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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.
Joe Morello’s Maple Ludwigs
This Ludwig five-piece sliver sparkle maple drum kit (14×22, 9×13, 16×16, 16×18, and 5.5×14 Hammered Bronze Snare) was owned and played by Joe Morello for many years. David Frangioni studied with Joe in the 80’s and they became very close.…
Just Duet
The greatest joy in education comes when the student teaches the teacher. Jake Reed and Ryan Shaw (who is highlighted in Jake’s guest column) both studied with me at USC. They not only do me and the Thornton School of…
Why is One Never Enough?
As a self-confessed “snare drum junkie,” I often wonder why owning one snare drum is just never enough. As a fan of 1920s Ludwig two-piece Nickel Over Brass (NOB), Black Beauty’s, and Slingerland Radio King’s, why can’t I just stop…
A Dutch Beauty
Dutch drummer Bas Prins has invited Modern Drummer and our readers to enjoy some pictures of his beautiful Ayotte kit. Bas uses a special “one of a kind” 10” Keplinger snare. with his kit. Also pictured are an assortment of…
Keeping Score
Music should not be a contest. The great Hungarian composer Bela Bartok is quoted as having said that competitions should be for horses, not musicians. He refused to sit on competition juries because he didn’t want the decisions on his…
OUT NOW! New Recordings in the July 2023 Issue
Modern Drummer is spotlighting certain new recordings that have the drums at the center of their sound. These recordings might be drummer-led, or just include a high-quality, special, or unique drumming and musical performance from the drummer and/or musicians in…
Gil Moore’s 1970s Tama Imperialstar Triumph Tour Kit
Shown here is the 1970s era Tama Imperialstar kit, finished in a black gloss PVC wrap, that Gil Moore used in the early days of Triumph’s touring success. The kit features shells made of Luan (also known as Philippine Mahogany.)…
John DeChristopher: A Life in the Drum Business
John DeChristopher is one of the most respected people in the drum business. He helped create the modern version of artist relations with his work with Simmons Drums, Drum Workshop, and Zildjian. His life in the drum industry parallels the…
Rufus “Speedy” Jones’ Slingerland White Marine Pearl double bass kit
Rufus “Speedy” Jones earned his nickname while playing for the big bands of Count Basie and Duke Ellington. Rufus was never an overly subtle player; he could always be counted on to light a fire under other players. Rufus used…
OUT NOW! New Recordings in the June 2023 Issue
Modern Drummer is spotlighting certain new recordings that have the drums at the center of their sound. These recordings might be drummer-led, or just include a high-quality, special, or unique drumming and musical performance from the drummer and/or musicians in…
Christian McBride
We all know the old saying, “Drummers don’t hire drummers, other musicians hire drummers.” So it makes sense to listen to other musician’s opinions of drummers. It doesn’t take much to get bassist Christian McBride to discuss drummers. As a…
Behind the Curtain
After Sarah Jones’ interview this month, we started talking about the Beatles movie Get Back. Sarah asked me, “Did you see the Beatles movie Get Back? I thought Ringo was amazing in that movie. He was so calm when things…
Taurus Lovely’s “Crown of Thorns” kit
Taurus Lovely is the touring drummer for the Tina Turner Broadway show entitled Tina. For Modern Drummer’s Kit of the Month, Taurus has brought us his Treehouse custom “Crown of Thorns” drum kit. It is an all-Maple shell kit with…
Knowing When to Say Goodbye
A life-long commitment to any job or ideal is noble. But sometimes it’s just time to pack up your things, say “thanks, bye,” and hit the road. While folding the cards and getting up from the table might seem like…
