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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.
Tif (Teddy) Lamson's Shania Twain Touring Kit
Drums: Gretsch USA Custom in Black Glass finish — 8×12 Rack Tom, 9×13 Rack Tom, 16×16 and 16×18 Floor Toms, 18×22 Kick Drum. Snare: Gretsch Custom 6.5×14 Ridgeland Snare in Red Glass finish. Heads: Toms Batter: Remo Emperor Clear; Toms Reso: Remo Ambassador…
Out Now September 2025
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 high-quality, special, or unique drumming and musical performances from the drummer and/or musicians in the band. This…
Lightweight Drum Hardware
For a different view on drum hardware, this is a chart of lightweight drum hardware, which is a popular subject with gigging drummers today, including myself. I compiled this list, including weights, models, and pricing, to help drummers choose lightweight…
Drum Fantasy Camp in DTLA
Now in its 17th year, Drum Fantasy Camp is owned and managed by Steven Orkin of Orkin Marketing & Management. Among other artists, Steven manages marketing for my buddies Dave Weckl and Steve Smith. The idea originated when Orkin started working…
Satin Flame Memories and Inspiration
This month’s Kit of the Month comes to us from Justin Ryan. It is a heartwarming story in which every drummer can relate. Here are Justin’s thoughts on this very special instrument, “My Mother died when I was two years…
The Drum Community
In a world where community and actual personal connection is being devalued, Modern Drummer is proud to spotlight several drum community events in this (and last month’s) issues. Nashville’s Music City Drum Show was a rousing success where drummers from…
Mike McDermott's Joan Jett Touring Kit
Drums: SJC Custom M5 Maple Shells Black Stain/Black Hardware – 6.5×12 Rack Tom, 12×14 and 14×16 Floor Toms, 14×22 Kick Drum. Snares: CDC Custom 7×14 Maple, Modern Classic 7×14 Maple, Dark Horse Percussion 8×14 Wood Hoop Ballad Snare (Nickname “Santa’s lil’ Helper”).…
Out Now August 2025
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 high-quality, special, or unique drumming and musical performances from the drummer and/or musicians in the band. This…
Recognizing Your Muse
I’ve been keeping notes regarding this very column and what I should write about for my readers. Out of the myriad of disparate thoughts I jotted down, a common theme seems to be revealing itself to me, let’s call it,…
Small But Mighty
This month’s Kit of the Month comes to us from Marco Segoviano. His drums are Pearl Midtown Series with a 10” rack tom and a 13” floor tom. His bass drum is 16” and his snare is a Mapex MPX…
Drums is Life, Life is Drums.
As a musician and a drummer, I feel that drumming (and music) can help improve the world. Yes, I truly believe that!!! I believe that if more people were taught to enjoy music (and play drums) the world would be…
Remembering Al Foster
January 18, 1943 – May 28, 2025 Al Foster and I met 37 years ago, and we hit it off instantly. He became a mentor, a friend, and a huge influence on my drumming. We spent a good deal of…
Mike Wengren's Original Disturbed Down with the Sickness Touring Kit
Drums: Pearl Masters Custom Maple – Midnight Fade – two 18” x 22” Kick Drums, 16” x 18” Floor Tom, 16” x 16” Floor Tom, 12” x 14” Rack Tom, 10” x 12” Rack Tom, 6.5” x 14” Kapur/Fiberglass Snare Drum.…
Out Now July 2025
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 high-quality, special, or unique drumming and musical performances from the drummer and/or musicians in the band. This…
