News
Keep up to date with the drum world via news items, interviews, lists, and more
Broadway Drummer Dave Ratajczak Remembered
In October of 2014, the drumming community lost an esteemed member, veteran Broadway drummer Dave Ratajczak, whose credits included the shows City of Angels, Sweet Charity, Titanic, The Music Man, and Mary Poppins. Ratajczak, who was a graduate of the…
News: Dixson Bass Drum Lift is Now Simply “The Lift???
Arti Dixson, owner of JA Music and inventor of the patented Bass Drum Lift has rebranded the Dixson Bass Drum Lift to the new trademarked name the Lift in order to eliminate confusion in the marketplace. The Lift, a simple…
Showroom: Check Out Meinl’s Bamboo Multi-Stick Collection!
New from Meinl is the Bamboo Multi-Stick collection consisting of three different pairs. Each Multi-Stick is made in Germany from hand-selected bamboo and provides a different playing feel and new sound options for the cajon and other percussion instruments. A…
January 2015 Issue of Modern Drummer featuring Dave Weckl
(Available digitally November 26, 2014; on newsstands December 2, 2014) On the Cover Dave Weckl On a pair of distinct new projects, the legendary fusion drummer states his ambitions loud and clear. By Ilya Stemkovsky. FEATURING Hitting the Stage Michael…
Sparkplug Online Instrument, Gear, and Space Rental Opens
The founders of New York City–based tech startup Sparkplug have launched what they’re calling the first online community marketplace specifically designed for musicians and artists to share their creative tools and resources. Casting itself as “the Airbnb of the instrument/gear…
Showroom: Meinl Introduces Cajon Brush Collection and Four-Inch Kneepad
Meinl’s new cajon brush collection consists of three different pairs. The 14.25" Classic cajon brush creates a musical spread by delivering heavy, full strokes with a slightly mellow attack. Features include a thicker set of rippled polymer bristles and wavy…
Tama Announces Limited Edition Hyper–Drive Kits, Big Black Steel Snare Drum, and Cymbal Stand Packs
Tama has added its shallow-shelled Hyper-Drive configuration to the Starclassic Performer B/B to create the modern B/B EFX Hyper-Drive kit. Each six-piece configuration is available in a choice of two classic Delmar glass glitter finishes. Tama’s Sound Lab Project Big…
News: John Wackerman’s Drum Duets Volume II Features Duets With Chambers, Hawkins, Bozzio, Lang, and More
The follow-up to the popular and successful CD and book release, Drum Duets Volume I, John Wackerman’s Drum Duets Volume II features top LA session drummer, composer, and producer John Wackerman teaming up with sixteen world-class artists. The video project…
News: Big Band Debuts New Website for Ahead Products
A year in the making, the new Ahead website is designed with a fresh look, user-friendly navigation, and updated information on all Ahead products and artists. Viewers can now find information on old and new Ahead products, including drumsticks, mallets,…
Event: Jojo Mayer DVD Release Party!
On December 3, 2014, drumming great Jojo Mayer will present a clinic and performance to celebrate the release of his new DVD set, Secret Techniques for the Modern Drummer, Part 2: Foot Techniques, at the Cutting Room in New York…
Sweet Spot Clutches and Accessories Releases New Line
Sweet Spot Clutches and Accessories makes a unique line of hi-hat clutches and cymbal nuts. These high-quality pieces have been designed for function and visual appeal. The solid stainless-steel CNC-machined clutches offer custom feel and extra-thick jam nuts for easy…
Showroom: Tama Limited Edition Starphonic and Artwood Snares
The drum shell of the Starphonic 5mm steel snare is created through a cast process, rather than bending, and features an integrated sound reinforcement ring. A special hard-shell case and certificate of authenticity is included. A limited quantity is…
PinchClip Replaces Wingnuts on Cymbal Stands and Hi-Hats
The patent-pending PinchClip from William Feldman Studio is an accessory that replaces conventional wingnuts on many types of threaded drum hardware, including cymbal tilters and hi-hat clutches. The stainless-steel flange flexes when pinched so that the holes in its overlapping…
Toontrack Releases “Made of Metal EZX,??? an EZdrummer 2 Expansion by Producer Colin Richardson
“Made of Metal EZX,” a new EZdrummer 2 sound expansion library by noted metal producer Colin Richardson (Slipknot, Machine Head, Carcass), was recorded in Belgium’s Galaxy Studios’ wood-lined, hall-like room to bring out the deep, reverberant presence of the toms,…
