News
Keep up to date with the drum world via news items, interviews, lists, and more
Gretsch at NAMM 2015 (VIDEO)
In this video from NAMM 2015, Gretsch’s Mike Nieland takes us through the new offerings from the company for 2015. First up is the Broadkaster. It features a 3-ply (maple, poplar, maple) shell configuration based on the classic Gretsch design…
Showroom: Roland RT-30 Series Acoustic Drum Triggers
Roland’s RT-30 series gives drummers a solution for using acoustic drums as triggers for a hybrid setup without incorporating additional pads. With quick, simple mounting on kick, snare, and tom drums, RT-30 triggers connect to devices, such as Roland’s TM-2…
Canopus Drums at NAMM 2015 (VIDEO)
In this video from NAMM 2015, Canopus Drums’ Naoya Hasegawa shows us an assortment of kits, snare, and miscellaneous products that the company is offering this year. The first kit is its gray sparkle lacquer Yaiba II Groove kit that…
Showroom: Vic Firth Split Brush Retractable Wire Brush
Designed with German drummer Florian Alexandru-Zorn, the Split Brush represents a new design concept for a wire brush. Created with two separate rows of medium-gauge wire, the two-tiered design helps produce different qualities of articulation. The retractable pull-rod includes a…
Dream Cymbals and Gongs at NAMM 2015 (VIDEO)
In this video from NAMM 2015, Dream Cymbals and Gongs president, Andy Morris, takes on a tour of what’s new from the company for this year. Dream is a Canadian company making hand-hammered, cast cymbals in China, and new this…
Natal at NAMM 2015 (VIDEO)
In this video from NAMM 2015, Natal’s Josh Touchton walks us through the company’s new offerings for 2015. Natal has debuted a new mid-level drumkit, called Arcadia. The shells are birch-over-poplar, and two colors are available: transparent cherry red and…
Showroom: Zildjian 21" Organic and 20" Renaissance Rides
The 21" Organic ride is the latest member of the K Custom series, and the 20" Renaissance ride joins the K Constantinople series. Both are said to offer clean stick definition coupled with dark ride and crash sounds for a…
Showroom: Top Mapex Artists Create New Sounds for Black Panther Snare Drums
Mapex has teamed up with three of its artists to create new Black Panther snare drums that reflect each player’s unique personality and sound. The Chris Adler Warbird snare is engraved with his Warbird design. The 5.5x12 6-ply maple/walnut shell…
Craviotto Drum Co. at NAMM 2015 (VIDEO)
In this video from NAMM 2015, Craviotto Drum Co. general manager, David Victor, shows us many of the company’s new products for 2015. First off is the Super Swing snare drum that started last summer with a limited run of…
Showroom: Vic Firth Steve Smith Tala Wand Slats
The Steve Smith Tala Wand Slats feature a foam center surrounded with four flat bamboo slats and wrapped in thin PVC and is said to provide a variety of unique sounds with ideal rebound and feel. Tala Wand Slats create…
Peace Drums at NAMM 2015 (VIDEO)
In this video tour from NAMM 2015, Mark Esquer shows us the range of new products from Peace Drums. First off, we look at a Paragon series drumset featuring Deuce lugs, 9-ply Canadian maple shells with a kamfleur tree veneer, and…
News: Vic’s Drum Shop in Chicago Selected as the First US Retailer for Sonor Vintage Series
Vic’s Drum Shop in Chicago, America’s largest independent drum retailer, has been chosen by the Sonor Drum Company to be the first store in the United States to sell its new Vintage series drums. The line of drums, which won…
News: Crescent Cymbals Acquired by Sabian
Effective January 31, 2015, Sabin has acquired Crescent Cymbals. Outgoing Crescent CEO, Michael Vosbein adds, “While we are very proud of our numerous accomplishments, it was time to pass the reins to Sabian, who has the ability to bring the…
Showroom: Vater Marching Double Quiver Stick Holder, New Player’s Design Models, and Buzz Kill Dampeners
Vater’s Marching Double Quiver attaches to snare drums with adjustable hook-and-loop straps. Made from tough nylon, the Quiver provides easy access for quick stick changes. It is also ideal for use on traditional drumsets. List price is $17.99. New Vater…