The Platinum series is PDP’s flagship line, with 8-ply North American maple shells, double-oval tube lugs, and now a bevy of new finishes. Over 20 were introduced at NAMM 2009. Three that get our sticks hard: Camo Glass FinishPly, Blue to Black Burst Satin Oil, and Vintage Sunburst Satin Oil (shown below).
It wasn’t just big brother DW unveiling cool stuff at NAMM this year. PDP had a sweet duo of new snares on show as well. The details are slim at this point, but we do have the all-important drum porn below. The first snare is the Rat Rod, a 14″ x 6.5″ maple drum in a matte black lacquer finish. It also includes very stylish tube lugs. The second snare is called the Woody and features an all-maple 14″ x 6.5″ shell, maple wood hoops, and tube lugs.
Taye Drums is introducing an all-new line of drums called StudioBirch. It features (as you will have quickly deduced from the name) seven plies of 100% premium-selected birch shells. Along with its patented EFS™ shell technology that brings attack, warmth, and a full tuning range, Taye is offering three new colors in the line: Natural to Black Burst (NBB), Galaxy Ice (GI), and Autumn Red (AR).
The new release of StudioBirch also brings about new bass drum sizes that were previously special order only. You can get two different sizes of 24″ kick drums (18″ and 16″ depths) and three different 22″ kick drums (20″, 18″, and 16″ depths). Buy one of each and make Terry Bozzio jealous.
[Press Release]
Sonor is pleased to announce the immediate release and availability of the new Sonor Special Edition (known as SSE) drum kits. This collection of drum kits comes configured with new shell sizes that are currently in demand, and ship with high-quality Sonor hardware. Like Sonor’s top of the line S Classix series, the new SSE kits feature birch shells, which provide excellent resonance, producing the deep tone you should expect from a quality birch kit.
“The SSE kits feature a brand-new look for Sonor and are available in three gorgeous new finishes with black powder-coated fittings,” said Sonor product manager Larry Nelson. “These kits combine German precision engineering and manufacturing with a unique new look and new shell sizes that produce the dynamic signature sound that drummers have come to expect from Sonor.”
The kits are available in striking Black Galaxy Sparkle, Silver Galaxy Sparkle, and Blue Purple finishes with new black powder-coated fittings. The SSE Rock 20 B1 and SSE Rock 22 B1 each retail for $1,399.99, have a MAP price of $799.99, and set a new standard for features, looks, and affordability. The SSE bass drums are virgin: by not drilling a mounting hole, we have retained the tone that is lost when a substantial amount of the drum is removed. The separate mounting hardware for the toms is included. The kit includes the vibration free Total Acoustic Resonance system (T.A.R.) mounting hardware for the tom.
The SSE Rock 20 B1 configuration includes:
The SSE Rock 22 B1 includes:
Small drum sets are still the new black, and Sonor knows it. The company is introducing two new 4-piece kits designed with modern rock drummers in mind.
The Force 2007 Rock kit features 9-ply birchwood shells that deliver distinctive highs, a full midrange, and a punchy bottom end. The Force 3007 Rock kit features 9-ply maple shells for a distinctively rich and warm sound.
The kits are configured as follows:
The Force 2007 Rock kit comes with an HS 275 hardware pack—a hi-hat stand, two mini-boom cymbal stands, and a bass drum pedal. The Force 3007 Rock kit comes with an HS 475 hardware pack—a hi-hat stand, two mini-boom cymbal stands, and a bass drum pedal. Both sets also include Sonor’s vibration free Total Acoustic Resonance System (T.A.R.) mounting hardware for the tom.
But that ain’t all. Sonor is introducing two new finishes for the 2007 Rock configuration: Natural Fade and Dark Green Burst. Four new finishes for the 3007 Rock model are available as well: Smooth Brown Burst, Smooth Red Burst, Black/Red Sparkle (with black powdercoat hardware), and Orange Sparkle Fade (with black powdercoat hardware).
The wallet damage? Not too bad actually. The Force 2007 Rock set will set you back from $1,399.99 to $1,499.99 (MSRP). The Force 3007 weighs in with an MSRP of $1,799.99.
Just like with the new DW hardware we posted about earlier today, we don’t have all the details regarding these two new Drum Workshop snares, including the all-important price point. But, hey, they’re DWs: you probably can’t afford them anyway.
First up is the Super Solid snare (first image below). It’s a 14″ x 5.5″ drum that is available in a maple or red oak shell and comes outfitted in any of the numerous Collector’s series finishes. Interestingly, the shell is also available in one of three thicknesses: 3/8″, 1/2″, 3/4″.
The second drum is a stainless steel snare you can grab up in six sizes: 13″ x 4.5″, 13″ x 5.5″, 13″ x 6.5″, 14″ x 4.5, 14″ x 5.5″, and 14″ x 6.5″.
Here’s a quick peek at some new hardware DW unveiled at NAMM 2009. We don’t have any prices yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start slobbering right away. Pictures in order of appearance below:
Finally. Band geeks have now got sweet, hot cymbals to fantasize about too.
[Press Release]
The first orchestral cymbals from Sabian to be included in its premium Vault Collection of cymbals and sounds see the innovative company flex its traditional craftsmanship roots and innovative design capability with the Artisan Traditional Symphonic pairing. Created in response to calls from top percussionists for cymbals that would equal or outperform those currently employed by some of the world’s leading orchestras, the Vault Artisan Traditional Symphonic pairings are crafted from pure Sabian B20 bronze, feature high-density hand hammering, and are available in sizes 16″ through 20″.
“Percussionists from the famed Philadelphia Orchestra and Vienna Philharmonic were among those requesting Sabian replicate their current cymbals, the sounds of which have faded due to the wear and tear of years of use,” said Sabian director of education Nick Petrella. “They recognized Sabian’s world-leading ability to craft hand-hammered cymbals in the traditional style and worked with us to ensure our designs and the sounds they produced met or exceeded their performance criteria.”
Vault Artisan Traditional Symphonic cymbals are individually hand crafted by master Sabian artisans. They are quality protected by Sabian’s two-year warranty.
[Press Release]
Following the recent introduction of 16″ and 18″ Artisan crashes to its Vault Collection, Sabian is pleased to debut Artisan hi-hats in 13″, 14″, and 15″ sizes. Consisting of a medium top and heavy bottom, these pairings feature high-density hand hammering with a touch of innovation to deliver a dry, dark, and complex traditional tone with a touch more character and great sticking response. The 14″ pairing delivers a combination of soft, warm sticking and pedal response; the 13″ set is tighter, more defined; and the 15″ produces a bigger, deeper, slushier sound that makes it ideal for players seeking a fatter, funkier sound.
“Artisan Hats are traditional in every sense of the word, but we’ve enhanced their response with a touch of innovation,” said Sabian master product specialist Mark Love. “The result is—like the Artisan ride and crashes—a soft sticking feel and a response that is deep, dark, and funky, but with an edgy ‘bite.’ Funk, blues, jazz, and groove drummers in general will find these have great tone and feel.”
Vault Artisan Hats consist of a medium top and heavy bottom. They are hand crafted from pure Sabian B20 bronze, available in a natural or brilliant finish, and quality-protected by Sabian’s two-year warranty.
[Press Release]
Sabian has added a crash model to its Vault Artisan range of premium, professional cymbals. The Artisan crash, a thin/extra-thin model in 16″ and 18″ sizes, was designed in the Sabian Vault to produce a dark, traditional tone enhanced with the benefit of modern projection. Featuring high-density hand hammering by Sabian master artisans and a touch of innovation, the Artisan crash offers traditional tonal darkness and complexity.
“Artisan crashes have been the single most requested Sabian model since the introduction of the Artisan ride,” noted Sabian product specialist David Williams. “The Artisan ride reminded drummers of the real value of traditional hand-hammered cymbal craftsmanship. As a result we had so many requests for similar hats and crashes that we researched early cymbal designs and then designed what we feel is a better traditional crash. This Artisan model has that soft, warm, deeply musical tone drummers have been asking for.”
Hand crafted from Sabian B20 bronze, the Artisan crash features high-density hand hammering for maximum tonal complexity. This is augmented with jumbo-peen dimpling to increase tonal quality and projection. All Artisan models are quality-protected by Sabian’s two-year warranty.
[Press Release]
Responding to popular demand, Sabian has introduced the 21″ HHX Raw Bell Dry ride. The company’s Raw Bell Dry ride design is now available in all four primary Sabian series—the vintage-sounding AA and HH lines as well as the modern AAX and HHX lines. With its hot, simmering sound and innovative “Tone Projection” design, the HHX Raw Bell Dry ride offers consistently solid stick response and a loud bell, making this modern, dark-sounding model suitable for a full range of music—from jazz, latin, and blues to rock and beyond.
“Because it delivers consistently crisp stroke articulation wherever the drumstick lands, the Raw Bell Dry ride design is considered by many to offer the ultimate in performance versatility,” said Sabian product specialist Lorenzo Wright. “This HHX version has a large, unlathed bell and a surface heavily textured by jumbo-peen hammering. This HHX version has ‘Tone Projection,’ so its dark, simmering sound projects through the music around it. For a modern dark sound and great versatility, the Raw Bell Dry ride is the answer.”
Crafted from pure Sabian B20 bronze, the 21″ HHX Raw Bell Dry ride is quality-protected by Sabian’s two-year warranty.
Sabian designed its APX line to slice through high-volume guitar antics, so it’s no surprise the Solid hi-hats are welcoming a larger and decidedly louder member to the family.
[Press Release]
The latest addition to the Sabian APX series of cymbals is the 15″ Solid Hat. Designed to deliver sheer and bright sounds to cut through the raging guitars and high-powered amps of today’s loudest rock bands, the heavier APX Solid models not only make it easier to be heard but also deliver penetrating volume and cut, taking less energy to play and giving players the freedom to focus on their performance instead of playing extra hard in an effort to be heard.
“For sheer cut and power, APX Solid models are ideal because they deliver an extremely bright, tightly focused, and high-powered glassy sound that cuts through the loudest and heaviest bands,” said Sabian product specialist David Williams. “These 15″ Solid Hats deliver fast, crisp, and clear, so even the most complex strokes are heard through the music.”
APX cymbals are crafted from uni-rolled bronze, which according to Williams “is the ideal metal for tonally, tight, bright and focused sounds.” Solid Hats are also available in 13″ and 14″ sizes. APX cymbals are quality protected by Sabian’s two-year warranty.
We’re sure Alu Bells have plenty of uses, but the only drummers we ever really see play them in real life are bloody big brusiers with monstrous, club-like sticks. You know, those dudes who aren’t ever satisfied with the bell sound or volume on a regular old ride cymbal. It’s fitting, then, that Sabian has added a couple of inches to the new member of its Alu line. Bigger in this case is definitely better.
[Press Release]
The popularity of its 7″ and 9″ Alu Bells has prompted Sabian to introduce the larger 11″ size. Formed from lightweight aluminum, the Alu Bell offers drummers and percussionists a highly versatile percussion piece with a soft, bright, highly musical response and lingering sustain.
“Along with the Chopper, the Alu Bell is small enough to fit anywhere in a drum or percussion setup, and because it has such a well balance of stick stroke and tone, it can be used to play rhythms or simply to add ambient accents,” commented Sabian cymbal specialist Kevin Lasky. “Its small size and light weight make it ideal for use with a cymbal stacker arm, which eliminates the need to purchase another cymbal stand.”
Crafted from lightweight aluminum, the Alu Bell is quality protected by Sabian’s two-year warranty.
Ah, this was the one new Sabian cymbal I didn’t see at all during NAMM 2009. Was it hiding behind its big brothers? Did the booth bitches forget to bring it out? Was I just blinded by all the other shiny bangables to find it? I’ll likely never know the answer, but I shall henceforth consider this splash the little hottie that got away.
[Press Release]
The popularity of Sabian’s AAX X-Plosion crash has prompted the company to introduce the 11″ X-Plosion splash. This scaled-down version of the crash delivers extremely fast and punchy accents with all the crisp, shimmering clarity associated with AAX cymbals. Extra-thin and available in a Brilliant finish, this model—with its innovative AAX “Dynamic Focus” design ensuring it responds accurately at all volumes—offers drummers and percussionists of all styles a splash that can be played by hand or stick.
“The AAX X-Plosion splash is like a small version of the X-Plosion crash; it’s got that quick, modern bright response and full attack that shoots out of the metal,” said Sabian cymbal specialist Kevin Lasky. “This is a splash that combines cut and punch for a full, faster and glassier splash.”
The AAX X-Plosion splash is crafted from Sabian B20 bronze, and it is quality protected by Sabian’s two-year warranty.
You don’t have to be Terry Bozzio to really dig Sabian’s new diminutive hi-hats. I got some surreptitious stick time with a pair at this year’s NAMM show, and they are unbelievably cute and charming and fun, especially if you enjoy playing live electronica. Our in-the-wild photos are below.
[Press Release]
The latest addition to the Sabian Vault Collection of cymbals and sounds is the Radia Nano Hats. Available in 7″ and 9″ pairings, Nano Hats consist of a medium-weight top and flat, heavy bottom. They are heavily hand hammered, combine alternating raw and etched surfaces on both sides of the two cymbals, and feature a raw bell, all of which adds up to a fast, punchy, definite sound. Their extremely tight and articulate response when played as a main hat ensures crisp clarity for even the fastest strokes and busiest patterns, while their small size and dry, crisp response makes them ideal for x-hat applications.
“As the Nano Hats and the rest of my Radia cymbals confirm, Mark Love and the Sabian Vault Team have this incredible ability to design sound into metal,” noted Bozzio.
“Vault Nano Hats are a great example of Terry Bozzio’s ongoing search for new and different sounds,” noted Sabian master product specialist Mark Love. “They are also another indication of Sabian’s desire to design and develop new cymbals and sounds so players have more meaningful options to choose from.”
Handcrafted from Sabian B20 bronze, Nano Hats—as with all Vault Collection pieces—are quality protected by the Sabian two-year warranty.
