Compact Nesting Kit CS-16 Review

​My gig requires a significant amount of flying, often to places that don’t have adequate rental gear so I was in the market for a professional kit that could be easily checked as baggage without incurring significant excess baggage fees. After a quick Google search I found the CS-16 kit from TreeHouse and I was instantly hooked. It had the “everything mounted on the bass drum” concept that I loved from the (discontinued) Yamaha Rick Marotta with professional quality shells and fit in a single 16x16 case.

When the drums arrived it took me a minute to figure out how to put it all together, but TreeHouse had me covered with a step by step video to show me how to make it all happen. Once I had the drums set up, I was instantly amazed at how great they sounded. While I expected they would sound nice and compact at mid to high tunings, I was struck at how big they sounded when tuned low and consistently impressed with the snare from its crack at high tunings to spread when tuned low. I had finally found a set of drums that I loved the sound of and would be able to take with me when I flew!

Further, TreeHouse’s service before and after the sale was exceptional! I had lots of questions as well as a 14 hour time difference from CST, but Jason was quick to answer each of my e-mails even as our conversation dragged on for weeks (its hard when you only get 1 e-mail per day…). Even after I got the drums, Jason wanted to make sure I was happy and that everything worked out well.

I’m already plotting the next TreeHouse kit I’m going to buy. Exceptional drums that fit my needs with a dedication to serving their customers. Can’t ask for more than that!

-- Andrew P. Clemenson, Japan