Big Drum Thump

Drum roadies, beware. Mapex has just introduced its Horizon Fastpack drum set, a portable kit that aims to set the standard for great-sounding, easy-to-load-in, and easy-to-load-out drums. The set includes a 20″ x 12″ bass drum, 8″ x 6″ and 10″ x 7″ rack toms, a 12″ x 12″ floor tom, and a 13″ x 5″ snare drum. The shells are constructed using a combination of basswood and birch plies for outstanding tone. The drums are also outfitted with a durable, high-gloss black covering, and the mounted toms feature Mapex’s Isolated Tom Mount System (ITS). Some 310-series hardware completes the kit.

But what use is having a “portable” drum set if you don’t have something to lug it around in? Mapex thought about that too and put together a complementary set of Fastpack drum bags. The bass drum and snare fit into a padded rolling bag with wheels. The 8”, 10”, and 12” toms fit into a padded bag with a convenient shoulder strap. A durable, easy-to-carry bag is provided for the hardware too.

So what we got here from Mapex’s Horizon Fastpack appears to be a kit that lets you actually spend more time making music with your drums and less time moving them around and setting them up.

In honor of its 100th-anniversary year (and perhaps in concession to depression-era economics), Ludwig is announcing the “6/4/5 Program,” which allows up-and-coming players without a whole lot of cash to get a bigger kit. For a limited time, all new Epic, Element Lacquer, and Element series 5-piece sets will include an additional rack tom for free. Three “6/4/5″ shell packages are available in each series, with MSRPs ranging from $755 for the Element series, $1,045 for the Element Lacquer, and $1,270 for the Epic line.

[Press Release]

Gretsch has updated its popular Renown series kit configurations to appeal to drummers looking to step into a high-performance kit at a moderate price. Shell packs include a bass drum, toms, and floor tom. Add-on snare drums (14″ x 5″ and 14″ x 6.5″) will be offered in all current Renown finishes. Renown will continue to feature 6-ply maple formula shells, 30-degree bearing edges, Silver Sealer shell interiors, die-cast hoops, GS-9025 hinged tom brackets, and 12.7mm floor tom legs with chambered rubber feet.

All models are available in the following finishes: Autumn Burst (AB), Cherry Burst (CB), Slate Silver Sparkle (SSL), Deep Inca Gold Sparkle (DIGS).

RN-F604 – 4pc Groove Shell Pack
Sizes: 20″ x 16″, 10″ x 8″, 12″ x 9″, 14″ x 14″
Retail price: TBD

RN-E824 – 4pc Euro Shell Pack
Sizes: 22″ x 18″, 10″ x 8″, 12″ x 9″, 14″ x 14″
Retail price: TBD

RN-R643 – 3pc Rock Shell Pack
Sizes: 24″ x 16″, 13″ x 9″, 16″ x 16″
Retail price: TBD

[Press Release]

Gretsch’s New Classic series expands its finish offerings with a new Satin Natural finish option for all drum set and snare models for 2009. Classic and clean, the Satin Natural finish complements New Classic’s retro look and appeal. The New Classic series includes proportionate shells, which increase in thickness as shell diameters increase to give a full, balanced tonality across the entire drum set. Drum hardware appointments include vintage-styled tube lugs, the very low mass “ITS” integrated tom suspension system, and the 9025 hinged tom and floor tom leg brackets. Die-cast hoops and Silver Sealer shell interiors are also featured in the New Classic series.

[Press Release]

During the 50s and early 60s, Gretsch offered a distinctive diamond-shaped color pattern called Harlequin. The Harlequin finish featured a distinctive red/black, two-toned diamond color pattern and is recognized as an innovative, bold, and striking finish from one of Gretsch’s pinnacle eras. For 2009, Gretsch will relive history and bring back the Harlequin finish process with expanded color options in all Nitro Cellulose gloss lacquer and Curly figured maple colors.

In addition, Gretsch will offer a limited-edition drum set featuring the Harlequin design in Curly Sun Amber Gloss finish with triple-plated gold hardware. This drum set (pictured below) features a host of added options, including gold bass drum mount plate and hardware, gold single tom arm, gold T-Rods, gold G9025 mounting brackets, a Fiberskyn BD resonant head with offset logo, and coated resonant tom heads. The kit’s sizes are as follows: 18″ x 16″ bass drum, 12″ x 8″ tom, 14″ x 14″ floor tom, and a 14″ x 5.5″ snare. The retail price of the kit will be announced at a later date.

[Press Release]

For the first time in recent memory (possibly as far back as 1927, when Gretsch introduced the first-ever multi-ply laminate drum shell in the industry), Gretsch will offer single-ply wood snare drums. Gretsch’s G-5000 Solid series feature a single-ply, solid snare drum and are available in either solid maple or solid walnut. Each shell includes solid maple reinforcement hoops to ensure true shell roundness, and shells are finished in clear Nitro Cellulose gloss lacquer. Handcrafted in Gretsch’s Ridgeland custom drum shop, G-5000 Solid snares include 30-degree bearing edges, die-cast hoops, 20-strand snare wires, and coated Permatone batter heads with underside dot. All models are available with either a Lightning or Dunnett throw-off and butt plate.

• G-5000 Solid maple snare drums offer the ultimate in tonal balance with deep mid-range warmth and a bright and clear high-end. Features include a solid maple shell, “DropG” badge, and a 30-degree edge in natural Nitro Cellulose gloss finish. The 14″ x 5.5″ model with 10 lugs retails for $1,875. The 13″ x 6″ model with 6 lugs retails for $1,740.
• G-5000 Solid walnut snares offer a darker timbre, but still project plenty of attack. Features include a solid walnut shell, “DropG” badge, and a 30-degree edge in natural Nitro Cellulose gloss finish. The 14″ x 6.5″ model with 10 lugs (pictured below) retails for $1,810. The 13″ x 7″ model with 6 lugs retails for $1,750.