News
Keep up to date with the drum world via news items, interviews, lists, and more
Ahead Armor Cymbal Silo
The new Ahead Armor Cymbal Silo, licensed by Revolution, features DX-Core dual-foam padding, removable dividers covered in premium-grade Sherpa fleece, and a Tuc-Away convertible backpack system with heavy-duty straps and lower back support. The Silo’s main compartment holds cymbals up…
Taye Brushed Black-Nickel Brass Snare Drums
The first model released in Taye’s MetalWorks snare drum series is a 5x14 brushed black-nickel brass model with matching 2.3 mm counterhoops ($499). The drum, which is said to have a sound that combines sharp attack, rich body, and mellow…
Chris Pennie Leaves Coheed and Cambria
This week it was announced that drummer Chris Pennie has parted ways with the hard-rock band Coheed and Cambria, which he joined in 2007. Pennie, a 2011 Modern Drummer Pro Panelist, played on the group’s 2010 album, Year of the…
Roland V-Tour Series V-Drums
Roland’s TD-9KX2 ($3,199, right) and TD-9K2 ($2,299, below) kits include an updated TD-9 sound module, which contains more than thirty new expressive sounds and dozens of new kits. The update also adds the ability to play MP3 files via USB…
Pearl Throne Thumper
A two-year development partnership between Pearl and Guitammer has resulted in the Throne Thumper, a device that allows drummers to feel low frequencies transmitted through their drum seat. List price: $499. pearldrum.com
Modern Drummer Festival™ 2011 DVD
The Hudson Music team was on hand once again to capture all the action as the Modern Drummer Festival 2011 took place at Montclair State University in Montclair, New Jersey. In a program packed with amazing performances and insightful educational…
In Memoriam: Willie “Big Eyes??? Smith
Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, one of the great practitioners of a true American art form, was lost to blues fans around the world when he passed on September 16, 2011. The harmonica player, drummer, singer, and composer, who gained international…
Black Swamp Pro10 Studio Line Expands
These 10x14 ($932) and 12x15 ($998) models feature 6-ply maple shells in red mahogany finish and come with 2.3 mm hoops. blackswamppercussion.com
International Art & Sound Shakkaritas
Shakkaritas are spherical rattles handmade by a group of artisans in Nicaragua. The rattles are made from the hard seedpods of jicaro trees. Shakkaritas measure 2.5" to 3.5" in diameter and offer an organic medium-loud sound. They are available in…
October Web Update News
Congratulations to drummer/percussionist Richard Bravo for his eight nominations for the 12th Annual Latin Grammy Awards, to be held in November in Las Vegas. Read Bravo’s archived MD blog here. Kris Myers and Andy Farag are on Umphrey’s McGee’s latest,…
Audix Micro-HP Microphone
The success of Audix’s Micro-D miniature rim-mount drum mic has prompted the demand for a similar product specifically designed for hand percussion instruments. The result is the company’s Micro-HP. A rubber shock mount and protective anodized aluminum ring provide maximum…
“Frankenstein??? and “Free Ride??? Drummer Chuck Ruff Dies
Chuck Ruff, drummer on Edgar Winter’s instrumental hit “Frankenstein,” passed away in San Francisco, California, this October 14 after a long illness. He was sixty years old. Ruff was born in Reno, Nevada, on May 25, 1951. His first significant…
Zildjian Rarities Cymbals
Zildjian recently released select collectible and prototype cymbals from its vault and sound lab. Developed in conjunction with Zildjian artist Adam Nussbaum, the 22" K Constantinople Renaissance ride is medium-thin and has random hammering and traditional lathing for an even…
Modern Drummer Snare Drum Selects, Volume 1 for BFD2 and BFD Eco
Platinum Samples is pleased to announce they have been selected as the online distributors for Modern Drummer Snare Drum Selects, Volume 1 for FXpansion BFD2 and BFD Eco. Developed to meet the needs of professional record producers and sound engineers,…
