NAMM Preview: DW Nickel-Over-Brass Snare Drums
- By Andy Doerschuk
- Published January 13, 2012
The surprising thing is that DW hasn’t done this before now.
After spinning out what appeared to be every imaginable snare shell material under the sun, Drum Workshop has announced the introduction of two black-nickel-over-brass models in its expansive Collector’s Series metal snare drums series.
Available in 14" x 5.5" and 14" x 6.5" sizes, these drums feature a thin, rolled 1mm shell with a rolled bearing edge and snare beds. The Custom Shop drum can be ordered in any of five drum hardware color choices (chrome, black chrome, satin chrome, black nickel, and 24-karat gold) and includes standard features such as: MAG throw-off system with 3P (3 position) butt plate, True Tone snare wires, True Pitch stainless steel tension rods, 3.0 steel True Hoops, and DW Heads by Remo USA.
They’re black, they’re beautiful, and made to order. Retail price: $667 for either size.
NAMM Preview: Los Cabos Nylon Tip Red Hickory Sticks
- By Andy Doerschuk
- Published December 12, 2011
Little by little, that humble stick maker from up north, Los Cabos Drumsticks, has managed to do something others couldn’t, by carving out a niche in a highly competitive stick market that seemed all but impenetrable. They did it by taking baby steps, calculated risks, and doing what they do well.
Take their newest model, slated to debut at next week’s NAMM Show, for instance. Building upon their unique Red Hickory line, the company has announced that it will introduce a nylon tip version in 5A and 5B sizes. A modest step forward, you might say, but a step forward, nonetheless.
But why red hickory? Producing drumsticks with respect to the environment has been one of the company’s mandates since the beginning. Los Cabos Drumsticks was the first stick manufacturer to introduce a complete line of sticks made from the heartwood of a hickory plant. The resulting red hickory line of sticks allows the company to use a greater portion of the wood from each tree harvested than any other manufacturer.
NAMM Preview: Two New K Constantinople Rides
- By Andy Doerschuk
- Published January 9, 2012
We expect the Zildjian booth to be bustling at the upcoming NAMM Show judging by the sheer number of new model introductions that will update many of the company’s existing cymbal lines, including two rides that will expand the coolly retro K Constantinople series.
Developed in conjunction with renowned jazz drummer Adam Nussbaum, the medium-thin 22" K Constantinople Renaissance Ride features smoother lathing on both sides and a bell that is unlathed underneath, adding stick definition to the instrument. Three rows of over-hammering and four large hammer clusters give it a dark spread with overtones and a bit of “trash.”
Also new in 2012 is the medium-thin 20" K Constantinople Bounce Ride, a smaller version of the 22" model launched two years ago. Like the 22", which was developed in conjunction with Kenny Washington, the 20" Bounce Ride features traditional K Constantinople hammering and eight unique cluster hammer marks on top that add just enough “dirt” to the sound. The new 20" model has more pronounced lathing and tonal grooves to produce plenty of dark wash and sustain.
Don’t you love being involved in an industry where descriptions like “trash” and “dirt” are considered flattering? Drummers rule.
NAMM Preview: Stone Custom Drum Shells
- By Andy Doerschuk
- Published January 5, 2012
We are genuinely excited to take a close look at the new line of custom-made snare drum shells that will be on display at Stone Custom Drum’s booth at the upcoming NAMM Show.
After developing a solid reputation as a drum refinisher and re-builder, Bernie Stone (pictured above), proprietor of the Fort Wayne company, saw a post on eBay, of all places, listing shell making tooling from a well-known drum company whose name he’s legally bound not to mention (although he was able to say they were originally headquartered in Niles, Illinois – do a little web research and you might be able to figure it out).
Following some plain old horsetrading, Stone was able to talk the seller down to a price he could afford, and is now bending virgin shells made of standard species as well as exotic woods “from bird’s-eye maple to bubinga, and everything in between.” Stone purports to sell his new line of shells for as little as $59.95 per drum, which seems extremely reasonable.
We’ll be sure to give you more information about this new company during our daily coverage from the NAMM Show.
Audix FP QUAD Drum Microphone Pack
- By Andy Doerschuk
- Published January 4, 2012
Less can actually be more when it comes to ambient drum miking, which explains why the folks at Audix are so proud of the new FP QUAD drum microphone pack.
A cost-effective alternative to the DP QUAD drum pack introduced last year, the FP version features the F6 dynamic microphone to capture the bass drum’s low-end, an F5 dynamic microphone to reinforce the depth and snap of the snare, and two F9 pre-polarized condenser microphones, designed to be positioned overhead to pick up hi-hats, toms, cymbals, and the ambiance of the entire drum kit – no matter how large or small your kit.
All four microphones comes packaged in a heavy-duty aluminum carrying case along with a DFLEX rim mount clip for use with the F5 on the snare drum. The entire rig is available at a suggested retail price of $525.
And just to assure that you sound your best, Audix produced a demonstration video that illustrates precise set up requirements for each individual microphone, complete with detailed examples of the four mikes working in tandem. You can check out the video right now by going here.
