exceptional tone without the weight. If you're regularly loading in and out of venues, the Prolite's reduced weight makes a genuine difference over the course of a tour - without any compromise in sound quality.
Best for: Touring and gigging drummers who need a professional kit that's easier to transport.
Sonor SQ2 - The Custom Shop
The Sonor SQ2 is Sonor's bespoke custom shop - a fully configurable drum kit individually built to order in your choice of shell material (maple, birch, beech, and more), sizes, and finish. Every SQ2 is unique. If you want the absolute pinnacle of Sonor's production - a kit built specifically for you - the SQ2 is the answer. Get in touch with our team at Into Music Store to discuss a custom SQ2 configuration.
Best for: Professional drummers and serious enthusiasts who want a bespoke instrument built to their exact specification.
Which Sonor Drum Kit Should You Buy?
Here's a quick summary to help you decide:
- Just starting out? → Sonor AQX
- Ready to step up from your first kit? → Sonor AQ1
- Want a professional maple shell without breaking the bank? → Sonor AQ2
- Want premium hardware and feel? → Sonor SQ1
- Love a warm, vintage tone? → Sonor Vintage
- Touring and need to travel light? → Sonor Prolite
- Want a bespoke kit built to your spec? → Sonor SQ2
Try Sonor Drum Kits In Person - Into Music Store, Lincolnshire
Into Music Store is an authorised Sonor dealer in Horncastle, Lincolnshire - one of the UK's leading independent drum shops. We stock the full Sonor drum kit range in our showroom, and you're welcome to come in and try any of these kits in person before you buy. Our team of experienced drummers are on hand to help you compare models, discuss shell materials and configurations, and find the right Sonor kit for your playing style and budget.
UK next day delivery is available on all Sonor drum kits. Browse the full Sonor drum kit range here.