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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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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

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
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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

ROLAND VQD106

The Quietest Electronic Set I’ve Ever Played  In October of 2024, Roland announced an all-new addition to their V-Drum product line. The VQD106 Quiet Design kit claims to be the lowest playing noise set in V-Drum history. It comes ready…

By Jason Mehler
Dec 1, 2024

NEW SABIAN CYMBALS Sabian 20” Dominator China, 22” Wide Lip China, 22” Tempest Ride, and 18” Rocktagon

As a fan and colleague of the late Dom Famularo, I was always impressed by his passion for drums and his ability to inspire others. Seeing him perform for the first time at a clinic back in 1995, I was…

By Jason Mehler
Nov 1, 2024

The ddrum NIO Percussion Pad

With its nine distinct red rubber pads and backlit LCD, it’s hard to miss the ddrum NIO Percussion Pad. It’s been on the market for a few years now and is one of the more popular entry-level percussion pads available.…

By Jason Mehler
Nov 1, 2024

ddrum E-FLEX BT9 Electronic Drums

In 2022, ddrum unveiled their E-Flex series of electronic drums, designed to offer a quiet yet highly responsive playing experience. This line featured 6-inch mesh pads that provided both enhanced sensitivity and reduced noise. ddrum recently expanded the E-FLEX series…

By Jason Mehler
Oct 1, 2024

Tandem Drums Drops

Tandem Drums has a product that you may have seen. They’re called Drops, and they are weighted felt pads, created as an alternative to sticky gel-style drum dampening pads. Modern Drummer was sent a set of Drops to check out…

Jason Mehler
Sep 1, 2024

Yamaha EAD10

If the Yamaha EAD10 System is new to you, you’re a few years late to the party. Since its debut in 2018, the EAD10 Drum Module has made waves in the drumming world for its ease of use as a…

Jason Mehler
Sep 1, 2024
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Al Cleveland III’s Melanie Martinez Touring Kit

Photos by Jason Mehler Drums: Pearl Masters Maple – Matte Olive Burst (color) – 7×10 rack tom, 8×12 rack, 16×16 floor, 16×22 kick. Snares: 6.5×14 Pearl UltraCast, 6.5×14 Pearl Ian Paice signature, Pearl M1060 6×10 Maple. Heads: Remo – 14-inch snare drums:…

Modern Drummer
Aug 1, 2024

KIT Drums – Connor Denis

Kit Plugins out of Nashville, TN has been developing high quality audio plugins for several years now. Their Blackbird Studio series of plugins are regarded as some of the best available. Last month, they stepped into the drum sample world…

Jason Mehler
Aug 1, 2024
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