Search

Gear Reviews

Detailed assessments of the latest drum kits and accessories

Advertisement

The 100 Year History of the Modern Drum Set

It’s difficult to imagine that the drum set of today has only been in existence for just over 100 years. The history of the modern drum set began in the late 1800’s, with a drummer being able to play the…

By Tim Northup
Jul 1, 2025

SOME MOST EXCELLENT FOOTWORK!

Yamaha Corporation is Making Waves again with their new high-end kick and two legged hi-hat pedals! Modern Drummer received a box full of these impressive pedals to take through their paces and see what we thought of them. What we…

By Brian Hill
Jul 1, 2025

EVANS REALFEEL 10" ATTACKTILE PAD SCHOLASTIC PACK

The RealFeel drum pad was a trusted favorite among drummers long before it became part of the Evans (D’Addario) lineup. I still have my original HQ Percussion double-sided 12” RealFeel from the early 2000’s. The newer Evans model with its…

By Jason Mehler
Jul 1, 2025

DW SONICPLY SHELLS, NEW HEADPHONES FROM BEYERDYNAMIC

Drum Workshop SonicPly Shells Drum Workshop has introduced SonicPly drum shells to the Collector’s Series, the first new shell construction since PurpleCore in 2021. Developed by DW’s “woodologist,” John Good, the latest design blends the best characteristics of wood and metal to offer a new,…

Modern Drummer
Jul 1, 2025

More from the Frankie Banali Collection

Frankie Banali was best known as a member of Quiet Riot, the Los Angeles based metal band whose 1983 breakout album Metal Health was the first heavy metal album to top the Billboard album chart. They racked up huge hits…

By Donn Bennett
Jun 1, 2025
Advertisement

Rebounding with Excellence.

ProMark Drumsticks were founded in 1957 by Herb Brochstein. Since that period, ProMark has evolved to become a leading staple in drumstick innovation and manufacturing. As is commonly known today, the company is now owned and operated by D’Addario. Since…

By Brian Hill
Jun 1, 2025

Evans Drumheads: Level 360 All-Around!

The idea of the Mylar plastic drum head goes back as early as 1952. By the end of 1956, drummer Chick Evans had partnered up and founded Evans Products, Inc. It was this new Evans company that made it happen.…

By Brian Hill
Jun 1, 2025

ROLAND'S NEW WIRELESS TRIGGER TECHNOLOGY, PORTER & DAVIES ON TOUR, NEW 64 AUDIO ASPIRE UNIVERSAL IEM MODELS, WAVES FREE PLUGIN PACK

New Roland DrumLink Wireless Products Roland has announced the official release of the DrumLink wireless system and related products. Developed in partnership between Roland and Drum Workshop (DW,) DrumLink is a new wireless triggering technology for electronic pads, cymbals, and drum…

Modern Drummer
Jun 1, 2025

1928 Leedy Ship Silhouette and Indian Scene Trap Drum Sets

The year 1928 is a very important year in drum history at the Northup Drums Museum. Many of our early trap drum kits with factory painted heads are from the 1928-30 era. From about 1924 to 1940 both the Leedy…

By Tim Northup
May 1, 2025

ALESIS STRATA CORE

In October of 2024, Alesis Drums announced the launch of the Strata Core, a compact yet fully featured addition to their Strata Series of e-kits. With a 30% reduced footprint compared to its sibling the Strata Prime and a lower…

By Jason Mehler
May 1, 2025

NEW VATER STICKS, EVANS HEADS, DDRUM E-FLEX BT8 ELECTRONIC SET, CLEARSOUND BAFFLES, ORANGE NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES

New Vater Chad Sexton Signature Stick Vater has been quietly working with Chad Sexton on an updated stick model to perfectly align with his newfound needs as a player. Although it is the same width as his previous model, the…

Modern Drummer
May 1, 2025

David Garibaldi's Drums and Cymbals

Since David Garibaldi retired from Tower of Power, (but certainly not from drumming), he’s still writing, teaching, recording, performing, pushing his own limits, and exploring new styles of music. David’s career with Tower of Power spanned 55 years. He left…

By Donn Bennett
Apr 1, 2025
Advertisement

TUNE-BOT STUDIO

Overtone Labs of Denver, CO introduced the first Tune-Bot over 12 years ago. Since then, Tune-Bot has become a leader in digital drum tuning, offering a more precise and consistent tuning method for drums. For this month’s Product Close-Up, I…

By Jason Mehler
Apr 1, 2025

NORDIC SHELLS - DIY SNARE KIT - WATERFALL BUBINGA

Nordic Shells of Maple Grove, MN has earned a reputation among drummers and custom drum builders for producing some of the finest shells on the market. Their refined manufacturing process and Grade-A materials ensure that each shell delivers exceptional tone,…

By Jason Mehler
Apr 1, 2025
Advertisement