S Classix

[tcbetka]

Probably the nicest-sounding set of drums I ever had was a used set of S Classix that I got from Shane at DCP, about 10-11 years ago. It was a 22/10/12/14/16 kit and the floor toms were absolutely to die for! I always thought that those shells were basically the SQ2 shells, but with less expensive hardware and fewer choices in terms of depths. Unlike the current SQ1 shells which seem to fit between thicknesses in the SQ2 line, the S Classix shells seemed to be either 5 or 6mm, I can't recall for sure. Also, the SQ1 configuration seems to be of thicker plies in the alternating pattern shown in the construction video Sonor released.

But man, I should never have gotten rid of that S Classix kit. How many times have you heard that before? LOL... Good news though that the Vintage series kit I just bought has about the same thickness of shell, just with a different edge. I can't wait to start playing this new (to me) kit.

[Jules]

Welcome, Tom! The Vintage is certainly something else. I couldn't have been less interested for the first several years, either. The "Vintage" thing wasn't me, and I never really aspired to have one until I got a really crazy deal on n open box kit. I ended up flipping it since I had my preferred sizes in the SQ1 and didn't need 2 kits. But, I am freshly back to a Vintage series and am loving it!

Do you have pics of your S Classix?

[tcbetka]

Yeah, I think there are some on my Facebook page, from years ago. I'll look around...

[tcbetka]

[tcbetka]

I also had a set of heavy beech SQ2 shells as well, which is why I sold the S Classix. Sorry--the lighting wasn't too good in those shots, but they're the only ones I have. I sold both those kits like 6-7 years ago.

[Jules]

Great looking gear!

[tcbetka]

Thanks. Should never have sold the S Classix--which was an accident in buying, to be honest. After I'd ordered the heavy beech, I happened to be talking to Shane one day and lamenting how long the wait would be. He had just taken in this S Classix kit, and it was all taped to hell with gaffers tape--but he offered it to me for less than $2k I think. As I recall it was like $1800, so I took it just to have something to play (was selling the Craviotto kit I had right then). Got the drums, cleaned off all the gaffer tape adhesive, and changed the heads....BAM! Instant incredible kit! Should have just canceled the heavy beech order right then and there, and just stayed with the S Classix. I think they had the same Scandanavian birch shells that the SQ2 kit could be configured with--but obviously the SQ2 hardware was much better. Just amazing floor tom(s) sound! The rack toms could maybe have been slightly thicker, but overall the kit was amazing for that money.

[Frank Godiva]

What’s the difference between the SClassix and the current SQ1 series?

[tcbetka]

The SQ1 shells are thicker (7mm vs 5mm/6mm, as I recall), and the S Classix were advertised as "Scandinavian" birch, while the SQ1 are "European" birch I think is how they put it? I found an old catalog on the Sonor museum website, and that's what I remember from reading through it. The S Classix shells came in slightly different thicknesses for different drums, and I think it was either 5mm or 6mm? I forget exactly, but the SQ1 are 7mm shells--but not Scandinavian birch. Also looks to me (from the SQ1 construction video/factor tour) that the ply configuration is different too--the SQ1 are two 3mm plies, with a 1mm in the center. The S Classix shell plies were consistent in terms of the thickness of each ply.

Basically, as far as I could tell, the S Classix was an SQ2 thin shell with less expensive hardware, offered in limited finishes and sizes. So in that sense the SQ1 is similar--limited finishes and sizes (depths). But the shells appear to me to be significantly different--and I don't think I would like the SQ1, after loving the S Classix shells.

[Jules]

Isolation in the mount and brackets are much different, as well. And the finish options are a world apart.