This month’s unsung hero is Ian Thomas, a session drummer from London, UK. He has played with Paul McCartney, Sting, Eric Clapton, Elton John and many more. Without a doubt, Ian is one of the UK’s most sought after and respected session drummers.
Read moreWhat Weaker Side?
Hmmm ... there seems to be some sort of problem with this thing called the weaker side. While I agree with the general concept that our non-dominant side is often less adept than our natural side, there are other factors to consider in this issue outside of equality.
Read moreVintage 1929-30 Leedy Drum Set and Traps with detailed Explanations: The Frank Gomes Memorial Drum Set
In this video. Bob takes us on a tour of what instruments a pro drummer in the 1930s would be using and how they would be played. WARNING, Bob’s voice is very low and the drums are very loud, so keep your hand on the volume knob and play sound man.
Read moreNick D’Virgilio to Release New Solo Album Invisible Featuring Members of Dream Theater, King Crimson, Supertramp, Cheap Trick, The Flower Kings & Others!
With the recording process split between the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London (including full string and brass sections) and the world class Sweetwater Studios in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Invisible boasts star turns from luminaries such as guitarists Paul Gilbert (Mr. Big), Rick Nielsen (Cheap Trick) and Carl Verheyen (Supertramp), bassists Tony Levin (King Crimson, Peter Gabriel) and Jonas Reingold (The Flower Kings, Steve Hackett), plus keyboard players Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) and Jem Godfrey (Frost*).
Read moreKelli Rae Tubbs' Early Drum Set Video Series, Episode 3: "Cowbells"
“If you were really fancy, you had four cowbells!”
Read moreGuide to Vintage Drum Identification - Ludwig Lugs 1923 - 1965
The Imperial lug was also used on bass drums and tom toms in the late 1930’s. Single as well as double ended lugs were offered. A backing plate was usually installed between the lug and the shell. Bass drums were equipped with either standard length lugs or extra long versions.
Read moreDrum History Podcast - Episode 3 - Made in Japan: The History of Stencil Drums with Marc Patch
"Stencil drums" were Japanese copies of major drum manufacturers like Slingerland and Rogers that were created in the 50's to the 80's. They feature some of the most unique finishes that you can find and have become a unique category of affordable collectors drums. They have a somewhat mysterious history, but fortunately Marc Patch has written a book documenting the history of MIJ (Made In Japan) drums and took the time to talk with me.
Read moreThe Most Celebrated Drum In History?
The Gladstone name ranks right up there with all the drum innovators in history, Ludwig, Leedy, Way, Strauss, etc, but he also has the distinction of being a world class snare drummer. Even the not so humble Buddy Rich claimed he was the best.
Read more1926 Ludwig All-Metal Separate Tension Drum
I acquired this drum a year ago as just a shell with one lug, throw and butt plate attached. It was riddled with countless dents and headed to the trash, luckily I was in the right place at the right time to rescue i
Read moreLess is More? Really?
This phrase, “less is more,” not only really irks me but I believe it can and has caused the lack of development in young musicians…..especially drummers.
Read moreDrum History Podcast - Episode 2 with Joey "Boom" Mekler - Exploring WW2 Metal-Ration Drums
For a moment in time, it was ILLEGAL to use more than 10% of metal per drum for drum making in America! The result is a fascinating collection of beautiful drums that feature wooden lugs, hoops, pedals, and hardware...most famously Slingerlands "Rolling Bomber."
Find out the reasoning behind this quirk in our nation's Drum History, as we discuss this and much more with war-era drums expert, Joe Mekler, a.k.a. "Joey Boom" of the Delaware Drum Show!
Read moreKelli Rae Tubbs' Early Drum Set Video Series, Episode 2: "Chinese Cymbals"
A series on the transition of drum sets with host, Kelli Rae Tubbs. The history-rich videos discuss the components commonly found on the early drum set
Read moreLate 60s Made In Japan Pearl Seamless Phenolic Kit
In the 1969 catalogue the "President” kit was the only one to show a rectangle badge with the words president on them. They also said Pearl and Japan. These President kits were built till 1973. They still offered great looking pearl wraps such as this Tiger Eye white pearl, marine pearl and gold grain pearl. I love the oyster pearl wrap. Based on this information (warp/badge/lugs/metal bass drum hoops) I put my kit somewhere in the late 60s/early 70s.
Read more1929- SLINGERLAND 5 x 14 *OPAL PEARL PROFESSIONAL MODEL
*Slingerland used the term Opal Pearl but this finish looks exactly like L & L’s Peacock Pearl or Leedy’s Rainbow Pearl finishes.
Read moreI'm of two minds on this...
Or maybe three. But definitely not one. It's an exercise I find myself doing a lot as I work on things that challenge me: trying to get my mind -- not just my limbs -- to focus on two things at once.
Read moreThe Rare Slingerland Ben Pollack Radio King Model Snare Drum
According to Slingerland’s catalogs, the “Ben Pollack “Radio King” model was only produced for two years, between 1936-1938. This is a significant reason why this model is extremely rare and desirable. Also, the drum consumers of the day were placing overwhelming orders to Slingerland for the Krupa model. All of this was certainly because of Gene Krupa’s major popularity and drumming success.
Read moreCure For Idle Hands - Stick Control Unleashed Part I
The exercises in Stick Control are great for getting your hands moving, so why not use them to get the other limbs involved as well? The following interpretations move the stickings around the entire drum set. While the idea is to get all four limbs working, it’s best to go easy at first, i.e. start with two limbs, then add the third (and then the fourth) when ready.
Read moreUnsung Heroes - Angus Burchall
This month’s drumming unsung hero is from the land down under…Australia. His name is Angus Burchall and, for more than 30 years, he has been the drummer for Australian singing legend John Farnham.
Read more2019 Chicago Drum Show Pics - 187 of them!
187 pics from the 2019 Chicago Drum Show!
Read moreTodd Sucherman - Remembering Tony Williams - Chapter 1
But, Tony… Hearing him in that room. He would always start out with a solo piece and it felt like it was fight or flight— the hair would rise up on your arms. Primal. Scary. Loud. Resonant. Uniquely him, so much of his authentic self in every note… The coolest and the deepest 24” inch bass drum with three floor toms in THAT room. The softest whisper to the loudest roar… Grooving, swinging with explosive punctuations. The sound is seared into my memory for the rest of my life.
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