Discussion... Were slotted rods holding Sonor back?

[Jules]

I know that over the years the slotted rod topic had been worn thin. But instead of debating over which one is better, this conversation is intended (we will see where it goes) to discuss why Sonor abandoned something that seemed to be a big part of its identity. Though, I am opening the discussion to WHY they did it instead of should have they have done it, open (respectful, factual discussion) is welcome.

Several companies over the years had used slotted rods so they were never a Sonor exclusive item. But, they were on all of Sonor's offerings well after most or all other companies had moved along to the more conventional square rods. But, the holdout didn't last forever.

From my personal perspective of years ago, slotted rods were one of the things unique about Sonor drums. At the time, I was certainly snobby about Sonor, and I probably wasn't alone. The Sonor rods were an instant identifier that these drums were REALLY different to unfamiliar drummers. Sonor's finishes were top notch, the build quality was unrivaled, but the slotted rods seemed to make their own statement. And, they were made in-house and had the nice rounded butt on the threaded shank end. Aside from the rounded end providing more of a nice finished look opposed to the sheared and threaded ends of about one else's rods; they also made it a little easier to get the rods into the lugs.

Many people cited the fact that they could tune them with a quarter if they lost their drum key as a positive. But, I can't remember a time I was caught with an untuned drum and no drum key, personally, having several of them stashed in the car, drum cases, etc. But, I guess if you carry a lone drum key, and forget or lose it; it's a practical thing to be able to tune with something other than the key. (Plot twist: I ALWAYS have a drum key on my keyring and I NEVER carry coins these days)

But, getting the spotlight back on Sonor's transition to slotted rods; I think some of us legacy Sonor owners (is that a good term to use for us that have been Sonor nuts since the 'good old days'?) felt like Sonor was becoming more generic by such a move. For me, personally, the drums with square rods did lose some snob appeal. And being more of a gear head than a drummer's drummer, it was a little bit of a sucker punch at the time.

I am still a gear head, and more-so than a player even now. But, I really get the decision to move towards the more standard rods. I am going to cite an example of something, and it's a rather random example and not intended to suggest that this was the turning point for the decision. I remember when the Artist Series was released. As a dealer I had several of the in the shop, and the Artist weight hoops (as opposed to the Hellas that had been THE die cast hoop of Sonor drums up until that point) (sic) seemed like a dilution of the Sonor snare drum to some degree. For a legacy (there's that term again: keep using it, or stop using it???) Sonor nut, these drums seemed a little too generic. Let me say that despite the lighter weight die cast hoops, these snare drums really kicked ass! And still do. Not to mention they were much heavier than anything similar from competitors.

So what, exactly was Sonor thinking when they seemingly genericized this new series of snare drums? Well, I think back to a conversation I had long ago with Rusty Martin and him talking about market share. We probably weren't talking specifically about slotted rods and I truly don't remember what sparked the conversation. But, I remember being naive and wondered why it mattered what your market share was if overall you were getting good numbers in sales and profit based on your own history? And think about THIS, when did Sonor EVER seem to try to "run with the big boys" in terms of exposure and sales? They seemingly had (and have, maybe) a cult following. But then, I think about the movie "Other People's Money" and the scene where Danny Devito is addressing the stock holders and discussing "Buggy Whips". He said that the last company that made them probably made the best damn buggy whips you ever saw, but the quickest way to go broke is to get an increasing share of a shrinking market (paraphrased). Now, I concede that this doesn't directly translate to Sonor changing tension rods, but the point is that having too narrow of a scope is detrimental.

To try to tie these things together the best I can: how many people walking into a music store or drum shop and were drawn to an Artist series snare drum, played it and took it home? Of those that did, how many of them would not have been as impressed by having to have an extra drum key? To many us old-timers, the slotted rods were part of the Sonor identity. For Sonor, they were a stumbling block. Slotted rod memory locks probably turned off many people shopping for hardware. In my opinion, if you can get new drummers exposed to Sonor because of a snare drum, or hihat stand, they will probably buy more Sonor gear in the future.

And now, after all this time, I find very convenient to have square headed rods and memory locks. However, I do find it very intriguing that the current Slotted rods are still made in Germany as are the Hella hoops! But, every time I build up something in the configurator, I always spec square headed rods. They are still Sonor drums, and built better than ever and that's good enough of an identity for the little bit of brand snobbery I suppose I will always have.

[Frank Godiva]

The appearance of square rods marked the end of the Link Era. The slotted rods were a Sonor hallmark that gave way to the new bean counters move toward multinational manufacturing to save money imho. Plain and simple.

[tcbetka]

I've had only one drum with slotted tension rods, a snare drum. I hated them, lol. Instead of every 90-degrees of rotation, the key had to be rotated 180-degrees in order to go onto the rod. It reminded me of the USB insertion dilemma where no matter what way you try to insert the thing into the port, it never seems to fit. So for me, that's one Sonor tradition that I didnt find useful. Others may feel differently of course.

[Jules]

The appearance of square rods marked the end of the Link Era. The slotted rods were a Sonor hallmark that gave way to the new bean counters move toward multinational manufacturing to save money imho. Plain and simple.

I feel like this is yet another bit of misinformation.

By your own post yesterday, you marked the end of the Link Era at about 1991. It was 11 years later (2002) when the Artist Series snare drums appeared and this was the first lines of professional Sonor drums to be equipped with square rods. This was also the ONLY series of German drums not to have square rods for another 5 or 6 years after that, when the Delite and S Classix series were transitioned to square rods in 2007.

If the Artist Series snare drums were positioned to be "cheap" the would have used 10 double lugs instead of 20 single lugs and not plated in premium platings (in several cases). I think they were a test bed for trying to attract new customers who may have been put off by slotted rods, and it must have worked, because in 2007(ish), 16 years after the end of the Link era, they moved the rest of the professional series (S Classix and Delite) over to square lugs AND the Artist series was/is so successful that the line and most of the models within the line are still in production 23 years later.

[Frank Godiva]

The appearance of square rods marked the end of the Link Era. The slotted rods were a Sonor hallmark that gave way to the new bean counters move toward multinational manufacturing to save money imho. Plain and simple.

I feel like this is yet another bit of misinformation.

By your own post yesterday, you marked the end of the Link Era at about 1991. It was 11 years later (2002) when the Artist Series snare drums appeared and this was the first lines of professional Sonor drums to be equipped with square rods. This was also the ONLY series of German drums not to have square rods for another 5 or 6 years after that, when the Delite and S Classix series were transitioned to square rods in 2007.

If the Artist Series snare drums were positioned to be "cheap" the would have used 10 double lugs instead of 20 single lugs and not plated in premium platings (in several cases). I think they were a test bed for trying to attract new customers who may have been put off by slotted rods, and it must have worked, because in 2007(ish), 16 years after the end of the Link era, they moved the rest of the professional series (S Classix and Delite) over to square lugs AND the Artist series was/is so successful that the line and most of the models within the line are still in production 23 years later.

It’s my opinion and therefore not fact or gospel.

The slotted lugs were part of the legendary dna imho.

Moving to square rods makes Sonor more generic and less unique. My opinion.

The slotted rods are also way more user friendly as you said above; you can use your car keys if you forgot your drum key. You forget your square drum key and your SOL. What a good altnative if you don’t have a square drum key?

The slotted rods scream classy vintage Sonor in my opinion. They were the last link to the Link era. After they disappeared the drums were more like every other manufacturer. Pun intended

Didn't Steve Smith have slotted rods on his Signature snare with Phonic lugs for a touch of class and as a tie in back to the glory days?

[SonorBart]

Once again, I second Frank's assessment.

[Jules]

I don't disagree with the slotted rods being unique and sort of a signature part of their history. But, that doesn't sell drums and that's what they were up against. They needed to attract more people than were buying the gear, I would surmise.

As to the Steve Smith snare (and full shell set): yes they had slotted rods. But, I will also point out that he currently tours with Vintage series drums that do not have slotted rods.

Companies have to stay viable and sell what sells. And for those who want the extra expense of slotted rods; they still make them. Problem solved!!!

[Frank Godiva]

I don't disagree with the slotted rods being unique and sort of a signature part of their history. But, that doesn't sell drums and that's what they were up against. They needed to attract more people than were buying the gear, I would surmise.

As to the Steve Smith snare (and full shell set): yes they had slotted rods. But, I will also point out that he currently tours with Vintage series drums that do not have slotted rods.

Companies have to stay viable and sell what sells. And for those who want the extra expense of slotted rods; they still make them. Problem solved!!!

Totally agree.

So I asked AI, why did Sonor switch to square rods?

So AI says it was to reduce cost and be like every other manufacturer rather then remain uniquely Sonor. The customer drives the bus as you pointed out.

[Jules]

Here is verbatim what ChatGPT said:

Why did Sonor with to square rods?
ChatGPT said:
Sonor’s shift from slotted tension rods to square-headed rods was driven by several practical and ergonomic reasons. Here’s a detailed explanation:

1. Ease of Tuning
   Slotted rods require a drum key to engage the slot perfectly, which can be tricky if the key slips.
   Square rods provide a consistent, snug fit with the standard drum key, reducing slipping and rounding of slots.
   Drummers can apply more torque accurately, which is especially useful for high-tension tuning on snares or toms.
2. Durability
   Slotted rods can strip or deform over time, especially under high tension.
   Square rods are mechanically stronger and resist rounding, which prolongs the life of the rod and lug.
3. Consistency Across Kits
   With square rods, Sonor could standardize hardware across multiple series (Delite, Artist, S Classix).
   This made maintenance, spare parts, and upgrades simpler for dealers and drummers.
4. Modernization / Ergonomics
   Square rods are quicker to tune, especially in live or studio settings.
   They fit modern tuning tools better, allowing faster head changes.
   Sonor’s transition in 2007 was part of a broader hardware refresh that included new lugs, pedals, and stands.
5. Optional Slotted Rods
   Sonor didn’t fully abandon slotted rods; they remained available as spare parts for traditionalists.
   This allowed drummers who valued the classic aesthetic to continue using them.
   Summary:
   Sonor switched to square rods primarily for strength, tuning accuracy, and standardization, while still preserving the option for traditionalists. It was a practical upgrade rather than a stylistic one.
   If you want, I can make a side-by-side visual comparison of slotted vs. square rods showing torque, durability, and tuning efficiency. It’s really illustrative for forum posts.

[Jules]

I want to point out, too that AI draws its information from multiple places and I have gotten search results back that listed Forum Posts back where misinformation is attributed to forums where misinformed people give bad information that winds up in AI results.

I am REALLY trying to keep a higher standard here. Opinions are welcome. Bad information is not.