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The DW Soundworks™ Design Series Acrylic Shell Expansion Pack

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The newest DW Soundworks™ expansion pack from Drum Workshop, Inc. (DW) is the Design Series Acrylic shells, great for punk, hardcore, or metal music genres.

In the Design Series Acrylic shell Expansion pack, all the tonal elements of the Design Series Acrylic kit have been faithfully captured in the DW factory with sounds sampled in high fidelity. This new sample collection features all the bright, clean attack, focused tone, controlled sustain, and oversized live sound acrylic drums are known for. The new expansion pack makes it easy to punch up music tracks with a big, boomy backbeat.

 

It can be explored with twelve custom presets to fit any playing style and includes a range of mic selections to give producers and drummers even more control over their sound.

Designed by DW to deliver a powerful software solution, DW Soundworks™ puts drummers in control of their sound. Compatible with most DAWs, its intuitive, simple interface offers a choice of processing controls and effects to fine-tune every detail. It is available to purchase and download from Roland Cloud today.

To find out more about the Design Series Acrylic Expansion Pack and DW Soundworks™ please visit www.dwdrums.com/software/

PDP Launches The Kraken Snare Piccolo Drum

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Pacific Drums and Percussion (PDP) is delighted to present the new piccolo PDP Kraken Snare Drum. It is a beast of a drum, built to deliver a thunderous assault with maximum volume and projection and designed to add crack to the backbeat.

The new 3.5 x 13” PDP Kraken Snare Drum has been created from 1mm rolled chrome-over-steel to deliver piecing, razor-sharp attacks that can cut through a mix like a sonic dagger. The 1.5mm triple-flange hoops ensure any rimshots hit with lethal precision, the Sleek and Compact Side Lever Throw Off provides lightning-fast snare engagement and DW True-Pitch® tuning rods make it easy to fine-tune the drum’s tone. Remo drum heads are included.

This drum is crafted to dominate, whether tearing through EDM, crushing samples, or obliterating metal and punk. Unleash the fury of The Kraken Snare Drum from PDP into any drum kit; let chaos reign!

To find out more about The Kraken Snare Drum and all the other PDP drums and accessories, visit www.pacificdrums.com/ or look for #TeamPacficDrums on social channels.

Sonor Kompressor Beech Snare Drums – Reviewed

Here’s the latest video from the Drummer’s Review Live Room featuring a pair of Beech-shelled snare drums from Sonor’s Kompressor series.

14″ x 6″ or 13″ x 7″ models available, featuring…

  • 12ply, 8mm Beech shell,
  • Sonor’s proprietary Cross Laminated Tension Free Process construction,
  • 2.3mm steel power hoops,
  • Sonor’s Tunesafe tension rods,
  • Remo heads: coated Ambassadors on batter over medium-thin clear heads on the resonant side.

Filmed September 2024 at Paul Caboche Studios, Cornwall, UK. (scroll down for recording & equipment details)

“In terms of build quality, both drums are exceptional. Flawless finishing and solid feeling shell hardware combine to give great looking drums…”

Sonor Says…“Breathtaking power, unparalleled variety – In keeping with this commitment, we are adding two new wood snare drums to our well received KOMPRESSOR Series. They are equally powerful, responsive and versatile as their metal counterparts to cover a vast range of musical styles as your go-to wood snare drums. These made in Germany instruments project with a full and articulate sound, characteristic for SONOR drums. Their heavy beech shell is made using our proprietary Cross-Laminated Tension Free (CLTF) process and Optimum Shell Measurements (OSM). The slightly undersized diameter allows for perfect contact between the shell and the drumhead in all tunings. At the same time, TuneSafe lugs and REMO USA drumheads guarantee maximum tuning stability and a great sound right out of the box.

“We we’re also impressed by the price – we feel that they are very competitively priced and offer good value for money.”

Sonor Kompressor Series Beech Shell Snares: UK RRP:

14″ x 6″: £479.00

13″ x 7″: £519.00

“Adding a touch of dampening to both really tightened things up, giving a much more musical and useful tone throughout.”

Pro’s:

  • Exceptional build quality
  • Great sound – particularly 13″ model
  • Classy looks

Con’s:

  • Slightly overpowering overtones

For more details on the Sonor Kompressor range, head to: www.sonor.com/drums

“As a side note, we felt that the 13 would also make for an excellent side snare if you so decided.”

Drummer’s Review, based in North Devon, England would like to thank the www.theseagate.co.uk for the use of their hotel for this photo shoot in their stunning bar. Photography by Guy Harrop on location at The Seagate Hotel, Appledore, Devon.


Recording Details:

Filmed at Paul Caboche Studios (Cornwall UK). 

Microphone List:

Kick Rear: Audix D6
Kick Front: Electrovoice RE27ND
Snare Top: Electrovoice PL80
Snare Bottom: Electrovoice PL80
Hi Hat: Oktava MK-012-01 Cardio
Over Head wide: AKG C414B (pair)
Centre Over Heads: AEA R88 MK2 Stereo Ribbon Mic
Front Centre Room : AEA R88 MK2 Stereo Ribbon Mic
Wide Room Mic’s: sE2200T Tube Mic’s (pair)

Recording Process:

Microphone Pre amps: 16x Rupert Neve Designs 5052

Pre amp outs to Avid HD analog to digital converters connected to Avid HDX card

Recorded into Pro Tools Ultimate latest version running HDX cards mounted in an Apple Mac Pro 2019 16core.

Audio Template Details: 

Basic EQ:

Basic EQ setting using the EQ section of the Neve 5052 mic Pre-Amps. No post recoded EQ or processing applied.

A Note From Paul…

“The microphones were set up with the overheads and room mic’s measured to the centre of the snare drum to keep the phase of any stereo pair in phase. The AEA R88 MK2 mic’s being stereo mic’s had no issue with phase but the front centre room mic and centre overhead where aligned with each other to keep the same stereo image. The phase reverse switch on the front kick mic was used to correct the phase between the two bass drum mic’s. The phase reverse switch was engaged on the bottom snare mic to correct the phase between the two snare mic’s. Hi pass filters only used on the hi hat mic, Ride mic and overheads. The live room of the studio has been treated to provide a neutral sound close to the drums & cymbals with the room mic’s then giving a true representation of what the instruments sound like in the room. Using 16 identical Mic Pre amps also helps with electrical phase so there is no difference between tone and phase of the Mic Pre amps. The brief for the recoding was to give as true a representation as possible of what the instruments actually sound like.”


For more completely impartial, HD video reviews, please subscribe to Drummer’s Review on YouTube: www.youtube.com/drummersreview and click on the bell icon to be notified as soon as each new video is released. You can also follow Drummer’s Review on social media:

Facebook: @DrummersReviewUK

Instagram: @drummersreview

Twitter: @drummersreview

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 be sure to listen on good quality speakers or headphones!

Introducing the Limited Edition DW Performance Series Birch Kit & Snare

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DW’s Performance Series drum shells are handcrafted in California using the company’s HVX™ (horizontal-vertical-diagonal) grain orientation to ensure musical expression and optimum performance. For a limited time, these custom-quality drums are available constructed with 100% Birch. Both the kit and snare are finished with a natural satin oil finish and fitted with DW’s innovative chrome hardware.

The kit includes 8 x 10” and 9 x 12” mounted toms, a 14 x 16” floor tom, and an 18 x 22” bass drum. The tom and bass drum shells are made using 8-ply birch with 45 and 60-degree back cut bearing edges. The hardware includes Suspended Tom Mounts (STM), quarter-sized turret lugs, and graduated triple-flange counter hoops. The bass drum is completed with matching Birch hoops and low-mass claw hooks. All the drums are equipped with True-Pitch® tuning tension rods.

The 6-½ x 14” snare has been built with a 10-ply Birch shell with a 60-degree back cut edge. The snare is fitted with a DW MAG™ throw-off, a 3P (3-Position snare toggle) butt plate, 3mm triple-flanged counter hoops, Performance series turret lugs, and True-Pitch® tuning tension rods.

Birch has long been a favourite of studio drummers and sound engineers, striking a perfect balance between crisp articulation and warm tones. Suitable for live or studio performance of a range of musical genres, the Limited Edition Performance Birch kit and snare drums offer crisp response, sharp attack, and short sustain all combined with a balanced resonance.

To find out more about the Limited Edition 4-piece Performance Birch Kit and a Limited Edition Performance Birch Snare please go to dwdrums.com/.

Sonique Drums WS-1 Snare Wire Straps Introduced

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Designed for use with strap-mounted snare wires, Sonique Drums introduces the WS-1 snare wire straps. The WS-1 straps are made from 100% polyester grosgrain ribbon, will not stretch, shrink, or fade unlike other straps made from nylon. Whether you’re playing a gig outdoors in the rain, spill your favourite beer over your snare between sets, or just like to crank up the tension, the 100% polyester WS-1 strap is a step forward for drummers in any setting.

OVERVIEW

  • Designed for strap or string-mounted snare wires (2 pieces).
  • No stretch material for consistent tension, all the time.
  • Slight ribbing for added grip.
  • Each end is hot knife cut to prevent fraying.
  • Colour will not fade

About Sonique Drums

Since its founding in 2020, Sonique Drums has developed its business activities focusing on semi-custom steam-bent snare drums, innovative approaches to hardware and percussion accessory design. The primary mission being to create products focusing on quality and function before anything else.

 

Launch of the new Zultan Z Series

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Zultan are thrilled to announce the launch of their new Zultan Z Series cymbals.

“Eight more cymbals are being added to the current range. This should make the hearts of all Z Series fans beat faster. The new cymbals are still made in Turkey from B20 bronze and are of course of the same high quality,” says Zultan.

10″ Z-Series Splash
12″ Z-Series Splash
13″ Z-Series Hi-Hat
18″ Z-Series China
15″ Z-Series Hi-Hat
16″ Z-Series China
19″ Z-Series Crash
20″ Z-Series Crash

LEARN MORE

About Zultan

Founded in 2000, Zultan Cymbals was one of the first cymbal companies to provide audio samples online – the first in Germany – and long before YouTube ever existed. Since then we have continuously expanded our cymbal range, currently offering 15 different cymbal series, as well as attractive accessories such as drum sticks, drum rugs, and much more! All Zultan products are of consistently high quality and extremely competitively priced.

See Zultan at The UK Drum Show 2025

New PDP MainStage Complete Drum Kit

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Pacific Drums and Percussion (PDP) is pleased to introduce the PDP MainStage Drum Kit. A five-piece drum kit with a three pack of Paiste 101 cymbals and a PDP complete hardware pack.

The PDP MainStage drum kit consists of the following poplar hardwood shells: 7 x 10” and 8 x 12” toms with direct-to-shell tom mounts, 14 x 16” floor tom, a 16 x 22” bass drum, and a 6.5 x 14” snare. The drums are fitted with True-Pitch® tuning rods and Remo drum heads and there is a choice of four finishes: Black Sparkle, Twisted Blue Steel, Pale Rose Sparkle, and Twisted Graphite. Built to be extraordinary, each drum has been crafted for maximum impact and is capable of delivering thunderous attack, versatile tones, and explosive sustain.

 

A three pack of Paiste 101 cymbals completes the sonic palette of the PDP MainStage drum kit. Included in the pack are 14” hi-hats, 16” crash and a 20” ride, medium weight, MS63 brass cymbals. Their powerful sound can cut through any mix, making them perfect for a range of musical styles.

The PDP complete hardware pack ensures the drummer is immediately set up for any playing situation. The pack provides double-braced stands; cymbal boom, cymbal straight, snare and hi-hat, a single bass drum pedal, throne, and sticks.

The PDP MainStage Drum Kit is the perfect way to embark on a drumming odyssey. It is the ultimate weapon for both successful practice sessions and live performances. It shatters expectations and allows drummers to dominate the rhythm, launching themselves into full-throttle beatmaking.

To find out more about the PDP MainStage Drum Kit and all the other PDP drums and accessories, visit www.pacificdrums.com/ or look for #TeamPacficDrums on social channels.

On-Stage WPM350 Yarn Mallets Play Well with Marimbas, Vibraphones

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On-Stage, a leading supplier of music instruments and accessories, and brand of The Music People, has released the WPM350 Yarn Mallets, an essential percussion accessory for playing marimbas and vibraphones.

With their medium-hard, yarn-wrapped cork heads, these mallets help generate a tone that is balanced between clarity and warm instrument resonance — great for playing expressive solos and standing out in ensembles.

While the heads of these mallets are hard enough to produce clear articulation, they’re also soft enough to protect wooden tone bars against damage, making them a great choice for achieving unique tones on a wide range of tuned-percussion instruments.

The 16-inch-long handles deliver balance and flexibility for precise stroke control while enabling players to choose a natural-feeling hand position with a relaxed grip. Their lightweight, solid-wood construction delivers strength and durability for long-lasting performance.

For more information about the WPM350, please visit On-Stage.com.

About The Music People

Founded in 1979, The Music People, an Exertis | Jam business, is a trusted international business-to-business supplier of audio- and visual-production equipment serving retailers and contractors in 80 countries. Their popular On-Stage brand designs, manufactures, and supplies over 700 dependable-quality music-instrument, recording, and performance accessories while their pro-audio, video, lighting, and accessories division, TMP-Pro, distributes a wide range of premium brands with the added value of product advice and technical support from certified specialists.

Zildjian Z Custom Cymbals – Reviewed

Here’s the latest video from the Drummer’s Review Live Room featuring a selection of Zildjian Z Custom cymbals

Featuring…

  • 14″ & 15″ Hi-Hats
  • 16″, 17″, 18″, 19″ & 20″ Crashes
  • 18″ & 20″ Chinas
  • 21″ Mega Bell Ride
  • 22″ Ride

Filmed September 2024 at Paul Caboche Studios, Cornwall, UK. (scroll down for recording & equipment details)

“All models are fairly thick and heavy in weight, although perhaps not quite as heavy or thick as older Z Customs giving them a slightly faster response.”

Zildjian Says…“After a 15-year hiatus, the coveted Z Custom cymbal series has returned to the Zildjian portfolio. Z Custom addresses Metal’s growing worldwide popularity, delivering explosive, bright and loud sounds that drummers have been requesting for years, with reimagined durability. Z Custom is built for the stage or studio, allowing for limitless musical expression.

“To our ears each model sounds smaller than its actual diameter, with the 16” sounding more like a 14” and this trend carries on as you move up through the sizes.”

Zildjian Z Custom Cymbals – UK RRP’s:

14″ HiHats – Pair £519.00
15″ HiHats – Pair £569.00
16″ Crash £309.00
17″ Crash £339.00
18″ Crash £359.00
19″ Crash £389.00
20″ Crash £409.00
18″ China £379.00
20″ China £419.00
21″ Mega Bell Ride £449.00
22″ Ride £489.00

“There’s little doubt that the Z Customs have a very particular target market, and any rock or metal drummer would be highly advised to check them out.”

Pro’s:

  • Fantastic ‘Glassy’ tone
  • Fast stick response and good definition
  • A welcome return to a highly popular cymbal range

Con’s:

  • Slightly expensive for a relatively niche cymbal range

For more details on the Zildjian Z Custom range, head to: https://zildjian.com/collections/z-custom-cymbals

Drummer’s Review, based in North Devon, England would like to thank Guy Harrop Photography.


Recording Details:

Filmed at Paul Caboche Studios (Cornwall UK). 

Microphone List:

Kick Rear: Audix D6
Kick Front: Electrovoice RE27ND
Snare Top: Electrovoice PL80
Snare Bottom: Electrovoice PL80
Hi Hat: Oktava MK-012-01 Cardio
Over Head wide: AKG C414B (pair)
Centre Over Heads: AEA R88 MK2 Stereo Ribbon Mic
Front Centre Room : AEA R88 MK2 Stereo Ribbon Mic
Wide Room Mic’s: sE2200T Tube Mic’s (pair)

Recording Process:

Microphone Pre amps: 16x Rupert Neve Designs 5052

Pre amp outs to Avid HD analog to digital converters connected to Avid HDX card

Recorded into Pro Tools Ultimate latest version running HDX cards mounted in an Apple Mac Pro 2019 16core.

Audio Template Details: 

Basic EQ:

Basic EQ setting using the EQ section of the Neve 5052 mic Pre-Amps. No post recoded EQ or processing applied.

A Note From Paul…

“The microphones were set up with the overheads and room mic’s measured to the centre of the snare drum to keep the phase of any stereo pair in phase. The AEA R88 MK2 mic’s being stereo mic’s had no issue with phase but the front centre room mic and centre overhead where aligned with each other to keep the same stereo image. The phase reverse switch on the front kick mic was used to correct the phase between the two bass drum mic’s. The phase reverse switch was engaged on the bottom snare mic to correct the phase between the two snare mic’s. Hi pass filters only used on the hi hat mic, Ride mic and overheads. The live room of the studio has been treated to provide a neutral sound close to the drums & cymbals with the room mic’s then giving a true representation of what the instruments sound like in the room. Using 16 identical Mic Pre amps also helps with electrical phase so there is no difference between tone and phase of the Mic Pre amps. The brief for the recoding was to give as true a representation as possible of what the instruments actually sound like.”


For more completely impartial, HD video reviews, please subscribe to Drummer’s Review on YouTube: www.youtube.com/drummersreview and click on the bell icon to be notified as soon as each new video is released. You can also follow Drummer’s Review on social media:

Facebook: @DrummersReviewUK

Instagram: @drummersreview

Twitter: @drummersreview

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 be sure to listen on good quality speakers or headphones!

Clapham Grand Hosts TAMA Drums 50th Anniversary

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Drummer’s Review and The UK Drum Show has partnered with our friends at Tama Drums, to extend a unique ticket code from Tama UK to extend to our guests and readers, ahead of the 50th Year Anniversary at the Clapham Grand later this month.

On November 24th , 2024, the iconic Clapham Grand in London will play host to a momentous celebration, marking the 50th anniversary of TAMA Drums.

This highly anticipated event promises to be a dazzling spectacle, bringing together drumming enthusiasts, industry professionals, and devoted fans from around the world. As the evening unfolds, attendees will be treated to an unforgettable experience, characterised by electrifying performances, captivating displays of skill, and a palpable sense of history in the making.

The TAMA Drums 50th event at the Clapham Grand will showcase an impressive line-up which includes Jeremy Stacey, Beanie, Stephen Asamoah Duah, Pete Ray Biggin, and the legendary Billy Cobham. Each artist will demonstrate the versatility and exceptional quality of TAMA Drums through their remarkable performances. The venue itself, with its
grand architecture and rich history, will serve as a fitting backdrop for this momentous occasion.

As the night unfolds, attendees will witness the harmonious fusion of artistry and innovation, paying tribute to TAMA’s legacy while pushing the boundaries of musical expression. The 50th anniversary event promises to be an extraordinary celebration of TAMA’s enduring influence on the world of music, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those fortunate enough to attend.

BILLY COBHAM

Legendary drummer and a pioneer in the world of jazz fusion, renowned for his groundbreaking work in blending jazz, rock, and funk. A virtuoso of rhythm, he rose to prominence in the 1970s as a key member of the Mahavishnu Orchestra, where his explosive drumming and complex polyrhythms redefined the role of the drummer in modern music. Over his illustrious career, he has collaborated with jazz icons such as Miles Davis, John McLaughlin, and George Duke.

Performed with: George Benson, Milt Jackson, Grover Washington, Miles Davis, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Dreams, Bobby and the Midnites.

BEANIE BHEBHE

The dynamic drummer for the British Drum and Bass band Rudimental. He is renowned for his high-energy performances and innovative approach to drumming. He has mastered the art of blending acoustic and electronic drums, creating a unique sound that bridges tradition and modernity. His experience with hybrid drumming, where he fuses acoustic drum kits with electronic pads and triggers, allows him to seamlessly navigate between organic rhythms and digital textures.

Performed with: Gabriella Cilmi, Paloma faith, Ed Sheeran, Anne Marie, Liam Bailey, Various cruelties, Lucy rose, Bebe Reza.

JEREMY STACEY

Highly respected British drummer known for his versatility and musicianship across a wide range of genres, from rock and jazz to pop and progressive music. His adaptability and deep understanding of rhythm have made him a sought-after session drummer and live performer. Whether driving a rock anthem or navigating complex jazz fusion pieces, Jeremy’s precision, creativity, and dynamic playing style set him apart as one of the most accomplished drummers in the industry.

Performed with: King Crimson, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Sheryl Crow, Tom Jones, Zero 7, Sia, Echo & the Bunnymen, Gary Barlow, Roger Daltrey, Ryan Adams, Steven Wilson, Tal Wilkenfeld, Neil Diamond, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Joe, Cocker, Eurythmics, The Waterboys.

STEPHEN ASAMOAH-DUAH

The drummer for the fantastic band Compozers. He is known for his versatile drumming skills and ability to play an array of styles, from Afrobeat and jazz to funk and gospel. His musical adaptability has made him a key figure in the band’s rhythmic foundation, bringing a vibrant and eclectic energy to their performances.

Performed with: Kieza, WSTRN, Lalah Hathaway, Shift Key, Sasha Keable, Diana Hamilton, Kwame Yeboah, J Hus, Davido, Wizkid, Asake, Tiwa Savage, Fuse ODG.

PETE RAY BIGGIN

Internationally acclaimed drummer, and best known for his work with the legendary British funk band Level 42 and as the driving force behind his own band, PBUG (The PB Underground). He is renowned for his ability to groove, impeccable timing, and explosive energy, He has become one of the most sought-after drummers in the world of funk, jazz, and soul and his career spans collaborations with top artists across multiple genres, bringing his distinct style and versatility to every performance.

Performed with: Amy winehouse, Adelle, Whitney Houston, Robbie Williams, Chaka Khan, Mark Ronson, Lalah Hathaway, Incognito & Brand New Heavies

Don’t forget to add the relevant discount code at check out to grab a saving.

DR20 – for the stalls tickets = £20 Discount

DR10 – for all the other tickets excluding royal box = £10 Discount

BUY TICKETS HERE