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Zildjian K Cluster Crashes – Drummer’s Review

Here’s our review of a selection of Zildjian K Cluster Crashes, featuring…

  • 16″, 18″ & 20″ Models,
  • Highly polished, tightly lathed bows,
  • Raw, un-polished bells,
  • Traditional Zildjian K hammer patters with extra hammer clusters.

Zildjian Says…“Expanding on the Zildjian K line, and exploring new trashy, alternative sounds, the K Cluster Crashes fills your special effects needs without the holes. Characterised by distinct cluster hammer marks and a distinct ‘dirty’ sound. The K Cluster Crashes are extra thin in weight with an un-lathed bell and feature the traditional K style hammering technique with additional cluster hammer marks that create a darker, trashier sound with a fast attack and great response.”

Find out our thoughts in the video above!!

Zildjian K Cluster Crashes – UK RRP:     

16″ Crash – £279.00

18″ Crash – £329.00

20″ Crash – £369.00

For more info, visit: www.zildjian.com

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For more completely impartial, HD video reviews, please subscribe to our YouTube Channel: 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 us on our social media channels:

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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!

Toca Teams with Renown Music Educator, Mary Knysh, for “Inclusive Music Circles” Teaching Program and World Drumming Kit

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Toca Percussion is pleased to announce a teaching and product arrangement with Mary Knysh. Mary is the founder of Rhythmic Connections, an innovative company advancing education, health, community building, and creative development through drum circles and music improvisation, and has traveled the world for over 35 years inspiring participants to tap into healing and human potential through the transformative power of music. Mary is also a professional musician, recording artist, and published author who works with people of all ages. A sought-after facilitator, trainer, and Orff Schulwerk clinician Mary has long been an endorser of Rhythm Band Instruments, the parent company of Toca Percussion.

Since the release of the Toca Freestyle II line of drums, Mary has increasingly used these instruments as part of her repertoire. And with those Toca products as a base, she has created a curriculum course designed for music educators, music therapists and drum circle facilitators to develop and practically apply methods, techniques and practices for leading and engaging students, Pre-K to Grade 5 in creative music performance circles that emphasize improvisation, responsive musicianship, social emotional awareness, student leadership, and community building using body, percussion, voice, drums and small percussion.

Central to this course is a World Drumming Kit anchored by Freestyle II Nesting Djembes and Tom-Toms, Toca’s game changing Flex Drums, Egg Shakers and an assortment pitched tubes from Toca’s sister company, Boomwhackers.

“I am absolutely enthralled by Toca’s line of nesting and pre-tuned world percussion drums,” says Mary. “As an educator, I couldn’t want for more, they are light-weight, super easy to transport, incredibly versatile and, best of all, they sound amazing! These are not just kids’ drums, these are drums for everyone!”

tocapercussion.com

IK Multimedia releases Beat Machines for SampleTank 4

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IK Multimedia releases Beat Machines for SampleTank 4, an extensive collection of 1.6 GB of round robin samples from 100 vintage analog drum machines and rhythm units, along with over 300 MIDI patterns, all created to take full advantage of the powerful features and effects of SampleTank 4.

From ’60s swing to ’80s hip-hop, ’90s house and beyond, the iconic machines included in Beat Machines have shaped the course of music history. From the earliest Ace Tone machines to the iconic, essential TR-808 and -909, plus esoteric novelties, far-out drum synths and even modern designs, this anthology is packed with endless inspiration, each carefully studied to capture its most recognizable sounds.

Easy to Use and Versatile
Over 200 kit presets are mapped to the General MIDI drum mapping standard so they can be dropped into any DAW session, putting these classic sounds instantly to work. The GM mapping is also consistent with the other drum kits available for SampleTank 4, so users can mix and match kit components or even layer entire kits.

Expansive Percussion
To give classic beats that extra punch, the presets for each individual machine also include the full General MIDI set of vintage electronic percussion sounds constructed from across the full library of hardware instruments. This extends the sound of every original machine, making this collection of vibey percussion a must-have for any fan nostalgic for those bygone sounds.

Customizable Kits
In addition to the main presets, there are hundreds of additional “single element” presets that represent each kit piece. This enables users to take advantage of SampleTank 4’s Multi Mode to combine up to 16 different elements from this collection and others. Start with a Roland® TR-808 kick drum, add a snare from the Maestro Rhythm King, toms from the Simmons® SDS-V, hi-hats from the Elka Wilgamat, and so on.

Adding Space and Effects
Using SampleTank 4’s Multi Mode, each kit element has its own 5-slot effects section so that kicks, snares, toms, hi-hat, cymbals and percussion can be processed separately before using the sends and returns for kit reverbs and even buss compression. And finally, add up to 5 more effects on the master buss.Beats That Come to Life
All 100 vintage machines have been meticulously recorded with round robin samples to capture the real feeling of these boxes and not just snapshot glimpses of them. SampleTank’s DRIFT algorithm – originally developed for Syntronik – adds further movement to the samples for maximum animation.

SampleTank 4
Beat Machines works inside the latest versions of SampleTank 4 for Mac/PC, including SampleTank 4 CS, the free version which offers all of the features of the new SampleTank 4 engine and over 4 GB of fresh sounds to get users started.

Pricing and Availability
Beat Machines is available from the IK Multimedia online store and from IK authorized dealersworldwide for $/€79.99.*

*Pricing excluding taxes

For more information about Beat Machines for SampleTank 4, please visit:

Drummer’s Review Xtra: Reviewed: Drummers Brainchild Accessories

The Original Magnetic Drummers Brush Holder – £69.99

Drummers BrainchildEvery now and then a product comes along that really catches your attention, and The Magnetic Brush Holder was one such product that originally caught my eye at The UK Drum Show in 2019 (albeit in a different guise). Since then, the company which produces these, Drummers Brainchild, have worked on a few tweaks and updates, which they presented at The UK Drum Show 2022.

It has five powerful magnets that are sandwiched in a premium grade birch plate with laser graphics on the top. This is then attached to a black metal holder that has two mount holes – one 9.5mm (3/8”) the other one being slightly wider at 12.7mm diameter (1/2”). This means that it can be mounted on regular percussion posts or some tom arms depending on your needs. Also present is an 8mm plastic handled wingnut to attach to your preferred side.

In use, when the brushes are placed on the birch surface, they stay in place quite well. You really do have to place them and not ‘throw’ or drop them as they will otherwise fall off.  The obvious plus point of this is that you don’t need to retract brushes to mount them safely for ease of changeovers between sticks and brushes.

Leg-Up – £32.99

The Leg-Up mounting bracket is not really anything new when it comes to attaching percussion/accessories to kits or percussion set ups – various companies have mounts, clamps and poles that can do a similar sort of job. This again has the same mounting bracket as the brush holder with the same two differing sized holes, but this comes supplied with an extra M8 plastic handled wing nut for mounting purposes. We get a double angled stainless steel 38cm post with two knurled sections at each end to aid with grip when in position. This can be used in conjunction with the brush holder to mount on a floor tom leg.

We tried this on a couple of floor tom legs and there is an issue with thicker legs (eg. Gretsch) where the mount simply didn’t fit. Drummers Brainchild are aware of this and have assured us this will be addressed in future batches.

Summary

The biggest issue we had with both products was the relatively cheap feeling plastic wing nuts. When we replaced these for more solid, regular metal ones, we found they held the mounting brackets and rods in place with no slippage whatsoever. Unfortunately, the supplied ones became loose with the slightest bit of pressure or vibration from a cowbell unless tightened up really hard, which could lead to cross threading issues. When you are spending upwards of £30 on a holder you would expect things to be super solid and slippage free without having to make your own adjustments or alterations. We feel that with this relatively easy improvement you will have a better-quality product worthy of its place in today’s market.

For information and deals on these, and other products, head to https://drummersbrainchild.com

Practice Pad Comparison – Part 2 – Drummer’s Review

Back in 2020, the Drummer’s Review team spent some time comparing a host of practice pads from various manufacturers. In this recent video we take a look at a further selection of pads to see what options are out there to help us when it comes to practising our craft, featuring…

Meinl Split Tone Anika Nilles Pad

Practice Part 2

  • 2 x 6mm silicone pads,
  • foam rubber pad,
  • 9mm MDF board,
  • reverse side 12mm foam playing surface
  • four pads in total,

UK RRP: £56.50 – www.meinlcymbals.com

Vic Firth Dual Pad

Practice Part 2

  • 12″ Dodecagon shape,
  • Two 9.25″ x 5.5″ playing surfaces,
  • soft grey surface,
  • hard black surface,
  • 5/8″ wooden base.

UK RRP: £50.99 – www.vicfirth.zildjian.com

Code Laser Pad

Practice Part 2

  • 4″ diameter,
  • 3.5″ closed cell rubber playing surface,
  • steel wighted plated inside wooden base to aid stability

UK RRP: £20.00 (approximately) – www.codedrumheads.co.uk

Zildjian Reflexx Pad – 6″ (10″ also available)

Practice Part 2

  • FLEXX medium rebound surface,
  • WORKK higher resistance surface,

UK RRP: £65.00 – www.vicfirth.zildjian.com

British Drum Co. Regimental Pad

Practice Part 2

  • 7.5″ premium high grade silicone playing surface,
  • 10″ decorative wooden base,
  • non-slip high density foam underside
  • 3″ British Drum Co. Plaque

UK RRP: £39.99 – www.britishdrumco.com

ToneAlly Deluxe Travel Pad

Practice Part 2

  • 3.5″ soft silicone rubber playing surface,
  • wooden base with interior metal for added weight and stability,
  • 2mm non-slip sponge rubber underside

Please see ToneAlly’s video guide to practice below along with the instructions that accompanies the Deluxe Practice Pad.

UK RRP: £34.99 – www.toneally.co.uk

If you enjoyed this video, check out our first practice pad round-up video from 2020…


For more completely impartial, HD video reviews, please subscribe to our YouTube Channel: 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 us on our social media channels:

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!

Drummer’s Review Xtra: Reviewed: DW 3000 Series Hardware

The DW 3000 series hardware pack consists of a Hi-Hat stand, Snare stand and two Boom Cymbal stands with some common features.  All have double braced legs, are a medium weight with high quality tube joints (including plastic insulators to cut any rattle when close mic’d), oversized anti-slip rubber feet. and memory locks throughout.

DW 3000 Hardware

Having been manufacturers of fine hardware for a number of years, the Drum Workshop range of hardware already has an enviable reputation with drummers globally.  Now DW have made a range of features and qualities often associated with their top-end products available at a slightly cheaper price point.  Rest assured however, the much-lauded DW quality, attention to detail and innovation are all still front and centre in this new range.

The stands are also available individually (individual prices below) or as a pack with a UK SRP of £492.00.

Hi-Hat Stand – 3500A – UK SRP £196.00:

DW 3000 HardwareThe 3500A Hi Hat stand has three rotating legs so you can squeeze in any extra pedals as desired, double chain drive and a quick-fold baseplate with non-slip rubber grip on the underside. The pedal simply pulls down and then locks into place with a turn of a drum key.  A nice touch here is the hidden retractable spikes which are housed within the casing.

The Incremental clutch is perfect for dialling in your preferred tightness, while the numbered spring-loaded tension adjustment gives a wide range of settings for your preferred pedal feel.

Boom Cymbal Stand – 3700A – UK SRP £112.00:

DW 3000 HardwareThe three-tier disappearing 3700A Boom Cymbal stand is super sturdy, has a very large height range of 35” up to 75” and a 16” knurled boom. It has memory locks at every stage, quick release wingnut with integrated felts, adjustable cymbal seat lock for dialling in your preferred cymbal tension and the very useful infinite tilter with large black handles for better leverage on the boom portion of the stand for more precise angle adjustment.

Snare Drum Stand – 3300A – UK SRP £120.00:

DW 3000 HardwareThe 3300A Snare Stand is as you would expect from any other snare stand but with a couple of neat features. The DW Glide Basket Adjustment is very smooth and allows you to get the perfect angle for your snare drum as it is a toothless system with guidance marks so you can mentally save your perfect position.  The three Air Pocket Crutch Tips on the basket allow for more sustain and less choking whether it’s holding a snare or a rack tom, although it might not go high enough for some people’s needs. The adjustable basket can fit and hold securely 12” to 15” drums with ease thanks to the Aluminium Easy Grip Basket Handle.

DW 3000 Hardware

Overall:

As a whole, this set is perfect for any situation. Robust, dependable, well made, not overly heavy and packed with features from the higher ranges. With other stands available in the 3000 range there is something for all drummers set up. In conclusion, these stands do everything you need them to do and come in at a wallet friendly price whilst still retaining that quality DW feel and look.

For more info about the DW 3000 hardware range, visit: www.dwdrums.com

Groove Drum Co. Pancake Shell Pack – Drummer’s Review

Here’s our review of a Groove Drum Co. Pancake Shell Pack, featuring…

  • 18″ x 3″ bass drum,
  • 10″ x 3″ rack tom,
  • 13″ x 3″ floor tom,
  • 12″ x 4″ snare drum,
  • 100% Mahogany shells,
  • Black Zebrawood finish,
  • Mini turret lugs throughout,
  • 2.3mm triple flanged hoops (snare/toms), matching wood hoops (bass drum),
  • Evans heads: clear G2 (toms), clear (branded) Emad (bass drums), coated G1 over Snare Side 300 (snare)
  • Tama MC8 Hoop Grips supplied (no tom arms),
  • Carry Case included

Groove Drum Co. Says…“We developed these drums from scratch, trying to get the most amount of tone and resonance out of each shell.
It’s not only the most portable kit on the planet, it’s also super versatile sound wise! Tune it low, tune it high, tune it as you want! It will always sound consistent and if you close your eyes it’s just like playing your big kit.”

Find out our thoughts in the video above!!

Groove Drum Co. Pancake Shell Pack – UK RRP: £1099.00 (including carry case)  

Huge thanks to our friends at Drumazon (UK) for supplying this kit for review!! Be sure to check out their on-line store: www.drumazon.com

For more info, visit: www.groovedrumco.com

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For more completely impartial, HD video reviews, please subscribe to our YouTube Channel: 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 us on our social media channels:

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!

DrumCraft is back!

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Drumcraft is now back on the market via online giants Thomann and exclusively available through the Thomann store.

Drumcraft.com is live where they will be offering three series of drumkits Series 3, Series 4 and the flagship Series 6. They will also offer two series of hardware, series 6 and series 4.

Series 3

Series 3

Opening the door to the world of DrumCraft, the Series 3 offers the beginner to intermediate player a ready-to-play five-piece kit steeped with awesome DrumCraft features. The 7-ply poplar shell and 45-degree bearing edge offer a precise and full tone and the classic DrumCraft lugs and hardware give reliability and sturdiness to the kit.

Series 3 Specs

  • Wood: Poplar
  • Configuration: 7 ply = 2/2/3
  • Shell Thickness: 6.8 mm
  • Bearing edge: 45 degree
  • Finishes: Black Wrap, Natural Wrap
  • Hardware: Hardware pack included

Series 4

Series 4

The Series 4 is the perfect choice for the intermediate drummer. Whether you’re in the studio, on the stage or shooting for your Instagram, the Series 4 offers high performance and a stunning tone. The lacquer finishes with black hardware offer a sophisticated and striking look in a mixture of colours and moods.

Series 4 Specs

  • Wood: Mahogany Poplar Hybrid.
  • Configuration: 7 ply = 2M/3P/2M
  • Shell Thickness: 5.6MM
  • Bearing edge: 45 degree
  • Finishes: Sherwood Green Fade, Platinum Sparkle Burst, Cardiac Burst, Cream Mocca Burst, Bright Arabica Fade.

Series 6

Series 6

The Series 6 offers precision craftsmanship for ambitious drummers. The striking look of these kits is matched with an intensely rich tone and the drum shell’s incredible attack. The Drumcraft name is synonymous with precision-engineered and meticulously crafted drums and the series 6 embodies these traits fully.

Series 6 Specs

  • Wood: Walnut Maple Hybrid
  • Configuration: 8 ply = 2W/2M/2M/2W
  • Shell Thickness: 6.4MM
  • Bearing edge: 45 degree
  • Finishes: Satin Black, Satin Natural, Scottish white burst, Black to purple fade.

About Drumcraft

The sensation of discovering something new and extraordinary is only ever surpassed by the feeling of owning it. DrumCraft is back! We don’t simply make high-quality drums, we also offer style that’s deeply rooted in German engineering and design.

We have the drive, determination and passion to give you an instrument you love to play. DrumCraft drums have been created to stand out with their unique looks without compromising on functionality. They’re built to inspire you every time you perform with them! Whether you’re having fun in your rehearsal room or playing to 10,000 people with your band.

You are the heartbeat of your music, you are the pulse. You deserve an instrument with soul – nothing less.

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drumcraft.com

 

Ash Soan – The UK Drum Show 2022 (In Association With Drummer’s Review) – Full Performance

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Check out the full performance from the incredible Ash Soan at The UK Drum Show 2022 in association with Drummer’s Review

*** Find out more about The UK Drum Show***

https://www.theukdrumshow.com

https://www.facebook.com/theukdrumshow

https://www.instagram.com/TheUKDrumShow

https://www.twitter.com/TheUKDrumShow

*** Get the latest drum news, reviews, features and interviews from Drummer’s Review***

https://drummersreview.com

https://www.facebook.com/DrummersReviewUK

https://www.instagram.com/drummersreview

https://www.twitter.com/DrummersReview


The UK Drum Show 2022 featured Main-Stage performances from huge international artists including Anika Nilles, Virgil Donati, Mike Johnston, Eddy Thrower, Ash Soan, Eric Moore, Jost Nickel, Carter McLean, Tony ‘TC’ Coleman and many more, alongside dedicated eduction rooms, masterclasses and a full exhibition area featuring over 60 of the world’s biggest drum brands.


***The UK Drum Show returns to The ACC Liverpool on 30 September & 1 October 2023***

Tickets & info available from: https://www.theukdrumshow.com


Filmed on Sunday 3 April 2022 at The ACC Liverpool (UK), Ash’s awesome set was chocked full of inspiration, information and jaw-dropping musical playing

//Ash Plays//  

Gretsch Drums 

Zildjian Cymbals

Vic Firth Drumsticks

DW Drums Hardware

Protection Racket Cases

Latin Percussion

Remo Drumheads

//Follow Ash//

Website: https://ashsoan.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ashsoan1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashsoan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashsoan/

Gretsch Drums Introduces New Colours For USA Custom, Broadkaster & Brooklyn

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Gretsch Drumsis expanding the available colours options for the USA Custom,  Broadkaster and Brooklyn drum kits ranges in 2022. Turquoise Pearland Tangerine Metallic have been added to the USA Custom and Broadkaster finish choices, and the Brooklyn kits can now be found in Antique Oyster.

Gretsch Broadkaster

The new bright, vivid colors offer an arresting choice to drummers who want to add a visual statement to the acoustic excellence of the USA Custom and Broadkaster kits. The eye-catching Turquoise Pearl Nitron finish moves like a restless ocean, full of iridescent blues and greens. In contrast, the strikingly hot Tangerine Metallic, in either a satin or gloss finish, is full of energy, vibrant and fiery.

Gretsch USA Custom

Brooklyn Kits adds a new finish with the introduction of the soon to be classic, Antique Oyster Nitron. This finish is reminiscent of rich silky folds of golden butter, that change with the light to radiate warmth and style. The lustrous wrap is refined and subtle, perfect for drummers looking to enhance any setting – stage, studio or home – with a kit that looks as good as it sounds.

Gretsch Brooklyn Antique

To find out more about the new colors and all the other Gretsch Drums please go to gretschdrums.com/