Gear Reviews

Detailed assessments of the latest drum kits and accessories

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John Aldridge

The famed engraver, drum tech, and vintage enthusiast helped start a movement.

by Harry Cangany
Oct 31, 2017

Los Cabos - White Hickory, Red Hickory, and Maple Drumsticks

Top-notch products from a smaller Canadian company with big-time aspirations.

by Michael Dawson
Oct 31, 2017

Black Swamp - Dynamicx Sterling, Live!, and BackBeat Snares

Pristinely crafted wood-shell drums for any professional situation.

by Michael Dawson
Oct 31, 2017

Paiste - 900 Series Cymbals

Hand-hammered 2002 bronze with a special dark finish for a slightly warmer tone.

by Michael Dawson
Oct 31, 2017

Yamaha - Rydeen RDP2F5 Drumset

An excellent entry-level option with quality sound and sturdy hardware.

by Michael Dawson
Oct 31, 2017
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Shop Talk - Al Duffy

Al Duffy has been playing drums for forty-seven years. And that fact, perhaps more than any other, accounts for his singular reputation as a drum designer, craftsman and innovator. Now the key research and development source at Nashville’s Pearl International—and…

Modern Drummer
Oct 19, 2017

New Gear from Sabian, Canopus, Promark, Attack, Tama and more!

abian XSR Cymbals New models added to Sabian’s XSR line include 17" and 19" Fast crashes, which feature enhanced profiles designed to provide a quick, explosive attack with penetrating definition and power. The 22" ride offers a balance of stick…

Modern Drummer
Sep 27, 2017

Collective Soul’s Johnny Rabb

Whether he’s developing new drumsticks, cymbal combinations, or electronic instruments, Johnny Rabb, who’s currently playing with the platinum-selling rock band Collective Soul, likes to remain on the cutting edge of innovation. “I had just graduated from Berklee and moved to…

Interview and photos by Sayre Berman
Sep 27, 2017

Agner - Number, Name, and Signature Series Drumsticks

Durable, balanced, and great-sounding models made from hickory, maple, and the little-known hornbeam wood.

by Michael Dawson
Sep 27, 2017

Jon Cross - 6.5x14 Macassar/Gaboon Ebony Snare

A powerhouse segment-shell drum with more musicality than most.

by Michael Dawson
Sep 27, 2017

Roland - GO:MIXER

A smartphone audio mixer for social-media video performers.

by Miguel Monroy
Sep 27, 2017

Dunnett - Res-O-Tone and Res-O-Two Drumheads

Hazy timpani-style film for a warmer tone with fast attack and quick response.

by Michael Dawson
Sep 27, 2017
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LP - Uptown Sculpted Ash Congas and Valje Bongos

A textured veneer finish for the industry standard and the reintroduction of a legendary name in percussion.

by Michael Dawson
Sep 27, 2017

New gear from Yamaha, SlapKlatz, Vater, British Drum Co., Overtone Labs and Tama!

Yamaha Tour Custom Maple Drumset Suitable for recording and live playing, Tour Custom Maple drumsets are constructed with 6-ply maple shells using the company’s proprietary staggered, diagonal-seam shell construction. Additional features include 2.3mm inverted Dyna Hoops that help focus the…

Modern Drummer
Aug 30, 2017
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