Drum Workshop, Inc. (DW) are delighted to announce the addition of celebrated drummer’s drummer, Matt Garstka to the DW roster.
Matt has recorded and toured with Animals As Leaders for over ten years. He has instilled the bands experimental music with grooves full of audacious phrases and fills pushing the percussive envelope to new heights. The band is currently putting the finishing touches on their much anticipated fifth album. Matt is a passionate educator and has traveled the world putting on clinics and has a website dedicated to providing an affordable education for advanced students.
“I get to play the best drums in the world now, of course I’m stoked! DW is the final piece of my sonic puzzle, so naturally, I can’t wait for everyone to hear it. I have always played organic, exotic finishes and DW is king when it comes to Exotics.” Matt is taking full advantage of DW’s custom shop drums ordering a drum kit featuring a mix of Collectors Series wood species and shell configurations.
DW VP of Marketing Scott Donnell adds, “Matt’s work is so impressive. He’s a guy that takes the instrument and artform to new places. Further inspiring him with new possibilities—it’s the reason we do what we do.”
To find out more about Matt and other DW artists please go to dwdrums.com/.
Here’s our review of a Flint Percussion Reggae snare drum, featuring…
14″ x 3.5″
3mm suspended aluminium shell,
12 single tube lugs,
Die cast hoops,
Pure sound Blaster snare wires (13″),
Remo Ambassador Black Suede batter/Evans Glass snare side heads.
13″ Puresound Snare Wires
‘Gladstone’-style throw off
3mm Aluminium Shell
Flint Percussion says…”The Reggae / Ska Snare drum is built using the same ‘suspended shell’ system as with all other Flint drums. The effect of this suspended shell system is to enhance resonance and create a pure singular tone, meaning that the drum can be tuned to an exact note. As standard, this drum is supplied with Puresound snare wire. The hoops are fully die cast aluminium and the 12 lugs are solid steel. Because of this increased resonance, this drum is particularly suited to music genres of Reggae and Ska. As well as an aluminium shell, this snare drum can be supplied in copper, brass and steel and is available in shell depths of 3.5″, 5.5″ and 7″.”
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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!
Gretsch Drums adds new colours to its drum range for 2021. USA Custom and Broadkaster kits are now available in Caribbean Twilight while the Brooklyn and Micro kits can now be ordered in Silver Mist Duco.
Caribbean Twilight Gloss, a happy result of employee experimentation, is a sultry burst of metallic blue and black gloss colors, reminiscent of the hushed light created when night falls in the tropics. It is the perfect foil to the sonic brilliance of the USA Customand Broadkaster drums. The colour is available in all sizes and configurations manufactured by the Gretsch Ridgeland factory.
Emanating modern opulence, the Silver Mist Duco finish for the Brooklyn kit glistens with style. This silver rich color, reminiscent of an early morning mist rolling in over calm shimmering waters, makes it ideally suited to any setting; stage, studio or home. Plus the Brooklyn Micro kit, previous only available in two colors, is now available in all sixteen Brooklyn finishes, including the new Silver Mist Duco.
sE Electronics are the latest company to confirm their participation at The UK Drum Show and completes our exhibitor line-up nearly 7 months in advance of the show dates of the 2 & 3 April 2022 at the ACC Liverpool, with exhibition space now sold out.
sE said “Musicians and Engineers alike devote years to learning and developing their skills. Through countless hours of practice, driven by passion and creativity, everyone ultimately discovers their own unique method. At sE, we are defined by the people who use our gear. Therefore, by working closely with and listening to our extended sE family, we build outstanding tools that excel in the most demanding environments, simplifying your workflow to help you unleash your creativity and we are excited to be part of The UK Drum Show in April and connect with music makers”.
“With booth expansions and more newcomers to the event than any other year, it gives us great confidence that a return to live events and consumer exhibitions will bounce back bigger than ever in 2022. Booth sales are up by over 33% and tickets sales compared to pre-pandemic are up also, with guests eagerly awaiting the return of this much loved event,” states Neil Golding show organiser.
“Whilst we are very pleased to complete and sell out the event space and main stage artist line-up for the drum show, our work here continues, with securing further brands for our guests to enjoy in our acoustic, bass and electric halls, along with securing further respective artists to compliment our offering. The long-standing success of the drum show is the trade coming together, not only to bring forward the latest musical instrument innovations but to be part and create an experience that ensures guests continue to enjoy,” Golding concludes.
Yamaha DTX10 and DTX8 combine genuine drum feeling with first-class studio sound.
Yamaha further refines the faithful reproduction of a real acoustic drum kit’s sound and feel, with its brand-new DTX10 and DTX8 e-drums. The Japanese manufacturer successfully combined its know-how in building world-renowned acoustic drums with the latest music technology developments in electric drums and sampling.
Yamaha DTX10
The DTX10, which uses the DTX-PROX module, is the new flagship of the Yamaha e-drums range, offering a highly realistic feel, superior sound, precise workmanship, and an authentically natural look. Various connectivity options for computers and mobile devices like Bluetooth® and USB turn the DTX10 into comprehensive control centres for percussive sounds.
The DTX8, which uses the DTX-PRO module, combines the best parts of the DTX6 range released last year and merges it with some of the best features of the DTX10 to make a more cost-effective, great sounding, and equally great-looking e-kit.
Outstandingly authentic look and feel
Yamaha wanted to bring its e-drums as close to the unique feeling of playing actual acoustic drums as possible – and went back to the drawing board. Both DTX10 and DTX8 feature completely redesigned drum pads and are available in Textured Cellular Silicone (TCS) especially developed by Yamaha and, new for Yamaha, mesh drum heads. The TCS pads surface is a silicone cushion housing countless small air chambers that absorb stick hits, create realistic rebounds, and are gentle on the drummer’s wrists. In addition, purpose-built suspensions dampen vibrations, which, combined with the air chamber design, reduces ambient noise and increases trigger accuracy. The mesh versions of the pads offer a custom Remo mesh head designed to be easy to play with and quiet. The new drum pads use real birch drum shells and share the naturally elegant look of their acoustic counterparts as Yamaha offers the same exquisite Black Forest and Real Wood finishes used for its acoustic drums. The lugs and hoops are also taken from high-end acoustic drums, sporting an appropriately high-quality finish.
Yamaha DTX8
Luxurious configurations
DTX10 and DTX8 are available in varied configurations. The DTX8 is comprised of a KP90 kick pad, an RHH135 hi-hat controller, three 10-inch XP105-X tom pads and a 12-inch XP125SD-X snare pad with two trigger zones for rim click and drumhead articulations. Two 13-inch crashes and a positional sensing 15-inch ride complete the setup. The flagship set DTX10 features the KP128 – a particularly refined Kick Pad with a 12-inch mesh head and multi-layer cushion head surface. The third tom pad is a 12-inch floor tom. The cymbals consist of 13-inch and 15-inch crashes. The new PCY175 3-zone ride cymbal pad measures 17 inches, the largest cymbal pad Yamaha has ever made, and close to an actual ride cymbal size. All DTX10 and DTX8 series cymbal pads feature three zones – edge, bow and bell – that can be triggered and stopped, just like choking a real cymbal.
Sound quality and effects from world-renowned studios
The DTXPRO (DTX8) and DTXPROX (DTX10) Drum Trigger Modules offer outstanding sonic quality and brand-new samples that were recorded in world-renowned studios with the highest precision in dynamics and resolution. Great importance was attached to reproducing the crucial attack and decay behaviour of individual drums and cymbals, and to add extra realism, the sound of the studio rooms themselves was captured and can be added back to the drum kit. In addition, the recorded sounds can be fine-tuned with numerous effects that are also used in professional studios and the MONTAGE music synthesizer by Yamaha. The modules contain more than 400 or 700 sounds, respectively, and allow for the import of up to 1,000 16- or 24-bit custom samples. This way, a multitude of unique sounds can be created, creatively combined and percussively realised. Both modules allow players the ability to configure different kits according to individual needs. The kit sounds are all fully editable. Edited sounds can be exported by stereo outputs, USB, or, in the case of the DTX-PROX module, individual outputs – perfect for live and studio use.
Yamaha Kit Modifier – real-time sound adjustment
Unique to the DTX-PRO and DTX-PROX modules are the Kit Modifier knobs. These three knobs allow users to adjust ambience, compression and other effects in real-time while playing. Rather than interrupting the creative flow, this approach and implementation aim to enrich the process and add instant and dramatic changes. The Ambience modifier adjusts the amount of recorded room ambience but can also control additional Yamaha digital reverb algorithms. The Comp modifier adds compression to the whole kit. It can either work as “sound glue” when used cautiously or give the kit a more aggressive touch when used more lavishly. The Effect modifier controls the integrated effect processor’s sends and returns. Users can simply define which pads are connected to which processor. In addition, every channel has its own EQ, channel compression and transient adjustment to control attack and decay.
Extensive connectivity: Bluetooth, USB and Rec’n’Share
To facilitate effortless integration, Yamaha DTX10 and DTX8 kits offer MIDI- and USB-ports in addition to audio outputs on their respective modules. The DTX10 even features Bluetooth functionality that makes it particularly easy to connect music streaming or metronome apps via tablet or smartphone. The USB port can output audio directly to a DAW as a 24-bit audio stream – Steinberg Cubase AI is included. Performances can also be exported as MIDI for use with other sound modules, plug-ins, or editing software. Alternatively, performances can easily be recorded and saved to USB drives. In addition to simple stereo recording, the DTX10 allows multitrack recording via eight individual outputs. Up to 14 pads can be connected directly to the sound module, making it easy to expand standard setups with additional triggers. The free Yamaha Rec’n’Share app enables seamless integration into the digital world: the DTX10 or DTX8 modules can be connected to a compatible iOS or Android device via USB to record drum sessions as audio or video. Rec’n’Share offers extensive editing options such as time-stretching and the ability to upload videos directly from the drum seat to social media.
Varied practice options and powerful headphone amplifier
Practice makes perfect – especially with the capabilities offered by Yamaha DTX10 and DTX8 modules. Artists looking to perfect their groove have access to a programmable metronome, versatile recording functions, ten practice programs, and 37 practice tracks from various genres. These qualities are further – figuratively and literally – amplified by the new, high-quality headphone amplifier built into DTX10 and DTX8, conveying the feeling of playing an acoustic kit.
Maximum flexibility
The RS10-HXR Hexrack and RS8 rack systems have been redesigned to facilitate a particularly light and flexible setup for DTX10 and DTX8. The left side of both racks is open, allowing for easy placement of hi-hat and double bass drum pedals. Extensive adjustment options make it easy to set up the system for perfect performances both for right and left hand players. The L-shaped rack combines the classic design of an acoustic drum set with the stability required for durability and reliability.
Prices and availability
The Yamaha DTX10 and DTX8 e-drums are available from September 2021.
SRP prices GBP (including 20% VAT).
DTX10 from £4200.00
DTX8 from £2690.00
Gavin Thomas – Product Manager Drums Yamaha Music Europe (UK)
“Following the successful launch of the DTX6 series last year, we are delighted to complete our DTX line up with the new releases of the DTX10 and DTX8 series. At the heart of the DTX10 is the new DTX Pro X module which is so well considered and thought out, offering many leading features for all drummers needs – in all environments. Combine this with the options of Yamaha’s ground breaking TCS or the more traditional Mesh playing surface, different finishes options with real drum shells and professional level drum hardware – sets Yamaha apart. There is much depth to this new offering of e-drums to be uncovered along with the added drum heritage, reliability and innovation for which Yamaha is so well regarded”
Further information can be found on the Yamaha Drums channels:
GEWA is proud to announce a new member of the GEWA Digital Drums family: The TikTok Drummer – Austin Ware decided to become GEWA’s latest family member.
Austin has become world-famous due to his outstanding TikTok videos, which have lately turned into colorful drumming clips. He has a fast-growing community. His videos are extremely creative and his outstanding drumming performances are seen by millions of people on different social networks.
“I am a huge fan of GEWA as I believe they have the strongest vision for what the future of electronic drums can look like. In my opinion, the design of the G9 and overall capabilities greatly outperforms all others in the electronic drum space.”
Austin Ware
GEWA welcomes him as an official GEWA G9 brand ambassador. There are several great concepts in the pipeline, which will demonstrate the synergy of electronic drums and colorful shows! Stay tuned for something really cool…
Here’s our review of a Rogers Covington shell pack and Dynasonic Natural Brass snare drum, featuring…
20″ x 14″ bass drum,
12″ x 8″ rack tom,
14″ x 14″ floor tom,
14″ x 5.5″ B7 Natural Brass Dynasonic snare drum,
Red Ripple Wrap finish,
6mm, 3-ply Maple/Poplar shells with 2-ply re-rings top & bottom,
Heat bent & air dried, hand finished shells,
Remo heads fitted throughout.
Rogers says…“Rogers is proud to announce the debut of our new Covington Series drum kits. Built in the USA, these kits represent the pinnacle of Golden Age drum craftsmanship. The Covington Series is a beautiful mix of the classic and contemporary featuring signature Rogers appointments, like beavertail lugs, bow-tie tension rods, and script logo badges with new, tool-less ‘clock face’ mounting hardware.”
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:
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!
The UK Drum Show are pleased to announce, new for 2022, a dedicated Experience Room for Ludwig Drums, when the show returns at the ACC Liverpool on the 2 & 3 April. For Ludwig fans, in addition to a large Ludwig presence in the main exhibition hall, guests will be able to take in unique content and experiences hosted by the Ludwig Team.
*Tickets for the Experience Room available soon*.
As part of a series of announcements for the Ludwig Drums Experience Room, we are pleased to welcome Ringo Beatles Kits Curator Gary Astridge, who will share his insights and experiences of Ringo and the sticksman of the most famous band in the world.
Born in Buffalo, NY, Gary Astridge became a lifelong Beatles fan and drummer at the age of seven after seeing the band’s first performance on the Ed Sullivan Show. His passion for Ringo and playing drums, led to years of research, and collecting vintage drum kits and gear, all specific to what Ringo used during his career as a Beatle.
In 2006, Gary launched RingosBeatleKits.com to post everything that he knew to be factual. In late 2012, he was contacted and asked to organize for display, two of
Ringo’s original Beatles drum kits for the Ringo: Peace & Love Exhibit, which took place at the Grammy Museum in LA. He was then asked to organize, document, and restore five of the six Beatles drum kits that Ringo still had in his possession.
Since then, Gary has been involved in numerous high-profile projects for Ringo, including the limited-edition Starr Festival snare drum that was done in partnership with the Ludwig Drum Company. As part of Ringo’s inner circle, an author, lecturer, and curator, Gary enjoys sharing his knowledge with Beatle fans around the world. His presentations will take you on an extraordinary journey, providing historic details and firsthand information, including gear photos and great stories about Ringo that you won’t hear from anyone else!
Ludwig Drums is immensely proud and delighted to announce that Ethan Torchio, drummer with international rock sensations and Eurovision 2021 winners Måneskin, has signed as a Ludwig global artist.
20-year-old Ethan who first signed as a Ludwig Italia artist in 2018 at 17 years of age, plays Ludwig’s Vistalite drums. It is hoped the new global artist relationship will extend the opportunity for Ethan to inspire existing young drummers and encourage those who aspire to learn to play drums, worldwide.
Måneskin started out busking on the streets of Rome, then in 2017 rose to fame after coming second on Italy’s version of the TV talent show X-Factor. They have since become the most successful rock band in Italy’s history, with a host of chart-topping album and single releases worldwide, that have earned them a staggering 25 Platinum discs! 2021 has seen the band’s most successful year to date, after winning The Sanremo Music Festival and Eurovision 2021 with the song ‘Zitti E Buoni’.
Since he was a small child, it was clear Ethan possessed a natural sense of rhythm. He could always be found tapping out a beat and this led to his father giving him a drum set for Christmas at the age of 5.
By age 12, Ethan already understood that playing music was what he wanted to do for the rest of his life and with the support of his family, he immersed himself in study, developing an interest in various genres of music, starting with jazz – fusion and progressive, and drawing influence from many drummers such as Art Blakey, Buddy Rich, Max Roach, Phil Collins, Neil Peart, John Bonham, Dave Weckl, Steve Gadd, Benny Grab and Jojo Mayer.
After finding one of his mother’s old CDs, Ethan then discovered ‘The Police’ and from that moment Stewart Copeland became his main inspiration. By age 13 Ethan had forged a keen interest in electronic music and started using Nuendo to produce arrangements and tunes to perform and practice with. However, at 15 Ethan realized that it was the time he looked to join a band and after finding a post on Facebook saying, “Looking for roman musicians,” he successfully auditioned, the band Måneskin was formed, and the rest is history!
The Ludwig Team states, “We are proud and delighted that Ethan Torchio continues to choose to play Ludwig Drums and has signed as a Ludwig global artist. Ethan’s passion and devotion for drums is equally matched by Ludwig’s and being just 20 years old and playing for such an increasingly successful band as Måneskin, we look forward to working together to inspire the next global generation of drummers”.
Ethan states, “It is an honour to have the prestigious opportunity to officially become part of the superb Ludwig family, whose drums represent for me the sound that I have always sought in the process of musical creation.
Words aren’t enough to describe my happiness, so I’ll wait for the music to speak. Rock ‘n’ roll never dies.”
Techra Drumsticks is the latest company to compliment and join the biggest line-up of brands at The UK Drum Show from Italy, when the show returns on April 2 & 3rd 2022 at its new home, the ACC Liverpool.
Techra has developed over the last 15 years the most innovative and powerful drumsticks crafted from Carbon Fibre making them incredibly durable for the heaviest of hitters, without comprise to sound.
Techra claim that their carbon fibre creations surpass the limits of wood with durability, balance, chips and straightness, so be sure to visit their booth and try these for yourselves.