Yamaha is to become the sole UK distributor for Protection Racket from today, 1st March 2019. The move follows Yamaha having become distributors for the British company in Japan in 2005 and mainland Europe in 2015.
In a statement, Yamaha says: ‘With no compromise in construction, Protection Racket’s supply of affordable quality cases for drums and other musical instruments are a natural fit alongside Yamaha’s extensive product range. The cases are made using hardwearing and abrasive resistant Racketex, matched with unbreakable zips and comfortable handles for carrying. Thoughtfully designed by musicians for musicians, Protection Racket offer a wide range of cases from the value packed Nutcase range to the revolutionary AAA rigid Cases. These cases are all highly functional and lightweight making transportation of you gear effortless, safe and secure’.
Commenting on the new distribution agreement, Gavin Thomas, Yamaha’s Drums Product Manager said: ‘Yamaha UK are delighted to have been selected to represent Protection Racket for the UK. We are honoured to have been chosen, knowing how passionate, and dedicated the UK Protection Racket team have been since 1994, developing the business from their home in Cornwall to becoming a global success today. We are proud that our service, support and operations have been recognised and that we have the opportunity to continue the growth of their brand throughout the UK.’
Dean Bowdery, Marketing Director for Protection Racket added: ‘We are extremely proud to announce the appointment of Yamaha Music Europe GmbH UK as our UK distributor as of 1st March 2019. Yamaha will be handling all aspects of sales, marketing and artist support and we believe them to be the perfect partner in continuing to develop and expand our brand here in the UK.’
Here’s our review of a Yamaha Live Custom Hybrid Oak shell pack with matching snare drum (sold separately), featuring…
22″ x 18″ bass drum,
10″ x 7.5″ rack tom,
12″ x 8″ rack tom,
16″ x 15″ floor tom,
14″ x 5.5″ snare drum,
REMO heads fitted throughout.
Yamaha says…“Redefining the original sound of oak with a new hybrid shell, the new Live Custom Hybrid Oak enhances the dynamic range by accentuating its attack and projection and incorporates the traditional Japanese uzukuri handcrafted shell finishing, creating a unique look that defines the expression of oak.”
All of Drummer’s Review videos are recorded in a top quality studio with the finest equipment. To get the best from our reviews and really hear the instruments perform make sure you listen on good quality speakers or headphones!
Here’s our review of a DW Drums Contemporary Classics Series shell pack, featuring…
24″ x 14″ bass drum,
13″ x 9″ rack tom,
16″ x 16″ floor tom,
Black Oyster Foil finish,
7-ply poplar/mahogany shells with maple reinforcement rings,
vintage-style tom rail rack tom mount system,
REMO heads fitted throughout.
DW says…“Designed to authentically replicate the drums of the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s, DW Classics Series drums feature a Poplar/Mahogany shell with oversized all-maple reinforcement hoops and a soft “butter” bearing edge for a dark, punchy tone. Our goal with Classics was to craft a road-worthy kit with all of today’s professional features, but one that still satisfies even the most diehard vintage fanatics.”
All of Drummer’s Review videos are recorded in a top quality studio with the finest equipment. To get the best from our reviews and really hear the instruments perform make sure you listen on good quality speakers or headphones!
In association with Sonor drums, Zildjian cymbals, Remo drumheads, DW hardware and Vic Firth drum sticks, Steve will be doing five clinic dates and two masterclass dates (for BIMM students only).
Mike said “We have been planning this for over two years but Steve has had a extra busy touring schedule since he has been touring with Journey. But finally we have found a gap in his schedule to get Steve over to the UK and do, what I am sure is going to be, a sell out tour”
The dates in February will bring the tour to
Cardiff – Drum Depot 02920 220120
Bournemouth – Absolute Music 01202 597180
London – BIMM (masterclass for London BIMM students only)
Glasgow – Drummers Only 0141 429 3799
Manchester – Drum One 0161 872 9777
Brighton –BIMM (masterclass for London BIMM students only)
TICKETS AVAILABLE DIRECTLY FROM PARTICIPATING STORES
Here’s our review of a DS Drums Rebel Series Custom Shop Mahogany shell pack, featuring…
22″ x 14″ bass drum,
12″ x 8″ rack tom,
16″ x 14″ floor tom,
5-ply Mahogany shells,
Surf Duco finish,
REMO Heads throughout.
DS Drums says…“This is our first All Mahogany Rebel set with 5 ply 100% Mahogany shells. We designed this set on the configurator and decided to go with some classic sizes to emulate a tone packed 60’s / 70’s vibe kit. Then we decided to go with this incredible Surf Duco finish which is a tri-tonal blend of Surf Green, White and Natural Mahogany. To further enhance the finish we decided to opt for matching Mahogany Bass Drum hoops too, as you will see from the pictures this is a very striking kit offering up to date modern finishing and build quality with that familiar sound and the ergonomics of yesteryear.”
All of Drummer’s Review videos are recorded in a top quality studio with the finest equipment. To get the best from our reviews and really hear the instruments perform make sure you listen on good quality speakers or headphones!
REMO has recently unveiled a whole host of new products at the NAMM show 2019…
The new Adjustable Bass Drum Dampener, designed in conjunction with Dave Weckl, is an accessory product that provides drummers the ability to add tone and feel control on any size bass drum at all tuning ranges. The dampener is clamped to the bass hoop and can be adjusted around the circumference of the bass drum without interfering with the bass drum pedal and beater. It can be used on the batter or resonant heads of the bass drum. Ideal for all drumming applications.
REMO External Bass Drum Dampener
Staying with bass drum muffling, and Remo has also introduced the new External Sub Muffl Bass Drum System. The Sub Muffl is a bass drum dampening accessory product that features a free-floating external design that works with all bass drum heads that do not have external dampening. Constructed with an external plastic profile and a slip-resistant dampening foam, the Sub Muffl allows the Drumhead full contact with the bearing edge, enabling the head and drum shell to maintain their full character of sound with additional attack and subsonic lows without frequency manipulation of glued on dampening profiles. The dampening sections slip in and out of the tray for easy adjustability in studio or live situations
REMO Sub Muffl
The company has also expanded their line of ColortoneDrumheads to include Pink and Purple featuring proprietary SkindeepImaging Technology for a stunning visual appeal with powerful projection, tone and durability. Colortonedrumheads are offered in Powerstroke77 snare, Emperor, and Powerstroke3 Bass.
The Powerstroke77 Colortonesnare Drumheads are constructed with 2-plies of high-strength Mylarfilm with an added 5-mil Controlled Sound dot on top and a 7-mil dampening underlay ring for a powerful, focused attack. Available in sizes 13” and 14”.
The EmperorColortoneDrumheads are constructed with 2-plies of high-strength Mylarfilm. Available in sizes 8” through 18”.
The Powerstroke3 Bass drumheads are constructed with a single-ply 10-mil high-strength Mylarfilm combined with a 10-mil underlay dampening ring. Available in sizes 18” through 26”.
Remo Drums Colortone Heads – Purple
Next, Remo is expanding its popular line of Festival Drums. The Festival Bass Drum packs a punch with an abundance of low-end resonance and volume for its 14” diameter size. The lightweight Festival Bass Drum is manufactured with Remo’s proprietary Acousticon drum shell and features the Fliptop replaceable drumhead. Festival Bass Drums are equipped with a vibrant fabric wrap and carrying handle that enables you to add other smaller percussion instruments inside. The Festival Bass Drum is highly recommended by facilitators and educators for music programs with drumming protocols that include wellness, social, skill building and culturally specific drumming activities.
Elsewhere, Remo has introduced the Lock Top Drum Riser to their percussive portfolio. The Lock Top Drum Riser is designed to ergonomically position the drums playing surface at an optimum drumming height. Bass tones resonate freely as the Lock Top Drum Riser lifts the drum off the floor making playing a drum while seated more comfortable while enhancing your drumming experience. Storage is also a big feature as the Lock Top Drum Riser folds easily and can be stored in your personal bag. No other drum stand accessory can tout these versatile features that will accommodate all of the Remo Djembe, Versa and Festival Drum Brands.
REMO Lock Top Drum Riser
Staying with percussion and percussive effects, Remo is expanding their popular line of Ocean Drums. The drum is designed with a cushion dampener to reduce noise volume offering a softer, quieter sound. The double headed drum is finished with a black matte texture vinyl and Skyndeep graphic drumhead film touting a surface that can be wiped clean with box store cloth disinfectant. Nightwaves Ocean Drum is designed to help focus and stimulate the auditory senses, listen more intently to sounds like the ocean waves or flowing rivers heard in the distance without a concern for higher volume levels.
REMO Nightwaves Ocean Drum
Finally, Remo is expanding its popular line of Praise Tambourines. The Praise Tambourine features a bright open jingle tone for use in worship applications. The Praise Tambourine is lightweight and durable, constructed with an Acousticon shell and a pre-tuned graphic drumhead with a double-row 8 jingle set. The 10″ models feature a gloss white drum shell finish. Available finishes: Sharing Hands, Uplifted Hands, Reach Spirit or Celebrate Graphics.
Here’s our review of a trio of hand-crafted, segmented snare drums from Bristol Drum Co., featuring…
14″ x 5″ Ash/Beech shell w/Wenge Inlay,
14″ x 5.5″ Wenge/Purpleheart shell,
14″ x 4″ ‘Harlequin’ shell consisting of Ash, Beech, Bubinga, Teak, Purpleheart, Wenge, Zebrano & Iroko.
Bristol Drum Co. says…“Bristol Drums are made exclusively using hand crafted segmented drum shells. I don’t buy in mass produced laminated shells or use wraps, veneers or laminates in the construction of these drums. I favour the more demanding segmented construction process over vertical stave construction as the grain alignment and structure produce a better sounding and stronger shell that will accurately maintain its form and not suffer the effects of changes in temperature and humidity that can arise in stave shells. Traditional wood finishes are used to protect and present the beauty of the particular timbers used in each drum. Materials are carefully selected and combined to produce a drum that is both an object where the beauty of top quality material and craftsmanship are clear to be seen and appreciated, and also an instrument that is a pleasure to play and hear. Only FSC or UK grown timber is used and the drums are all hand made in the Bristol workshop.”
All of Drummer’s Review videos are recorded in a top quality studio with the finest equipment. To get the best from our reviews and really hear the instruments perform make sure you listen on good quality speakers or headphones!
The ‘Lite’ series have a long tradition at SONOR. In 1983 the ‘SONORLITE’ series was presented, followed in 1988 by ‘HiLite’ and then in 2000 the ‘Delite’ series, which was finally replaced in 2012 by the ProLite series. All SONOR ‘Lite’ series have become classics and are appreciated by drummers around the world for their incomparable SONOR sound.
Now SONOR has announced a raft of changes for the series, with new finishes and configurations designed to meet the demands of today’s drummers. Unchanged remains the characteristic sound of the Vintage Maple Shell and the high-quality shell hardware, which differs only slightly from the custom flagship line SQ².
ProLite Fiery Red 3pc Setup
SONOR states: “Whenever superstars like Gavin Harrison, Jost Nickel and Aaron Spears travel around the world and can not bring their personal SONOR set with them, they know they can rely on the ProLite sound.”
New colours include Elder Tree, Fiery Red, Snow Tiger, which join Chocolate Burl, Ebony White Stripes, Nussbaum which remain available.
New shell sizes/sets:
PL 320: 20“x16“ BD, 12“x8“ TT, 14“x14“ FT
PL 322: 22”x16” BD, 12”x8” TT, 16”x16” FT
All matching single drums are available separately. Bass drums can be supplied with or without mount.
Tycoon Percussion unveiled a range of new products for 2019 at Winter NAMM, led by the all-new Finn Cajon, which is crafted from 100% Finnish birch. Constructed using 10-ply birch for the body with 6-ply front plate for optimal sonic quality and durability, the Finn Cajon features four adjustable snare wires to enhance the snare sound.
UK Distributor Active Music says: ‘Tycoon’s all-new Kinetic finish fits perfectly within Tycoon’s Supremo Select Series line-up. Available in either Kinetic Gold or Kinetic Steel and featuring the all new Black Steel hardware. The Kinetic series comprises of a double Conga set (10” & 11” set on double stand), Bongos, Djembe and Cajon’.
Meanwhile also new on the stand was Tycoon’s Bold Series Cajon. A full-sized Cajon that features an Asian hardwood front plate, adjustable snare wires and four rubber feet for improved stability when playing. Its offered in four ‘bold’ (and they are!) colour options: Hi-Viz Yellow, Green, Pink and Orange!
Finally, Tycoon’s all-new World Rhythms Collection, are designed in collaboration with artist and educator Kalani Das. Tycoon says the world rhythm packs include hand-selected and specially designed instruments for perfect classroom drumming. ‘Available in Caribbean, Brazilian, and West African sets these sets are the perfect size, volume, and sound for music all education settings’.
The Avedis Zildjian Company, parent company of Vic Firth, has introduced the new Vic Firth Freestyle series of drumsticks for 2019. The Freestyle series offers an enhanced experience for drummers, allowing them to move up and down the stick, adjusting touch, feel, and sound without any loss of control.
The new Freestyle series of sticks draws inspiration from the world of freestyle longboarding, and creates parallels to the flow and freedom of expression that a freestyle rider feels when riding on an extra-long deck. The new sticks feature a massive overall length of 17” and an extra-long taper, resulting in more than double the area where a drummer can place their fulcrum. The Freestyle series are made from hickory, and have a hybrid acorn tip with barrel edges. Freestyle is available in the 5 most popular Vic Firth models: 7A, 85A, 5A, 55A, 5B.
“What makes the Freestyle series different from other long sticks on the market is the precisely balanced equation of overall length and extremely long tapers. Taken together, these two adjustments effectively double the area of the “sweet spot” for the fulcrum, allowing drummers to alter their playing experience in a way that’s not possible with any other stick. Touch, balance and sound can all be adjusted as easily as turning up a volume knob,” says Andy Tamulynas, Drumsticks and Mallets Category Manager for Zildjian.
Mike said “We have been planning this for over two years but Steve has had a extra busy touring schedule since he has been touring with Journey. But finally we have found a gap in his schedule to get Steve over to the UK and do, what I am sure is going to be, a sell out tour”
