We have now added Canopus to our line of drum companies we endorse. The Canopus team has a reputation for building a fine product and their recent strategy to focus on jazz players fits nicely with the profile of our shop. Of course, we don't carry a line unless we feel that the product is of high quality. We've examined the Canopus line and we're very pleased with what we see. The drums are crafted with great care, and they sound terrific.

BOP KIT AND CLUB KIT: Shells are 100% American maple and the size of the reinforcement rings is tailored for each size drum in order to allow maximum performance and ideal sound. Their new Bop Kit has traditional sizes (8x12, 14x14, 14x18), and the ultra small Club Kit has a 7x10 tom, 12x13 floor tom and a 12x15 bass drum. We've long been proponents of these smaller sized kits if they deliver professional sound and quality, both of which are very evident here.

NEW V60 SERIES: Canopus has also developed the new V60 series. This series was designed to replicate the great vintage drum sound of the 60s. The shells for the V60 series are a combination of maple and poplar. This shell material combination was very popular in the 60s and helped define the unique sound of the drums of that era. The toms are typically 6 ply and the bass drums 10 ply with no reinforcement rings. In addition, the toms have a bearing edge that is more rounded on the outside and the toms also have die cast hoops which adds to the authenticity of the 60s era sound. The bass drum bearing edge is sharper which provides more focused pitch to the drum and balances it nicely with the toms. All of the Canopus line impresses me on many levels, including the great sound and great build quality. But, one item especially noteworthy is the fact that they have created a drumset that is extraordinarily consistent and complimentary across all the drums in the set. The Canopus sets are extremely well balanced in terms of sound across all of the drums. They are a true joy to play.

BIRCH: The Canopus birch drums have a superbly focused tone with added warmth. Great drums.

MAHOGANY: The new Canopus mahogany series is terrific. Mahogany is known for its low fundamental pitch and warmth of tone. These drums are no exception. If you were to compare the sound of the Canopus mahogany drums to the great 50s-60's sets from Slingerland and Ludwig, you'd be pretty near the mark. 

HARDWARE: Canopus has also developed a superb light weight hardware line. The snare stand and floor cymbal stand are flat based. All of these stands are super light and extremely well made. These are the lightest stands I have ever handled, yet they are extremely sturdy. Several items in the Canopus line are stocked in their warehouse in California for immediate delivery. Items not stocked there can be special ordered with all special orders currently arriving in 8 weeks. Stop in and experience the Canopus line for yourself.

Hear Steve with a 12/14/18 Canopus Bop kit with Zelkova snare. CLICK HERE

Hear the Zelkova solid shell 5x14 snare: CLICK HERE.

Hear Steve on the V60 12/14/18/5x14 kit: CLICK HERE