December 2018 Issue – Volume 42 • Number 12
Articles in December 2018
The Modern Drummer Guide to Reading Rhythms - Part 1
Part 1: Fundamental Elements of Music Notation
Drumset Ergonomics - Part 6: Positioning Secondary Suspended Instruments
In this final installment of this series, we’re going to address how to position the instruments that we only play five to thirty percent of the time, such as splashes, Chinas, cowbells, electric pads, additional rack toms, and auxiliary crashes.…
Session Great Nir Z
When it comes to gear, Jerusalem-born/Nashville-based session drummer Nir Zidkyahu, whose ultra-precise, intense pocket can be heard on hit records by pop/rock great John Mayer, alt-rock legend Chris Cornell, and modern country superstar Blake Shelton, isn’t too particular, as long…
In the Studio with Travis McNabb
When not touring with top modern country acts Sugarland and Frankie Ballard, this Tennessee transplant tracks drums for artists around the globe out of his home setup.
Roland - TD-17KVX V-Drums
A game changing mid-level kit with increased expressivity, improved pads, and highly effective practice tools.
The 2018 Chicago Drum Show
The perennial percussion event once again serves vintage and modern drum lovers alike.
Pantera's Vinnie Paul, Elvis Presley's D.J. Fontana, Richard Swift
Photo by Paul La Raia Remembering the metal drumming icon, Pantera cofounder, and backbone of Hellyeah and Damageplan. Vinnie Paul, who died this past June 22 at the age of fifty-four, possessed an unmistakable bass drum sound. But you never…
Samba Rhythms - Part 1: The Importance of the Tamborim
Hello, and welcome to a new series on Brazilian samba drumming! It’s a great pleasure to be discussing Brazilian rhythms and my approach to this style on the drumset. Generally, I feel that Brazilian rhythms can be divided into three…
What’s Your Favorite Keith Moon Performance?
This month, as we dove into the drumming of both Pete Townshend on the Who’s demo tracks and Keith Moon on the band’s final output, we checked in with our readers and social media followers to see which “Moon the…
Quicksand’s Alan Cage
Quicksand drummer Alan Cage isn’t overly particular about his gear. “I’m not too attached,” he says. “But I don’t like deep drums, at least on the rack toms. I always play a 16" floor tom, but I don’t mind it…
Questlove's latest book and more
RECORDINGS Skyharbor Sunshine Dust Indian progressive metal titans release a gripping new album on the heels of successful tours with Babymetal, the Contortionist, and Deftones. Equal parts ethereal atmospherics, thick and chugging grooves, and soaring vocals, Skyharbor offer some of their…
Keith Moon: An Examination
“In an egotistical way I always prefer my demos to what the Who does.” —Pete Townshend Rolling Stone interview with Jonathan Cott, May 14, 1970
Clint Schnase on Cursive’s Vitriola
The original drummer for the biting Nebraska indie group rejoins them in the studio for a raucous homecoming.
Paiste - Masters Extra Thin and Dark Additions
Soft and sophisticated crashes and splashes for supreme expressivity.
Aaron Sterling’s Sound of Sterloid, Volume II
“I do almost everything at my place now,” says top L.A.-based session drummer Aaron Sterling. In addition to recording about fifteen songs per week for artists and producers around the world, Sterling has created five online master classes that focus on…
New gear from TAMA, Zildjian, and Vic Firth!
Tama Classic Series Bass Drum Pedal With vintage design and modern functionality, the Classic pedal is designed to be light, responsive, and durable. Features include beater height adjustment, topside spring adjustment, a felt beater, an Easy-Tight hoop clamp, and a…