Search
Advertisement

February 2018 Issue – Volume 42 • Number 2

Before the modern hi-hat existed there was a device that allowed early drumset players to control a pair of small crash cymbals with a pedal. This aptly named lowboy extended a foot or so above the floor, which helped keep the kit compact but also positioned the cymbals too low to be hit with sticks. The lowboy was rendered obsolete with the invention of the modern hi-hat stand, which allowed the cymbals to be raised up above the snare drum.
TO READ THE FULL STORY:

Articles in February 2018

Beier - 6.5x15 and 7.5x15 Steel Snares

Extra depth for larger-than-life backbeats.

by Michael Dawson
Dec 28, 2017

Booker Stardrum

The drummer, who grew up in a household steeped in top-level twentieth-century classical music performance, has built up an impressive résumé featuring some of the most compelling experimental pop and rock groups of the past decade. He’s also released an…

Story by Adam Budofsky | Photos by Alex Solca
Dec 28, 2017

Around and Around We Go

It’s hard to believe that we’ve already turned the corner toward another year, and Modern Drummer is celebrating forty-two years of publishing in 2018. While that pales in comparison to the 4.54 billion times this rock we live on has…

by Michael Dawson
Dec 28, 2017

Matt Wilson - The Ambassador of Unvention

An experienced pursuer of the unfamiliar, and a compassionate leader who’s unafraid to unleash, the eternally curious drummer carves a unique way along his journey of musical discovery—all the while bringing as many of us along as he can. During…

Story by Willie Rose | Photos by John Abbott
Dec 28, 2017

Steve Nisbett of the Iconic Reggae Band Steel Pulse

Steel Pulse, featuring Steve “Grizzly” Nisbett, second from right   This story originally ran in the August 2012 issue of Modern Drummer.   He barely knew what to do with a reggae groove when he started his climb to the…

by Ben Meyer
Jan 19, 2018
Advertisement

Bebop Syncopation

Part 2: Philly Joe Jones

Article by Mike Alfieri | Photo by Saulmon C. Addison
Dec 28, 2017

Hendrix - Perfect Ply Series Drumset

A warmer and rounder-sounding 4-ply counterpart to the company’s hi-fi, snappy stave setups.

by Michael Dawson
Dec 28, 2017

Elizabeth Goodfellow With Iron & Wine

The drummer, percussionist, and vocalist invigorates a seasoned indie artist’s new album and extensive back catalog.

by Willie Rose
Dec 28, 2017

The George Way Drum Company

The Iconic Man and the Rebirth of His Legacy Brand

by Bob Campbell
Dec 28, 2017

Exploring Five-Over-Three

Mastering a Difficult Grouping, Step by Step

by Aaron Edgar
Dec 28, 2017

New Gear from SJC, OCDP, Protection Racket, Rhythm House Drums, DrumLite, and Black Swamp!

SJC Custom Drums Foundation Series Hardware The Foundation series of hardware offers professional-quality, heavy-duty stands and pedals. The X line features double-braced legs, gearless cymbal tilters, and hinged memory locks. The Flatline series includes double-braced flat-base cymbal stands. The six-piece,…

Modern Drummer
Dec 28, 2017

Pearl Jam/Soundgarden Drummer Matt Cameron Enlists David Bowie’s Blackstar Drummer, Mark Guiliana, for His Latest Solo Album

Photo by Danny Clinch Matt Cameron may be widely known as the drummer with two iconic bands, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden, but those who’ve followed his career closely know he’s also a multi-instrumentalist who occasionally releases music as a leader.…

Interview by Ken Micallef
Jan 11, 2018
Advertisement

Italian Vintage Drums and Cymbals

Vintage drum expert Luca Luciano’s book is a fascinating introduction to some of the most unusual drums you’ll likely never see.

by Adam Budofsky
Dec 28, 2017

Sonny Emory

On the advantage of formal study. Formal study is paramount for any drummer who’s looking to be versatile enough to sustain a career. Unless you happen to be lucky enough to be in a band that’s already successful. But being…

Interview by Bob Girouard | Photo by Petra Turk
Dec 28, 2017

Dare to Drum

A recently released documentary shows what happens when an esteemed percussion ensemble, a famous rock drummer, a world-class symphony orchestra, and a somewhat cranky Mother Nature come together for a unique musical event.

by Lauren Vogel Weiss
Dec 28, 2017

The Fundamentals of 3/4 Rock

Where to Play the Backbeat

by Joel Rothman
Dec 28, 2017

Yamaha Drums Celebrates Fiftieth Anniversary, Tyshawn Sorey Receives MacArthur Foundation Fellowship, Sabian Appoints New Director of Research and Product Development, and more!

Tommy Aldridge Yamaha Drums Celebrates Fiftieth Anniversary This past September 30, Yamaha Drums celebrated its fiftieth anniversary at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California. More than 400 guests attended the event, which featured an interactive exhibit of current and legacy…

Modern Drummer
Dec 28, 2017

Understanding and Utilizing Fear

Tips for Turning Anxiety Into Achievement

by Mark Schulman
Dec 28, 2017
Advertisement

JD McPherson’s Jason Smay

He might’ve had his sights set on a different musical path, but the skills he honed sure come in handy today, driving the tunes of one of the coolest roots rockers on the scene.

Story by Patrick Berkery | Photos by Rick Malkin
Dec 28, 2017

Advertisement