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Modern Drummer is the world’s most widely read drum magazine, is dedicated entirely to the art of drumming and caters to the needs of amateur, semi-pro, and professional drummers.
Living Dead Drums
This month’s Kit of the Month comes from drummer Nick Mason. Nick has sent pictures of his custom finished Yamaha Stage Custom set. Nick is known as the “Living Dead Drummer” and plays Yamaha Drums and Paiste Cymbals. His drums…
Dom Famularo 1953-2023
Drummers don’t often get a chance to retire, and if they do, our community of drummers doesn’t give people gold watches or big retirement sendoffs. Maybe it’s because musicians usually don’t really want or need to retire “officially”, not to…
Nick Mason’s Solo Tour Set
Drums: Drum Workshop. Custom Painted by Katy Hepburn (Recreation of 1973 Ludwig Kit influenced by Katsushika Hokusa) Bass Drums: 20” and 22 “. Toms: 10”, 12”, 13”, 14”, 16” , 18”. Snare: DW Edge 14” Cymbals: Paiste. Prototype 8” Micro…
OUT NOW! November 2023
Modern Drummer is spotlighting new recordings that have the drums at the center of their sound. These recordings might be drummer-led, or just include a high-quality, special, or unique drumming and musical performance from the drummer and/or musicians in the…
Drummer and A&R Person, Dave Rath - It’s the Drums That Makes People Move
Maybe you are in a band that is trying to “make it” and get signed, but young musicians and bands must navigate a lot of things these days. And with many of those things, come different people with different…
"The Deathless Horsie"
Recorded live at the Odeon Hammersmith in London England on February 19th, 1979, Frank Zappa’s “The Deathless Horsie” was the show opener and appeared on the recording Shut Up ‘n Play Yer Guitar. Vinnie Colaiuta’s drumming is an unbelievable display…
Drummers Make the World Go ‘Round
This year marks the 400th anniversary of the Avedis Zildjian Company. Founded in 1623, Zildjian is the oldest musical instrument company in the world as well as the oldest company in the USA. Zildjian has a great past because it…
Mysterious Traveller
This month’s Kit of the Month comes to us from Phil Raskin. This Slingerland 12, 13, 14, 16, 18 set was originally owned by drummer and educator Skip Hadden. The drums originally had a natural finish but are now finished…
Transcriptions. Vocabulary.
This month Modern Drummer is glad to welcome Marc Atkinson. Marc’s transcription of Vinnie Colaiuta’s drumming on Frank Zappa’s “The Deathless Horsie” will astound you and leave you laughing and bewildered. Marc’s precision, attention to detail, and his ability to…
Jamie Wollam, Tears for Fears
Photo by: Felipe Lavede Drum Kit: A&F Royal Brass kit 14×6.5 snare, 8×12 small tom, 16×16 floor tom, 16×18 floor tom, 14×24 bass drum Hardware: A&F Nickel Hardware Electronic pedal DW 9000 Bass drum pedal- DW DWCPMCD2 MCD…
OUT NOW! October 2023
Modern Drummer enjoys spotlighting new recordings that have the drums at the center of their sound. These new or reissued recordings might be drummer-led, or just include a high-quality, special, or unique drumming and musical performance from the drummer and/or…
Is that a Sinatra Drummer in your Pocket, or are you Glad to See Me?
Photo by Tom Ranier Shortly after receiving word that my name appeared at the top of a list in the Modern Drummer 2023 Reader Poll (for Jazz, a list that includes Brian Blade, Terri Lyne Carrington, Joe Farnsworth and…
Kit Of The Month - The Desert Tornado
This month’s Modern Drummer Kit of the Month comes from James Dalzell of Cave Creek, Arizona. James’ kit is a massive 20 piece DW Collectors Maple set in Black Velvet Swirl. James’ cymbals are by Sabian and Paiste, and his…
Beneath the surface. Under the hood. Inside the mindset. Revealing the surprising facts…of Modern Drumming!
That’s what Modern Drummer is about today! After nearly 50 years of Modern Drummer, what is left to say about stickings, snares, cymbal choice, and sound? Most of it has been discussed many times over. Frank Zappa said, “Writing about…
