Gear Reviews
Detailed assessments of the latest drum kits and accessories
John Aldridge
The famed engraver, drum tech, and vintage enthusiast helped start a movement.
Los Cabos - White Hickory, Red Hickory, and Maple Drumsticks
Top-notch products from a smaller Canadian company with big-time aspirations.
Black Swamp - Dynamicx Sterling, Live!, and BackBeat Snares
Pristinely crafted wood-shell drums for any professional situation.
Paiste - 900 Series Cymbals
Hand-hammered 2002 bronze with a special dark finish for a slightly warmer tone.
Yamaha - Rydeen RDP2F5 Drumset
An excellent entry-level option with quality sound and sturdy hardware.
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…
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…
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…
Agner - Number, Name, and Signature Series Drumsticks
Durable, balanced, and great-sounding models made from hickory, maple, and the little-known hornbeam wood.
Jon Cross - 6.5x14 Macassar/Gaboon Ebony Snare
A powerhouse segment-shell drum with more musicality than most.
Dunnett - Res-O-Tone and Res-O-Two Drumheads
Hazy timpani-style film for a warmer tone with fast attack and quick response.
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.
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…