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December 2024 – Volume 48 • Number 12

This month’s Kit of the Month comes to us from Chris Lauzon. His kit is a 1986 Eames “Natural Tone” drum kit, which are 100% birch shells made by legendary craftsman Joe MacSweeney. The sizes of this set-up are a 9×10 mounted tom, a 15×15 floor tom, and a14x20 bass drum. This set was rescued from a large music retailer and was in rough shape, however the shells were round and true. The kit has some “battle scars,” but it has a nice patina and sounds fantastic. Chris also has a new 8×12 tom and a new 14×14 floor tom that was made by Eames current craftsman, Mark Kohler. For snares Chris uses a recently refurbished 5.5×14 Ludwig Standard, and his go-to snare is a 5.5×14 Slingerland Gene Krupa chrome over brass. Chris’ cymbals are all Zildjian. His hi-hats are an old 17” A over a 17” K Fast Crash, a 20” K […]
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Articles in December 2024

Our Favorite quotes from 2024

Every month we get to go through all the words in Modern Drummer and pull out our favorite drummer quotes. The musicians say it best, here are our favorite quotes from 2024. Jeff Porcaro explained it to me, saying, “Look,…

Modern Drummer
Dec 1, 2024

Hand-Picked Vinyl December 2024

As the music world continues to see a resurgence in Vinyl (LP’s,) Vinyl Me Please (VMP) is curating and producing some of the best vinyl remasters and pressings around. They are scouring the history of recorded music for forgotten gems…

Modern Drummer
Dec 1, 2024

2024: In Memoriam

The drumming community is a close one, our many shared experiences in drumming, our sacrifices for our artform, and our love of drumming establishes a bond that unites us all. When we lose a beloved member of our community, we…

By Mark Griffith
Dec 1, 2024

Frank Zummo’s Sum 41 Touring Kit

Photos by Jason Mehler Drums: SJC Custom Design: Sum 41 Heaven/Hell Maple Shells; 6.5x14 Mahogany Black on Black Snare w/Maple Re-rings, 6.5x14 SJC Goliath Bell Brass (backup,) 8x12 Rack Tom, 13x16, 14x18 Floor Toms, 4x20 UFO/Gong: Drum, 18x22, 18x22 Bass…

Modern Drummer
Dec 1, 2024

2024 Modern Drummer Hall of Fame: Bill Ward

Bill Ward created a style of drumming within the music of Black Sabbath. We’re not going to get into the musical differences between heavy metal and hard rock in this article. Call it what you want… but that slow, sludgy,…

By Mark Griffith
Dec 1, 2024
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The Year’s Best of the Northup Drums Museum

Here at the Northup Drums Museum in Oneonta, NY, we specialize in vintage drums from the 1920s-70s, as well as collectible drums from today. All the drums are on display so you can actually play them! Our collection is always…

By Tim Northup
Dec 1, 2024

The 12 Week Year

There’s one problem with setting annual goals, a year is too long. How many people get fired up over their New Year’s resolutions, only to forget about them a couple weeks later? Have you ever set a goal and thought,…

By Chris Lesso
Dec 1, 2024

Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” drummer, Bill Ward

This month, in honor of the legendary Bill Ward, I’ve transcribed the classic song “War Pigs” from Black Sabbath’s iconic second album, Paranoid. This song showcases Ward as a true pioneer of metal drumming. From beginning to end, it’s a powerhouse…

Transcription by Marc Atkinson
Dec 1, 2024

A Year in Reviews

2024 was a great year for new drum gear, in this year alone I have reviewed new drum sets, new snare drums, some new cymbals, and some new thrones. As always, when I review a product, I really review the…

By Brian Hill
Dec 1, 2024

Master Studies: Ostinato Studies

This month we will conclude our exploration of Joe Morello’s legendary Master Studies book. We started a few years ago with his application of the Stone Killer, and have traversed all his Master Studies concepts and excercises to develop control…

By Joe Morello
Dec 1, 2024

A Year in Podcasts

The Modern Drummer Podcast has featured many of the best drummers and artists in the game. Don’t sleep on it in 2025—subscribe on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts!

Modern Drummer
Dec 1, 2024

The Rhythm of One’s Life

Walking from one end of Milano Malpensa to the other, the sheer size of the airport terminal is as impressive as it is daunting. My Apple Watch tells me that I’ve already met my exercise goal for the day and…

By Peter Erskine
Dec 1, 2024
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Understanding the Language of Music : Chord Alterations

Modern Drummer founder Ron Spagnardi wrote an excellent book called Understanding the Language of Music, a Drummer’s Guide to Theory and Harmony. This book spells out the basics of theory and harmony in a very easy to understand way. It…

By Ron Spagnardi
Dec 1, 2024

Mighty Bright NuFlex, BrightFlex, DuoFlex, and Encore Musician’s Lights.

Mighty Bright Lights have been around for a while, and any musician or performer that works in a darker environment has probably used them, I have had one in my stick bag for years (just in case.) But Mighty Bright…

By Mark Griffith
Dec 1, 2024

Out Now: Recordings

Modern Drummer always enjoys spotlighting new recordings that have the drums at the center of their sound. These recordings in all styles might be drummer-led, or just include a high-quality, special, or unique drumming and musical performances from the drummer…

Modern Drummer
Dec 1, 2024

Neil Peart Spirit of Drumming Scholarship Recipient Announcement

The Neil Peart Spirit of Drumming Scholarship, presented by Modern Drummer, is a tribute to the extraordinary legacy of Neil Peart, the legendary drummer of the iconic band Rush. Renowned for his technical precision, creative expression, profound lyrics, and long-lasting impact…

Modern Drummer
Dec 1, 2024

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

2024 Modern Drummer Readers Poll Results.

Another exciting year of drumming has passed, and it’s time for the 2024 Modern Drummer Readers Poll. Congratulations to all of the winners! Thank you for your drumming and contributions towards the history and evolution of modern drumming. Your recordings,…

Modern Drummer
Dec 1, 2024

Out Now: Books

In Modern Drummer’s monthly Out Now column we review the best and latest drumming instructional books. Most recently we have also been reviewing the many books written about drummers’ lives. So many drummers have interesting stories to tell, and Modern…

Modern Drummer
Dec 1, 2024
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2024 Year in Review

Each year, there are several superb events that showcase vintage, modern, and custom drums, as well as phenomenal cymbals, percussive effects, cases, and related gear. These gatherings aren’t just about gear; they’re vibrant hubs for learning and inspiration, offering master…

Story and photos by Bob Campbell
Dec 1, 2024

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