Gábor Dörnyei, the London-based drummer known for his powerful grooves and surgical precision, has unveiled a fully customized Sonor SQ2 kit, and it’s a stunner. Wrapped in a bold African Marble high-gloss finish, the drum set isn’t just about looks. It’s been carefully built around thin maple shells, tailored to fit Dörnyei’s dynamic style and tonal preferences: on stage and in the studio.
He introduced the kit in the lead-up to his appearance at the UK Drum Show on October 19, 2025. The reveal quickly grabbed attention online, especially among pro players and gearheads who’ve followed Dörnyei’s journey over the years. Known for being detail-obsessed and deeply musical, he’s not the kind of artist who just slaps his name on a setup. This one clearly means something to him.
“I’m absolutely delighted to finally reveal my brand new Sonor African Marble SQ2 drum set,” he posted. “I’m lost for words about the SOUND of this kit, but it sounds as good as it looks!” It’s a short quote, but it says plenty, especially coming from someone who’s been around enough drums to be tough to impress.
The kit itself is no small build. Dörnyei’s setup includes four rack toms (8×8”, 10×8”, 12×9”, and 13×10”), three floor toms (14×14”, 16×16”, 18×16”), two bass drums (22×18” and 18×16”), and a pair of snares (14×7” and 12×6”). It’s designed for flexibility, whether he’s ripping through a solo section or laying it down in a tight fusion groove. The hardware’s all chrome-plated, and Sonor’s 6000 Series pedals keep the whole rig feeling solid and responsive.
It’s a large kit, but with Dörnyei, every drum has a purpose. He’s known for complex arrangements and fluid, expressive playing, and this setup gives him the palette to go wherever the music demands.
That said, this is more than just a flashy gear drop. Dörnyei’s connection to his instrument runs deep. His background includes more than 100 album appearances and performances at some of the biggest festivals on the circuit, Glastonbury, North Sea Jazz, Sziget, to name a few. But he’s also a dedicated educator, teaching at ICMP London and DIME-ONLINE, and helping drummers of all levels connect with their own sound.
His long-standing partnership with Sonor makes this release feel personal. It’s not just about specs—it’s about finding a voice through the drums. And with this SQ2 build, he seems to have found something that really speaks.
As the UK Drum Show approaches, the buzz around Dörnyei and his new kit is likely to grow. But beyond the hype, it’s just a drummer and his instrument: one that looks and sounds built to go the distance.