Here’s our review of a Roland TD17KV electronic kit, featuring…
TD17 drum module,
1 x PDX-12 snare drum pad,
3 x PDX-8 tom pads,
1 x CY-5 hi-hat pad with FD-9 controller,
2 x CY-8 cymbal pads,
1 x KD-10 kick drum pad.
***All of our reviews 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!***
Roland says…”When you’re serious about drumming, you need a kit to match your ambition. The V-Drums TD-17 series lets your technique shine through, backed up with training tools to push you further. Combining a TD-50-class sound engine with newly developed pads results in an affordable electronic drum kit that’s authentically close to playing acoustic drums – accurately mirroring the physical movement, stick coordination and hand/foot control that every drummer needs. Meanwhile, an array of built-in coaching functions will track your technique, measure your progress and increase your motivation. Becoming a better drummer is still hard work, but the TD-17 can help you get there”
Here’s our review of the entire current collection of metal shelled snare drums from Yamaha‘s Recording Custom range, featuring…
14″ x 6.5″ Aluminium shell,
14″ x 5.5″ Aluminium shell,
14″ x 7″ stainless steel shell,
14″ x 5.5″ stainless steel shell,
14″ x 6.5 brass shell,
14″ 5.5″ brass shell,
13″ x 6.5″ brass shell.
All models feature…
1.2mm outward beaded shells,
Yamaha’s ‘Q-Type’ strainer mechanisms,
new one-piece lug design.
design input from legendary drummer (and long-time Yamaha endorser) Steve Gadd.
***All of our reviews 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!***
Yamaha says…”The new addition of the metal snare lineup to the Recording Custom series represents the addition of Yamaha’s finest snare drums, using Steve’s valuable input to its maximum. It adds a superb consistency, allowing drummers to fully utilize the sound functionality of the kit.”
Find out our thoughts in the video above…
RRP: ranging from: £443.00-£514.00 depending on model
Alesis is launching brand new eight piece Nitro Mesh electronic drum kit as Summer NAMM opens today, in Nashville USA.
The Nitro kit features five drums, three cymbals and boasts what Alesis describes as: ‘incredibly-responsive next generation Alesis mesh heads on all drums for a playing experience that far exceeds anything else in its class’.
Aimed at beginner-to-intermediate drummer looking for a realistic, responsive playing experience in a compact set that’s easy to transport and set up, Alesis goes on to say: “Mesh heads are the overwhelming preference of drummers for their natural playing feel and for their ultra-quiet response when not disturbing others is the priority. This kit has an 8″ dual-zone mesh snare drum and 8″ mesh toms (x3). It includes everything drummers need for a complete drum kit: 10″ cymbals (x3), custom-designed Alesis hi-hat pedal and kick pedal and a durable four-post aluminum rack. Also included is all the cabling, the power supply and drum key”.
The kit connects to the Nitro electronic drum module, which has hundreds of drum and percussion sounds, 40 drum kits, and 60 built-in play-along tracks. It also features an aux input to connect a smartphone or music player for instant practice and accompaniment.
No UK price was revealed ahead of the launch at Summer NAMM but the US price will be $349.00.
Yamaha has today launched its brand new DTX402 series electronic drum kits – the DTX402K, DTX432K and DTX452K: which Yamaha says are aimed at…”providing beginning drummers with an entry-level kit that will help improve drumming skills and techniques, while introducing intuitive, app-driven challenges and rewards to encourage them to keep playing.”
Featuring durable components, high-quality sounds and intuitive operation, the Yamaha DTX402 series is also compatible with the free Yamaha DTX402 Touch app for iOS and Android.
Improving upon its predecessor, the DTX400 series, Yamaha says these new models feature a sturdier design and quieter, more natural-feeling drum and cymbal pads. For increased stability, the redesigned rack provides a solid foundation and more flexibility for the placement of the hi-hat and snare pads.
Both models come with the DTX402 module, which contains 287 high-quality, expressive drum and percussion sounds, 128 keyboard sounds, 10 customisable drum kits and nine reverb types. Different music genre selections such as pop, rock and jazz, as well as the training and learning functions, are clearly labelled on the module for easy navigation. The module also includes 10 unique built-in training exercises, along with a record function, that improve techniques for drummers of any skill level.
The DTX402K features a silent Bass Drum design for easy operation and reduced volume, The DTX432K features the KP65 kick drum tower and comes with a bass drum pedal while the DTX452K additionally includes a three-zone snare pad for head, rim-shot and cross-stick sounds.
To supplement these two models, Yamaha has created the DTX402 Touch app available for both iOS and Android devices. Drummers can use this app to fully customise kits to fit their sound and set-up preferences, as well as to operate training functions and access video tutorials for practice exercises. The app also features a Challenge Mode to test a drummer’s skill using a variety of music styles with different difficulty levels.
Gavin Thomas. Yamaha UK Drums Product manager, says: “We have improved on a winning formula of coupling a powerful and compact electronic drum kit with some great connection features to inspire our customers through their drumming journey. With updated sounds, improved pads, a cymbal choke function and its supportive iOS & Android Apps this is an unbeatable offering with a quality that Yamaha are renowned for”.
Yamaha HW3 Advanced Lightweight Hardware
Simultaneously, Yamaha also announced its Crosstown series of ‘Advanced Lightweight Hardware, presenting drummers with the next generation of portable and sturdy cymbal, snare and hi-hat stands’.
The HW3 Advanced Lightweight Hardware Pack includes two CS3 cymbal stands, one SS3 snare stand and one HHS3 hi-hat stand. The hardware pack comes complete with a carrying case designed to fit all pieces along with additional hardware like drum stool, tom holders and bass drum pedals. Each component in the hardware pack is also sold separately.
Yamaha says the hardware is made from aluminium, offering a sturdy yet lightweight design for portability. The tubing is of a 22 diameter design so that it can easily be combined with Yamaha System Hardware for maximum set up configurations.
“We know that transporting around the drum set is an issue for drummers of today and people compromising their set up to make life easier, says Gavin. “Well now there is a simple and better solution with the introduction of Yamaha’s Advanced Lightweight Hardware series. With a unique and modern design that reduces the weight of hardware by a third, yet maintains the performance, quality, durability and compatibility drummer’s demand. The designers have done a great job in being able to deliver what our customers have been asking for”
Here’s our review of a Zebra Drums Free Floating five-piece shell pack, consisting of…
22″ x 16″ bass drum,
10″ x 8″ rack tom,
12″ x 8″ rack tom,
14″ x 11″ floor tom, 14″ x 6″ snare drum.
Featuring…
London Plane Wood shells,
Free floating toms & bass drum with single point (batter side) tuning rods,
Remo heads fitted throughout.
***All of our reviews 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!***
RRP: £3999.00 (available exclusively in the UK at www.drumazon.com)
Zebra Drums say…”These drums have a different approach to almost everything than a conventional drum does. I build these drums from an engineering point of view together with some plain simple logic. I always imagined building a drum that could offer more to the drummer. More in sound, tuning, tuning range and playability. I found a way by making my own shells, redesigning the free floating concept and creating a revolutionary new suspension.”
GEWA has announced the launch of its new Liberty series djembé drums, saying it: ‘…presents an attractive line of percussion that comes with features that comparable entry-level drums have missed so far; their low weight, extreme durability and fair price make the djembés of the GEWA Liberty series ideal for down-time at festivals and the first steps in music therapy and drum circles’.
Liberty series drums are equipped with replaceable drum heads. The skins are made of durable synthetic fibres and a mechanical tuning system allows fast and precise drum tuning, the distributor says.
Trinity College London has announced they’re partnering with Roland V-Drums to offer a number of free drum lessons for visitors to The UK Drum Show 2018, using songs from the latest Trinity Rock & Pop drumming syllabus and electronic drum kits supplied by Roland. All abilities are catered for – beginner, intermediate and advanced, with lessons available by registering on www.theukdrumshow.com or by clicking on the link below.
Performance is at the heart of Trinity’s Rock & Pop Drums exams: whether self-taught or taking lessons, learning for fun or heading for a career in the music industry, these exams will help you develop valuable playing skills and achieve your musical ambitions.
Trinity’s song lists feature a huge range of songs spanning all contemporary styles, including ‘No One Knows’ by Queens of the Stone Age, ‘Don’t Wanna Fight’ by Alabama Shakes, ‘Uptown Funk’ by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars, ‘Under The Bridge’ by Red Hot Chili Peppers and ‘Sir Duke’ by Stevie Wonder.
Guidelines:
‘Beginner‘ would suit Initial- Grade 1
‘Intermediate‘ would suit Grade 2- 5
‘Advanced‘ would suit drummers who are Grade 6+
*To book a free lesson with Trinity, in association with Roland V-Drums, Visitors must have purchased a general day or weekend admission ticket to The UK Drum Show.
***All of our reviews 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!***
Zildjian say…”The new L80 Low Volume cymbals are up to 80% quieter than a traditional cymbal without losing the authentic Zildjian feel. They are ideal for small drum lesson rooms, low volume gigs or anywhere you can’t be loud. Play later. Play longer. Play where you want to.”
Remo say…”The Silentstroke™ drumheads are the ultimate in low volume drumheads, designed for quiet practice applications where standard drumset volumes are an issue. Constructed with 1-ply mesh material, Silentstroke™ drumheads provide a soft spring-like feel at very low decibel levels.”
Protection Racket has announced that Daisy Palmer (Paloma Faith), Josh MacIntyre (Marmozets), Ollie Sears (Albert Lee), Darren Beckett (Brandon Flowers), Dave Anderson (The South), Che Albrighton (Jamie Lawson) and many more have become users of the company’s products.
In-demand drummer Daisy Palmer is currently touring both with Paloma Faith and her own band Mesadorm. Her many achievements include being co-writer of the soundtrack for the first series of the award winning Peaky Blinders along with members of the band Feverist, with whom she also plays the drums.
Josh MacIntyre of the Marmozets has also become part of the Protection Racket crew. He can be seen with the Marmozets at Download this summer and a new album ‘Knowing What You Know Now’ is expected soon.
Ollie Sears is currently the drummer for Grammy Award winning guitarist Albert Lee who recruited him after seeing his YouTube videos. Master beats composer Darren Beckett has also become a PR ‘family member’. He is the drummer of choice for The Killers front man Brandon Flowers, Madeleine Peyroux and Emile Simon. Joining them also is David Anderson who is currently the drummer with The South, the latest incarnation of The Beautiful South who will be touring the UK this summer.
Che Albrighton, drummer with the Ivor Novello award winning singer-songwriter Jamie Lawson. He will be playing with Jamie on his sell out tour supporting Ed Sheeran across the UK and Europe.
Other new members of the Protection Racket clan are Dex Muldoon who is currently touring with Haux across America and Europe and professional session drummer Pete Bill who is currently working as drum tech and engineer with the internationally acclaimed Kaz Rodriguez. Joining them is Samuel Oyeniyi of the three-piece band Dreaming of Jupiter. They have just released their first single ‘Let Me Down’ and will be touring Ireland this summer. Also, new to the Protection Racket family is Leo Friere with the American rock band Wheatus. Currently working on their seventh studio album, they will be playing a few live dates across the summer in the USA.
Here’s our review of a selection of Vic FirthVicKick bass drum beaters consisting of…
Dual-position felt beater,
Dual-position wood beater,
Fleece covered felt beater,
Wood shaft felt beater,
Cajon Beater
***All of our reviews 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!***
Vic Firth say…”From the first beat you’ll hear a difference! That’s because the new VicKick Beaters® were designed with sound quality as the number one priority. Available in felt, wood and fleece, each model features a spherical head for a consistent striking surface and provides a distinct level of articulation, all while achieving an enhanced low-end sound. Within the VicKick™ series, both the felt and wood beaters feature a unique dual striking position. Set in the “radial” position, the beater provides clear articulation, consistent rebound and allows for side-by-side clearance when used on double pedal setups. The “flat” position increases beater surface contact for enhanced sound. The fleece beater is crafted with an oval felt core and sets up in a singular position.”
