We mentioned it a few weeks ago when Jason Bittner moved over to Zildjian, but now details have emerged regarding Jason's upcoming tour. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cw23cK9FpLs Commenting on the upcoming clinic tour, Bittner said, "The clinic tour will feature play alongs, free-form playing, educational content, and fun. I'm hoping to have a few Shadows Fall tracks from my new record to share with fans on the tour. Zildjian cymbals are featured in these new recordings. They’ve already become a part ...

Now THIS is cool.  As part of their 100th anniversary celebrations, Ludwig is releasing a gorgeous stainless steel kit. Every kit will be fashioned by Ronn Dunnett, owner of Dunnett Classic Drums, who knows a thing or two about making metal drums. Too bad they're only making 100 of them. I'd love to get one. Source: Harmony-Central.com Since 1909, Ludwig has been making exceptionally crafted percussion products for drummers of all styles. During the 100th Anniversary year, ...

As some of you may know, custom drum builder Ronn Dunnett of Dunnett Classic Drums also runs a drummer message board, Drumsmith.com. As part of that website, he posts unbelievable pictorials of pictures he takes at various drum shows (NAMM, MusikMesse in Germany, etc). His most recent addition is one of the best I've seen. Here's a little taste of his Winter NAMM 2009. Be sure to check out the whole pictorial.

I've reviewed all three current editions of the HMMS and doing so has made me realize something. Letting the audience drive the clinic can be a really bad idea. It would seem that people are prone to ask certain question of clinicians just for the novelty of it being explained live. Jojo Mayer still gets questions about hand technique even though he has an entire DVD dedicated to the subject. Steve Gadd still gets questions about that groove that he did with ...

Here it is ... our final clinic of PASIC 2008. It's been a wild ride! --- 5:01 They are still setting up the kits on stage. A tune from Nightmare Before Christmas is playing (the "Sandy Claus" one). I hope this isn't idicative of this last clinic. It seems like an odd choice for the show closer. In the past, this slot has been Peter Erskine, Steve Gadd, Dave Weckly and Steve Smith. ...

3:02 Waiting to start 3:06 Pearl rep out to introduce the performers. Plugs gear. All three guys endorse different cymbals: Sabian, Zildjian, and Paiste. He's talking way too much of the Reference kit. They are in the shimmer of Oz finish. Now bios about the players. 3:08 Players take the stage and launch into an up trading drum solos piece. Ameen and Carballo trade licks. Flores is obviously the director ...

11:11 PAS guy out and introduces DW rep. Thanks sponsors 11:12 Rabb and Minneman take the stage. Johnny takes the stage and gives some live to Marco. Gives Mrco a lobster pot holder and a kitchen towel. JR: We're gonna start with some improv. Marco's gonna wear the potholder while he plays! (laughter) 11;14 Begin to play. Launch into a DnB piece. JR has a drumbal on his snare. They ...

5:05 After several introductions, DW finally takes the stage. He's all smiles. He thanks the sponsors. Talks about wanting to do DCI, but never had a chance. Thankful to be here. Talks about his gear (Premier 5pc, 1 rack 2 floor.) DW: I've been on tour a while and I'm ready to have fun! 5:09 sits at kit and plays to track. Sick, odd meter grooves! Such a great pocket. Jazz/funk rack continues. DW solos ...

2:54 [Editor's Rant] First, can I take a moment to complain about the walk to these drumset clinics. It's easily an 8 min walk. Surely there's a faster way to ballroom A. Anyway, on to the clinic. 3:00 it's a pretty decent crowd. Meinl cymbals guy is introducing Derek Roddy. Giving a bio. 3:02 DR takes the stage and jokes about getting a dose of coffee. He seems like a super pleasant guy. Launches into ...

Source: Rhythm Magazine Drum sensation Dave Weckl will be conducting a short UK clinic tour in November to promote the arrival of Yamaha's brand new PHX - Phoenix kit, billed by Yamaha as 'the ultimate drum kit'. Yamaha claims it's their best sounding kit ever and at over £5000 it's also the most expensive and the result of over five years of extensive research at Yamaha's drum laboratory in Japan. Dave Weckl, together with a leading group ...