Gear Reviews
Detailed assessments of the latest drum kits and accessories
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
Soultone - Noa Cymbal Pack
A beginner’s pre-pack with potential for professionals. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Gaai - Sun & Stars Collection Snare Drums
One-of-a-kind hand-cut finishes and classic maple tones…with a twist. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Progressive Drumming Essentials - Part 5: Incorporating Odd Groups Into Grooves and Fills
One of my favorite things to do with quintuplets and septuplets is to create syncopated, angular-sounding grooves. Exploring this unusual territory can lend itself to establishing unique feels with a lot of rhythmic tension. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE…
Hybrid Drumming Basics - 3 Contemporary Scenarios That Meld Electronics and Acoustics
Many of today’s most successful pop and hip-hop artists are using the sampled production textures heard on the recordings alongside a live drummer whose responsibility is to augment and add excitement to the stage show. TO READ THE FULL STORY:…
PRODUCT CLOSE-UP - DW Collector’s Series Pure Oak Drumset
With all of DW’s experiments in drum shell construction, you may be surprised to learn that it wasn’t until recently that the company began to explore the bright, clean timbre of hard oak. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO…
PRODUCT CLOSE-UP - Paiste
Swiss cymbal maker Paiste does a commendable job of balancing its catalog of creative, specialty products with more general offerings for all types of drummers. This month we have a small collection of cymbals to review, two of which were…
PRODUCT CLOSE-UP - Canopus Solid Brass and Harvey Mason Signature Snares
Canopus has been hand-building high-end drums in Japan since 1977, with the primary focus being on replicating and updating the most coveted sounds of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
PRODUCT CLOSE-UP - Shure PGADRUMKIT7 Mic Pack
It’s become increasingly common for drummers to bypass professional recording studios as they acquire the skills and tools to record from home. Shure has made a name for itself by providing some of the most reliable microphones available, especially gold…
PRODUCT CLOSE-UP - KUMU
Founded in 1984 by Finnish builder Pekka Helanen, Kumu started out making acoustic and electric guitars and basses in addition to drums. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
