Search

Jason Mehler

Modern Drummer is the world’s most widely read drum magazine, is dedicated entirely to the art of drumming and caters to the needs of amateur, semi-pro, and professional drummers.

Advertisement

Sean T. Lane’s Heart Touring Kit 

Ludwig Drums – Classic Maple 2017 Mod Orange Finish: 9×13 Rack Tom, 14×14 Floor Tom, 16×16 Floor Tom, 14×22 Bass Drum. Snares – 7×14 Keplinger Black Iron Snare, 6.5X14 Keplinger Stainless Steel Snare (swap between for main snare.)  Paiste Cymbals: 19” Formula 602 Modern Essentials Crash, 20” Formula 602 Modern…

Photos by Jason Mehler & Alex Kluft
Mar 1, 2026

Roland VAD516

Roland VAD516 V-Drums Kit  If you‘ve followed Roland’s Acoustic Design lineup of V-Drums over the past few years, you already know the story: full size shells, premium hardware, and an e-kit that looks like it belongs in front of a large audience rather than in the…

By Jason Mehler
Mar 1, 2026

Artstruments MR1 Drum Mounting Bracket

In a previous review of Artstruments products, I explored the full display experience of the 5PK-L Drum Mounting Kit with its multiple brackets and LED lighting designed to turn a drum set into an elaborate art installation. The reality is…

By Jason Mehler
Mar 1, 2026

Morgan Rose’s Sevendust Touring Drums

Drums: Pearl Music City Custom Reference Pure Series in Red Sparkle: 18 X 22 Kick, 18 x 20 Kick, 9 x 10 Rack, 9 x 12 Rack, 16 x 16 Floor w/ legs, 16 x 18 Floor w/ legs. Snares:  Brass 6.5 x 14 Snare, 6.5 x 13 Aux Snare. Cymbals: Sabian-…

Photos by Jason Mehler
Feb 1, 2026

HHHusher 

If you’ve ever recorded drums – or watched an engineer wrestle with a drum mix – you know one of the most hard-fought battles is microphone bleed. One particularly common occurrence is the hi-hat cymbals bleeding into the snare mic. Engineers try to squash it with mic placement, drummers adjust their technique, and in the end, everyone accepts a little bleed as “just part…

By Jason Mehler
Feb 1, 2026
Advertisement

Yamaha EAD50

When Yamaha introduced the EAD10 drum recording system, it quietly rewired a lot of drummers’ expectations around recording. Clamp on a sensor, plug in a module, put on headphones, and suddenly you were producing a polished kit sound without fighting with mic placement, cable management, phase issues, and lost inspiration. It was a…

By Jason Mehler
Feb 1, 2026

Slingerland Radio King Outfit 13/16/24 with 6.5 x 14 Snare Drum

Last year, after much anticipation, the Slingerland brand officially returned to the scene. Launched not as a reimagined modern version, but as a deliberate effort to reconnect with the brand’s original construction methods, materials, and tonal concepts that have helped define American drumming for decades. For this month’s Product Close-Up, we’re taking a…

By Jason Mehler
Feb 1, 2026

Keyner Drum Key

How many drum keys do you own? After more than 40 years behind the kit, I’ve accumulated more than I can count. Across the endless variety of sizes, shapes, and materials, they all seem to share one common superpower: the ability to vanish precisely when needed most.   The Keyner from DrumKeep seeks to change the odds when it comes to lost drum…

By Jason Mehler
Jan 1, 2026

A Year In Reviews

Surrounded by innovation (and more than a few cardboard boxes), I’m reminded of just how busy 2025 has been for drum gear. From tools that simplify, software that repairs, instruments that spark creativity, and accessories that have earned a permanent…

By Jason Mehler
Dec 1, 2025

Alvin Ford Jr.'s Jon Batiste’s Touring Kit

Drums: Pearl Masters Maple/Gum in Satin Rose finish – Rack Toms: 7×8, 7×10, 8×12, Floor Tom: 16×16, Bass Drum: 14×20. Snares: 6.5×14 Matching Maple/Gum Snare (Main snare), 6.5×13 Matching Maple/Gum Snare (Left Snare), 6.5×14 Hybrid Exotic (Kapur/Fiberglass – Right snare…

Photos by Jason Mehler
Nov 1, 2025

ARTSTRUMENTS 5PK-L Drum Mounting Kit with Lights

As drummers, our drum kits are more than just tools of the trade. With interesting shapes and textures, mesmerizing finishes, and striking color combinations, they’re visual works of art. Art invites appreciation, but space is a limited luxury for most of…

By Jason Mehler
Nov 1, 2025

YAMAHA DTX8K-M PROX

Whether on stage, in the studio, or in the comfort of home, Yamaha has earned its reputation for building instruments that just work. As a proud owner of a late-90’s Yamaha Beech Custom drum kit, I can vouch for that…

By Jason Mehler
Nov 1, 2025
Advertisement

5 Core 7-Piece Drum Mic Kit

 While walking the aisles of the 2025 Music City Drum Show in Nashville, a set of drum microphones immediately stood out. They had a brushed copper finish, with a vintage, almost steampunk aesthetic. The company was 5 Core, and I…

By Jason Mehler
Oct 1, 2025

Tif (Teddy) Lamson's Shania Twain Touring Kit

Drums:  Gretsch USA Custom in Black Glass finish — 8×12 Rack Tom, 9×13 Rack Tom, 16×16 and 16×18 Floor Toms, 18×22 Kick Drum. Snare: Gretsch Custom 6.5×14 Ridgeland Snare in Red Glass finish. Heads:  Toms Batter: Remo Emperor Clear; Toms Reso: Remo Ambassador…

Photos by Jason Mehler
Sep 1, 2025
Advertisement