New Sabian Pre-Pack Targets Praise & Worship Drummers

By Andy Doerschuk Published August 31, 2010

It was only a matter of time before the drum industry recognized the continued growth of church music and began marketing products targeted specifically at gospel drummers. Forward-thinking Sabian is one of the first to jump into that market with its new Praise & Worship cymbal pre-packs. Available in AAX and HH/HHX cymbal combinations, each contains a splash, hi-hats, two crashes, and a ride — perfect for music that requires a wide range of musical dynamics. Cymbals in Praise & Worship Performance Sets are available in Natural Finish and high-gloss Brilliant Finish and are quality-protected by the SABIAN Two-Year Warranty.

Gretsch Unveils Its Very First Beech Kit

By Andy Doerschuk Published August 26, 2010

I hope you’re sitting down. For the first time in its 126-year history, Gretsch is offering a drum kit featuring shells made of 100 percent beech wood. This first-of-its-kind Renown Purewood Beech 6-piece kit features 7-ply beech shells, 30-degree bearing edges, die cast hoops, and triple chrome-plated hardware fittings. To retain the natural beauty of the beech, the kit is finished in a medium/dark cherry stain sealed by the standard Renown gloss lacquer finish — including the matching bass drum hoops. The configuration includes a 22" x 18" bass drum, 10" x 8" and 12" x 9" toms, 14" x 14" and 16" x 16" floor toms, and a 14" x 6.5" 10-lug snare. It’s pure yumminess at a retail price of $3,690.

Wrap Your Drums In Actual Gold Flakes

By Andy Doerschuk Published August 24, 2010

If you love your drums — and we mean really love ’em — give them the gift of gold. No, we’re not talking about an engagement ring, for heaven’s sake! We mean a new sparkle wrap finish made of 100 percent real gold flakes, which you can currently procure only from Real Gold Inc., a purveyor of all things that could possibly include gold flake (including fingernail glitter — just sayin’). This 30mil (720 micron) polycarbonate laminate is easy to cut and apply, is delivered in 24" x 54" and 24" x 78" sheets, and is available in an assortment of vibrant colors. So go for the gold!

Inked By Evans Bass Heads Go Retro With New Crests

By Andy Doerschuk Published August 23, 2010

Coincidence or conspiracy? One the trends we noticed at NAMM — the big music trade show that overtakes Anaheim every January — was the sudden emergence of high-resolution graphics emblazoned on front bass drumheads. More than one company jumped into the fray, including Evans with its “Inked By Evans” program, which offered a wide variety of edgy designs like fabrics, textures, and nature photos. But now the company has reversed course with the introduction of various retro crest designs that will quickly convert your kit into something a Rich or Krupa would adore. Better yet — these babies are customizable. Check them out right here.

Integrate An iPod Into Your Kit With Gibraltar’s New Mount

By Andy Doerschuk Published August 18, 2010

At last Friday’s DRUM! Magazine Rhythm Night show in San Jose, both Thomas Pridgen and Marco Minnemann jammed along to tracks burned onto their trusty iPods. It’s the new standard for onstage playback, folks, and it hasn’t escaped the attention of the shrewd designers at Gibraltar who introduced the new iPod/MP3 Stand Mount.

The mount’s heavy-duty nylon clamp fits stand tube diameters from 5/8" to 1-5/8", ideal for placement on cymbal and hi-hat stands, thrones, and even some L-rods. The mount also features a 9" gooseneck and is fully padded with adjustable clamping arms that accommodate most sizes and styles of iPods or MP3 players. Simply adjust the mount to any position and lock into place — protection is guaranteed by a security tether. And the nifty little widget can be yours for a mere $99.99 (wonder what I will do with that spare 1¢?).

Gretsch New Classic Drums In Ocean Sparkle Burst Finish

By Andy Doerschuk Published November 3, 2009

My old (and I do mean old) buddy John Aldridge — former editor of Not So Modern Drummer Magazine, snare drum engraving master craftsman, and current drum tech with REO Speedwagon — has said to me on many occasions: “The drummer with the prettiest drums gets the gig.” Now, I’m not sure I entirely agree with him, but even if his theory carries a small shred of credibility, I expect to see legions of drummers rushing to their local music stores to snap up Gretsch’s New Classic series drum kits in the new Ocean Sparkle Burst lacquer finish. Using Gretsch’s exclusive Mixed Sparkle Technology, this hand-applied finish incorporates a meticulous blend of small, medium, and large sparkles. Shell color goes from deep blue at the top and bottom to a turquoise shade in the middle of the shell, radiating a rich and glittering finish. Yummy!

We Be Djammin'

By Andrew Lentz Published November 3, 2009

Ever tried tuning a traditional rope djembe? It's not fun. The EZ-Tune Djembe from Pearl combines the traditional look and feel of a rope djembe with the functionality of a mechanical tuning system so now you can adjust tone to your heart's content.

Available in 12.5” or 14” sizes and with Traditional Oak or Lightweight Fiberglass construction, the EZ Tune Djembe provides the excellent low-end response and high-end cut so you'll be heard in any setting.

The Oak model is available in warm Honey Amber finish, the lightweight Fiberglass model is available in Cranberry Fade finish, both topped with Cow Skin heads. $349–$499.

Zero-G Goes Where No Stick Holder Has Gone Before

By Andy Doerschuk Published August 1, 2010

Don’t let gravity pull you down. Maxonix has introduced a nifty stick holder that makes gravitational force a thing of the past — well, at least for drummers. Check out the Zero-G Anti-Gravity Drumstick Holder, which allows drummers to position spare sticks in previously unheard of places, including completely upside down. The secret of the shock-mounted device is found in its FlexiGrip-Clips, which automatically self-adjust to hold different stick sizes simultaneously and keep them from rattling or buzzing. The Zero-G literally mounts onto any surface, including stands, booms, snare and tom hoops, floor tom legs, drum racks, and bass drum hoops.

A Real Piece Of Work

By Andrew Lentz Published July 27, 2010

In the spirit of a low carbon footprint and plain good taste, Pearl is issuing maple Concert and Symphonic Series Snare Drums in Artisan II natural feathered walnut finish, an eco-friendly digital grain transfer process that allows exotic woods to be reproduced without harvesting endangered or rare woods.

Developed exclusively for the concert hall, the Symphonic Series Snare Drum looks and sound amazing in these rarefied venues. Choice appointments such as the SR300 Multi-Timbre Snare Strainer, providing access to 3 individually adjustable throw-offs controlling Snappy wire, wound cable, or heavy cable snares are perfect for that tension-building march in Ravel’s “Bolero.” Stainless steel tension rods, die-cast hoops, and classic tube lugs complete the package.

Not to be outdone, the Concert Series Snare Drums is decked out with goodies such as 2.3mm triple-flanged SuperHoop II rims, vintage snare beds, an SR-017 strainer, and specially designed Angle-Mounted Stainless steel and coated cable snares.

Both the Concert Series and Symphonic Series Snare Drums feature 6 plies of 100% Maple and are available in 14x5.5” and 14x6.5” sizes. Finishes available for a limited time only.

Meinl Harnesses The Sound Of Sand With Sand Hats

By Andy Doerschuk Published July 23, 2010

Can you describe the sound of sand? Meinl can, now that the powerhouse German cymbalsmith has invested the unique tonalities of sandblasted bronze into its new Byzance Benny Greb Signature Sand Hats. Following the successful launch of Greb’s 20" Sand Ride, these hats complete the sonic spectrum with a warm, dry, quickly decaying alternative to so many other splashier hi-hats. While the concave side of each cymbal looks relatively standard — with hand hammering applied at Meinl’s Turkish factory and lathing completed in Germany — the convex sides are subjected to a sandblasting process that creates a unique aged patina and vintage tone. While it might appear that the playing side is free of lathe lines, look closely and you will spot a thin strip of lathing running along the outer edge of the playing side — clearly a vital step in the tuning process. Made of B20 bronze, Byzance Benny Greb Signature Sand Hats are perfect for jazz cats that seek crisp tip articulation, minimal wash, and lots of control. Suggested retail price: $620.