Gear Reviews
Detailed assessments of the latest drum kits and accessories
RBH Drums - Americana Jump Kit
Product Close-Up RBH Drums Americana Jump Kit Impossibly big and rich tones from a tiny grab-and-go setup. Virginia Beach–based RBH Drums has been quietly but steadily building steam as one of the preeminent custom shops, forgoing flashy, over-the-top concoctions for…
Paiste - PSTX Series Cymbals
Product Close-Up Paiste PSTX Series Cymbals Affordably priced, trashy effects hats, stacks, and crashes, plus a couple of calm, cooling bells. The PSTX series is a complete lineup of effects cymbals designed to achieve trashy tones and clean bell sounds…
Craviotto - Johnny C. Series Snare Drums
Product Close-Up Craviotto Johnny C. Series Snare Drums “Affordable” was never a word associated with the king of steam-bent shells…until now. When it comes to high-end, ultra-sophisticated, custom- made drums, there’s no name quite as ubiquitous as Craviotto. Company founder…
Angel - Black Wenge Segment-Shell Drumset
Product Close-Up Angel Black Wenge Segment-Shell Drumset Rare African hardwood meets Eastern European ruggedness. Angel is a Hungarian company that prides itself on taking no shortcuts and making no compromises when it comes to the quality of its drums. It’s…
V-Classic Hi-Hats, Crashes, Rides, and Jingle Splashes
Product Close-Up V-Classic Hi-Hats, Crashes, Rides, and Jingle Splashes Steeped in history and tradition while keeping an eye on the future. V-Classic is a Turkish company, founded by eighteen-year-veteran cymbalsmith Torab Majlesi, that specializes in bringing the warm, dark tones…
DTS - 6.5x14 Oscar Seaton Hybrid-Shell Snare
Product Close-Up DTS 6.5×14 Oscar Seaton Hybrid-Shell Snare Marrying birch with maple for ultimate clarity and depth. DTS, or Drum Tech Services, was founded in 2011 by acclaimed tech Steve “Steevo” Morrison, who has worked with Tommy Lee, Stephen Perkins,…
Stellar - 3-Ply and Walnut/Bird’s-Eye Maple Wood Hoops
Product Close-Up Stellar 3-Ply and Walnut/Bird’s-Eye Maple Wood Hoops Superbly built options for achieving drier, warmer drum tones. The folks at Stellar sent us two pairs of wood hoops to review. Out of the box, the first thing I noticed…
PRODUCT CLOSE-UP - Bucks County Drum Company
Bucks County is a custom shop located thirty-five miles north of Philadelphia in the small borough of Perkasie. The company offers drums with just about any type and size of ply shell in any lacquer, satin, stain, or wrap finish.…
PRODUCT CLOSE-UP - Zildjian Low Volume Cymbal Pack
Many drummers have had to go to extremes to tamp down the volume of their drumsets to make practicing less disturbing for neighbors, family members, and roommates, whether that’s simply draping t-shirts or blankets over the kit or going all-in…
PRODUCT CLOSE-UP - Ahead Switch Kick Quick-Release Bass Drum Beater System
One of the highlights of the 2015 Winter NAMM Show was an accessory item by Ahead, the Switch Kick, which allows you to adjust beater height to nine different positions without having to use any tools other than your hand.…
PRODUCT CLOSE-UP - Chicago Drum
Chicago has a long history in American drum manufacturing, with two of the most prominent companies, Ludwig and Slingerland, getting their start in the Windy City. Newcomer Chicago Drum has a direct tie to the latter. TO READ THE FULL…
Remo Belli - How Time and Circumstance Gave Rise to the King of the Mylar Drumhead
Remo is one of the most well-known brands in the music industry. Its logo can be found in concert halls, school band rooms, recording studios, late-night venues, and even therapy sessions and hospital rooms. Remo Belli, founder of Remo, Inc.,…
Pearl - Wood Fiberglass Drumset
The innovative hybrid shell that defined the company forty-plus years ago is back…and better than ever. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Vater - New Nude Sticks, Player’s Design Models, and Sound-Enhancing Accessories
Unobtrusive dampeners, clever percussion attachments, and thoughtful drumstick additions for two alt-rock heavy hitters and everyday hand sweaters. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
