TAMA Black Cowbells & Holders

TAMA's original black cowbells feature an eyebolt that guarantees secure settings every time-no worry about left to right swinging while you play.

6304 : 4" Cowbell
6305 : 5" Cowbell
6306 : 6" Cowbell
CBH10 : Cowbell Holder
CBH20 : Cowbell Holder

Gong Bass Drums

An early TAMA original, the Gong Bass Drum features a 22" head on a 20" shell with no bottom head. This design produces a sound with excellent sustain that's close in character to a concert tympani. The Gong Bass Drum utilizes 8mm thick Starclassic Bubinga & 7mm thick Maple shell. The aluminum Rollaway stand in black finish offers easy yet secure positioning thanks to another TAMA original idea: Power Tower stand components. Available with Chrome shell hardware only.

Gong Bass drums are available in all the Starclassic Bubinga & Maple finishes.
GSB and SSB finishes will feature a fade rather than a burst.

Steel Mini - Tymps

Another very affordable way to add new colors to your kit, TAMA's Steel Mini-Tymps provide new accents with a clear and "cracky" sound to just about any style of music. Two models are available.
Includes L-Rod(LLT), angle adjustable ratchet arm and multi-clamp(MC66).

MT68ST : 4"x6"+4"x8"
MT810ST : 4"x8"+4"x10"

Octobans

One of TAMA's first original instruments, TAMA Octobans have been played by progressive players from Simon Phillips to Stewart Copeland to Mike Portnoy. Octobans change pitch by using shell length instead of shell diameter. The 6" diameter shells can be tuned melodically and are available in low and high pitch sets.

･Octobans
OCT280N : 280mm (11") depth
OCT301N : 301mm (11 3/4") depth
OCT343N : 343mm (13 1/2") depth

OCT390N : 390mm (15 1/2") depth
OCT443N : 443mm (17 1/2") depth
OCT472N : 472mm (18 1/2") depth
OCT536N : 536mm (21") depth
OCT600N : 600mm (23 1/2") depth

Features

Octoban Sets

7850N2H : 2pc High-pitch set w/HOW29W stand
7850N4H : 4pc High-pitch set w/HOW49W stand
7850N4L : 4pc Low-pitch set w/HOW49W stand

Octoban Stands

HOW49W : for 4pc Octobans
HOW29W : for 2pc Octobans
OA29 : Octoban holder for 2pc (pipe diameter:22.2mm)
OA49 : Octoban holder for 4pc (pipe diameter:22.2mm)

Limited Edition Artwood CUSTOM

Limited Edition Artwood CUSTOM

• Beautiful steel snare drums are hand-engraved by skilled craftsmen, one at a time, piece by piece.
• 1.2mm steel shell with Evans “Power Center Reverse Dot” head for more power and projection.
• Includes specially-designed, plush carry bag.
• 2 sizes available: 5.5x14” & 6.5”x13”.
• Only 120 pieces available in USA.

AM1480BNBDDB
Limited model Artwood Custom snare drum
Size: 8 x 14”
Shell: 7ply 6.0mm 100% Maple
Hoop: 1.6mm triple flanged hoops
(10 holes)
Finish: Dark Desert Burst

Limited Edition Metalworks “Hand Engraved” Snare Drums

• Beautiful steel snare drums are hand-engraved by skilled craftsmen, one at a time, piece by piece.

• 1.2mm steel shell with Evans “Power Center Reverse Dot” head for more power and projection.
• Includes specially-designed, plush carry bag.
• 2 sizes available: 5.5x14” & 6.5”x13”.
• Only 120 pieces available in USA.

ST1365EBNP
Limited model Hand Engraved Metalworks
Size: 6.5 x 13”
Shell: 1.2mm Brushed Black
Nickel Plated Steel
Hoop: 1.6mm Triple flanged hoops (8 holes)
Drum head: Evans "Power Center Reverse Dot"

ST1455EBNP
Limited Model Hand Engraved Metalworks
Size: 5.5 x 14”
Shell: 1.2mm Brushed Black
Nickel Plated Steel
Hoop: 1.6mm Triple flanged hoops (10 holes)
Drum head: Evans "Power Center Reverse Dot"

uperstar Accel-Driver Double Bass

Superstar Accel-Driver Double Bass

• Double Bass Superstar sets now available in 3 TAMA original wrap finishes.
• 8pc. shell pack available as well as complete kit.

SK82KBN SGW
Superstar double bass 8-pc complete kit
Includes:
(2) 18 x 22" BD with tom mount,
7 x 8” TT with Star-Cast mount,
8 x 10" TT with Star-Cast mount,
9 x 12" TT with Star-Cast mount,
12 x 14" FT, 14 x 16" FT and 5.5 x 14" SD
Hardware: HC72WN, HC73BWN, (2) HP200, HS70WN, HH75W,Hi-Hat Attachment and Double Tom Holder / Single Tom Holder

SK82KBNS SGW
Superstar double bass 8-pc shell kit without hardware

Superstar Accel-Driver

Superstar Accel-Driver

• Original 2005 Superstar sizes back by popular demand.
• 5pc. Catalog Superstar sets now available in Accel Driver and Hyper-Drive configurations.
• 3 stunning lacquer finishes available: Gray Pewter, Dark Desert Burst & Custom Scarlet Fade.
• Plus 3 TAMA original wrap finishes: Brushed Metallic Black, Brushed Burgundy Metallic & Sugar White.
• 5 pc. shell pack available, as well as complete kit (with 5-pc hardware pack).

SL52KBN DDB

Superstar Accel Driver 5-pc complete kit

Includes:
18 x 22" BD with tom mount,
8 x 10" TT with Star-Cast mount,
9 x 12" TT with Star-Cast mount,
14 x 16" FT and 5.5 x 14" SD
Hardware: HC72WN, HC73BWN, HP200, HS70WN and HH75W

SL52KBNS DDB
Superstar Accel Driver 5-pc shell kit without hardware

Starclassic Performer B/B

Starclassic Performer B/B

• Expanded shell kit configurations & NEW 4-pc kit with 18 x 20” bass drum.
• More configurations! 6-pc kit, 7-pc double bass drum kit and 7-pc kit with Ultra Deep 20 x 22” bass drum.
• Bubinga/Birch is a union of premium woods, providing a rich, fat sound.
• 4 lacquer shell finishes and 8 wrapped finishes available, including 2 durable “painted wrap” finishes.

PX40S LGG
20" bass drum 4-pc shell kit
Includes:
18 x 20" with tom mount,
8 x 10" Tom with Star-Cast mount,
9 x 12" Tom with Star-Cast mount

THREE NEW EXPANDED CONFIGURATIONS

PL72BZS DSF
7-pc double bass drum shell kit (pictured)
Includes:
(2) 18 x 22" BD without tom mount,
8 x 10" TT with Star-Cast mount,
9 x 12" TT with Star-Cast mount,
12 x 14" FT, 14 x 16" FT, 6.5 x 14" SD
and double tom stand

PL62S DSF
6-pc shell kit
Includes:
18 x 22" BD with tom mount,
8 x 10" TT with Star-Cast mount,
9 x 12" TT with Star-Cast mount,
12 x 14" FT, 14 x 16" FT and 5.5 x 14" SD

PL72XZS DSF
7-pc ultra deep bass drum shell kit
Includes:
20 x 22" BD without tom mount,
7 x 8" TT with Star-Cast mount,
8 x 10" TT with Star-Cast mount,
9 x 12" TT with Star-Cast mount,
12 x 14" FT, 14 x 16" FT, 6 x 13" SD
and double tom stand

Starclassic Bubinga RESERVE

• Gorgeous limited edition kit features new Satin Walnut outer ply.
• 2 different configurations: 5-pc with compact 18 x 20” bass drum & 6-pc with Ultra Deep 20 x 22” bass drum.
• Less than 25 sets available in USA (50 sets worldwide).
• Each kit comes with TAMA Certificate of Authenticity.

SE62XV9SSW
SC Bubinga Reserve 6-pc kit
Includes:
20 x 22" BD without Tom mount,
8 x 10" TT with Star-Cast mount,
9 x 12" TT with Star-Cast mount,
12 x 14" FT, 14 x 16" FT and 6.5 x 14" SD

Joe DeRose

orn in San Jose, California, Joe has been playing the drums since the age of five.

He was first taught at home by his older brother Gino. He later became active playing in school bands and is an alumni of the Alum Rock Jazz Band (88). At age 14, Joe began playing professionally around the San Francisco bay area. He has had the honor of studying with such greats as Louie Bellson, Joe Porcaro, Freddie Grubber, Wally Schnalle, Bryant Mills, Karl Carter, John Ramsay, Rick Considine, Lewis Nash, Kenwood Denard, Mike Mangini and many others.

In 1994, Joe followed his dream and moved to Boston to attend the Berklee College of Music. The Berklee experience was everything Joe could have imagined. He graduated in 1998, with a Bachelors in Performance, Magna Cum Laude. While living in Boston, Joe toured with R&B, Blues diva, Toni Lynn Washington. Now that Joe has moved back to San Jose he has most recently finished two European tours with Hip-Hop artist, Kofy Brown, and a northern California tour with Italian tenor, Pasquale Esposito. He also is a member of corporate party band Groove Nugget, Jazz trio, Jazzfunkshun, and leads his own Jazz-Fusion based group Amici. Joe also in November 2006 had the honor of performing his debut drum clinic for San Jose Pro Drum opening for drum legend, Tommy Aldridge. Joe freelances all over the bay area with styles ranging from Funk, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Fusion, Rock, Latin to Jazz. Joe is excited and proud to be a part of the teaching staff at San Jose Pro Drum as well. One of Joe's most current students is actor-comedian, Sinbad.

goes to terry bozzio

Leading Dutch store Adams Drumworld hosted its 5th Drumworld Festival, which saw a line-up including Jojo Mayer, Ray Luzier and Liberty DeVitto demonstrating just how different - and sensational - different drummers can be. Attracting over 1,200 people this is one of Europe's leading percussion events and this year featured several top SABIAN players.

Christian Koch, SABIAN Product Specialist and Artist Relations Manager for Europe was there to report the news.

Liberty DeVitto
Liberty kicked off the event with a morning performance with a fun- and information-packed set that saw him demonstrating tracks from his 30 years of hit-making with Billy Joel. One of the hardest hitters you'll ever see (seriously!), Liberty delivers great grooves and feel... and his stories are both fun and educational. This audience - like all audiences - loved him.


Ray Luzier
Since getting the Korn gig Ray Luzier's profile has rocketed. Just off the plane from LA, where he was recording, he got behind his kit and started blasting out Korn beats. Speed, chops, accuracy, creativity... and excitement all rolled into one is what Ray is about. Playing APX, his cymbals sliced through the music as he delivered a set that was decidedly high-energy.




Jojo Mayer
The festival headliner, Jojo was presented with a 'Best Drum DVD - 2008' readers' poll award for his video, Secret Weapons for the Modern Drummer by Dutch drum mag Slagwerkkrant prior to his performance. Then, with Song Jabon, a tune by his band Nerve, this New York-based Swiss drummer launched into a set that - like his DVD - made it perfectly clear that when it comes to cool freak beats, mind boggling fills, and creative grooves, nobody touches this guy.
Terry Bozzio's Set-up
Another star of this event was Terry Bozzio's monstrous set-up, loaded up with RADIA cymbals and - for anyone with the imagination, coordination and long enough reach - ready to play.

"Many thanks to John (Adams Drumworld) and Stef (AB Music) for making SABIAN happen at this event," said Christian. "This was a great lineup of players and the perfect mix of groove, technique, heavy fusion, rock, break beats and soloing. The Festival is perfectly organized and is a great place to get inspired by some of the world's greatest players."

Dave Weckl Clinic Tour

Oct 01, 2008

I am a lucky man as I have been able to turn my passion for music into a career. Like many of you I started out life with an insatiable desire to play the drums. There was no obvious inspiration for this life quest, but I knew this is what I wanted to do. Playing the drums ultimately changed my life in many ways. I my early 20's I was what I would consider to be the typical drum guy. I started teaching privately and from there expanded that experience into working the sales floor at the local retail store where I taught. I would drive 3 hours to New York from Philly to take lessons all the while taking any gig I could get my hands on.

In life we all go through peaks, valleys, and plateaus in whatever we do, but every once in a while, if we are lucky enough, we'll get hit with an epiphany right between the eyes. One such epiphany hit me right between the eyes more than 20 years ago and I remember it like it was yesterday. I was teaching one Saturday and one of my students came in for his lesson. He had a look of excitement in his eyes as he ran into the lesson room yelling, "You have to hear this!" He handed me a square piece of floppy vinyl that he pulled out of that month's Modern Drummer. On that vinyl was a recording by a young drummer who was making waves in the music world. For those of you who have not yet reached the age of dirt, at one time music was actually recorded on vinyl. The tune was Spur of the Moment and the Drummer was Dave Weckl.


I took that little piece of vinyl home and it forever changed the way I approached the drum set. As life would have it, I found my way to Sabian and eventually had the opportunity to work with Dave on a number of occasions. This is one of those occasions.

Day One:
The first stop on this tour is in Portland Maine for The Drum Shop. Chris, Shane, Josh (AKA Folgers) and all at The Drum Shop did a great job of hosting the event. As it turned out, Portland is the home town of Lucas Ives who is Dave's regular drum tech on the road. Lucas made the trip up from New York to help out on this stop. The clinic was held in Falmouth High School in a beautiful theater. A crowd of more than 150 welcomed Dave with a very warm reception. Dave started the clinic with an inspired solo that took the listener on an amazing percussive journey. Those who came to see Dave play definitely got what they came for. But not only were they treated to an amazing performance, they also received a text book worth of valuable information that if applied to one?s own playing, could help to change the way in which we all approach the drum set.
Dave views his clinics as an opportunity to pass along valuable information rather than just another concert tour stop. He is an educator at heart and this venue provides a unique chance for many to access the recesses of what makes him tick as a musician. Foundation was the focus of the discussion. Dave emphasized the importance of technique only as a means of expressing what one wants to say. Technique is an important tool, but technique must be used responsibly.
Later in the clinic Dave gave an in-depth discussion on the gear he plays and why he plays it. He was instrumental in the development of Sabian's wildly popular Evolution and Legacy cymbal lines, and he took the audience through each of the cymbals in the setup, describing how he chooses the cymbals in his setup based on the musical situation.
Dave ending the clinic playing along to a track he previously recorded and brought the audience to their feet! After an hour or so of autographs we headed off for a quick bite and a couple of cold ones. Day one down and I'm more inspired than ever.

Day Two:
Day two started early as we were heading to Hollywood Florida, home of Resurrection Drums. 6:00am comes early after dinner at midnight, but Dave is a veteran road dog so this was nothing new. The flights were uneventful and we ended up landing in Miami around 2:30. We made the mad dash to the hotel with just enough time to throw our bags in the room and it was off to the show. Jeff Lee of Resurrection was kind enough to hook us up with two killer chicken Caesar salads as we had not yet eaten (thanks Jeff!) The venue was a local community theater that had an incredible vibe. Mike Lamb from Yamaha had gotten there early and did a great job of setting up Dave's kit. This was a special night as the kit Jeff secured for the event was Yamaha's new Phoenix kit. This kit is so new that Dave does not have one yet. After the usual 2 and a half hour setup it was show time. The venue was beyond sold out and ultimately a few late arrivals had to be turned away as there was no place left to sit, stand, or breathe. South Florida has a tremendous community of drummers and they showed their appreciation with standing ovations, looks of disbelief, and a huge line to meet Dave after the show.
Jeff was kind enough to have us back to his place after the 3 hour clinic and we were treated to the best Lasagna we have ever had. Jeff's wife is an amazing cook so you have to stop by if your in town (the store please, not Jeff's house). Once again the clock struck late and we headed to the hotel.

Day Three:
Day three started off a little more relaxed as we had a three hour car ride up to Orlando. Driving 95 is never fun, but this trip had a little extra added excitement as we passed a literal inferno just off the side of the highway. We could see black smoke for miles and when we got up to the source there was a building fully engulfed in flames. We both managed to snap a photo on our cell phones (as we were yelling at those creating the gaper delay) just to capture such an unusual sight and headed on our way. Amongst the dodging of traffic Dave was showing me pictures that he had taken along his travels including great shots of some of the musicians he has had the privilege to perform with. We also had a chance to talk about our kids and life outside of drumming. And if that wasn't enough, I was treated to some recordings that he has been working on in his home studio that he had received via the internet. There were musicians from Turkey, Italy, Japan, and anywhere else you could imagine. As you would imagine the music was amazing and inspiring. Did I mention it is good to be me?
The clinic tonight is at Orlando Florida's premier drum shop Drums 2 Go. Shane, Michelle, and all at the store did a great job of getting things ready for this event. Many in the audience were eager to absorb as much information as possible and information is what they got. The clinic was punctuated with spectacular playing, great questions from the audience, and an in depth primer on the concepts that Dave learned teaching legend Freddie Gruber. Special thanks goes out to Bobby Boos (Sabian Artist Relations Manager) and Mike Lamb from Yamaha for all of your help at the event.
After another huge meet and greet line we were off for ribs and baseball. In case you were wondering, the Mets lost.

Day Four:
Four days goes quickly when you run a schedule like we have. Day four takes us to Knoxville Tennessee for an event at Fork's Drum Closet. Our travel day was lengthy as we took the long way from Florida to Tennessee (via Dallas) but all was well. This was a special event as Fork's was celebrating their 1 year anniversary at this new location. Chris Platt has done an amazing job with this store and if you find yourself in Knoxville, or Nashville for that matter, you have to stop by Fork's. The event was held on the campus of University of Tennessee in a great theater. As it turned out Dave had played this same venue more than 20 years ago with the Electric Band.
A great crowed of passionate drummers filled the room and took in all Dave had to offer. Gary Forkum made the 3 hour drive from Nashville just to attend even though he had to make the same drive back that evening to leave for his own gig in Alabama in the morning (thanks Gary and it was great to see you as always). Everyone stayed to meet Dave after the event and when the last autograph was signed, the tour was over as quickly as it had begun.

Tomorrow I'll be hanging at Fork's for a SABIAN Day event and I'm sure we will spend much of the day talking about tonight's clinic. Spending a Friday afternoon at one of the country's premier drum shops, talking about the best cymbals in the world, and hanging with drummers is hardly work. As I reflect on the past four days I find myself thinking, "I can't believe that I'm here doing this." In life you never know where you are going to end up, but if you stay true to yourself and follow your dreams, you will likely be happy with wherever you land. Saturday, I will land back home in Philly where my wife and son are waiting for me. I truly am a lucky man.

What Is The Vault Crossover Ride All About?

What do you know about the Vault Crossover Ride? Have you heard it yet? So many players tell us how much they like its 'versatility without compromise' performance that we thought you might like to know more about this latest addition to the Vault collection.

The Crossover Ride was originally inspired by a request from long-time SABIAN endorser, Garey Williams. A tremendous player from Seattle, Garey is a drummer who moves between styles with ease, whether jazz, fusion, pop or rock and has the technique and feel to excel in all. He also loves cymbals.

Responding to Garey's request was SABIAN master product specialist Mark Love. "This request interested me because it was coming from Garey, a drummer who really understands music, playing and sound," said Mark. "The result is a great example of how successful innovation needn't result in esoteric and way-out sounds. The Crossover Ride is definitely a cymbal that delivers across a wide range of style without compromise."

For further insight on the Crossover Ride we put some questions to Garey.

The Crossover Ride name implies versatility, a multiple-use aspect. What inspired you to pursue this concept? Was it your experience playing different styles of music, and if so what styles do you play and what are the sensitivities you associate with those styles?
I play many styles of music: Rock, Funk, R&B, Jazz, World and a fusion of all these. I was seeking a ride that would be able to 'cross over' all these genres. This ride needed to be thin enough to produce a clear, musical and broad tone at low volumes, but also have clear stick definition at louder volumes without sounding like I was riding on a crash cymbal. The tone needed to have a vintage, jazzy quality but with the clarity of a modern cymbal so it would sound good for Rock and R&B. It also needed a bell possessing a clear, woody tone that would work well for Funk and Latin bell patterns.

How does the Crossover Ride address those sensitivities and what will a drummer feel and hear when playing this ride?
I prefer the rich and slightly more complex tone of hand hammered cymbals yet I also like the silver colored shimmer often associated with machine hammered cymbals. With the Crossover Ride drummers will hear the complex vintage tone combined with a soft feel, modern shimmer, clear bell and controlled crash. This is a very musical sounding and versatile ride that many drummers will appreciate.

When you first described the concept to SABIAN, do you recall what you said? your description of the sound? If so, what was it?
I first approached SABIAN product specialist, Mark Love with the idea of creating a ride cymbal that would combine the sound characteristics of two SABIAN HH models; the Duo Ride and the Bounce Ride. I thought combining the sound characteristics of these two would produce the most versatile ride possible.

As you were working with the Mark Love on prototypes, what was your inner feeling? After all, the lads in the Vault have worked with everyone from Neil Peart and Chad Smith to Jeff Watts and Jojo Mayer.
Knowing that these great drummers all had their hand, or more specifically their ears, involved in the creation of some unique sounding cymbals, it was a privilege and honor to have SABIAN create this ride. I feel the Crossover fulfills a real need. That was my hope and goal and SABIAN more than delivered it!

When the final prototype was approved, what was your response and how did you celebrate?
I had a photo taken of me with the ride at the NAMM show, then I took that cymbal home with me. Now every time I play it I feel good... I'm celebrating!

What do your bandmates and other drummer friends think of the cymbal?
I am a connoisseur of cymbal sounds and have tried a number of different rides with my fusion trio, Ecstasy In Numbers. When I first put the Crossover on a stand I had my band members vote, and they both enthusiastically picked it over my other rides. When different drummers hear and play the cymbal the reaction is incredible. They love the smooth tone, soft feel, clear bell and controlled crash qualities.

How would you describe the feel and sound of the Crossover Ride?
Instead of cutting straight through, it has a sound that blends with the music, both in volume and tonal color. It has a soft feel, medium-pitch and vintage 'tah' stick sound rather than a tighter, harder 'ping' response. It's also got a clear, 'woody' tone on the bell with a modern, broad shimmer to the stick definition across the rest of the cymbal. This was all achieved by combining a higher shape, 21" size, a combination on lathed and non-lathed surface areas, the medium-thin weight and both HH and HHX hammering.

Would you describe it as a Vintage or a Modern sound?
It?s actually a blend of both. I think Mark Love said it best: "The sound is as the name suggests. It not only crosses styles of music, it also has roots in vintage and modern sounds." I agree; the Crossover truly is a cymbal that connects all of drumming styles and sounds.

What types of music are you playing with this cymbal, and what aspects of the cymbal do you like for these different styles?
I play every style of music with it. Whether I am playing a straight ahead jazz gig, rock, funk, Latin or Fusion gig, the Crossover, with its vintage roots and modern clarity, does it all.

How would you describe the overall experience of working with the Vault Team to develop this cymbal and what were the highpoints?
It was a great experience!. I knew Mark through my visits to the NAMM show and the SABIAN factory, and over the years he has answered my many questions and created several prototypes for me. He, David Williams and the rest of the Vault team share my enthusiasm for creating new sounds. They are very skilled at taking a sound idea and making it into a cymbal reality. The highpoints include SABIAN believing in the concept and name I suggested, then making the cymbal available to every drummer looking for that one-size- fits-all ride cymbal nobody could ever find... until now. Thank you SABIAN!

dennis chambers signature

As one of the world’s most respected international clinicians and session players, Dennis’ signature snare drum has outstanding sound and tonal dynamics. This top specification drum includes a wide range of features to help you achieve the perfect sound.

Model

• DC1465

Size

• 14” x 6.5”

Shell

• 4 ply Maple w/ 4 ply Maple Reinforcement Rings

Hoops

• MasterCast

Lugs

• CL-100

Rods

• 10

Tension Rods

• SST-5047

Strainer

• SR-020 x 2

Snares

• S-030N

Head

• Evans B-14GIRB/S14H30

Color

• #136 Opal White

Mike Portnoy

From behind his massive setup Mike Portnoy dishes out enough power to lift the crunchy riffing and odd-times excursions of progressive rockers Dream Theater into a space all their own. With influences ranging from the Beatles, the Who, King Crimson and Led Zeppelin to Rush, Frank Zappa, Genesis, Marillion, and Pantera, Mike’s solid grasp on the past coupled with his self-admitted obsession for drumming has made such an aware and capable player. Dream Theater came together while Mike and his bandmates were attending Berklee College of Music, and the group has been relentless in its pursuit of universal success ever since.

Endless international touring and discs including Images and Words, Live at the Marquee, Awake, Once in a Live Time, Scenes from a Memory, and Falling into Infinity have garnered critic credibility and awe-inspired fan devotion for the band, while all-star projects including Liquid Tension Experiment and Transatlantic have taken Mike on adventures into new musical terrain. With his spirited contribution to the creative vision and energy of Dream Theater, Mike Portnoy is one of rock’s most important and influential drummers of all time.

SLIPKNOT ANNOUNCES U.S. ARENA HEADLINE TOUR

New York, NY – Grammy-award winning hard rockers Slipknot have announced their first U.S. headline tour in support of their #1 album All Hope Is Gone. The tour, which kicks off on January 23rd in St. Paul, MN, will hit 33 cities across the country, and include an historic stop at New York’s Madison Square Garden, a first for the band. Coheed and Cambria and labelmates Trivium round out the bill.

Frontman Corey Taylor says of the trek, “2009 is the 10 year anniversary of the world’s first taste of this band. To celebrate we are coming back out with a killer tour, a couple great bands and the same ferocity with which we attack life. We want all of our maggots to come and celebrate with us, because if it weren’t for you, we wouldn’t have been here for 10 years. Get ready for chaos!”

A special iTunes presale will start on December 3 and will be open to those who took part in the band’s digital album presale earlier this year. Internet presales via Ticketmaster, will commence on December 5, and the majority of dates will go on sale December 6.

The All Hope Is Gone World Tour marks Slipknot’s first headline run in America since the release of the album in August. The band is currently playing to sold out arenas on the other side of the globe; including stops in Russia, Japan, Australia, Europe and wrapping in the United Kingdom with three sold-out nights at London’s Hammersmith Apollo. Preceding All Hope Is Gone’s #1 debut, the band held the headline slot on this summer’s sold-out inaugural Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival, which drew the biggest crowds to a metal festival since Slipknot played Ozzfest in 2004.

The latest single from All Hope Is Gone, “Dead Memories” is quickly climbing the charts at rock radio with current positions at top 20 at Active rock and top 40 at Modern Rock. The video, directed by P.R. Brown and Slipknot's M. Shawn Crahan, is in Elite 8 rotation at MTV2 and sitting at #3 on Fuse's Viewer Choice Countdown.

To celebrate the tour, Hard Drive, hosted by Lou Brutus will be airing a Slipknot All Hope is Gone World Tour Special from December 3rd-6th on radio stations all across the country. The special will feature exclusive live tracks from their current tour as well as candid interviews and other surprises.

The band has also launched a new website, allhopeisgone.com to coincide with the launch of the tour. All pre-sale and onsale information will be made available there.

SABIAN INTRODUCES ARTISAN TRADITIONAL SYMPHONIC CYMBALS

Old World Sounds with New World Performance Added to Premium Vault Collection

In response to requests for newer, better performing traditional hand cymbals, SABIAN has designed Vault Artisan Traditional Symphonic. Inspired by leading percussionists seeking cymbals to replace those aging models belonging to their orchestras, Vault Artisan Traditional Symphonic, according to SABIAN Master Product Specialist Mark Love, improves upon those original, century-old cymbals. Available in Medium Light and Medium Heavy weights in sizes 16", 17", 18", 19" and 20", Vault Artisan Traditional Symphonic combines traditional high-density hand hammering with modern jumbo-peen dimpling on the underside, to produce a design that Love says is 'ideal for performing any repertoire, classic to modern.'

Continued Love, SABIAN master product specialist: "The Vault Artisan Traditional Symphonic is the result of years of R&D with percussionists in a number of famed orchestras including the Philadelphia Orchestra and Vienna Philharmonic indicating that the sound of their original cymbals had faded through decades of playing and that they now required better sounding, better performing replacements to meet today's higher expectations: They wanted that century-old sound, but also wanted better playing cymbals. Because SABIAN inherited the hand hammering expertise of the company that made those original cymbals, we were able to design Vault Traditional Symphonic, which also features innovative enhancements to ensure the sound and performance capability of these cymbals more than meets or exceeds all expectations."

SABIAN Vault Artisan Traditional Symphonic cymbals are individually hand crafted by SABIAN artisans using the finest bronze. Like all SABIAN professional cymbals, these are quality protected by a SABIAN Warranty

Creativ Drumcamp 2009 - mit Benny Greb, Oli Rubow und Stephan Emig

Hallo liebe Trommlerinnen und Trommler, Schülerinnen und Schüler, liebe Lehrerkolleginnen und Kollegen, liebe Eltern, lieber Weihnachtsmann,

jetzt ist Sauwetter und man verbringt natürlich den ganzen Tag im Übungsraum, ist ja klar.

Und Ihr kennt es doch auch.... man übt seit 1 Stunde Stick-Control, zählt wie in Trance laut mit und die Gedanken schweifen ab... man denkt an Sommer, Sonne, blauen Himmel... an URLAUB..... :-)

Jetzt kann dieser Traum war werden:
Denn im nächsten Jahr, genauer gesagt vom 12.-18.7.2009 findet das erste "CREATIV DRUMCAMP" auf dem wunderschönen Schloss Goldrain in der Nähe von Meran in Südtirol (Italien) statt.

Die Dozenten sind BENNY GREB, OLI RUBOW und STEPHAN EMIG.

Wir wollen, dass Ihr Euren Urlaub mit uns verbringt. Es wird gegrillt und gechillt, gekickert und gewandert, aber vor allem GETROMMELT was das Zeug hält.

Die Teilnehmerzahl ist begrenzt und es gibt einen Frühbucher-Rabatt.... also entscheidet Euch JETZT

(das perfekte Weihnachtsgeschenk für Euch, Eure Schüler, Kinder, usw. !!!!!!!!)

"Real Acoustic Drumgrooves" im Praxistest!

Vor einigen Monaten hatten wir an dieser Stelle über das Projekt von Martin Werner berichtet, der für sein Projekt „Real Acoustic Drumgrooves“ ein SONOR SQ2 eingesetzt hat. Offensichtlich mit Erfolg!

Nach einigen Tests in Magazinen getestet, steht das „Baby“ von Martin mittlerweile auch in einigen Läden. Hier das Fazit des Praxisreport im Magazin „Sound & Recording“:

„Prima Idee, klasse umgesetzt und einfach zu handhaben. Insgesamt fühlt sich alles sehr echt an – kein Wunder, ist es ja auch. Unsauberkeiten im Spiel sind kaum vorhanden, und wo doch, eben menschlich. Und genau das möchte man ja. … Die Sounds sind absolut zu gebrauchen und grooven tut’s auch. Hut ab!“