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Sonor AQ2 Drum Kits - 100% Maple Shells, Four Configurations

The Sonor AQ2 is where maple shells enter the Sonor range. A significant step up from the AQ1, the AQ2 uses 100% maple shells across all configurations - delivering a warm, resonant, naturally musical tone that suits studio recording, gigging, and all-round playing. Available in four distinct configurations to suit every playing context and space requirement.

AQ2 Standard - 20" and 22" Shell Packs

The core AQ2 range is available in 20" and 22" bass drum configurations across Titanium Quartz, White Pearl, Transparent Stain Black, and Brown Burst finishes. The Titanium Quartz and Transparent Stain Black are particularly striking - the stain finishes allow the maple grain to show through for a more premium aesthetic.

AQ2 Bop - 18" Jazz Configuration

The AQ2 Bop brings maple shells to a compact 18" bass drum setup - ideal for jazz, smaller venues, and gigging drummers who need a portable professional-quality kit. Available in Titanium Quartz, White Pearl, Stain Black, Brown Fade, and Aqua Silver Burst.

AQ2 Safari - 16" Ultra-Compact Shell Pack

The AQ2 Safari is a 4-piece shell pack built around a 16" bass drum - the most compact maple shell kit in the Sonor range. Available in White Pearl and Stain Black.

150th Anniversary Limited Edition

The Sonor 150th Anniversary Limited Edition AQ2 is a special commemorative set celebrating Sonor's 150 years of drum making - a collector's piece with unique finish and presentation.

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Step back to the Sonor AQ1 or step up to the Sonor SQ2 professional range. View all Sonor drum kits.

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Sonor AQ2 Drum Kits - Buyer's Guide

The Sonor AQ2 is the point in the Sonor range where the shell material makes a genuinely audible difference. The AQ1 uses poplar/basswood shells - perfectly adequate for learning and practice, but not a professional shell material. The AQ2's 100% maple shells produce a warmer, more resonant, more naturally musical tone that responds better to dynamics, records more effectively, and improves with playing over time. For players who are serious about their sound, the AQ2 is the natural next step.

The range of configurations available within the AQ2 is one of its strongest points. The standard 20" and 22" shell packs cover the most common playing contexts. The Bop's 18" bass drum is a popular choice among jazz players and gigging drummers who need a portable kit without sacrificing shell quality - and the AQ2 Bop's maple shells make it a genuinely capable jazz instrument. The Safari's 16" bass drum is the most compact maple shell kit Sonor produces, suited to practice rooms, apartments, and players who need the absolute minimum footprint.

The stain finishes - Transparent Stain Black, Brown Burst, Brown Fade, and Aqua Silver Burst - are worth highlighting. Unlike wrap or lacquer finishes, stain finishes allow the natural maple grain to show through, giving the AQ2 a more premium, organic aesthetic that is unusual at this price point.

All AQ2 kits are shell packs - cymbals and hardware are not included. If you're looking for Sonor drum kits for sale in the UK and want to try the AQ2 in person, you're welcome to visit our drum store in Horncastle, Lincolnshire. Next day UK delivery is available on all orders.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Sonor AQ2 uses 100% maple shells throughout the range. Maple is the benchmark professional shell material, producing a warm, resonant, naturally musical tone that suits studio recording, gigging, and all-round playing. It's a significant step up from the poplar/basswood shells used in the AQ1.
The AQ2 is available in four configurations - standard 5pc shell packs with 20" or 22" bass drum, the Bop with an 18" bass drum for jazz and smaller venues, the Safari with a 16" bass drum for the most compact possible footprint, and a 150th Anniversary Limited Edition commemorative set.
No - the Sonor AQ2 is sold as a shell pack, which includes the drum shells only. Cymbals, hardware stands, a bass drum pedal, and a drum throne are not included. If you want hardware included, the Sonor AQ1 is available with stands and pedal as part of the package.
The AQ2 Bop is a compact shell pack built around an 18" bass drum, designed for jazz players, session drummers, and gigging musicians who need a portable kit without sacrificing shell quality. The maple shells produce a warm, focused tone that is particularly well suited to jazz and acoustic performance contexts.
The 150th Anniversary Limited Edition AQ2 is a special commemorative set celebrating Sonor's 150 years of drum making since 1875. It features a unique finish and presentation, making it a collector's piece as well as a fully playable professional instrument.
Yes - you're welcome to visit our drum store in Horncastle, Lincolnshire to try the AQ2 in person and compare it against the AQ1 and SQ2 ranges. Hearing the difference that maple shells make compared to the AQ1 is the best way to understand the upgrade. Next day UK delivery is available for those shopping online.