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.

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DeAndre Hemby's Teddy Swims Touring Kit

Drums: SJC Drums – 16×22 Kick, 7×8, 7×10, 7×12 Rack Toms, 14×16 and 16×18 Floor Toms, 6.5×14 Brass Snare, 6.5×14 Maple Snare.Heads: Evans – EC2 and EC Reso on rack toms; EMAD and EC Reso on floor toms; HD Dry on main…

Photos by Jason Mehler
Jun 1, 2025

ALESIS STRATA CORE

In October of 2024, Alesis Drums announced the launch of the Strata Core, a compact yet fully featured addition to their Strata Series of e-kits. With a 30% reduced footprint compared to its sibling the Strata Prime and a lower…

By Jason Mehler
May 1, 2025

Caleb Crosby's Kelsea Ballerini Touring Kit

Drums: Gretsch USA Custom in Satin Tangerine Metallic – 14×22 Kick, 9×13 Rack Tom, 16×16 and 16×18 Floor Toms, 6.5×14 2mm Copper Snare (main,) 8×14 Maple Matching (side,) 6.5×14 Bell Brass (spare.) Heads: Remo – Controlled Sound Coated on all Snares/Clear Ambassador…

Photos by Jason Mehler
Apr 1, 2025

TUNE-BOT STUDIO

Overtone Labs of Denver, CO introduced the first Tune-Bot over 12 years ago. Since then, Tune-Bot has become a leader in digital drum tuning, offering a more precise and consistent tuning method for drums. For this month’s Product Close-Up, I…

By Jason Mehler
Apr 1, 2025

NORDIC SHELLS - DIY SNARE KIT - WATERFALL BUBINGA

Nordic Shells of Maple Grove, MN has earned a reputation among drummers and custom drum builders for producing some of the finest shells on the market. Their refined manufacturing process and Grade-A materials ensure that each shell delivers exceptional tone,…

By Jason Mehler
Apr 1, 2025
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Jack Lawless' Jonas Brothers Touring Kit

Drums: Gretsch USA Custom – 9×13 rack concert tom (not pictured), 8×13 rack, 16×16 floor, 16×18 Gong drum (floor tom with no bottom head), 16×24 kick. Snares: Noble & Cooley Custom 6.5×14, Ludwig Black Beauty 6.5×14. Heads (top): Remo – Clear Pinstripe (Rack,…

Photos by Jason Mehler
Mar 1, 2025

X-Percussion ARC MK1 Trigger Pad

​X-Percussion ARC MK1 Pro Trigger Pad Founded in 2020, Gruv-X LLC is known for its flagship product, the X-Click: a hand-crafted Crosstick accessory that mounts to the tension rods of a snare drum. In 2024, they released a single zone…

By Jason Mehler
Mar 1, 2025

KickTone Microphone

Last month I reviewed the KickPort Bass drum enhancer, which I found to noticeably improve my bass drum’s tone. For this month, I’m testing a companion product from KickPort, the KickTone. It is a bass drum microphone that uses two…

By Jason Mehler
Mar 1, 2025

Nik Hughes' Bush Touring Kit

Drums: DW Design Series Gloss White Finish – 18×22 Kick drum, 9×12 Rack Tom, 14×16 Floor Tom, 16×18 Floor Tom Snares: 6.5×14 DW Bell Brass snare drum, 5.5×14 Maple snare drum Gloss White finish. Heads: Evans – Toms: clear G2’s on top Clear…

Photos by Jason Mehler
Feb 1, 2025

KickPort 2- Bass Drum Enhancer

Although the KickPort by KickPort International has been on the market for years, I thought it would be worthwhile to take a fresh look at its latest version, especially since Modern Drummer hasn’t previously reviewed it. For this Product Close-Up,…

By Jason Mehler
Feb 1, 2025

Earthworks Audio DK6 Drum Mic Kit

Earthworks audio has earned its reputation for producing high-precision pro-grade mics and equipment. I have seen their products in-use on several major tours while filming rundowns for Modern Drummer. In July of 2024, Earthworks unveiled the DK6 Drum Mic Kit.…

By Jason Mehler
Feb 1, 2025

ddrum DDTi Trigger Interface

Originally heralded for their innovative drum triggers back in the 1980s, ddrum has since evolved into a widely respected name in both acoustic and electronic percussion. The ddrum DDTi trigger interface is a testament to the brand’s efforts to bridge…

By Jason Mehler
Jan 1, 2025
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A Year In Rundowns

2024 featured 47 episodes of Modern Drummer’s popular “Tour Kit Rundown” YouTube series, highlighting some of the best professional drummers in the game and the gear they use on the road, performing for thousands of fans. Pictured throughout this gallery…

Modern Drummer
Dec 1, 2024

A Year in Reviews

2024 was a wild ride for gear reviews! From acoustic and electronic drum products and accessories to pro audio and software, I’ve learned a ton, and hopefully managed to share my insights in a way that was equal parts fun,…

By Jason Mehler
Dec 1, 2024
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