Source: ModernDrummer.com To celebrate its 125th anniversary, The Gretsch Company, one of the world’s most well-known drum and guitar manufacturers, is kicking off the Next Gretsch Greats Unsigned Artist Competition, an online competition to identify the world’s hottest unsigned bands. The competition entry period will begin May 1 and end May 31, 2008. Go to Gretsch's 125th Anniversary site, or Read the MD article here ...

We talk about tips for Concert percussion on today's show.  In news, we discuss Chris Adler's clinic takes, Ringo™'s upcoming UK tour, MD festival lineup, Is Dream Theater done?, Travis Barker news, and Zac Hansen has a baby girl!  Show Notes Direct Download

Source: Sabian.com SABIAN, the award winning cymbal company, is sponsoring “The Most Warped Drummer” contest, an online competition at www.mostwarped.com. The contest gives aspiring musicians the chance to upload a performance video to be voted on by fans, for a chance to win a grand prize trip and all-access pass to the Boston Warped Tour stop on July 13, 2010, as well as a collection of SABIAN gear. Musicians are invited to visit the site and upload ...

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

In part II of the Drummer's Toybox covers what every drummer should have in a box for parts and repairs.  The MD Reader's Poll is out, the Dr. Rion is the Hybrid Rudiment of the Week, and Carter brings the news!  Show Notes

Sign Meshuggah drummer Tomas Haake for a pro sports contract. He can't stay healthy! The Swedish band announced this month that they are cancelling several Scandinavian shows due Haake's unhealthy back and right leg. Haake was forced to sit out part of Meshuggah's tour last year due to shoulder problems. At this point, one wonders why this keeps happening. Suppose it's due to poor posture or technique? It is possible. Perhaps he's just chronically injured. ...

Looks like Sabian is expanding their Vault series to include symphonic cymbals. These would be a nice addition to Sabian's line up. I like that Sabian is finding more ways to challenge Zildjian. There should be some kind of competition... perhaps a bowl of some kind to see which cymbal company is the dominant brand. Source: Harmony-Central.com New Artisan Traditional Symphonic Cymbals From SABIAN March 10, 2009 The first orchestral cymbals from SABIAN to be included in its premium ...

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 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: Harmony Central PRESS RELEASE For drummers who are serious about becoming better players, the first steps are to study the masters and learn to "play for the music." Off The Record, by Ed Breckenfeld (Modern Drummer Publications), is an exciting new book and DVD-ROM multi-media package designed to help drummers do both. The collection of lessons from one of Modern Drummer's most popular columns showcases more than 500 drum tracks by the world's most important, influential, ...