Products Reviews

Meinl Benny Greb 16” HiHats

Master drummer Benny Greb has been at it again. Not content with his initial 14” Sand Hats, his taste has now extended to creating a 16” version as well. The cymbals are made from B20 alloy. They have narrow lathing on all but the playing side of the top cymbal - which is unlathed -

By | 2018-12-28T14:12:16+00:00 January 1st, 2019|Categories: Reviews|Comments Off on Meinl Benny Greb 16” HiHats

Mixed Reviews – Erskine + Black, Biggin and Heaney

The Drummers Lifeline - Peter Erskine and Dave Black This little book is one for the tour bus, or a train journey, or just anywhere you may have a few minutes to kill (you can use your imagination). Absolutely chock full of little tips, this book contains over 80 ideas that will help you address

By | 2018-12-16T11:15:47+00:00 December 15th, 2018|Categories: Reviews|Comments Off on Mixed Reviews – Erskine + Black, Biggin and Heaney

PDP Chad Smith Acrylic Snares

12x6" PDP recently released some new artist model snare drums and as part of that, possibly the biggest part of that, were the three Chad Smith drums. All three of these models feature a seamless clear shell and are available as 12x6” (6 lug) & 13x7” (8 lug) versions - listed as being side snares

By | 2018-12-15T16:00:25+00:00 December 15th, 2018|Categories: Reviews|Comments Off on PDP Chad Smith Acrylic Snares

Aston Starlight and Spirit Microphones

The Aston Starlight. Check out the shark fin laser pointer - VERY James Bond, but entirely practical and very useful. Drummer's relationships with microphones have changed over the last ten years or so. Ten years ago, if you were a drummer and you had your own microphones, then you either had your own

By | 2018-12-01T12:54:55+00:00 December 1st, 2018|Categories: Reviews|Comments Off on Aston Starlight and Spirit Microphones

Book Reviews – Schlesinger, Garibaldi and Burns

Concepts: A Guide to Essential Drumset Processes for the Modern Drummer - Nick Schlesinger London based drummer and educator Nick has just published his own concepts book with the theory behind it being rather simple; drum books are great, exercises are good, but having a wider understanding of, and the ability to use, a concept

By | 2018-10-31T22:32:32+00:00 October 31st, 2018|Categories: Reviews|Comments Off on Book Reviews – Schlesinger, Garibaldi and Burns

Gretsch Black Nickel Over Steel 14×6.5 Snare Drum

Gretsch’s black nickel over steel snare drum falls within its Full Range line. The drum’s steel shell has 45’ bearing edges and comes with 2.3mm triple flanged hoops, 10 double ended lugs, 20-strand snare wires and Remo heads, the batter head being a CS reverse dot. The drum has a wide tuning range and to me,

By | 2018-10-14T21:04:25+00:00 October 15th, 2018|Categories: Reviews|Comments Off on Gretsch Black Nickel Over Steel 14×6.5 Snare Drum

Remo Colortone Drum Heads

Something for the more image conscious drummer… At a time when you can get custom drum finishes and colours, coloured sticks, coloured cymbals and customisable hardware, it seems no surprise that we should now have the choice of coloured heads as well. Remo’s new Colortone drumheads feature the company’s Skyndeep® Imaging Technology which has been

By | 2018-09-14T22:23:53+00:00 September 15th, 2018|Categories: Reviews|Comments Off on Remo Colortone Drum Heads

DW Purpleheart Drum Kit

I remember a time when life was simpler; Drum Workshop really only had one line of drums and they were made from maple. How things have changed.  Without delving into the archives, I think I’ve now reviewed or played DW drums made from maple, cherry and oak, not to mention some hybrid wood-shelled drums too.

By | 2018-09-02T03:21:16+00:00 September 2nd, 2018|Categories: Reviews|Comments Off on DW Purpleheart Drum Kit

Vic Firth VicBeaters

Felt Vic Firth’s VicBeaters have been out for a little while now Felt and Wood These are basically the same design and dimensions, but two different materials. They have two playing surfaces - side on and flat.  Visually, the design might look a little different or unconventional - it did to me anyway

By | 2018-08-14T08:28:57+00:00 August 15th, 2018|Categories: Reviews|Comments Off on Vic Firth VicBeaters

Q Drum Gentleman 14×7″ Brass Snare

Q Drum Co’s Gentleman Series consists of brass, copper and aluminium snare drums. The review drum features a 14x7” 16 gauge (1.29mm) seamless spun brass shell with a raw finish.  The drum also has 8 lugs, 2.3mm hoops, chrome hardware, a Trick GS007 throw off and butt plate, and 25 strand wires. It’s heavy enough

By | 2018-08-03T23:17:21+00:00 August 3rd, 2018|Categories: Reviews|Comments Off on Q Drum Gentleman 14×7″ Brass Snare
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