Category: Gear


  • Pro-Mark Introduces New Drumstick Packaging

    All those different models and all those different numbers—7A, 5A, 5B, 2B, 707, 747, etc. How’s a young slammer, and even some of us crusty oldbies, supposed to quickly and easily understand the difference between each stick and find the one that feels best? Pro-Mark has got an idea: this summer, the drumstick company will begin packaging its 200+ models according to diameter. Model names and numbers will stay the same, but each pair will come bundled in a color-coded cardboard label that designates thickness, from Small (like a 7A) to Double Extra Large (like a 3S).

    So with worrisome width out of the way, you got only wood, taper, tip style, and finish to figure out. See ya in 20 years.


  • The Hammerax Whipcrash

    Cymbal maker (or rather “sound maker”) Hammerax produces some way creative instruments—the Boomywang, the Dustbowl, and the Meanie, just to name a few. The latest member of the funky family is the Whipcrash, a heavy crash cymbal branded with an “S-shaped array of hammered microcups” that can be raked with a stick for various sound effects. You can check out how it and Hammerax’s other products sound here [2022 update: alas, Hammerax’s site is down or kaput].

    You just know Terry Bozzio is creaming his jeans over these things….Wonder when that Sabian endorsement is up?….


  • Get Stewart Copeland’s Drum Set…

    For, oh, $15,500. Stewart’s Tama signature set is a 14-piece Starclassic maple kit in a “Police Blue Sparkle” finish. Only 50 kits will be made available worldwide…and Stewart’s grandmother is buying 49 of them, so get in line.


  • New Vic Firth Video: Vinnie Paul

    Hell yeah! Vinnie Paul is the subject of this week’s Vic Firth video podcast. Vinnie chats a little about his influences, how he got started playing double bass, and (surprise, surprise) his new signature stick.


  • Zildjian Expands K Light Series

    A 22″ ride and a couple pairs of hi-hats (including some 16″ whoppers) join Zildjian’s K Lights. Click on the images below to get to audio files of the new cymbals.


  • Sabian’s New OverRide

    Jimmy DeGrasso got Sabian to make him one big-ass ride cymbal, a 23″ monster with an 8″ bell. A Sabian product specialist says about the new OverRide:

    This cymbal is designed to be loud….

    You think?


  • Win a Kabuto Snare From Yamaha

    It’s red, it’s steel, it’s 14″x 5.5″, and you can win it from Yamaha here. Last day to submit an entry is February 29, 2008.