We uncover the tangled history between the world's two largest cymbal makers: Zildjian and Sabian, complete with an interview with Andy Ziljdian! The double stroke roll is the rudiment of the week, Manu Katché is the drummer of the week, and we talk about Roland's new gear in the news. Oh, and Carter is ENGAGED!! Show Notes

Proving that the Memphis Drum Shop is a top notch and high caliber establishment, a couple of the drumming community's up and coming players dropped by recently and showcased some of their talent. Ronald Bruner Jr. (Stanley Clark) and Jason McGerr (Death Cab For Cutie) both sat down at the kit in MDS's cymbal vault (which houses the largest Zildjian collection in the world outside of the Zildjian factory itself) and gave viewers a tiny ...

In their never-ceasing effort to build up their drumstick line, Zildjian has announced three new artist series sticks: Ronald Bruner Jr (Stanley Clarke), John Blackwell (Justin Timberlake), and Ronnie Vannucci (The Killers). These three names will undoubtably boost Zildjian's street cred for their sticks, not that they needed it. What I think it interesting is the fact that Bruner, who endorses Sabian, uses Zildjian drumsticks. Just seems like an interesting wrinkle in the situation. I ...

Interesting story on Zildjian.com about this year's Grammy's. They list all the acts that were nominated whose drummers play Zildjian cymbals. Pretty big list. It's interesting to see how many bands have drummers that use Zildjian. A couple years ago, I saw a story about how most of the Grammy winners have drummers who use Paiste. I wonder if the overall trend is going back to Zildjian or if it's just a coincidence. Your thoughts? One ...

Interesting story from the good folks at Sabian Cymbals. I've always heard of guys burying ride cymbals for six months in their backyards for the purposes of drying them out. My first teacher did it. His Zildjian K Custom Medium Ride is a dry as they come. Sounds great! Looks like Sabian is trying their hand at it with their "One of 100" project. Feels a touch gimmicky to me, but I'd be interested in ...

Source: Sabian.com It's been a busy few months for endorsements as John Blackwell and Chris Layton moved to Zildjian. It looks like Sabian has just secured drumming prodigy, Tony Royster, Jr. "HHX cymbals are my sound," commented Royster. "I love the smooth responses of the Evolutions, the hot tone of the Xtreme and Legacy crashes, and the multi-hole design and wicked sound of the O-Zone, which is the real kicker! With SABIAN I've found a great ...

Source: Harmony Central SABIAN has expanded its Vault collection with the introduction of 13-inch Vault Fierce Hats. Inspired by renowned drummer Jojo Mayer, the Fierce Hats feature a raw, unlathed surface and jumbo hammer marks that combine to deliver an aggressive low-end clarity and punchy, semi-dry response that projects in any music. It is this unique response that has made the Fierce concept a favorite among drummers of all styles, said Mark Love, SABIAN master product ...

A cymbal family feud goes to court! Big Drum Thump is reporting on a Daily Gleaner article that talks about a Sabian (Zildjian family) lawsuit. In his notice of action, Bill, Robert's [Zildjian] eldest son, alleges his father is misusing company funds for personal expenses and that his brother Andy is actively undermining his position and influence on the business. "Bill has justifiably lost the trust and confidence in his father Robert and his brother Andy ...

Source: Paiste.com First introduced in 2007 in a concept proving and ground breaking essential configuration, the Twenty assortment now undergoes a major expansion, as the company completes an ambitious development process in response to world-wide requests by drummers and percussionists for additional models in the critically acclaimed series. As part of the greatly expanded selection, additional sizes in all the existing main-stream models are now offered, which include the Ride in 21", the Crash in 17", 19" ...

I'm not sure how this shook down, but according to Zildjian.com, both John Blackwell and Chris Layton have left Sabian and are now endorsing Zildjian cymbals. Commented Chris Layton: "I'm very excited to be playing Zildjian Cymbals. After trying some of the Armand Series cymbals Mitch Mitchell was using last year on the Experience Hendrix Tour, I found myself searching for the sound I started out with, which led me to Zildjian." John Blackwell ...