News
Keep up to date with the drum world via news items, interviews, lists, and more
News: “World’s Greatest Drummer??? Concert to Feature Steve Gadd
The World’s Greatest Drummer Concert returns on Tuesday, May 26, 2015, at the Derngate Theatre in Northampton, UK. Since the first concert in 2007, the event has featured some of the finest drummers alive. It has always been organizer Ian…
April 2015 Issue of Modern Drummer featuring Bernard “Pretty??? Purdie
(Available digitally February 26, 2015; on newsstands March 3, 2015) On the Cover Bernard “Pretty” Purdie The depth and breadth of the legendary drummer’s career are simply astounding—and he’s not even close to slowing down.) - by Billy Amendola FEATURES…
Showroom: Mapex Expands and Updates Accessory Line
Mapex has added a complete line of tom holders, cymbal arms, boom arms, and clamps to its hardware selections. The SONIClear tom holder employs a low-mass design that is said to preserve vibration in the drum, thus increasing tom resonance…
Whiplash Bonus Clip: Star Drummers on Music Education
It’s been a big week for the independent film Whiplash, in which Miles Teller portrays an aspiring jazz drummer training under a monstrous conductor played by J.K. Simmons. On Sunday, February 22, the movie won three Oscars, including one for…
KAT Percussion at NAMM 2015 (VIDEO)
In this video from NAMM 2015, KAT Percussion product manager, Mark Moralez, takes us through what’s new for 2015 from KAT. KAT is introducing the KT4 kit, their most advanced e-kit to date. It features a new chrome rack and…
Meinl Percussion at NAMM 2015 (VIDEO)
In this video from NAMM 2015, Meinl’s German Baratto gives us the rundown on many of the new Meinl hand percussion instruments that are available for 2015. First up are new finishes for the Headliner Designer, Woodcraft, and Traditional String…
Showroom: Sabian B8X Cymbal Series
Sabian has announced that B8, a bestseller since its launch in 1984, will be replaced with the significantly improved B8X series, which features fully hammered bells, adjusted profiles, and a new logo, at the same prices. One of the more…
Meinl Cymbals at NAMM 2015 (VIDEO)
In this video from NAMM 2015, Meinl’s Norbert Saemann takes us on a tour of the new cymbals available from Meinl this year. There are four new sizes in the Byzance Extra Dry series for the model called Byzance Dual,…
Showroom: Gon Bops Cajons and Tambourines
The Commuter is a fully collapsible cajon that fits into a backpack for transport to gigs, rehearsals, and sessions. Ideal for urban musicians who commute by bike, public transportation, or small vehicle, the Commuter also fits easily into overhead luggage…
News: Billy Cobham to Stream Live Concert from Ronnie Scott’s
With tickets to his sold out shows in such high demand, Ronnie Scott’s has announced that it will be streaming drum legend Billy Cobham’s full performance on Friday, February 27 at 11:15 pm BST. The live web stream of Cobham…
Mapex at NAMM 2015 (VIDEO)
In this video from NAMM 2015, Mapex’s Joe Hibbs takes us on a tour of the company’s new offerings for 2015. Mapex improved the Saturn V line to include the SONIClear bearing edges, and SONIClear tom holders now come standard…
Showroom: Vic Firth American Classic 5A and 5B Sticks Available With Barrel Tips
The American Classic 5A Barrel measures .565"x16" and features a proportionately barrel-shaped tip. The result is said to be a balanced stick that creates clarity with great tone. The .595"x16" American 5B Barrel features a reduced surface area of the…
LP and Toca at NAMM 2015 (VIDEO)
In this video from NAMM 2015, LP artist and clinician Jim Greiner walks us through the new products from both Latin Percussion and Toca for this year. First there are improvements to the E-Z Mount Mic Claw that features a…
Evans Drumheads at NAMM 2015 (VIDEO)
This video from NAMM 2015, Ben Smith, percussion products specialist for Evans Drumheads, takes us through the new offerings from the company for 2015. First up is the EMAD system for 16" bass drum heads, available with a bass drum…
