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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.
Hand-Picked Vinyl December 2024
As the music world continues to see a resurgence in Vinyl (LP’s,) Vinyl Me Please (VMP) is curating and producing some of the best vinyl remasters and pressings around. They are scouring the history of recorded music for forgotten gems…
Out Now: Books
In Modern Drummer’s monthly Out Now column we review the best and latest drumming instructional books. Most recently we have also been reviewing the many books written about drummers’ lives. So many drummers have interesting stories to tell, and Modern…
Out Now: Recordings
Modern Drummer always enjoys spotlighting new recordings that have the drums at the center of their sound. These recordings in all styles might be drummer-led, or just include a high-quality, special, or unique drumming and musical performances from the drummer…
2024 Year in Review
Each year, there are several superb events that showcase vintage, modern, and custom drums, as well as phenomenal cymbals, percussive effects, cases, and related gear. These gatherings aren’t just about gear; they’re vibrant hubs for learning and inspiration, offering master…
The Rhythm of One’s Life
Walking from one end of Milano Malpensa to the other, the sheer size of the airport terminal is as impressive as it is daunting. My Apple Watch tells me that I’ve already met my exercise goal for the day and…
Bringing an Eames Kit Back to Life
This month’s Kit of the Month comes to us from Chris Lauzon. His kit is a 1986 Eames “Natural Tone” drum kit, which are 100% birch shells made by legendary craftsman Joe MacSweeney. The sizes of this set-up are a 9×10…
Our Favorite quotes from 2024
Every month we get to go through all the words in Modern Drummer and pull out our favorite drummer quotes. The musicians say it best, here are our favorite quotes from 2024. Jeff Porcaro explained it to me, saying, “Look,…
Johnny Rabb’s Collective Soul Touring Kit
Photos by Jason Mehler Drums: Ludwig Classic Maple – White Marine Pearl 16×22 Bass Drum, 10×13 Rack tom, 16×16 Floor Tom, 16×18 Floor Tom. Snares: 6.5×14 Supraphonic Snare, 3.5×13 Vibe Piccolo Snare, 10” Creative Percussion Roto Snare. Heads: Remo, Powerstroke P3 Bass drum…
Hand-Picked Vinyl November 2024
As the music world continues to see a resurgence in Vinyl (LP’s,) Vinyl Me Please (VMP) is curating and producing some of the best vinyl remasters and pressings around. They are scouring the history of recorded music for forgotten gems…
Out Now November 2024
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…
Ludwig H.I.T.S. Fest
In celebration of its 40th anniversary of manufacturing at the Monroe, N.C. site, the legendary Ludwig Drum Company generously opened its doors to the public for an unprecedented two-day event: the Ludwig H.I.T.S. Fest. H.I.T.S. is an acronym for Heritage,…
The Sounds We Make
“Chances Are.” Composed by Robert Allen and Al Stillman. Sung by Johnny Mathis. Recorded in Columbia 30th Street Studio, where Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue was also recorded.1957. I was three years old when the Mathis single was released, and I can…
Stefano Ashbridge’s Tama Sunburst Fade Starclassic
This month’s Kit of the Month comes from Los Angeles drummer and teacher Stefano Ashbridge. Stefano’s kit is a Tama Starclassic Maple (Sunburst Fade lacquer) with an array of Zildjian and Sabian cymbals. The drum sizes are a 16×22 bass…
I’m Just Like You!
After the last three years with Modern Drummer, people now seem to be asking me a lot of questions. During my interviews, more drummers are asking me about “me,” and I have NO idea why. I’m just like you, a…