Got a need to whack some seriously large cymbals? TRX has some new metal for you.
[Press Release]
In response to requests from hardcore and progressive drummers for larger, more powerful cymbals, the TRX Cymbal Company has announced that it is expanding its popular BRT series to include a 24″ ride, 21″ and 22″ crashes, and 15″ hi-hats.
“In the past, the biggest crash cymbals were 20″ and only the most aggressive players were using them,” comments TRX spokesperson David Levine. “We recently began noticing that more and more drummers were playing the bigger sizes and some were even using 21″ and 22″ ride cymbals as crashes. But ride cymbals aren’t designed to be crash cymbals. It’s just not the right sound. So, we developed these larger crashes and matched them with a bigger ride and hi-hats to meet the needs of today’s hard rock players.”
TRX’s BRT series cymbals are custom-crafted by master Turkish cymbalsmiths and feature heavier weights with extensive hand-hammering and a highly-polished surface. Available in a wide range of crash, splash, ride, hi-hat, and china models, the line is noted for its clarity, projection, and durability in high-volume playing situations.
“We don’t want anybody getting hurt by the massive sound and extreme power of these big BRTs, though,” Levine adds. “We’re warning players to use them carefully. With great power comes great responsibility.”
Mapex USA announced the release of a new series of drum hardware. The new 700 series is a feature-rich line of chrome-plated hardware that is both light in weight and extremely durable. The series includes a bass drum pedal, double bass drum pedal, hi-hat stand, boom stand, straight cymbal stand, snare stand, and double tom stand.
All 700-series models feature an improved, clamp-style memory lock design, ergonomically designed wing nuts, newly redesigned rubber feet, double braced legs, and multi-tiered tubular construction with molded slip-proof nylon inserts.
The B700 boom stand and C700 cymbal stand are completely re-engineered with several new features. Mapex’s popular OS Cymbal Accentutors have been replaced with new Multi-Sustain Cymbals Felts that allow the player to use any combination of felt and plastic for a more precise level of cymbal sustain. In addition, a new Super-Glide stepless cymbal tilter allows unlimited positioning and the new Acculock Tilter handle holds the system tight and can be conveniently positioned out of the way.
Mapex 700-series hardware will be shipped with Mapex’s new Meridian series Maple and Birch drum sets. MSRP for the B700 boom stand is $143.99, and the C700 straight stand is $145.99. The S700 snare stand is $116.99, the P700 double chain bass drum pedal is $167.99, and the P700TW double pedal is $541.99. The H700 hi-hat stand is priced at $183.99, and the TS700 double tom stand is $218.99.
Like all Mapex hardware, the 700 series carries an unprecedented five-year warranty.
Mapex USA has announced the release of its first-ever signature snare with the introduction of the Chris Adler Signature snare drum. The walnut-shelled snare drum is inspired by the Lamb of God drummer’s first Black Panther snare, which he purchased for himself in 1995.
The drum’s every detail is meticulously designed to Adler’s specifications. From the thin premium walnut shell, to the signature graphic (designed by Lamb of God designer K3n), to Chris’s personal choice of high-quality Aquarian drumheads (HE12 batter head and CCSN12 snare head.)
The drum’s shell is 12″ x 5.5″, 5.1mm thick, and has 2.3mm Mapex Powerhoops. The drum’s hardware is black chrome plated. The inside of each drum is labeled with a commemorative sticker that identifies the instrument. “The size of the drum mixed with a high-tension, high-energy head creates a unique, high pitched, yet full bodied punch that has become a signature sound in my playing and in the band’s catalog,” said Adler upon his approval of the final prototype.
The Chris Adler Signature Snare Drum (BPML2550BCA) carries an MSRP of $522.99.
Attention all Mapex groupies. Read the following press release carefully. The new Meridian series is replacing both the Pro M line and the M Birch line.
[Press Release]
Mapex USA has announced the introduction of the Meridian Maple and the Meridian Birch drum set series, two entirely new product lines for 2009. All Meridian drum sets feature newly designed appointments, including lugs, mounts, badges, and bass drum claws.
The Meridian Maple features 7-ply, 5.8mm, all-maple shells (7.2mm bass drum) with newly designed lugs for overall lower mass. Meridian Maple drums also feature Mapex 2.3mm Steel Powerhoops and Remo UT Pinstripe batter heads. Meridian’s ten-lug maple snare drum comes with a Remo coated batter head.
The Meridian Birch features 6-ply, 7.2mm, all birch shells with newly designed lugs for overall lower mass. Meridian Birch drums also feature Mapex 2.3mm Steel Powerhoops and Remo UT heads.
The Meridian series bass drum claws are newly designed to be low in profile and include rubber gaskets to protect the bass drum hoops. The bass drum’s tom mount features new styling and a recessed adapter to accommodate an optional cymbal arm.
For the introduction of the Meridian series, Mapex has re-engineered its Isolated Tom Mounting System. The improved system employs Mapex’s unique combination of off-the-shell mounting hardware and single-point-of-contact lugs. The shell vibrates more freely, thereby improving sustain and resonance. The new Isolated Tom Mount System is significantly lighter and lower in profile than previous versions, also making precise positioning much easier.
There are seven Meridian Maple lacquer finishes and three Delmar sparkle wrapped finishes. The wrap finishes are only available as a six-piece Studioease shell pack, while the eight-coat, hand lacquer finishes are available in all configurations.
The Meridian Maple is available in eight configurations, featuring five and six-piece setups. The Meridian Birch is available in eight hand lacquer finishes and seven configurations, featuring five and six-piece setups. Meridian drum sets feature newly designed Mapex 700-series hardware. The 700 series has many features that are new to Mapex hardware including the Super-Glide stepless cymbal tilter and Multi-Sustain Cymbal Felts, which allow the player to use any combination of plastic or felt on their cymbal stands for more precise sustain. Meridian Maple MSRPs range from $1,929.99 for a six-piece Studioease configuration to $1,539.99 for five-piece setups. Meridian Birch MSRPs range from $1,539.99 for a six-piece Studioease configuration to $1,229.99 for five-piece setups.
With the Meridian Series, Mapex is also introducing its “SRO” configuration. The SRO has a 22″ x 18″ bass drum, 10″ x 8″ and 12″ x 9″ rack toms, a 16″ x 16″ floor tom with legs, and a 14″ x 5.5″ snare drum.
Mapex Meridian also includes a full line of add-on components that include a wide range of add-on toms, an 18″ gong bass drum (maple only) and a “Go Large” double-bass add-on pack. All Meridian drum sets include an instructional setup DVD hosted by Drumming’s Global Ambassador, Dom Famularo.
The Meridian Maple series replaces the Mapex Pro M product line, which has been discontinued. The Meridian Birch series replaces the Mapex M Birch product line, which has also been discontinued.
Sweet bloody Jesus, looking at this new snare from Mapex is better than taking Viagra.
[Press Release]
Mapex USA has introduced a Special-Edition Black Panther Mayan-themed snare drum. The 14″ x 5.5″ steel-shelled snare drum is embossed with genuine eagle/human mask art that is highlighted with a beautiful brushed bronze finish.
The shell’s bearing edge is rounded on the batter side for greater head-to-shell contact. Die cast hoops were also chosen for this model, resulting in a drum with extra sensitivity and tremendous projection.
The Black Panther Mayan snare also features black-plated hardware that has been brushed with bronze. A special Black Panther badge was created for this model, and the batter head also features a traditional Mayan-themed pattern on a Remo Fiberskin head.
The Mapex Black Panther Mayan snare (BPST455MA) includes a deluxe Black Panther padded carrying bag and carries an MSRP of $623.99.
Mapex USA has once again released a highly collectible edition of its Orion series. This component pack, limited to only twelve sets, features a hand-selected matched burl exterior veneer that is finished in the exclusive Ocean Wave Burst high gloss lacquer.
The component pack includes drums only and includes a 22″ x 18″ bass drum, 10″ x 8″ and 12″ x 9″ rack toms, 14″ x 14″ and 16″ x 16″ floor toms, and a 14″ x 5.5″ snare drum. Hardware is sold separately.
Like all Orion drums, this set features the Orion’s ultra-thin seven-ply North American maple shell. The result is unmatched bright and rich tone and remarkable resonance that has made the Orion series the Mapex flagship.
The Limited-Edition Orion Select Burl component pack (TM628SBDHSJ) is available with black chrome hardware and features a white Remo coated front bass drum head. MSRP for the six-piece component pack is $5,999.99.
Mapex USA responded to consumer demand and has released a special-edition Saturn component pack finished in classic Arctic White lacquer. The component pack includes drums only and includes a 22″ x 18″ bass drum, 10″ x 8″ and 12″ x 9″ rack toms, 14″ x 14″ and 16″ x 16″ floor toms, and a 14 x 5.5 snare drum. Hardware is sold separately.
Like all Saturn drums, this set features Saturn’s ultra thin six-ply shell made from two interior plies of premium walnut and four exterior plies of maple. The result is a deep, rich tone and tuning versatility that has become the trademark of the Mapex Saturn.
The Saturn in Arctic White is available with chrome (SW628SNCBUOW; MSRP $2,459.99) or black chrome (SW628SNBUOW; MSRP $2,899.99) fittings.
Mapex USA announced the release of its new MPX line of snare drums. MPX snares were introduced to complement the Mapex Black Panther series of premium snare drums.
The MPX line includes eight new models available with steel, maple, or birch shells. All MPX snare drums have low-mass lugs, flanged steel hoops, fully adjustable throw-offs, and Remo drumheads.
The MPX maple line features two popular sizes, a 14″ x 5.5″ (MPML4550BMB) and a 13″ x 6″ (MPML3600BMB). The drums are finished with a beautiful high-gloss clear lacquer and chrome hardware.
The MPX birch line features two sizes. A 13″ x 6″ (MPBC3600BMB) is available in a gloss natural lacquer finish and chrome hardware. The 14″ x 5.5″ MPX birch drum is available in natural gloss with chrome (MPBC4550CNL) or finished in a transparent gloss black lacquer and black hardware.
MPX steel snares come in three sizes, a 14″ x 5.5″ (MPST4550), a 13″ x 5.5″ (MPST3554), and a 10″ x 5.5″ popcorn snare (MPST0554). All have a mirror-like stainless steel shell.
Mapex USA announced its release of the first-ever limited-edition Meridian series drum set. The Meridian series, also newly launched by Mapex, is an all-new series of drum sets that are available with maple or birch shells.
This limited-edition set is a six-piece maple Studioease configuration with an exterior veneer of rare and beautiful birdseye maple. The drum set is distinctively finished in a beautiful high gloss transparent black lacquer.
This set is limited to only 100 sets and includes a 22″ x 18″ bass drum, 10″ x 8″ and 12″ x 9″ tom toms, 14″ x 14″ and 16″ x 16″ floor toms, and a 14″ x 5.5″ snare drum. All come with a full complement of new Mapex 700-series hardware that includes a boom stand, cymbal stand, snare stand, hi-hat stand, and bass drum pedal.
The Limited-Edition Meridian Birdseye Maple drum set (MP6285KUMB) carries an MSRP of $2,489.99.
A bunch of Vic Firth’s American Classic models now come outfitted with a Vic Grip, a new antislip drumstick coating made from an ecofriendly, water-based urethane. It provides a comfortable and slip resistant grip that is specially formulated to be extremely durable. You can grab a pair at your local drum shop, or just click here for some “Buy Now” options on Vic Firth’s site.
There are just a few hours left before the jolly fat fellow stuffs himself down chimneys the world over. Because you’re just now getting to your xmas shopping (don’t even try to pretend otherwise), we’ve put together a handy list of stocking stuffers for the drummers in your life. Forget the candy canes, underwear, socks, and photos of fat Aunt Bertha’s 30 cats. This is the stuff that drummers really want to find swinging from a mantle. We’ve listed our choices from roughly the least to the most pricey.
5. Drumsticks. Every drummer uses them, and every drummer goes through enough pairs to level a rain forest. If the thumper in your life already has a bag full of virgin wood, just buy another pair anyway. Trust us. Depending on the brand and model, you’ll only have to shell out somewhere between $6 and $16. And in case you are interested in giving gifts to absolute strangers, I am hoping for a pair of Vic Firth’s new and hot black 5As.
4. Subscription to a Drumming Magazine. What?! We’re recommending an actual, old-school magazine? Yep, print is not dead quite yet, and that’s particularly true of drumming magazines, which still are the main source for extended interviews with pro drummers. The great granddaddy of drumming mags is of course Modern Drummer. A one-year subscription to this stalwart publication costs $29.97. The more hip DRUM! magazine and its superb sister publication TRAPS cost $19.95 and $15, respectively, for a one-year subscription. Drumhead, the new and quite good-looking kid on the block, can be had for $24.95 for a one-year subscription. Those are the biggest and best print drum mags published in America. For international magazines written in English, check out Drummer, Rhythm, and Drumscene.
3. Bass Drum Beater. If your drummer uses felt, pick up a wood model so that s/he can experiment with the differences in sound and feel. Though many current pedals, like Taye’s awesome Metalworks, already come with a multisided beater (e.g., wood, felt, and plastic), having a spare is still essential for every gigging drummer, and it never hurts to give an extra to all garage warriors as well. A good beater will set you back somewhere between $15 and $40.
2. Metronome. Timing is everything for drummers, and most of us will spend our lives trying to get it just right. Help us out a little by slipping a metronome our way. There’s an enormous variety available, ranging from about 30 bucks right up to a couple of hundred.
1. In-Ear Monitors. So you’re a big Cheddy Johnston with plenty o’ bucks to spare? Spend some of them on the ultimate stocking stuffer for drummers: in-ear monitors. They allow us to hear what the hell our bassist is playing on all those stadium gigs, but more important they allow us just to hear period. In-ear monitors protect our delicate tympanic membranes from harmful volumes and frequencies so that we’ll have a long lifetime of thumping bliss. In-ears range from $200 to over $1,000, but if you gift a pair, you’ll forever have a club-wielding bruiser as a best buddy.
Two of our favorite drummers, the incomparably funky John Blackwell and the understatedly awesome Ronnie Vannucci, have released some new wood with Zildjian. Blackwell’s whacker is 100% hickory, measures in at 16 1/8″ long with a 0.57″ diameter, and features a beefy neck, short taper, and a wood barrel tip. Vannucci has opted for a 16″ maple stick with a diameter of 0.610″. It features an oversized barrel tip and some artwork sketched by Ronnie himself.
Made from a B12 bronze alloy, the new line of Soundcaster Fusion cymbals from Meinl features two types of lathing to produce a sound described as “rich, full, and warm with enhanced wash and a relatively short sustain.”
Renowned drummer Stanton Moore is pleased to announce the release of his long-awaited signature Titanium snare drum. Stanton is set to unveil the drum at this year’s Winter NAMM show in Anaheim, CA.
“The whole idea started about 6 or 7 seven years ago when I met drumsmith Ronn Dunnett for the first time and started to become familiar with his incredible drums.” said Moore. “I saw some of his titanium drums and I was intrigued. He explained the sound characteristics of titanium and I became very interested in the sonic possibilities. I asked Ronn if he could make one as a 4″ x 14”. His reply was something along the lines of ‘I’ll give it a shot.’ A few months later Ronn presented me with the 1st prototype. Immediately fell in love with the drum—its sound, its tone and its feel. As I was playing to larger rooms with Galactic, I needed a drum that would be sensitive and buttery enough for the intricate buzz roll work that I do with some of the New Orleans second line grooves, but would also cut through a loud funk band when I smacked a back beat. This drum had what I was looking for. Over the years Ronn and I experimented with various depths (the drum is now 4.5″ in depth), thickness of the shell, depth of the snare bed, lugs, strainers, snare wires, rims, claws and other details, but more than anything we agonized over the badge. Finally over lunch one day I showed Ronn an image of the New Orleans water meter cover (not sewer or man-hole, but water meter!). The New Orleans water meter cover is one of the most beloved and iconic images in New Orleans culture. We were very excited with the idea of modifying the meter cover into the badge for my snare and ultimately I feel like the badge pays homage to the city that my fellow citizens and I are fighting to protect and rebuild.” Although Moore is a Gretsch endorser, he received the company’s blessing for his drum as Gretsch has no plans to offer a Titanium snare drum. “My intentions are to maintain my great working relationship with Gretsch while making this particular snare drum available to the public so other drummers can enjoy this drum as much as I have.”
The aesthetics of Stanton’s drum were inspired by a 20s era snare drum that was given to him by his friend and mentor Johnny Vidacovich. Unfortunately that drum was stolen. “It was 4″ x 14″ with tube lugs and single flange hoops and claws. I always dug the look and feel of that drum. In deciding on the look of my drum I kept recalling the drum that Johnny had given me. I thought it would be cool to incorporate the metal hoop and claw look of an older drum with the modern titanium shell. I’m always trying to blend the old with the new…to modernize tradition. Everywhere I play this drum, drummers, engineers, producers and fans of music alike approach me and ask me ‘what is that drum?’ I feel Ronn and I have created a drum that is special and deserves to be out in the market. I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I have.”
The Stanton Moore Spirit of New Orleans Titanium snare drum features a polished titanium shell, beautifully minted badge in antique pewter finish, traditional brass tube lugs, Single flange hoops with clips or regular triple flange hoops, the Dunnett R2 snare throw off system with keyless snare wire release, Dunnett Hypervent! adjustable air vent, and Puresound Metrix 20 strand snare wires. The drum will be distributed exclusively through the Bosphorus cymbal company. Price TBA.
Taye‘s Studio Maple line is already known for moving when you move, responding to every touch of the drum. Now, Taye Drums allows you to do it with their new BeBop configuration. With the looks and sounds of yesteryear, take advantage of the Studio Maple’s solid-shell design with 6 alternating vertical and horizontal plies of 100% North American Sugar Maple.
You will enjoy the smooth sound and traditional look of a 12” x 8” rack tom, 14” x 14” floor tom, 18” x 14” bass drum with a matching 14” x 5” snare drum. Kits are available in Black Oyster (SM418BP-BO) and White Pearl (SM418BP-WP) with a retail price of $1,919.
It is time to take Taye home with you and let everyone hear how good you sound.
