I came across DW's new Steve Smith Backstage Practice Pad and I got a strange feeling of Dejá Vu. How the heck are the Knee Pad guys not suing DW over patent infringement?? These are obviously the same products! The Original Nee Pad The DW pad does look sexier and sports a slicker strap setup, but c'mon, DW. BTW, once you get past the feeling of looking like a complete moron wearing the Nee ...

Alright then, this is the Sonor Giant Step Middle Pedal... which is a really long name to type out so I'm gonna abbreviate it as GSMP. This was the last pedal I used before I sold my drum-set for reasons I shall not disclose. The Giant Step series is Sonor's high end line of pedals and all share some basic features. Most of which I appreciate, one of which I wish they would have made ...

Tama is giving away tickets to an upcoming Deftones and Fillinger Escape Plan show.  Enter to win over at tama.com/deftonesdeptix.

On this week's show, we talk about some cool new gear coming from Musikmesse 2011 in Frankfurt, Germany!  In the news, Jason Bitter clinic details, Foo Fighters' new record breaks records, you can go to PASIC for free, and this just in: Chris Coleman clinic at Memphis Drum Shop to be streamed for FREE! Show notes after the break. News: Jason Bitter May Clinic Tour Foo Fighters Record Record Want to go to PASIC for free join the Logistic ...

The Tama Iron Cobra is one of the staple pedals of the rock and metal scene. The money Tama has been putting into that marketing has been working; they are one of the most popular pedals because they are fast, smooth, and will survive a nuclear firestorm. Tama has built that fan base and is pretty well happy to stick with the thing they have going on. They haven't had a major change in design ...

First things first. This review would not have been possible without the guys at Fork's Drum Closet allowing me to occupy their practice room, tool around with a VERY expensive piece of equipment, and have access their wi-fi so I could do some background research on this pedal. They are supporting drummer-talk and the review monkey by allowing me review their gear so do me a favor and if my review is what convinces you ...

For the upcoming tour with his new supergroup, Chickenfoot, Chad Smith is pulling out all the stops. He's been known to go over the top in kit design before, a couple times. This time around is no exception. Smith's teamed up with Orange County Chopper motorcycle artist Nub. No... that's really his name. The kit looks pretty flippin' sweet. Not a bad design. Check it our here.

In a victory for drumming purists everywhere, Pearl has announced that 311's Chad Sexton has left his former company (Orange County Drums and Percussion) for greener pastures. Having endorsed Pearl's hardware for awhile, he finally saw the light and wisely left ODCP. No brainer to me. Go Chad! Source: Pearldrum.com Pearl Drums is very proud to announce their newest addition to their artist roster, Chad Sexton of 311. As we all know, 311 is one of the ...

The USA, particularly the state of Tennessee, is cleaning up at Musikmesse in Germany this year. Nashville-based Pearl Drums has won the coveted MIPA (Musikmesse International Press Award) in the category of drum hardware. This begs the question: Is there a Nashville-bias in Europe? Source: Harmony-Central.com Pearl received the coveted MIPA (Musikmesse International Press Award) for their new Demon Drive Bass Drum Pedal in the category of Drum Hardware. The awards ceremony was presented to the winners at ...

In keeping with the recent sports trend, Pearl has announced they have reached a deal to be the official supplier of drums and percussion for the Pacific 10 Conference (Pac-10) men's and women's basketball tournaments. Read closely and you'll see that not all of the universities have agreed to use Pearl drum sets, just Pearl marching percussion. It looks like all the California schools (USC, UCLA, UC-Berkeley) might have other contracts they must honor. Interesting. ...