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Alesis Announce Strike Multipad Feature Update V1.3

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Alesis Announce Strike Multipad Feature Update V1.3

Alesis have revealed the updates for their Strike Multipad, including New Sample Manager, Kit Saving Options and Metronome enhancements.

The Strike MultiPad is an incredibly capable and versatile device. SAMPLE anything you want – any sound, any effect, from anywhere. EDIT your samples and loops with the five built-in effects processors. LOOP based recording of your performance is a snap, either from the samples you created or the live audio looper.

Strike MultiPad feature update v1.3 adds a series of performance enhancements making it easier than ever to manage your custom kits and on-board sample libraries:

• Sample Manager – Take total command of your sample library and browse, play and delete any samples saved to Strike MultiPad’s internal storage. You can also export samples from the internal storage to an external USB drive.

• Save/Load User Kits with Samples – You can now save and load User Kits with the samples used in those kits – perfect for creating a complete backup of the User Bank, which can then also be used on another Strike MultiPad

• Start Click for Loop and Alternate Playback Modes – You can now set the metronome to automatically turn on when you play a pad set to Loop or Alternate playback mode. If you hit the pad again, or if the sound ends, the metronome will stop and will restart from Beat 1 when reactivated.

• Metronome Downbeat Reset – The metronome will now restart from Beat 1 whenever it is turned on, either by the Start Click feature or by pressing the Metronome button.

 

Gretsch Drums Debuts New Full Range Finishes

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Gretsch Drums Debuts New Full Range Finishes

Gretsch Drums has announced the addition of two exciting new finishes to its popular line of Full Range drums. The new offerings join the value-price Catalina Series, as well as the more mid-priced Renown line-up.

Gretsch Brand Manager Andrew Shreve comments, “We’re always searching for compelling new finishes, ones that are in keeping with the historic look of Gretsch.  We’re very conscious of what Gretsch fans prefer and we always aim to please.”

Catalina Club Yellow Satin Finish

Delivering superior versatility and pro-quality sound, Renown drums feature 7-ply Gretsch maple shells, 30-degree bearing edges and exclusive “Silver Sealer” interiors. Satin Antique Blue Burst extends the color pallet to five lacquer and two Nitron finishes, with all seven coming in a choice of eight distinct shell pack configurations.

Catalina Club Yellow Satin Flame finish* follows the successful Blue Satin Flame option introduced in 2018.  The vintage-inspired wrap is one of two, alongside four available satin lacquer finishes.

Renown Satin Antique Blue Burst

Catalina Club has received world-wide acclaim as the go-to around-town kit due to its build quality, value, reliability warm, punchy tone courtesy of all-mahogany shells with soft,  30 degree bearing edges.

* The Yellow Satin Flame finish is only available in the J-484, J-404 shell packs, plus 7×10 RT, and 14×20 add on drums.

For more information visit the Gretsch drums website www.gretschdrums.com/

 

DW Introduces Collector’s Series Timekeeper Snare Drum

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DW Introduces Collector’s Series Timekeeper Snare Drum

Drum Workshop Inc. (DW) recently announced the official launch of the Collector’s Series “Timekeeper” Snare Drum.  Aptly named, the drum is decorated with “Clock and Gear” wood inlays, three hundred and fifty-one individual pieces, to be exact.  Each piece of exotic and dyed laser cut material is meticulously hand-inlayed into the 1/36” thick top veneer of a Pure Purpleheart shell.

Resident Woodologist and Drum Designer, John Good, created the Timekeeper motif as a fitting tribute to the artform.  Good explained, “Some of my favorite drummer’s do just that.  They keep time.  And they do it in a way that is so admirable.  These often-unsung players play for the song.  It’s a cliché, but it’s so right on the money.  The Timekeeper is in tribute to those players.”

The 11-ply VLT Pure Purpleheart shell is expertly crafted at the DW California Custom Shop and outfitted with a host of professional features including custom True-Hoops™ with faux leather inlay, True-Tone Snare Wires™, MAG Throw-Off System with 3P butt plate, True-Pitch 50 Tuning™, DW Heads by Remo and more.  Finished in limited edition Antique Bronze, the 6.5×14” Santos Rosewood-clad snare is designed to be a playable piece of art.

Good added, “Our goal is to not have this drum solely be a memento, it’s designed to be played.  I think Purpleheart is an excellent choice for a workhorse snare and we see more and more drummers discovering it and being blown away by what it can do.”

The drum is supplied in a Deluxe DW carrying case and retails for $2307

To find out more about DW, its artist and products, please go to www.dwdrums.com/

Pearl Masters Maple Gum Shell Pack – Drummer’s Review

Drummer's Review
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Pearl Masters Maple Gum Shell Pack – Drummer’s Review

Here’s our review of a Pearl Masters Maple Gum shell pack, featuring…

  • 22″ x 16″ bass drum,
  • 10″ x 7″ rack tom,
  • 12″ x 8″ rack tom,
  • 16″ x 16″ floor tom,
  • Hand-rubbed natural maple finish
  • Remo heads fitted throughout – coated Ambassador (toms), Powerstroke III (Bass),
  • Pearl mini bass drum muffler included,
  • Optimount tom suspension system.

Pearl says…“Delivering arguably the greatest drum tones ever recorded, the historically proven sound of the Maple Gum shell combination is renowned worldwide for its explosive midrange warmth and extended low end power.

Starting in 2019, Pearl makes this coveted sound available for a professional drummer with Masters Maple Gum drum series. Available in two preselected shell packs and four hand-lacquered and wrapped finishes. Each kit features a vault-cured EvenPly-Six layered premium North American Maple and Gum wood shell with 60-degree edges, Mastercast Die-Cast hoops, and Pearl’s CL bridge lugs.”

Find out our thoughts in the video above!!

RRP: £2500.00 (approx.)

www.pearldrum.com

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British Drum Co. welcomes Skunk Anansie drummer Mark Richardson

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British Drum Co. welcomes Skunk Anansie drummer Mark Richardson

Mark Richardson, drummer with powerhouse UK rock band Skunk Anansie, has joined the growing British Drum Co. family of artists.

Mark’s muscular, energetic playing is what many rock fans remember from his days in the drum seat for several iconic British bands such as Little Angels and Feeder. However, Mark has also gained a reputation as a peerless session drummer, touring with a wide variety of artists including Amy Macdonald and Mel B. Mel Stewart, Drum Set Division Manager at British Drum Co., says, “We are immensely proud to announce the addition of Mark Richardson (Skunk Anansie) to the British Drum Co. artist family!

Mark has been a key figure in the British drumming community for many years and we have followed his career and enthusiastic musical contributions from afar. His success as a drummer is an inspiration to us all and so the opportunity to work with someone whose outlook is so clearly aligned with our own was one we embraced with open arms. We look forward to a long-lasting and collaborative relationship with him, whilst supporting all of his musical endeavours”.

Mark is passionately enthusiastic about getting behind his brand new Legend Series kit, as he explains, “The innovation, attention to detail and care which goes into each and every part of a British Drum Company creation is staggering. I am grateful to be associated with a manufacturer whose contributions to innovation are vital to the worldwide drumming industry. I’m excited to be joining a roster of phenomenal talent, honoured to be standing on the shoulders of a talented and exceptional team of craftsmen and women and humbled to be accepted as part of the BDC family”.

Keith Keough, CEO of British Drum Co. is equally thrilled about Mark’s decision to join the BDC artist family. Keith explains, “Mark has been on my radar for a long time. He’s a huge character within the industry and a fantastic drummer. To sign such an artist is a huge step for us and I warmly welcome him to our ever growing roster.”

British Drum Co. Managing Director, Al Murray, added, “We are delighted to welcome Mark to the BDC family of artists, he’s one of the cornerstones of the British rock drumming scene: who better to play a Legend?”

British Drum Co., which launched in September 2015, was founded by master drum maker Keith Keough; Kasabian drummer Ian Matthews; top-level marching specialist Stu Warmington; and award winning comedian and drum enthusiast Al Murray, aka The Pub Landlord. The ranks expanded when in 2017 The Verve & Charlatans drummer, Pete Salisbury, joined the company.

www.britishdrumco.com or contact the British Drum Co. on 0161 804 4724

 

Latin Percussion Launch Signature Tony Succar Cajon

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Latin Percussion Launch Signature Tony Succar Cajon

Latin Percussion have introduced three new Cajon’s; the 3D Cube String Cajon, inspired by the artwork of M.C.Escher, the LP® Black Box Wire Cajon with a stunning natural wood face plate, based on the award winning LP® Black Box and the signature LP USA Woodshop Tony Succar Cajon.

The artist M.C.Escher was the master of illusion, exploring the contrast between the depiction of three dimensional volume on a two dimensional surface. The exterior of the new, hand crafted  3D Cube String Cajon (LP1423), inspired by this artist, uses solid pieces of dark stained and natural Siam Oak with Indian Lilac wood to create an optical illusion that is both two and three dimensional at the same time. The slightly wider than normal cajon has a huge bottom end, its six angle-mounted strings provide high-end snap and crack and the Mahogany sound board offers a deep, rich resonance for a multi-dimensional sound. It measures H18 ¼” x W13 ¾” x D11 ¾” and is supplied with its own carry bag.

The LP® Black Box Wire Cajon (LP1428NYN) is based on LP®’s Black Box winner of DRUM! Magazine’s Drummies! Award for best Cajon. An entry level Cajon, it is constructed with an environmentally responsible eco-board with a Birch / Poplar soundboard for great sound at an affordable price. The sophisticated matte black finish gives the Cajon a polished appearance and its rounded edges make it easy play. Tonally, the drum provides a clear distinction of snare and bass tones which is perfect for any style of music. It measures H19” x W11” x D10”.

Percussionist, composer, arranger, bandleader, producer and Latin Grammy award winner Tony Succar helped design the Peruvian style Woodshop Tony Succar Signature Cajon (LP1444). Made in LP’s USA Woodshop, the crafted Chilean Pine body breathes with resonance and the Red Meranti soundboard provides punchy, bright tones with a graphic finish. This drum perfectly embodies Tony’s ability to combine tradition with modern and youthful energy with authentic Peruvian tone. The signature Cajon is finished with Tony’s immediately recognisable initials in bright red. It measures H18 ¾ ” x W13” x D11 ⅝”.

To find out more please go to www.lpmusic.com/ or visit LP’s social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Or check out the We Are Rhythm Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play and Stitcher.

Fancy Joining The Ultimate Big Band?

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Fancy Joining The Ultimate Big Band?

UK-based drummer and educator Darren Williams has recently launched a cool new project featuring a selection of specially written music-minus-drums big-band tracks. 

Each track, composed and arranged by world-renowned bass player and composer Laurence Cottle, features a wealth of highly respected, in-demand UK session musicians playing a variety of styles synonymous with modern big-band styles. Each track is available without drums (with or without click) and accompanied by a full, downloadable .PDF drum chart. Darren has also recorded his interpretation of each track to give drummers a superb reference point when working on their own versions.  

Having been playing the drums since the age of 12, Darren has a wealth of experience when it comes to big-band drumming having held the drum chair for four years with the prestigious National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO). Following in such footsteps as Chris Dagley, Mike Smith, Ian Thomas and a whole host of other great drummers, Darren performed at venues and Jazz festivals across the UK and Europe, culminating in several weeks at the world-famous jazz club, Ronnie Scott’s.  

Darren studied under Bob Armstrong (who’s past pupils include Steve and Alan White, Andy Gangadeen, Ash Soan and a long list of other incredible drummers) as well as renowned teacher Dave Hassel. Darren now provides drum lessons from his own teaching practice in Harpenden, Hertfordshire. His drum teaching studio, The Music Den, plays an important role in his life and he takes great pleasure in passing on some of his knowledge and seeing his students’ progress, not only as players, but also by encouraging them to seek alternative careers in the music profession. Several of his past pupils have gone on to study and become music lawyers and sound engineers. 

Alongside drumming, Darren has always had a keen interest in music technology and has been using computers and recording equipment for the last ten years, mainly as a practice tool, however he’s now using these skills to provide high-quality drum and instrument tracks from his facility, The Den Studios, along with recording, mixing and mastering for any type of musical project. 

It’s at The Den Studios where Darren has brought this exciting play along project to life, having been professionally filmed in the studio performing each track alongside long-time friend and collaborator Laurence, recording each track’s bass tracks simultaneously with Darren’s live drums.  

About the project, Darren says…”The idea came about after a jam session with Laurence at my studio back in March 2019. We were chatting about what was available on the market for drummers to practice to and thought we could fill a gap in the market. Our vision was to produce high-quality backing tracks to help inspire drummers from all over the world who wanted to learn more about this amazing style of drumming under the banner of ‘The Ultimate Big Band’”

Darren continues…”So far, the response has been fantastic, with drummers from all corners of the globe subscribing to receive the free tracks. I’ve been amazed at the power of social media in reaching people I couldn’t have hoped to connect with before. It’s very early days but the hope is to build a community around Big Band music, with a view to creating an app and a book in the future. We’ve released three free tracks to date with two more in the pipeline which will be released by mid-July 2020.” 

For more information, or to download these fantastic tracks, head to: www.darrenwilliams.org/big-band  

 

 

 

Gretsch Debut New Nitron Finishes For Brooklyn Kits

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Gretsch Debut New Nitron Finishes For Brooklyn Kits

Gretsch Drums is delighted to introduce two new Nitron finishes to their Brooklyn series; Blue Burst Pearl for the original kit and White Marine Pearl for the Micro Kit.

Gretsch Brooklyn drums, proudly manufactured in the company’s USA factory, are constructed from 6-ply North American Maple/Poplar. They are finished with the distinctive 3mm thick, double flanged 302 counter hoops which are reminiscent of the ones used by the company until the mid-nineteen fifties. The drums produce an immediately recognizable, very distinctive sound. Their innovative specifications create a unique tonal characteristic that is slightly more open and satisfyingly ambient when compared to Gretsch’s classic full, punchy and warm sound.

White Marine Pearl

Launched to critical acclaim in 2018 the Brooklyn Micro Kit is excellent for small venues, studios, rehearsal rooms and other situations where space is at a premium. The kit is built to the same specifications and the original Brooklyn drums.

New for 2020 the Blue Burst Pearl Finish for the original Brooklyn series extends the Nitron color choices to seven alongside the existing six satin lacquer finishes. For the Brooklyn Micro kit, the new, timeless White Marine Pearl finish offers an alternative choice to the original Satin Grey Lacquer.
For further information visit www.gretschdrums.com/

 

Akai Professional® Introduces MPC LIVE II

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Akai Professional® Introduces MPC LIVE II

Akai Professional, a leading manufacturer of music equipment for performers and producers, today announced its newest portable standalone music production centre, the MPC Live II, packed with all the enhancements from the recent software update for the entire MPC line, MPC 2.8.

MPC Live II builds on its phenomenally successful predecessor and introduces built-in monitor speakers for a completely standalone music-making experience. While traveling or in the studio.

Like the MPC X and MPC One, MPC Live II operates as a fully standalone music production centre. MPC Live II is powered by MPC software – a unique hardware / software ecosystem that empowers users with the legendary, feature-rich workflow that has been used on countless hits since the introduction of the MPC series. The 7-inch, multi-gesture touchscreen enables producers to access all the features needed to create a beat or a recording from start to finish. MPC Live II also adds five new hardware buttons to improve the editing workflow. With features including Mute, Time Correct and Mix, users can edit and tweak tracks without skipping a beat.

New to Akai Professional’s standalone, multi-core powered MPC Series is MIDI Multi capability. The MPC Software 2.8 update, transforms MPC Live II into the ultimate MIDI sequencing studio centrepiece. Now users can simultaneously connect and route all the MIDI gear in their studio, including class-compliant USB Keyboards, MIDI interfaces and USB to CV modules, supercharging MPC Live II’s I/O capability. Fuse this with deep internal MIDI routing capability across tracks, comprehensive MIDI routing to any MIDI compatible synthesizer, drum machine or sound module, and even multitrack recording capability.

MPC Live II’s built-in monitoring system offers a dynamic response spanning the full musical range, meticulously reproducing detailed high-frequency audio information while still delivering accurate low frequencies. From sharp, cutting hi-hats to punchy 808 drums and deep bass lines, MPC Live II eliminates all barriers between beat-makers and their music. MPC Live II’s built-in monitors not only provide a convenient set of reference monitors for studio use, but a great platform for listening, creating and collaborating on-the-go without headphones.

With MPC Live II, complete standalone production capability fuses with an ultra-portable specification and an arsenal of connectivity options for complete hook-up flexibility with all your studio gear. With eight new CV/Gate outputs (four TRS jacks), producers can now incorporate modular connectivity into their MPC Live setup. Coupled with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, users can also enjoy the seamless side-by-side workflow of MPC and Ableton Live.

The most complete mobile production experience couldn’t exist without a reliable power source for long-lasting on-the-go sessions. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery gives you all the power you need for up to five hours of on-the-go music creation.

The MPC Live II comes with a robust 16GB sound library of high-quality samples and loops, including a new library from F9 Audio and the new Sonic Boom sound set. For those who need even more access to content, your Splice account curations are just a few taps away, with direct access via the 7-inch multi-gesture touchscreen and Wi-Fi connection.

MPC Live II Hardware Features

• Standalone MPC (no computer necessary)

• Natively powered by MPC 2.8 software

• Built-In stereo studio monitor speakers

• Internal rechargeable battery – up to five hours of on-the-go use

• Four TRS CV/Gate jacks (eight outputs total)

• Brilliant 7-inch multi-touch display

• Wi-Fi & Bluetooth connectivity

• 16GB included content

MPC 2.8 Software Enhancements

• MIDI Multi allowing users to record multiple MIDI or audio tracks simultaneously

• USB MIDI input and output support to work with any class-compliant MIDI device

• MIDI layering capability

• Time Correct enable/disable toggling

• Q-Link overlay display

• Edit Pad Map

• Available for MPC One, MPC Live, MPC Live II and MPC X

“We are relentless in our pursuit of the most comprehensive standalone music production experience,” says Dan Gill, Senior Product Manager for Akai Professional. “With every workflow consideration, every feature-set and function, we purposefully set out to create devices that are effortless conduits of the creative process. By incorporating stereo monitors, MPC Live II delivers every standalone tool producers and beat-makers need to capture inspiration wherever it strikes.”

MPC Live II is available immediately with a US retail price of $1199

MPC 2.8 is also available immediately as a free download for all MPC Live, MPC Live II, MPC X and MPC One users

For more information on MPC Live II and MPC 2.8, visit akaipro.com.

 

PDP’s New 20th Anniversary Drum Kit Hits the Road

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PDP’s New 20th Anniversary Drum Kit Hits the Road

Tony Thaxton, drummer with Indie Rock mainstay Motion City Soundtrack, took his new PDP 20th Anniversary kit with matching snare on the band’s January 2020 reunion tour.

After a 3-year break, Thaxton returned to the drum throne for their ‘So Long, Farewell Tour’, crisscrossing the globe one last time.  Officially joining the band in 2001, he enjoyed an 11-year run that included a total of 6 studio records released on both Epitaph and Columbia.  Thaxton was also an early supporter of the PDP brand, appearing in advertisements alongside The Rev and Brooks Wackerman. Talking about the kit he said ‘I was beyond flattered to be the first artist to have the PDP 20th Anniversary kit…….. they’re gorgeous. The matte/shiny combo on the finish looks so great with the brushed bronze hardware………. And OF COURSE they sound incredible, but that’s no surprise!’

The All-European Maple PDP 20th Anniversary kit features a boutique-inspired 2-tone matte black lacquer paint job with gloss black center stripe.  The set is outfitted with special antique bronze hardware and a host of player-friendly features including STM™ (Suspension Tom Mounts) True-Pitch™ Tuning, dual-mini turret lugs, LTD badges/logo head and more. A matching snare is also available that includes 10-ply European maple shell, MAG throw-off, True-Pitch™ Tuning, 2.3mm flanged steel counter hoops and Remo heads.

To find out more about PDP and the limited edition 20th Anniversary Kit and Snare (available only during 2020) please go to: www.pacificdrums.com/

 

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