Hiya, drummers, As usual, let's start off with your responses to last month's MD/MySpace Blog question. We asked you, Rate the following factors in terms of how they affect your buying decisions: price, brand loyalty, place of manufacture, and sound. The format we used was 1 being the most important, 4 being the least.
First off, I have to say I was impressed by the responses. Nearly everyone put sound at the top of their list. Bravo—you have your head in the right place. "You're only as good as the last note you played," says our MySpace friend Michael Dalton. Amen, Michael.
Still, there are good points to be made about the importance of other factors, like brand loyalty. David Beti says, "In 1970 I bought a Ludwig drumkit from a local music store, and I still have that kit today! The most important thing to me when I bought this kit was that it was a Ludwig. The reason is, I have played Ludwig drums since 4th grade. This was my first kit, and it's still in use." David clearly has a soft spot for Ludwig, and who's to argue with that?
Across the board, the issues of place of manufacture and the drummers who endorse particular products came in as less important. Advertisers, take note.
Thanks to all our MySpace friends who weighed in with their opinions. Our next question comes directly from a need that I've had recently for a reasonably priced cymbal bag that can accommodate larger sizes, like 24" rides. I even have a 27" China I'd take to some gigs if I had a good way to transport it—though I'm not holding my breath on that one. But with this in mind, our question to you this month is:
What gear needs do you have that you feel aren't being addressed adequately by today's manufacturers?
Register your thoughts at www.myspace.com/moderndrummermagazine, and we'll summarize the results right here next month.
Adam Budofsky
editorial director
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New from Alfred Music  Green Day: 21st Century Breakdown. The album-matching Authentic Drumset transcriptions to 21st Century Breakdown, Green Day's brilliant concept album; possibly the first true punk rock opera. Featuring larger-than-life storytelling, 21st Century Breakdown runs through the narrative of Christian and Gloria, a young couple working through the shattered promises of this century. The 18 compositions included in the album flow effortlessly, ranging from power punk to sensitive ballads.
Available now at www.alfred.com/drums. |
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Want more kick for your kick?  The KickPort—the revolutionary new innovation for your bass drum. After being the "Buzz of the 2009 Winter NAMM Show," the KickPort took Summer NAMM by storm in July, winning a Best in Show award! The KickPort is inserted into the hole in the resonant head of the bass drum and gives your drum more low end, more tone, more punch, and better feel. The KickPort Family of Artists includes Kenny Aronoff, Dennis Chambers, Jonathan Moffett, Steve Ferrone, Gerry Brown, Doane Perry, Gregg Bissonette, and many others. Available now at www.kickport.com and in stores worldwide this fall.
Click here for more information. |
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Justdrumsonline.com presents: The Ludwig P4 Practice Pad, designed and created by Pat Petrillo.  • 3 playing levels to improve hand coordination, accuracy, and mobility by simulating the feel of moving around a drumset.
• 4 different rubber pads provide a variety of feels, responses, and sounds, with no “flipping” required!
• Mounts onto a cymbal stand with the provided 8 mm thread, or fits in a snare basket.
• The most INNOVATIVE & FUN Drum Pad Ever created! (Patent Pending)
Click here to order or for more information |
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Rogers Drums recently launched its all-new Web site showcasing the Trailblazer and Prospector Series  Check out the fabulous retro-style finishes on the Trailblazer Series. Rogers Trailblazer drumsets also boast double bass drum pedals and two-legged hi-hat stands. All for $699!
One of the best values in music stores today, the Prospector Series will catch your eye with its brand-spanking-new finishes. For as low as $699, get yourself a complete Rogers Prospector drumset/cymbal package and start playing this weekend!
Log on to www.rogersdrumsusa.com today. |
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iPerform 3D  iPerform 3D, Zildjian, and Mike Mangini have teamed up to bring you a brand-new way of learning drumset technique, all from the comfort of your computer. Incredibly hi-tech, easy to use, and fun, iPerform gives you the first-ever 3D Drum Lessons that will absolutely blow you away. Use the iPerform videogame technology to learn new technique, build your speed, and lay down some great rock, blues, and Latin grooves.
Zildjian artist, clinician extraordinaire, and World's Fastest Drummer Mike Mangini suited up in iPerform 3D's special "green suit" to be digitized into your virtual drum teacher. Each lesson is jam-packed with technique, and with iPerform 3D's virtual technology, you can see how Mike plays from every angle! Rotate the camera angle to see what each hand is doing, view just his feet, get an overhead view, and more. It's really something that has to be seen!
Lessons are now ready for you, so click here to learn how to rock, in 3D! |
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Now, what's on the MD editors' musical minds this month… What We’re Listening To
Associate Editor Michael Parillo
"Sharcüt est un trio montréalais de rock instrumental abrasif ambient," says the Google results accompanying the Web address for the band Sharcüt. You don't have to speak French (and I sure don't) to understand most of that pretty cool description. The instrumental band is more ambient than abrasive on its self-titled debut album, though, with rich cinematic textures often based around what sounds like baritone guitar. DANIEL BÉDARD has a light, supple touch and makes great use of his ride cymbal in propelling his grooves. These guys are cut from the same cloth as Tortoise, but they're a little looser and seem to improvise more. A band to watch for.
Associate Editor Billy Amendola
One of the many perks of working for the coolest drum mag is getting to hear music way before it comes out. But I also often go back to earlier recordings, and I've recently been listening to multi-instrumentalist/producer/songwriter Jon Brion's solo CD Meaningless, from a few years ago—my son, Matty, turned me on to Jon’s music—which features the great JIM KELTNER. And this month I'm loving the ladies. Michelle Branch's Everything Comes And Goes features JERRY MAROTTA, ABE LABORIEL JR., SHAWN PELTON, JOE BONADIO, and again JIM KELTNER. And after falling in love with Colbie Caillat’s single "Fallin' For You," I've really become fond of her full-length CD, Breakthrough, featuring CRAIG MACINTYRE.
Managing Editor Michael Dawson
Lately I’ve been revisiting the Secret Machines' 2006 album, Ten Silver Drops. I love the relentless, big-beat drive of drummer JOSH GARZA's grooves on this record, as well as his downright massive drum sound. "Daddy’s In The Doldrums," "1,000 Seconds," and "Faded Lines" are three of my favorite tracks for Josh's signature quarter-note ride/offbeat kick feel. I think I'll try to cop some of this vibe for my band's next album.
Editorial Director Adam Budofsky
It's hard for me to focus this month—well, it's hard for me to focus all the time, but that's another story. Anyway, lately I've been listening to several CDs a lot. Stardeath And White Dwarfs' debut, The Birth, is a psychedelic pop album filled with cool ideas and catchy songs. Drummer MATT DUCKWORTH makes me respectfully giggly on "Those Who Are From The Sun Return To The Sun" every time. I'm also digging I'm Going Away by the Fiery Furnaces (ROBERT D'AMICO killing it as usual), Pictures by the Len Price 3 (drummer NEIL FROMOW ripping up some gargantuan garage rock), and an oldie but so goody, Sad Vacation by ex-New York Dolls bandmates Johnny Thunders and Sylvain Sylvain (Dolls drummer JERRY NOLAN on one of the better post-Dolls collections—live, raw, and powerful).
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It's time to check out what's in the new October issue of MD, out now:  • Jeff "Tain" Watts—exploring the depths of his remarkable drumming. Check out this short interview with Tain's longtime collaborator Branford Marsalis: www.moderndrummer.com/updatefull/200001782
• Reasons To Love Neil Peart. Established pros and blazing newcomers alike give it up for the man. Of course, we just couldn't fit it all into the issue, so read extended discussions of Neil's huge influence on Mastodon's Brann Dailor, Slavior's Mark Zonder, and the Flaming Lips' Steven Drozd: www.moderndrummer.com/updatefull/200001784
• Remembering Jim Chapin. The legendary drummer, teacher, and author passed away on July 4. To coincide with the In Memoriam piece in the October issue of MD, several friends and disciples recall the drum-world giant in their own words here: www.moderndrummer.com/updatefull/200001783/Jim%20Chapin
• Be sure to register to win one of nine snare drums from Dunnett Classic or George Way. See the rules here.
Click here to go to moderndrummer.com |
Modern Drummer Digital October Issue
If you haven't already, be sure to check out the digital edition of Modern Drummer magazine. Subscribers will receive their email soon.
MD Digital tip: To see a list of all the available links in each issue, click the Links tab at the top of the page, then click Show All Pages. Now you can access every link in that issue.
Note: October Modern Drummer Digital to be released October 25, 2009.
Be sure to visit us at MySpace, search Modern_Drummer_Magazine on Facebook, and follow us on twitter/Modern_Drummer. |
