Gear

Soundlab \

Aquarian Nu-Brite Heads Tested!

Anyone who recalls the disastrous launch of New Coke already knows how risky it is to revamp a product. Aquarian pulls it off with its Nu-Brite heads.

History \

One Of A Kind Ludwig Super-Sensitive

Ludwig made only four gold-plated Super-Sensitive snare drums for their top endorsers in the ’60s, and we managed to get our hands on one of them.

Drumkit of the Week \

Sam Newham’s Tama Showpiece

Dreams do come true, at least for Sam Newham, who submitted his Tama Starclassic Bubinga Omni-Tune kit for this week’s drum kit of the week.

Soundlab \

Pearl Powershifter Eliminator Hi-Hat

Pearl’s adjustable Powershifter hi-hat pedal was considered a breakthrough when it was introduced in the early 2000s. Now it’s an industry standard.

History \

Collectibles: Bidding On A Krupa Playbill

Chet Falzerano tells us about his epic eBay battle, and how he fought to win a vintage Gene Krupa playbill.

NAMM \

C&C Custom Drums @ 2013 Winter NAMM

With even more kits made from the company’s own custom shells and a new line of metal snare drums, C&C Custom Drums had a lot to talk about this year.

Soundlab \

Tama Iron Cobra HP200 Pedals Tested!

John Nyman checks out Tama's Iron Cobra HP200 pedals in this gear review, proving these fairly cheap staples to be surprisingly reliable investments.

NAMM \

Acoutin Custom Drums @ 2013 Winter NAMM

Acoutin’s booth was yet another smorgasbord of unique snares featuring interlocking shell segments made from a variety of wood and metal materials.

History \

Ludwig Vistalites: The Difference Was Clear

Vistalites are coming back and we're here to reminisce about the days of old — when they were first on the scene with Kiss, the Stones, and Zeppelin.

Soundlab \

Carmine Appice Realistic Rock Cymbals Tested!

Brad Schlueter take the Istanbul Mehmet Carmine Appice Signature Cymbals for a test drive, discovering versatility beneath a rock "face."