You are browsing the archive for 2008 February.

Yamaha Talks Up New Hex Rack System

February 27, 2008 in Gear, News by Dave Kropf

Falling somewhere in between Gibraltar’s round rack system and Pearl’s square rack system, Yamaha announced an hexagonal rack system at the Winter NAMM 2008. Yamaha claims the design provides “superior strength,” and “delivers a reliable, strong, easy-to-use and visually stunning rack in one innovative package.” A few NAMM pics are floating around the internet.

The model numbers are also popping up on music retail sites. Here are all the details from the Yammy press release:

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Every now and again, a new product begs the question, “Why didn’t anyone think of that before?” With the introduction of the new Hex Rack System™ at Winter NAMM 2008, Yamaha Drums will undoubtedly be hearing that query frequently. Read the rest of this entry →

Jojo Mayer and Tony Royster, Jr. Drum Battle

February 26, 2008 in Artists, Videos by Dave Kropf

How many times have I gotten that video in my email of Tony Royster, Jr. when he was 12? Well, he’s grown up now, and takes on the reigning champion of drum chops, Jojo Mayer. This video is taken from Singapore Drumfest 2007.

[youtube:http://youtube.com/watch?v=04J73Jf10yw]

New 2008 Products from Vater

February 26, 2008 in Gear, News by Dave Kropf

Vater has recently released a slem of new sticks and accessories for 2008. My fav is the über death-core-metal-thrash accessory, the Skull Slick Nut – for those who need gore and goth to top every last inch of their setup. I’m so HXC I fart darkness!!

Man, you’d think they could find a cleaner cymbal for the photo. Anyway, I really like Slick Nuts, but be sure you get one that fits your hardware – metric, or US – because thy actually thread onto stands. Read the rest of this entry →

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by JABB

Drumming Technique – Great, Good, or Bad?

February 26, 2008 in Musicianship, Opinion by JABB

One of the things that is so attractive about music and being a musician is the freedom. You create without fear of being told “that’s wrong.” Music is subjective, it isn’t right or wrong it just is what it is. Depending on what choices you make your music might be praised or reviled but those are just the opinions of other people. So many times when someone tries to make a comment, constructive criticism or a flat out admonishment… we get defensive. This is why internet flame wars between fans of different bands get so out of control. There is no right or wrong, there is just a bunch of people clubbing each-other over the head with their opinions. Read the rest of this entry →

Dave’s Handy Homemade Hotrod Helpfile

February 25, 2008 in Gear, Tips/Hints/DIY by Dave Kropf

I made this tutorial quite a while back, but I thought I’d dig it up and front page it yet again. Enjoy!

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Here’s my guide to making your very own multi-rods.

It’s very easy and will only set you back about $5/pair (instead of $15-$20 from the big boys.) Your cost may vary depending on the quality of your materials (like wood glue).

Plan on the project taking about an hour from start to finish. These materials will make a total of two pairs of multi-rods (a pair for you and a pair for your buddy that helped!) Read the rest of this entry →

Turn your Nintendo DS into a Drum Kit

February 25, 2008 in Randomness, Tips/Hints/DIY by Dave Kropf

Are you a drummer with a Nintendo DS and wish could drum while waiting in the popcorn line while going to catch High School Musical IX: This time We’re Gonna Sing about the Debate Team at the $2 movie. Gots da 1337 h4ck3r skillzz?? Well, thanks to the guys over at Pocketgamer.co.uk, you can hack your pocket gaming system into a virtual drumkit – complete with your own virtual Yamaha electronic drums! Sure, it voids your warranty and can potentially be leaked back to big N that you’ve distributed “Warez,” but why, oh why, didn’t they put an actual drum kit on the screen?! Who wants to tap around a virtual synthetic kit when you could have a huge monster rock kit alá Mike Portnoy? Ah well … enjoy, and let us know how it is!

Buddy Rich and Ed Shaughnessy Drum Battle on Tonight Show

February 25, 2008 in Artists, Videos by Dave Kropf

Here’s a video of Buddy Rich and “Eddie” Shaughnessy duking it out on the Tonight Show circa 1978. Dig the splitscreen at the end! Man that band is hot!

[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNhnioNNIPI]