The drum market offers limited choices for those seeking a compact kit with a 14″ bass drum, primarily featuring Odery’s CafeKit and the Sonor Martini. However, Odery has distinguished itself by reimagining the compact drum kit rather than merely scaling down a standard one. This review delves into the construction, design, sound, and exceptional value of the Odery CafeKit, exploring how it stands apart from the competition. After a week of rigorous testing, including tuning, head experimentation, and setup reconfiguration, it’s clear that the CafeKit has captivated our attention, proving that shallow toms can deliver rich sound and surprising tuning range, challenging the notion that larger toms are necessary for a full tone.
First Impressions and Unboxing
Upon receiving the Odery CafeKit, the unboxing experience was akin to Christmas morning. The single box contained the entire kit and hardware, all meticulously packed with ample cushioning. While the snare and toms required no assembly, the bass drum needed heads and rims installed. Immediately noticeable were the unique lug design, the striking finish, and the unconventional tom mounting hardware. The “open concept” lugs, more than just a visual flourish, proved highly functional, allowing for rapid head changes by simply flipping the lug nut. The wrap’s finish, particularly the “Polar Tiger Pearl,” displayed a subtle, silvery shimmer that enhanced its appearance beyond static images. The wrap’s full adhesion to the shell, a feature rarely seen on entry-level kits, also added to the perceived quality.
Setup was straightforward, with the ratcheting tom arms offering surprisingly versatile angles. The bass drum’s quad spurs ensured a stable foundation, even with the floor tom attached. The inclusion of eight lugs per side on the bass drum and snare, along with screwed-in badges, hinged brackets, and isolation gaskets, are features typically absent in budget-friendly compact kits. Both batter and resonant heads are coated, with the bass drum featuring coated heads on both sides, free of any internal damping.
Key Specifications and Finishes
The Odery CafeKit boasts an aggressive price point, with a street price of $399 USD, including hardware, despite a list price of $499 USD. Key specifications include:
- Bass Drum: 14″ Diameter x 11″ Deep
- Rack Tom: 10″ Diameter x 5.5″ Deep
- Floor Tom: 12″ Diameter x 6″ Deep
- Snare Drum: 12″ Diameter x 5″ Deep
- Rims: 1.6 mm Triple-Flanged
- Shells: Basswood
- Heads: Coated, Single Ply
The kit is available in several attractive finishes: Black Ash, White Ash, White, Polar Tiger Pearl, and Azul Blue Sparkle.
Construction Quality and Tolerances
Before setup, a thorough inspection of the shells and bearing edges revealed impressive quality for the price point. The internal shell surfaces are uniformly sanded, and the bearing edges are consistent and smooth. While adhesive from the wrap slightly protrudes, it doesn’t interfere with head contact. The wrap itself is of high quality, applied flawlessly without bubbles or gaps. The bearing edges are standard 45-degree internal with a slightly beveled outer edge.
Tolerances are well within expectations, with the largest discrepancy in roundness measuring 1.5 mm and the most “untrue” bearing edge under half a millimeter, both on the bass drum. Other drums were even closer to perfect, results commendable even for higher-end kits. All metal components are free of flaws, with smooth-functioning threads and moving parts. Even the screws attaching lugs and brackets are evenly torqued, indicating consistent, good quality across all parts and their installation.
Innovative Construction and Design
The Odery CafeKit’s design deviates from convention with purpose. The tom mounting arms, resembling cymbal stand tops, function effectively and can double as cymbal or percussion holders when the kit is expanded. The shallow tom sizes, snare drum holder, and tom holders contribute significantly to the kit’s portability. Mounting the snare on a ball-joint holder from the hi-hat stand further minimizes the overall footprint.
The distinctive “open concept” lugs not only offer a unique aesthetic but also facilitate rapid head changes. The bass drum riser, while lacking height adjustment, is compact and positioned at an ergonomically sound height. The Expansion Kit, designed from the outset, utilizes the numerous brackets on the 14″ bass drum as percussion and cymbal mounting points when it converts to a floor tom.
Contrary to initial assumptions, the shallow toms do not compromise tone. Odery has successfully balanced compact dimensions with a full, resonant sound, offering ample volume and articulation. While many budget kits use poplar, the basswood shells of the CafeKit contribute to a deeper, fuller tone. The shallow rack tom also allows for a near single-plane drum setup, enhancing playability.
Manufacturer’s Perspective
Odery designed the CafeKit with versatility and longevity in mind. Initially conceived for children, the kit is expandable, allowing it to transform into a “regular” sized kit, thus extending its usability. Odery emphasizes that the CafeKit is a professional instrument, not a toy, suitable for drummers of all levels. Its compact nature makes it ideal for gigging in small venues or even larger stages, offering convenience, ease of setup, and excellent sound. The manufacturer highlights the 100% basswood shells, new see-through lugs, ergonomic hardware, and the adaptable tom holders as key features. The included hardware package comprises an inRock Pedal P-702IR, inRock Hi-hat Stand H-702IR, inRock Cymbal stand C-702IR, two tom holders with memory locks, four bass spurs with memory locks, a pedal adapter, and a snare clamp holder.
Sound, Voice, and Tone
The sound produced by the Odery CafeKit is a delightful surprise. These modest drums deliver a volume and fullness that rivals larger, more expensive kits. The shallow toms, typically perceived as more challenging to tune, are remarkably easy to work with, adapting effortlessly to both low, punchy tunings and high, resonant pitches. The included coated heads complement the basswood shells perfectly, though the kit also accommodates two-ply clear heads for a rockier edge.
Even when tuned low, the drums maintain their tonal range without sounding thin or strained, producing a powerful and authoritative sound. The basswood shells excel in delivering deep tones while competing with larger drums in loudness. The bass drum, in particular, defies expectations. While the stock coated heads can sound somewhat ringy without dampening, modifications using a DIY dampening ring (a donut cut from an old snare batter head with a filter-foam ring) transformed it into a punchy, rock-oriented thump, sounding akin to an 18″ kick drum.
The 12″ snare drum is versatile and neutral, blending well without overpowering the mix. It performs best when tuned between medium and high, offering a tight and dry center with a warm, “pangy” edge. Ultimately, the CafeKit’s components work harmoniously, with each drum occupying its own distinct space in the sound spectrum without requiring significant adjustments in playing dynamics.
Exceptional Value Proposition
Priced at $399 USD with hardware, the Odery CafeKit offers extraordinary value. The quality of the shells, components, and assembly far exceeds what is typically expected at this price point, making it a “Strong Buy” recommendation. For its unbeatable combination of features, sound, and affordability, the CafeKit earns a rating of 6 out of 5 stars for value.
Conclusion: A Five-Star Compact Drum Kit
The Odery CafeKit is a masterclass in thoughtful design, delivering exceptional value and a tonal quality that rivals larger and more expensive drum sets. Its well-conceived construction, impressive sound, and outstanding value earn it a rare Five-Star Rating from CompactDrums.com. Every aspect of the kit, from individual components to the overall package, meets and exceeds expectations. The Odery CafeKit comes with our highest recommendation for drummers seeking a versatile, portable, and sonically impressive compact drum set.