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Gear Reviews

Detailed assessments of the latest drum kits and accessories

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Derek Pellicci's, Little River Band, 1994 Yamaha Recording Custom Set with Sabian Cymbals

Derek Allan “Beeb” Pellicci was the founding drummer of Little River Band in 1975. He anchored the band’s rhythm section during their most successful years, driving hits like “Reminiscing,” “Lonesome Loser,” “Cool Change,” and “Help Is on the Way” to…

By Donn Bennett
Oct 1, 2025

5 Core 7-Piece Drum Mic Kit

 While walking the aisles of the 2025 Music City Drum Show in Nashville, a set of drum microphones immediately stood out. They had a brushed copper finish, with a vintage, almost steampunk aesthetic. The company was 5 Core, and I…

By Jason Mehler
Oct 1, 2025

Techra Drumsticks Hammer of the Gods, X Carb, and Colossus 5A

Techra, an Italian drumstick manufacturer, sent Modern Drummer a few more pairs of their carbon fiber drumsticks to bang around. In our last review of Techra sticks (MD 2023), we looked at the Black Diamond series, 5A, and 2B sizes.…

By Brian Hill
Oct 1, 2025

New Slingerland Drums and Parts, News from Porter & Davies

SLINGERLAND LAUNCHES RADIO KING AND STUDIO KING OUTFITS, PLUS SPARE PARTS The first outfit of Radio King in decades continues the rich tonal legacy of its predecessors and benefits from both modern precision craftsmanship and build. The U.S.A.-built 3-ply shells are constructed…

Modern Drummer
Oct 1, 2025

The History of the Bass Drum Pedal and Sock Pedals

As a drum collector I quickly became fascinated with early bass drum pedals and how they evolved over time to what we know today as the modern-day bass drum pedal. The bass drum is the driving force of our musical…

By Tim Northup
Sep 1, 2025
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Trinity Cymbals: 16" Brilliant Holey China

Trinity Cymbals continues to build momentum in the drumming world, carving out space alongside other established cymbal manufacturers. I recently ran into the Trinity team at the 2025 Music City Drum Show in Nashville, TN. They had an impressive display…

By Jason Mehler
Sep 1, 2025

Acon Digital - Drum Production Suite

Acon Digital has earned respect among engineers and producers with several flagship products in different areas of audio production. They’ve built a reputation for solving practical problems such as noise and unwanted reverb, while providing transparent, musical processing tools that…

By Jason Mehler
Sep 1, 2025

Drum Baffles: Out of the Cage with Less Bleeding

For any drummer who has had the experience of the clear, three-sided drum cage, Drum Baffles are here! No more cages! Matthew Schallmo of Drum Baffles has identified one of the main reasons why people need drum cages: The CYMBALS!…

By Brian Hill
Sep 1, 2025

New Products from Latin Percussion, Waves, Sensaphonics, and News from Porter & Davies, Sonique Drums, and Headhunter Drumsticks

Latin Percussion Announces New World Beat Instruments Latin Percussion (LP®) is excited to announce LP® World Beat, a curated collection of family friendly recreational rhythm-making products. LP World Beat instruments have been developed in collaboration with effervescent artist, Mona Tavakoli with the lively aesthetic…

Modern Drummer
Sep 1, 2025

Alex Van Halen Signature Snares

It’s difficult to describe the massive influence that Alex Van Halen had on generations of drummers. His explosive energy, thunderous double bass technique, and unique snare sound combined with his blazing speed and showmanship helped redefine the drummer’s role in…

By Donn Bennett
Aug 1, 2025

Morgenstein Tool - Wing Thing

Among the many dilemmas that a drummer or drum tech faces during the chaos of playing live shows, few are as maddening as the dreaded stubborn wing nut. Whether too tight, too loose, out of reach, or just plain evil,…

By Jason Mehler
Aug 1, 2025

Klaw Drum Anchor: Slip It, Grip It, Rip It!

Adam Stone of Klaw sent Modern Drummer a Klaw kick drum anchor, to try out. Klaw was designed out of necessity to help keep creeping kick drums from slipping away during play. As per Adam: “The days of cinder blocks…

By Brian Hill
Aug 1, 2025
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Rustic Percussion's Padauk Temple Blocks: A True Passion For Quality

Rustic Percussion was founded in 2018 by Percussionist-Drummer, Ryan Langford, in an effort to make high quality, craftsmanship worthy, percussion instruments. As well as playing these instruments on the job, Ryan is truly a wood craftsman! Rustic Percussion’s various instruments…

By Brian Hill
Aug 1, 2025

New products from Roland, Waves, LP, and Gon Bops

The Roland Mood Pan Roland has introduced the Mood Pan, a unique electronic hand percussion instrument that encourages anyone to discover the restorative power of music. Inspired by acoustic handpans, Mood Pan features tranquil tones and a simple design requiring no…

Modern Drummer
Aug 1, 2025
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