SHILA E.: THE LADY CAN PLAY!

In 1982, while I was still behind the desk at Modem Drummer, we ran a feature interview on percussionist Sheila Escovedo. Three years later, an artist named Sheila E. had a hit song—“The Glamorous Life”—which featured some burning timbale work, particularly on the longer album cut. On one of my many jaunts to the record store (it’s a sickness with me) I saw Sheila’s album and didn’t even make the connection between Sheila Escovedo and Sheila E.! It didn’t occur to me that the beautiful lady on the album cover might know how to do anything other than look good and sing.

Well, anyone else who thinks Sheila can’t play is crazy. And if anyone ever says she can’t play, he’s a liar!

Sheila is by no stretch of the imagination an overnight success, and by no means a hack musician. As a kid she studied violin for five years. She played her gig on drums wheri she was five. For the next nine years, music took a backseat to sports, but then Sheila started drumming again when she was about 14.

In a sense, Sheila is self-taught. Her father, Pete Escovedo, was a member of Santana and Azteca. Both he and his brother, Coke, have been premier percussionists in San Francisco since the ’50s. “When I was small,” Sheila told interviewer Robin Tolleson, “I would be right across from my father and I would play every beat he’d play, and that’s why I ended up being left-handed. He was right-handed, so everything he did with his right hand I’d do with my left hand. You are supposed to have the conga in front of you, and the tumba on the right side, if you’re right-handed. So you slap with your right hand and you have the tumba on your right side. I slap with my left hand, but I still have the tumba on my right side. I’m playing with both hands on all the drums, and it makes me play faster. Usually if you play with your right hand you have to do everything with that one hand, and the left is just like to keep time with, and play the in-between fills.”

Sheila grew up listening to Latin musicians like Eddie Palmieri, Mongo Santamaria and Tito Puente. She listened to “a lot of jazz.” These days she listens to everything. When she was 15 or 16 years old, she joined Azteca. Over the next several years she sharpened her skills on all of the Latin percussion instruments and drumset by her own hard work, and by observing the great musicians she associated with, including her father. By the time she was 22, Sheila had toured and/or recorded with Narada Michael Walden, Spyro Gyra, Labelle, Billy Cobham, George Duke, Alphonso Johnson and Harvey Mason. More recently, Sheila did the same with Marvin Gaye, Lionel Richie and Prince. She was even among the select group of performers on the “We Are The World” session.

With her own band, Sheila concentrates on timbales and congas during live performances. She endorses Latin Percussion instruments. That little red cymbal hanging above her timbales is from the new Paiste Colorsound 5 collection. On her first album (recorded and mixed in five days!) Sheila plays all of the percussion instruments. I was somewhat surprised that she used the LinnDrum on The Glamorous Life album. “Some of the songs on The Glamorous Life,” she said, “ I had already written while I was on tour with Marvin Gaye and Lionel Richie. I carried a four-track with me. Sometimes my demo tapes are actually better than when I go in and do the final thing. When you’re out on the road, you can’t carry your drumset into your room I kept a LinnDrum machine with me all the time. I really like the sound of it a lot. I got used to hearing the songs with that in mind, so I just kept it like that.”

Sheila will be playing a regular drumset some of the time on her next tour. (The last time she let her drummer handle the kit.) It’s a Yamaha Recording Custom drumset in hot red. The bass drum is 22x14 The four mounted tom-toms are 8x8, 10x8, 14x10 and 15x12, and the matching wood snare is 8x14.

Already, some “purists” are screaming “sell out”! But I haven’t witnessed that. I’m sure that Sheila E. could continue successfully if she stuck her drums in the closet and refused to acknowledge her association with anyone named Sheila Escovedo. That she has not done that is a testimony to her character, and a testimony to her dedication to drumming. The lady can play!

ISTANBUL

One of the new kids on the block in cymbals (maybe the newest kid), Istanbul cymbals have gained much praise from some great drummers. “Our concept of an endorsement program,” says Operations Manager Steve Fishman, “is a small family of world-class musicians who are considered masters in their respective fields.”

Istanbul’s handmade cymbals are available in popular types and sizes, including ride cymbals, hihats, crash, flat ride, swish, China, splash, bell and orchestra/band cymbals. Since these are handmade products, they might be difficult to find in your neck of the woods. The number of cymbals imported into the U.S. is limited, and distributed by a key group of retailers. A 22" Medium Ride lists for $319. A pair of 14"hi-hats lists for $278.

Write to: Timeless Enterprises, 3757 Wilshire Btvd., Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90010.

THOR

Thor drumsets, distributed out of Missouri, come in three Series: Classic, Deluxe and Special Edition. All drum shells are nine-ply, and prices are determined by light versus heavy-duty hardware, drum sizes, and the number of drums per set. The Classic and Deluxe Series feature standard five-piece size drums. The Classic five-piece includes light hardware with one straight cymbal stand for $595. The Peluxe five-piece has doublebraced hardware with two cymbal stands (one is a tilt-boom) for $795. Both Series come in six colors.

Thor’s Special Edition Series (4895) deep toms, bass drum and share drum The Super Duty double-braced hardware blSiieslh the same configuration as the Deluxe Series. Drums are made in blaclc-or wine| red. The Super White Special Edition drumsets are new—identical to the other Special Edition Series except the Black Chrome Super Duty Stands, spurs, rims, hardware, and black drumheads. Even the snare drum is Black Chrome. The five-piece Super White drumset is $950.

•'. There are four different size concert toms with stands for all of the Thor Series, except the Super White drumset. There are Deep Shell Companion toms with stands for Special Edition drumsets, but from the information sent me, I don’t believe they are available for the Super White drumsets either.

Thor also has six different size “Spoker Alloy Toms” (like roto toms) with stands^ plus add-on double-headed drums and hardware. There’s even a Student Snare Kit. Write to: OMNI Music Products, A Division of SLM, 1400 Ferguson Ave., St. Louis, MO 63133. ,jj

AQUARIAN

Aquarian’s two key products are cymbal springs and synthetic drumsticks. The original HeavyDuty Cymbal Spring does not inhibit cymbal movement or sound, but it does absorb shock and cuts down the odds on cracked cymbals. It’s especially recommended for crash cymbals. Tonight Show drummer Ed Shaughnessy says, “Now I can hit four or five crashes in a row, on the same cymbal, and it never gets out of control.” They’re priced at $14.95 each.

The newer Super Cymbal Spring—a more heavy-duty version of the Heavy-Duty Cymbal Spring—are designed primarily for safely mounting Chinese or Swish cymbals upside down, and for ride cymbals of drummers who are prone to hard playing. Jeff Porcaro uses them. “The cymbals actually move in rhythm with the way you play,” he said. “They also prevent cracking. If you play as hard as I do during live concerts.” They go for $16.95 each.

My biggest beef with synthetic sticks was that they sounded like ball-peen hammers when played on cymbals. Aquarian’s V.P. of Marketing, Roy Burns (also a super player/clinician) assures me that the new X-10 and Lites with Graphite sticks have solved the problem. “The X-10’s produce a lower pitch from a ride cymbal than nylon or wood,” Roy told me, “but the attack is clearer, so the full sound of the cymbal is heard. Low to high.” The Lites with Graphite function in a similar way.

Both models of Aquarian synthetic drumsticks are now available with “Shock Grips (a vinyl sleeve mounted to the holding area of the stick), that cushion the grip for hard players, reduce shock and fatigue— especially for playing electronic drums or heavy metal. The X-10’s are $26.95 per pair, while the Lites with Graphite are $16.95 per pair. Add a dollar for the same sticks with “Shock Grips.”

Aquarian’s other products include the Kwik-Caddy stick bag, the Kwik-Key drum key and the new Super-Safe cymbal bag.

Write to: Aquarian Accessories Corp., 1140 N. Tustin Ave., Anaheim, CA 92807.

SONOR/ULTIMATE PERCUSSION

Sonor has always made firstclass drums. For 1985, they’re offering three series of acoustic drums (Signature, Sonorlite and Phonic/Phonic Plus), and they’re distributing the Ultimate Percussion electronic drums.

The Signature Series drums are a work of art and engineering: available in Heavy (12-ply beech), or Light (12-ply birch). All Signature Series drums are deep shells. The inner and outer plies are your choice of bubinga wood or ebony. The snare drums have diecast rims. As in all the Sonor drums, the Signature drums have foam-packed lugs to prevent rattling...plus these drums come equipped with a “snap-lock” on each tension rod to prevent the heads from losing tension. The five-piece, deep shell HLK-2005 drumset in their catalog, with hardware, is $4,490. The Signature Series drums are backed by an unsurpassed (probably unequalled) 10-year limited warranty.

Sonorlite Series drums are made of Scandanavian Birch. The bass drums are 12-ply. Tom-toms and floor toms are nine-ply. The hardware for Sonorlite drums is from the 5270 Series—nearly as slick as the 5280 Series with the Signature drums, which has “flipover” rubber tips/metal spurs, preset fix clamps, and large lever grips for easy tightening. The Sonorlite LK-1105, drumset with deep shell drums and hardware is $3,025, in natural Scandanavian birch, and new Creme or Onyx lacquer finishes. Sonorlite snare drums have diecast rims.

The Phonic and Phonic Plus Series drums are nine-ply beech. The Phonic Series drums are the only Sonor drums made in standard sizes, such as 8x12 and 9 x 13 tom-toms. The Phonic Plus drums simply feature deeper shells. The two drum lines are interchangeable, and the 5270 hardware is identical to that used with Sonorlites. Phonic/Phonic Plus snare drums do not have diecast rims. The XK-1225 Phonic Plus drumset, with hardward and deep shells, is $3,128.

The Ultimate Percussion electronic drumsets come in two variations: The UP Five and the K2-X. The drum pads for each are identical; the K2-X is a “brain” with more options than the UP Five. The UP Five “brain” provides you with eight drumset sounds plus variations, from acoustic to electronic drum sounds with channels for snare, bass and three tomtoms. The K2-X has six tom-tom channels, snare and bass, with eight factory preset drumset sounds, and an array of effects knobs to mix and match. The UP Five kit without stands is $995. The K2-X is available as a five, six, seven or eight-drum drumset, without stands, for $1,710, $1,840, $1,975 and $2,100 respectively.

Write to: Charles Alden Music Co., Inc., 4 Industrial Rd., P.0. Box 231, Walpole, MA 02081.

GRETSCH

Many of the ’85 Gretsch features have been Gretsch standards from day one, such as diecast rims on all snares, tomtoms and floor toms, and the sixply hardwood maple shells, with six coats of hand-rubbed lacquer and stain finish. Gretsch has a unique manufacturing process as welljJEach drum or drumset is literally custom-made to order. There 3B no warehousing of Gretsch drums.

Gretsch drums are available in three types of finishes: wood stain, lacquer and nitron—a total of 19 in all. Nobody has a better quality drum shell finish than Gretsch.

There are three new items from Gretsch. Their “New Techware” hardware is “second to none,” and includes every kind of cymbal stand, floor stand and add-on. Gretsch even has a new line of single-braced ^Techware that’s lightweight and sturdy. The second new item: Gretsch is now offering factory installation of the RIMS Mounting System. And last is the Gretsch Cannon Bass Drums, available in four depths: 18", 20", 22" and 24", and in four head sizes: 18", 20" and 22".

Gretsch’s five-piece “Grand Prix” drumset with deep shells and hardware is $2,266.50.

The company’s Blackhawk line consists of acoustic and electronic drumsets. The P-560 Blackhawk is a five-piece drumset with deep drums and double-braced hardware for $889. There’s also a Blackhawk add-on Boom Cymbal Stand, and Blackhawk Add-On Power Toms. The new Hi-Fashion Blackhawk outfit corned in a Black Metallic finish with air Black drumheads for the same price as the P-560.

The Blackhawk ED-700 Electronic Drum Kit comes with five pads, a five-channel board and hardware for $999, in red or black.

Gretsch’s new line of woodand nylon-tip hickory sticks are worth investigating, including the Tony Williams, Mark Herndon and Phil Collins model sticks.

Write to: Fred Gretsch Enterprises, One Gretsch Plaza, Ridgeland, SC 29936.

SABIAN

Sabian cymbals have been available in the world market since 1982, and in the U.S. only since January 1983. The company offers four basic lines of cymbals: AA, HH, B-20 and B-8.

In the “Inside Sabian’’ brochure, writer Chip Stern compared the AA’s and the HH’s. “AA’s,” he said, “generally have a higher profile and a harder, more metallic feel; the pitch is brighter, with a sharper, more immediate attack, longer sustain, and lively explosive overtones.” There are 201 different AA cymbals to choose from. Six models of crash, eight models of ride, five types of hi-hat and four special effects cymbals. And that s not including the French, Viennese, Germanic, Concert Band, Marching, Drum Corps and Suspended AA cymbals. A 22" AA ride is $213. A pair of 14" hi-hats is $220.

Chip Stern’s condensed description of HH cymbals is sufficient. “HH’s are for drummers who don’t play like sidemen— they’re not looking for function so much as character.” Sabian has 115 HH cymbals to choose from; six crash models, four ride models, two hi-hat models and three special effects models. (Again, discounting French, Viennese, Germanic and Suspended cymbals.) A 22" HH ride is $290, while the 14" pair of hi-hats is $300.

Sabian’s newest endorser (at last count) was good ol’ Peter Criss. His Sabian set-up includes 13 AA cymbals, two HH cymbals and a Tawain Gong. So much for the HH-is-a-jazz-cymbal theory!

The B-20 cymbals are mediumpriced cymbals, with “richer, fuller, warmer and more penetrating sound that you’d expect from a medium-priced cymbal.” There are 14 B-20 cymbals in splash, crash, hi-hat, Chinese and crash/ride models. A 22" ride is $129.25. A pair of 14" hi-hats $133.50.

The budget B-8 cymbals are described as “bright, full and penetrating,” in your choice of 14" hi-hats ($90 per pair), 16" crash, 18" crash/ride and 20" ride ($84). Both the B-8 and B-20 cymbals are available in sets. The B-20 has the Student Set, Jazz Set and Rock Set. The B-8 sets are the Starter Set and the Swinger Set.

In addition to Peter Criss, Sabian endorsers in the rock vein are Roger Taylor, Ted McKenna, Larry Tolfree, Kenney Jones, Graham Lear, Ringo Starr, Gil Moore, Jerry Speiser, Frankie Banali, Phil Collins, Jamie Oldaker and Pete Thomas.

Write to: Sabian Ltd., 4800 Sheppard Ave., East, #115 Scarborough, Ontario, MIS 4N5, Canada.

PREMIER

Premier’s ace-in-the-hole drum shells are the Resonators used in their Black Shadow drums and Resonator Series drums. The Resonator is a two-shell concept...constructed of birch, the outer (thicker) shell has the normal job of supporting the lugs and tom mount. But inside that shell there’s a thin, two-ply shell that is untouched by any metal. The result? A great sound.

The Black Shadow Series drums get their name from the Black woodstained/hand-rubbed lacquer-finished shells, and are available in a limited number of popular deep shell sizes. A fivepiece power tom set with hardware is $2,675. The snare drum, tomtoms and floor toms are equipped with diecast rims, and the hardware is Premier’s ProLock line, featuring telescoping clamp and memory lock in one unit. Your stands can telescope or disassemble with the memory locks in place. The cymbal titters have an integral memory. The lead-in post on the cymbal titters allows you to unscrew the wing nut, and it will stay in place until you remove the cymbal.

Other than the Super Black finish, the only other difference is the lugs. The Resonator has onepiece high tension lugs. Resonator drums come in the same sizes as the Black Shadow and more, including more conventionally sized drums. All Resonator drumsets use ProLock hardware. The birch shells are available in wood finishes with six coats of handrubbed lacquer, and in covered shells. Resonator drumsets have three standard snare drums. A 61/2 x 14 wood snare, a 51/2 x 14 steel/aluminum snare, and an 8x14 wood super snare. A fivepiece power tom Resonator drumset is $2,465.

The Projector Series is next. These birch shell drums are available in greater variety than any Premier series, primarily because of concert tom selection (not available in Black Shadow or Resonator). Projector drums might be the most versatile Premier drums. All Projector drumsets include ProLock hardware. There is also no difference between these toms and the Shadow/Resonator outfits. There are no diecast rims on Projector drums, but the steel rims are fine. Projector drums have springless lugs and are available in eight finishes, either covered or wood-stained. The standard Projector snare is a 5 x 14 beaded steel, a 6V2 x 14 beaded steel, or an 8 x 14 wood snare. A five-piece power tom Projector set with ProLock hardware sells for $1,730.

The remaining Royale Series is divided into two lines: the APK Royale and the Royale. The APK drums are deep shells; cosmetically different from the Royale drums due to the black finish on the inner shells, and that there are more covered or wood finishes to choose from. A five-piece APK with standard finish is$1,095, while the same set in wood finish is $1,129. The Royale kit was “specifically designed tooffer you the quality of a Premier kit at a price equal to mlhf of the off-brand kits.” The •Stock snare with the Royale/APK outfits appears to be a 61/2x14 steel model. The Royale/APK shells are the thickest Premier shells, and the outfits are equipped with Tristar hardware; sturdy stuff, but lighter than the ProLock.

The standard Royale Series drums are available in the same sizes as the APK Series, with the exception of the 8x10 tom-tom. The Royale Series includes two concert toms and a 22 x 14 bass drum that aren’t available in the APK line. A five-piece Royale power tom set with Tristar hardware costs $995.

The Premier 255 Twin Kick Kit bass drum pedal should be mentioned for double-bass drum effects on single bass drums. And the Project One 2009 Snare drum is a beauty, with a large miking hole in the shell and inner shell. Recommended for giving “your sound man or engineer all the fatness he can handle.”

Write to: Premier Percussion USA, Inc., 105 Fifth Ave., Garden City Park, NY 11040.

TAMA

Tama’s drum lineup for ’85 consists of the Artstar, Superstar, Imperialstar and Swingstar acoustic drums, and the Techstar electronic drums.

The Artstar was initially designed for/by Neil Peart in his quest for a thinner shell than Tama had previously offered. The bass drums are nine millimeters thick. Floor tom, tom-toms and snares are all six millimeters thick. (Off the subject, I’d love to get my hands on the genius who started using millimeters instead of plies to describe drum shell thicknesses!) Artstar shells are laminated birch with inner and outer plies of American cordia wood. Or, you can buy Artstar drums in the new Piano Black finish. A five-piece Artstar is $2,510. The Artstar drum sizes are more limited than the Superstar or Imperialstar Series.

The Superstar Series appears to be Tama’s drum for all seasons, offering the most options in all drum sizes. The six-ply birch shells come in mahogany, super maple, cherry wine and the new piano black, piano white and candy apple red finished. A five-piece Superstar X-tras drum set is $1,905.

Imperialstar drums are made of “plies of straight-grain wood” with “a moisture-resistant Zola-Coat finish on the inside shell.” The Imperialstar Series has almost as many drum sizes available as the Superstar Series, lacking 14x18 and 14x20 bass drums. These covered shells come in dark red, aspen white, royal pewter and jet black. A five-piece Imperialstar with deep shells is $1,677.

The Artstar drumsets feature a 61/2x14 metal snare. The Superstar drumsets come with a 5x14 metal snare and the Imperialstar sets with a 5 x 14 metal snare. Tama also offers the Bell Brass, Rosewood, Fibreglass, Artwood, Artstar and King-Beat snare drums as options. The Powerline metal snares are equipped with triple-flanged rims.

The Mastercraft Series snares have PC diecast rims. The Swingstar Series drumsets are designed for the budget-conscious or beginning drummer. With a limited amount of drum sizes and accessories, the Series still has what most young drummers are looking for. The Swingstar line has been expanded into a deep shell XT-Series, in addition to the starv dard size Swingstar drums. Swingster drums are hine-ply mahogany: with black “eclipse’1 drum heads and two cymbal stands (boom and straight), and a choice of 5 x 14 or 6V2 x 14 metal snaresThe' standard Swingstar five-piece set is $790; the fivepiece XT drumset is $840.

Tama’s two hardware lines— Titan and Stagemaster—are beyond reproach. The Titan’s are heavy-duty. The Stagemaster’s have been called “lightweight Titans.” Tama has a new Tilthat; aconventional hi-hatstandvyitha tilt adjustment that allows you to angle your hi-hat cymbals. Their new Pro-Beat bass drum pedal is J for double-bass drum effects on single bass drums.

The Techstar Electronic Drums have pads that can be tuned jike acoustic drums,DOMhe tubing will not affect the tonality of the pads. The Rimshot Trigger Bar attached to the snare pad allows electronic drummers to hit rimshots too! The Techstar drumsets have three Series of “brains”...The TS-305 ($750) has voices for snare, rimshot, three tom-toms and bass drum. Each voice has two selectable pre-sets, one factory setting, and a setting for your own creativity and each voice can be triggered by a Techstar pad or an external source. The TS-306 ($750) offers voices for four tom-toms, a “synth” voice and handclaps, plus manual control of all voices, factory pre-sets and such. The three TS-200 Series brains are primarily add-ons. The TS-202 ($350) has snare and rimshot voices and the TS-204 ($350) has the “synth” and handclap voices. The TS-206 ($375) provides two tom-tom voices.

The TS-500 drumset includes the TS-305 module and five pads. The TS-600 drumset includes the TS-306 module and six pads. Both electronic drumsets cost $1,299 without hardware.

■ Write to;«Roshino (U.S.A.) Inc., Slip Winchester Rd., Box 886, Sensalem, PA 19020.

MEINL

For roughly 30 years (1952-1982) Meinl was in the “supplier of cheap cymbals” business, in 1982, Meinl got serious. Their basic philosophy today is to make popular cymbals (in weight and dimension) that will sound consistent from (for example) one 22” medium ride to the next, and that different cymbals in each line would blend melodically with other cymbalslh the same line. When it comes to selecting cymbals, Meinl’s advice to “rely on what your lars tell you” is the most honest advice anyone can suggest.

Meinl’s Proline cymbals include four series: the Laser Series, the Raker Series, the Profile Series and the Dragon Series. The Laser cymbals, with “a wide dynamic range,” can “be played very forcibly without losing definition.” There are 10 models of Laser cymbals in various weights and sizes, geared for the up-and-coming drummer.

The Raker cymbals are “strongly inspired by the electronic drum sounds of recent years. Their extreme emphasis on attack ideally complements this electronic drum sound.” They’re also recommended for hard rock/heavy metal music and are available in nine models.

The Profile cymbals can be subdivided into three lines: The HiTech cymbals have “the lowest note; they sound warm and smooth” and come in 14" hi-hats ($225 per pair), 16" and 18" crash, 20" ride $190 per pair), and 10" and 11" splashicymbals. The Rock Velvet cymbals “have a medium pitch, accentuation and become increasingly aggressive when struck harder.” They’re available in 14" hi-hats ($225 per pair),

16"/17'718" crash, and 20"/21" ($200) ride cymbare' The third series, Volcanic Rock cymbals, “provide any amount of povi/Si and are tuned the highest in pitcMl linear and bell-like.” They’re available in 14" hi-hats ($230 per pair), 16"/18" crash, and 20" ride ($195) cymbals.

The Dragon Series “sound extremely smooth and well-rounded played discreetly. When played hard, they are incredibly explosive. Played with a mallet, they sound like a tam-tam.” There are nine models, including two China Cymbal types. A 20" ride is ($190); the 14" hi-hats are $225 per pair.

Write to: Out Front, Inc., 101 Horton Ave., P.0. Box 807F, Lynbrook, NY 11563.

ZILDJIAN

As of this writing, there are more than 120 models and sizes of Zildjian cymbals to choose from. The different cymbals can be categorized into four Series: A. Zildjian, Impulse, K. Zildjian and Amir.

In the A. Series there are eight different ride cymbals, foi#Mifferent hi-hat cymbals, six different crash cymbals and four different special effects cymbals Each comes in many weights and sizes, and the Zildjian manufacturing process is such that each cymbal really has its own sound. A 22" A. ride is $241; b pair of 14" Rpckhihats is $260. The ride cymbal price does not inbiude the special effects cymbals (Swish, Pang and China Boy). Any A. Zildjian cymbal can be ordered with a Brilliant finish for an extra $12 per cymbal.

The Impulse cymbals ^’aggressively cut through the loudest amplified music white projecting the rhythmic pulse right out p the aurflence.” These harnrnered ,unlathed cymbals come ffTthree ride cynribalSi hjifecrash, two China Boy and mo sizes of hi-hats. A 22" Impulse ride costs $194 and a pair of 14" Impulse hi-hats lists at $199.

The K. Zildjian cymbals have a “dark, dry tonal character,” and come in five models of ride cymbal, three hi-hat sizes, two crash models and the China Boy model. A 22" K. Zildjian ride costs $292, while a pair of 14" hi-hats sells for $298.

The Amir cymbals are Zildjian’s economy line, featuring three sizes of ride cymbals, two sizes of crash cymbals, two models of hi-hat cymbals and two China Boy sizes. Amir cymbals “project a clear, brilliant and controlled sound with fast decay for use both onstage and in the studio.” A 22" Amir ride sells for $155, while a pair of 14" Power hi-hats is priced at $176.

A., K. and Amir cymbals are available in band or orchestral cymbals as well, and Zildjian has a good line of gongs and crotales. Finally, the Zildjian “White Papers” deserve a mention. These papers are designed to be everything-you’ve-always wantedto-know-about-cymbals-but-itnever-occurred-to-you-to-ask. Different cymbal models have their own “White Paper” which covers a history of each cymbal, the sound characteristics, the anatomy of the cymbal, its sound criteria and suggestions for choosing and listening to a cymbal. The “White Papers” are yours for the asking.

Write to: Avedis Zildjian Company, Longwater Dr., Norwell, MA 02061.

CB 700

At the recent i^lurte NAMM Show, CB 700 unveiled their newest surprise: a collaboration with Simmons electronic drums. The three “CB 700 by Simmons” kits are the SDS800, SDS400 and SDS200. The SDS800 is a fourpad kit including bass, snare and two tpms, with a tom-tom run generator footswitch that gives you a “whole range of tom sounds on one pad," and you can “raise or lower the pitch during a fill; decide how tong you want to stay on one note, and manipulate the time you want the generator to be active.” The kit is analog with flexible sound programming, and has a “second-skin" control for doubleheaded tom sounds. The pads, like tBe other new Simmons kits are newly designed for greater feel, sensitivity and response than ever before.

The SDS400 and 200 Systems are four tom-tom and two tom-tom pads respectively. They have all of the same characteristics as the SDS800, except that there is no tom-tom run generator available for the SDS200. These two Systems are primarily designed to augment an electronic or acoustic drumset.

All three of the Systems are designed to use 7000 and 8000 Series CB 700 Gibraltar stands, now available in the new black chrome finish.

CB 700 has two drum series: the student-priced Internationale Series and the professional quality Mark Series. The Mark Series i^^hells are nine-ply with sealed interiors, and come in a fine selection of standard, power and concert tom-toms, floor toms and bass drums...in wine red, jet black, metallic silver, metallic blue, pure white and metallic red.

The Gibraltar hardware is firstrate. The next-in-line Mark Series is perfect for drummers who want no-nonsense hardware that’s not too heavy/bulky. The Deluxe Series hardware is lightweight and very good. To get an idea of the price range, a five-piece CB 700 drumset with power shells, Gilbraltar hardware and a 6V2 x 14 chrome snare is $1,139.50.

. CB 700 (according to percussion specialist Dave Patrick) was the original developer of the Free Floating Snare Drum. The FFS shell is untouched by drum lugs, snare strainers and butt ends, allowing it to freely vibrate for maximum sound. Available in maple, brass, chrome/steel and copper shells, all of which are 61/2x14, with an additional 8x14 maple, and 3x14 Piccolo brass snare drums. You can buy just the 6V2 x 14 shells, so that if you own one FFS drum, you can mix and match.

The Internationale Series is available in limted standard or power drums. The five-piece IS-500D drumset with power shells costs $849.50. There is also a selection of Internationale PreTuned outfits.

Additionally, CB 700 distributes their own gongs and cymbals in popular weights and sizes, plus Wuhan gongs and China boy cymbals. The CB 700 drum stick lines are the Red Line (oak) and the Blue Line (hickory), plus the MK Series Nylon drumsticks and CB 700 drum brushes.

Write to: Kaman Music Distributors, P.O. Box 507, Bloomfield CT 06002-0507.

CALATO

In 1958, Joe Calato invented the original nylon tip drumstick, naming it Regal Tip. The rest is history...“Today Regal Tip is the world’s No. 1 drumstick,” they claim. There are 16 nylonand 19 wood-tip Regal Tip models in all sizes, including the rock-oriented Quantum drumsticks. For the “economy-minded drummer and student,” the J0J0 drumsticks come in the same models as the Regal Tips. J0J0 sticks are made of U.S. hickory, while Regal Tips are made of Solid Native American hickory.

Calato makes four models of Regal Tip brushes, and Blasticks—which look like a pair of thermoplastic brushes—but the sound on drums and cymbals is between regular brushes and drumsticks. The Calato bass drum pedals (full heel or hinged heel) come with a standard or large shaft. And don’t forget the practice pads and Regal Tip Practice Sets, including the 306PS Twin Bass Practice Set.

Write to: J.D. Calato Manufacturing Co., Inc., 4501 Hyde Park Blvd., Niagara Falls, NY 14305.

PAISTE

Paiste has six cymbal lines and a fine array of sounds and percussion items. Paiste cymbals are extremely compatible with one another. If you had a 20" 2002 medium ride that was lost or broken, the next 20" 2002 medium ride that you replaced it with would sound as close as is humanly possible to your first cymbal.

The six cymbal lines are: Formula 602, RUDE, 404, 2002, 505 and Sound Creation. The Formula 602 cymbals are “for drummers who value sensitive and highly precise playing,’’ and are "especially well-suited for recording and studio work.” The line includes ride, flatride, hi-hat, splash, bell and China-type cymbals in a good selection of weights and sizes. A 22" medium ride costs $349; a pair of Sound Edge hi-hats runs $371.

The RUDE cymbals come in six varieties: crash/ride, ride/crash, China-type, splash, hi-hat and Sound Edge hi-hats. RUDE cymbals are “for drummers who like loud, untamed and explosive sounds.” A 22" ride/crash costs $243; the pair of 14" Sound Edge hi-hats sells for $371.

Paiste 404 cymbals, “for drummers who, having started their musical career, need cymbals with a clearly defined sound character,” also come in six varities: crash, medium, ride, medium hi-hat, heavy hi-hat and Sound Edge hi-hat. The 22" ride costs $170. The 14" Sound Edge hi-hat pair lists at $195.

The 2002 cymbals come in a great selection, including Novo (China-type) and the Power Ride models. Paiste describes them as being “for drummers who need truly energetic cymbals, full of brilliance, with great tonal range.” The 22" medium ride costs $270, while the 14" Sound Edge hi-hats are $371.

Falling somewhere in the middle of the 404 and Formula 602 cymbals (in terms of selection), the 505 cymbals are “for drummers who like vibrant cymbals with substantial volume.” It’s $185 for the 22" medium ride; the 14" Sound Edge hi-hats are $275 per pair.

Of their Sound Creation cymbals, Paiste says “there is no general sound character of the line, as it is a collection of absolutely individual sounds.” Most of the Sound Creation cymbal names include the words “dark” or “bright.” So we have a Dark medium ride New Dimension 22" cymbal for $419 and amix gf JDark medium Edge hi-hat cymbal^ fpf $37 f.

In response to the musical question every parent asks: “What do you need another eymbal for? You already have 101” Paiste has introduce# a seventh line of cymbals—the Colorsound 5’s They’re currently available in eight popular weights and slz^,..in red, green, blue and black. (There is no price difference in colors) A pair of 14" heavy hi-hats costs $200. A 22" ride lists at $210,*

Be sure to check out Paiste’s Sound Discs, Sound Piates. Cup Chimes, Accent Cymbals, Roto Sound Discs and other percuss sion/sound items. Write to: Paiste, 460 Atlas St., Brea, CA 92621.

VIC FIRTH

Vic Firth is a great guy/percussionist, and he makes great drumsticks and mallets. Starting with his American Custom Snare Drum Sticks, made of rock maple and pitch-paired for perfect balance, Mr. Firth has a stick (or mallet) for even the most discerning customer. There are 12 models to choose from in the American Custom line, applicable to all musics ($6.80 per pair). J

Firth’s American Classic Snare Drum Sticks are so named because “the classics never go out of style.” This series includes sizes 5A, 5B, 7A, 2B and a Rock stick. They’re made from hickory and guaranteed against defects and warpage.

Vic Firth had the good sense' (and fortune) to create the Steve Gadd Signature stick ($10 per pair) in black hickory. New from Vic Firth is the Harvey Mason Model Signature Stick ($7.80 per pair) in Stradivarius brown.

Write to: Vic Firth, Box 10, Dover, MA 02Q30.

SIMMONS

The newest news from Simmons (“the leader in the electronic drum-field”) is the SDS9 drumset, wbiefa Summons claims “may truly be the first electronic drumkit capable of replacing acoustic drums ” The JaDSO has drum pads “that—along with rimshot capability on the snare pad—have a soft, rubber surface mounted on a synthetic surface for a more natural feel without any loss of sensitivity.”

Each drum voice has a separate, specific method of Sound synthesis. The bass drum sound is a replica of a real acoustic bass drum. The three tom-tom voices (analog Synthesized) have a “second Skin” feature which, when used, sounds like a doubleheaded tom-tom. Tom-toms have full range of sound-adjusting controls. The SDS9 share drum, in addition to rimshot and cross-stick features, utilizes three independent samples of snare drum, rimshot and cross-stick sound (studio quality recordings), digitally stored on EPROMS in the brain. EPROMS are user-changeable.

The SDS9 has 20 factoryprogrammed drum kit memories and 20 user-programmable memories with an “Auto Trigger” that facilitates programming without playing the pads, allows each program to be monitored, and—at the touch of a button— can play each voice consecutively for a full drum kit review. Program switching and memory selection are operated by footswitch or manually. The SDS9 includes onboard digital delay, headphone output, cassette tape dumping for external memory storage, and a* fully-assignable4 MIDI 'interface function, allowing the triggering of voices of other MIDI synthesizers from drum pads, or real time recording via a MIDI recorder and computer. It lists at under $1,850.

The new “Ultimate” Drum Rack, designed especially for electronic drums, is height adjustable and features black anodized aluminum supports, with polycarbonate drum clamps that adjust independently for horizontal position and angle. The basic rack includes two T-legs, a 36" cross bar, six drum clamps, a pair of bass drum supports, four velcro cable straps and a nylon tote bag for $230.

Extension arms are available. The SDSI Digital Drum Pad is designed to be used as a multiple pad, digital drum kit. It’s a selfcontained, electronic drum pad with digital sound source and player-changeable memory chips that can be purchased from Simmons’ library, or, by utilizing the new SDS-EPB unit, drummers can create their own digital sounds. The price is $365.

The SDS-EPB or Simmons Digital Sampler/E-Prom Blower (designed for use with the SDS7 and SD^SI) allows the user to program memory chips from virtually any acoustic or electric sound source and can be triggered by Simmons pads or the SDS6 Sequencer ($795).

The popular SDS7 Electronic Drumkit includes soft-surface playing pads for share, bass and tomtoms. The voice module incorporates analog and digital sound sources Which can be independently adjusted for pitch, bend, modulation, noise, decay, click and sensitivity. The modular SDS7 rack can be expanded from five to 12 pads, and the SDS7 merinory can store up to 100 different programs per channel. (As many as 1,200 different sounds are possible from one SDS7 kit.) A stick-activated selector pad instantly recalls 16 of the preprogrammed kits. The SDS7 is designed to interface with the SDS6 Sequencer. A five-piece SDS7 without hardware, in black, white, red or midnight blue costs $4,365.

Finally, the SDS8 is a nonmodular, five-piece drumset listing at $1,550.

Write to: Simmons Group Centre, Inc., 23917 Craftsman Rd., Calabasas, CA 91302.

DRUM WORKSHOP

Drum Workshop, well-known for their bass drum pedals, also make some of the best American drums. All DW shells are 6-ply maple, with 6-ply reinforcing hoops, top and bottom. The snare drums range in size from 5x14 to 8x14, floor toms from 12x14 to 16x18, tomtoms from 8x6 to 14x16, and bass drums from 16x18 to 16x24. Standard wood finishes are natural maple, cherry red and walnut hand-rubbed lacquer. Additional custom finishes are available at extra cost.

DW offers RAW shells— undrilled, unfinished, with precision bearing edges, without lugs, tension rods, counterhoops or hardware. The five-piece DW drumset. with deep shells and hardware is in the $2,999 price range.

Write to: Drum Workshop, Inc., 2697 Lavery Ct., Unit 16, Newbury Park, CA 91320.

PURECUSSION, INC.

Initially, this was the RIMS company. RIMS is an acronym for Resonance Isolation Mounting System. This fabulous mounting system consists of a high-quality steel bracket that extends halfway around mounted toms or floor toms. The drum is suspended, rather than mounted to a conventional tom bracket, or supported by conventional floor tom legs. With RIMS, your tom-toms will resonate 40 to 70 percent more. The fundamental tone of the drums will be more clear and sustaining. Here’s a simple test for you to hear the RIMS difference. Hold a tom-tom in your hand and hit it with a stick. Next, mount the same tom to your present tom mount. Hit it again. RIMS allow your tom to sound like they did when you held it in your hand and hit it.

The most recent product from Purecussion, Inc. is the Headset. RIMS inventor Gary Gauger has designed a legitimate, shell-less drumset, by attaching Remo PTS drumheads to RIMS. The Headset is available with three drums or four. The four-piece set includes a 20" bass drum, 10" and 12" toms, a 14" tom, and two cymbal stands. The entire unit weighs 29 pounds, and it folds up in less than three minutes into a 7" wide carrying case! The four-piece Headset is $675. The three-piece is $550.

Write to: Purecussion, Inc., 5957 W. 37th St., Minneapolis, MN 55416.

YAMAHA

Yamaha has phased out their Recording Standard Series, expanded their Recording Custom Series and created a new Tour Custom Series. Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the recording studio!

The difference in the Standard and Custom Recording Series drums—known as “the state of the art in drums”—was mostly cosmetic, except that you could order a matching 7x14 snare drum with your Custom drumset. The drum shells, lugs and so forth are identical. The new Recording Custom drums are available in a full range of standard size, power size and concert tom drums. Yamaha has kept the black piano finish and added glossy natural wood, Quartz gray, white, cherry wood and hot red. The three nonwood stain finishes are lacquers.

The three hardware lines are the Nine Series, Seven Series and Five Series. The Nine Series is the heavy-duty hardware and the standard for the Recording Custom drum sets. The Seven or Five Series get progressively lighter, but they’re still excellent. Your choice of hardware helps determine your investment in the drum set. A five-piece Power Recording Custom drum set with Nine Series hardware costs $2,825. The two basic Power Recording bass drums are 22 *16 or 24 x 16, but 22x18 and 24x18 bass drums are available on special order.

Yamaha’s Tour Series is made of a combination birch/mahogany shell. The stock Tour Series hardware is the Seven Series, with the TH-71 tom-tom holder (a real beauty that, like its big brother the TH-91 ball-clamp tom-tom holder), available in singleand double-tom mounts for b.d. shells or on floor stands. With the birth of the Tour Power Series drums, the Tour drums were available in the same sizes as the Recording Series, with the absence of Tour concert toms and 22 x 18 or 24 x 18 bass drums. Tour Series drums come in natural wood, or in black, white and garnet red covered shells.

The new Tour Custom Series is available in standard and power shell sizes, and features handbuffed lacquer finishes in black, white, cobalt blue and red wood. The Tour Custom drums have a new lug design and will be catalogued with new Eight Series, double-crossed leg hardware, where applicable. In the Tour Power Series, a five-piece set running $1,795.

The Stage Series is made of Philippine Mahogany. All drums have covered shells in black, white, garnet red and black chrome. Again, there’s a Stage Power Series to complement the standard Series. Stock hardware and tom holders are taken from the Five Series hardware. The Power Series shells have an inner ply of beech and new, heavy-duty bass drum spurs. Yamaha has an excellent hardware reputation. I’d like to highlight the HSAT-910 attachment that lets you mount your hi-hat stand to your bass drum— eliminating a common logistics problem for double-bass drummers. Yamaha has seven wood shell snares (51/2 x 14 to 8 x 14) in the Nine Series, and four metal shell snares (51/2 x 14 to 6V2 x 14) in the same. The Seven Series snares are metal in 51/2" or 61/2" x 14. The two metal shell Five Series snares are the same dimensions as the Seven Series.

Write to: Yamaha Musical Products, P.O. Box 7271, Grand Rapids, Ml 49510.

PEARL

Pearl’s GLX Series is their top line. GLX-9300 drums are standard size, while the GLX-9500 “Deep Force” shells are twoinches deeper. Both made of cross-laminated maple shells. All GLX drums feature “Super Gripper” lugs. Back off slightly on the tension rod’s, snap open the “Super Gripper” lugs, and the rim comes off with tension rods and washers intact. GLX drums also come with the re-designed TH-95 tom-holder for total angle adjustments and with two Stop-Lock memory. Pearl’s Super Hoops are on all drums (except bass drums), and the hardware is a combination of Pearl’s 900 and 800 Series. Both are excellent. The standard snare for this Series is a brass shell/brass finish 61/2x14 with “Super Griper” lugs. A five-piece GLX “Deep Force” set is $2,480.

The MLX-8500/8300 Series is similar to the GLX Series’ maple shells, Super Hoops and the TH-95 tom holder. The 8500 is the “Deep Force” drums, while the 8300 drums are standard size. The stock MLX snare is a chrome/steel 61/2x4 Free Floating model, where no lugs touch the drum shell. The 800 Series hardware is standard. The MX-8500/8300 Series drums differ from their MLX brothers only in that the MLX drums have wood finishes, and the MX drums are covered shells. A five-piece MLX “Deep Force” set lists $1,980.

Following suit, the DLX and DX-7500/7300 series drums are identical save for the finishes. Both Series, shells are super mahogany between birch and lamin hardwood. They feature 800 Series hardware, with the fine TH-90 tom holder. All DLX/DX drums have the Springless Lug System. The standard snare is a 6V2 x 14 chrome metal drum.

Pearl has seven FFS drums in maple, copper, brass and chrome/ steel shells from the 8x14 model to the 31/2x14 Piccolo snare drum. There’s also three “Super Gripper” snare drums in maple and brass, and four regular snare drums in brass, steel and maple.

The Jeff Porcaro/Paul Jamieson-designed Drum Rack from Pearl is an easy-toassemble/disassemble aluminum rack that lets you set your toms, cymbals, hi-hats and miking systems right where you want them every time.

The final acoustic drums are the ELX/EX-5500/5300 Series. All drums in both the ELXand EX-5500 Series are “Deep Force” shells, whereas all drums in the ELXand EX-5300 Series are standard size. The drums are made of two-ply birch/six-ply mahogany in the ELX Series, and of “selected woods” in the EX Series. All drums have inner coast of new “Acousti-Coat Sealer.” And bass drums have convertible rubber/spike tip spurs. The standard snare is the metal 6V2 x 14 model. The new AX-30 Adaptor allows you to have multi-tom set-ups in a number of configurations. The fivepiece ELX “Deep Force” set sells for $1,020.

Pearl’s “Fightman” electronic drumset is meant to be a practice kit. The FM-50 Basic “Fightman” includes pads for two toms, one floor tom, bass drum, snare drum, hardware, cords and control board for $699. There are electronic hihat and ride/crash cymbals that can be purchased separately and an 8" bass drum pad for doublebass drum use.

; Pearls newest electronic drum kit is the “Drum X,” featuring programmability, memory recall, true acoustic drum feel and numerous other features—all for under $1,300.

Pearl has introduced their own line of cymbals. The CX-600 Series is the “prestige line,” in limited dimensions of ride, medium (crash/ride), crash and hi-hat cymbals. The CX-600 “Wild Cymbals” ;• are designed for hard rock. These heavy, thick cymbals come in ride, crash, hi-hat and China-type models. A 22" CX-600 ride costs $199, a pair oFT4^ hf'-hals is $168—the “Wild Cymbals iare a few dollars less.

The CXand “Wild” 500 Series cymbals are made to complement Pearl’s Export Series drums, and includes a splash, bell and cupchime cymbal. The CX-500 22" ride lists at $84, and the 14" hi-hat pair is $58. Again, the “Wild” cymbals are less. Both the 600 and 500 Series cymbals are hand-hammered.

The CX-300 and “Wild” cymbals are beginner’s cymbals. The 14" hi-hats are $40 per pair, and the 22" ride is $64.

Write to: Pearl International, Inc., P.O. Box 111240, Nashville, TN 37222-1240.

LUDWIG

Ludwig’s drumset lines are The Modular Series, the Phaser Series and the new Rocker and Rocker II Series. The Modular and Phaser Series are the stock drums in the Ludwig catalog. The drums available in both Series are the same: doubleor single-headed mounted toms (six-ply wood; extra tension casings), doubleor singleheaded mounted Classic and Melodic toms (six-ply, except the four-ply 6" and 8" toms), and Power cut toms (six-ply). The floor tom options are single-headed MelOdic, double-headed Classic, or Suspended and Overhead models. The available bass drums are Power bass drums (six-ply) or Classic bass drums (six-ply). What really distinguishes a Modular drumset from a Phaser drumset is the hardware and tom-tom mounts.

Modular drumsets are equipped with Modular stands, tom mounts and add-ons. This double-braced hardware comes in all shapes and sizes. “The largest line anywhere in the world, designed to handle at any weight, drum, cymbal or sound effect,” according to Ludwig.

Phaser drumsets have Atlas II stands and add-ons, and either the famous L-781 Double Ratchet tomtom holder, or the L-780 Double Clip-Lok lpm-tom holder. Atlas II hardware is sturdy, single-braced and includes numerous add-ons. The L-780 holder was designed for single-headed Melodic toms, to create closer tom positioning. There are 10 basic Ludwig snare drum models. The Modular/ Phaser Series are generally equipped with the Super-Phonic snare drum. The Super-Sensitive snare drum like the Supra-Phonic comes in 61/2,x14 or 5x4. These two Series of snare drums were recently expanded (in the same dimensions) into the Hammered Bronze Series, the Classic Smooth Bronze Series, and the Hammered Chrome ^Series. The hammered shell creates a “drier, more articulate sound.”

The Coliseum Series and Slotted-Coliseum Series come in 8x14 wood models. The Slotted drum has a “sound venting system that creates a louder, more open sound, while retaining the depth of tone demanded by today’s roqk: drummer.” The wood shell Rock/Concert snare drums (5x14 or 6V2 x 14) “fulfill a need for both rock and concert drummers.” The two Ludwig budget drums are the 5x14 Aerolite and a 5x14 or 61/2x14 chrome/wood Rocker. Diecast rims are available at extra charge on the Hammered Series, Coliseum Series and Rock/Concert Series snare drums.

Ludwig did some homework on their S/L Series drumsets, and they’ve been reincarnated as the Rocker and Rocker II Series. The most visible change on the Rocker drumsets is the heavier hardware and bass drum spurs. The literature highlights the “sealed inside” shells ‘‘for greater resonance and tonal center,” and a “newly designed playing edge for fine tuning.” A five-piece Rocker outfit in standard size drums costs $1,215.

The Rocker II offers “Ludwig sound and quality at an affordable price.” There are three lines of hardware to select from: Rocker II, Rocker and Modular II. The Rocker II is least expensive. Modular II is top line. That same five-piece set with Rocker hardware is $850. With the optional Rocker II power toms, bass drums, snare drum and hardware, you can select a 10-piece, double-bass drum outfit, with Rocker hardware for $1,810, or for $2,00p with the Modular II hardware.

Write to: Ludwig Industries too, A Selmer Company, P.O. Box 310, Elkhart, IN 46515.

PRO-MARK

I count 84 different models of Pro-Mark drumsticks, in four fundamental lines. Two are made of oak, two of hickory. All drumsticks are subjected to a hush-hush manufacturing process, ending with “a virtual non-slip drumstick.”

Nine nylonand nine wood-tip models are made of Japanese golden oak, a wood which “is about 10 percent heavier than Japanese white oak, and about 20 percent heavier than American hickory.” Japanese white oak is used in 26 woodand 12 nylon-tip models. The white oak is about 10 percent heavier than American hickory.

Oak wood is harder (and more dense) than hickory and will reportedly take more punishment and resist chipping better than hickory. For drummers who prefer the sound and feel of hickory, ProMark has eight woodand six nylon-tip American hickory models in their regular line, and that many of each, again, in their low-price Longhorn Hickory drumsticks.

New from Pro-Mark is Stick Grip (a specially formulated powder that improves grip and minimizes slippage), and The Pro-Mark Rattler (the ultimate cymbal sizzler) available in Small Rattler size and Large Rattler size for “rock, soul or other heavy hitters.”

Write to: Pro-Mark, 10706 Craighead Dr., Houston, TX 77025.

COSMIC PERCUSSION

The two basic drum series from CP are the Ascend Series and the Cosmic Supreme Series. Both series have nine-ply shells. All Ascend drums come in natural grain finish. Cosmic Supreme shells are covered in pure white, metallic wine red, metallic silver, metallic black and metallic mid-nite blue. Each series has six tom-toms available, a floor tom and 14 x 22 bass drum. Cosmic Percussion refers to their tom-toms as “power toms.” Fine. But, to avoid confusion, the available sizes—such as 8x12 and 9x13—have been referred to everywhere else in this article as standard sized drums.

The Supreme hardware with the Ascend drums is double-braced in popular configurations. The Deluxe hardware featured with the Cosmic Supreme sets is singlebraced. The third—Standard Series hardware—is for the beginner, or the drummer who wants very light hardware.

Cosmic Percussion is doing an extensive revamping of their hardware line. They will also be marketing their own brand of Ascend cymbals. No information was available at press time, so keep your eyes and ears open.

Write to: Cosmic Percussion, 160 Belmont Ave., Garfield, NJ 07026.

REMO

jl Everyone is aware of the extensive Remo drum head catalog. And most everyone should be aware of their P.T.S. drumsets and percussion instruments. Well, Remo asked me to pass on some short good news in the drum head department, and some extensive good news in the drumset/percussion department^

There are two new finishes available on Ambassador, PinStripe and PowerStroke Marching heads: Starfire Gold and ’Starfire Chrome. These “mirrorbright” heads are available in 6" to 20" batter sizes, and in 18" to 30" bass drum sizes. The PowerStrokes come in 14" and 15" diameter only.

The big news in the drumset department? Remo is introducing four new Series of drumsets and hardware. Any Series drumset can be purchased with or without any hardware series. All drumsets are five-piece outfits, priced without hardware. The Encore Series comes in standard or power size shells, with PowerSnap Tuning. Loosen the lug tension and the lug snaps open, freeing the tension rod. The rim lifts off with tension rods intact. Head tensioning is done the conventional way. The Encore Series Power Tom Drumset is $844.50.

The Liberator Series Discovery Series and the Innovator Series, each includes three different drumsets. All three Series feature drumsets with 7x10 and 8x12 tom-toms, 14x14 floor toms, 51/2x14 snare drums, 14x18 bass drums and standard sized five-piece drumsets also. The Liberator and Discovery Series both include five-piece Power Tom drumsets. The third Innovator drumset is a standard sized, single-headed model.

The Liberator drumsets are PTS sets with PowerSnap Tuning. You can leave the PTS drum head alone, or adjust it with the included tension rods. The Power Tom Drumset in this Series is $796.50. The Discovery Series is Remo’s standard lug-tuned Sets. The Power Tom drumset lists at $656.50. The Innovator Series are PTS drumsets with Latch for quickchange capability. The Standard (double-headed) drumset is $322.50.

All drums in these four Series are made of Acousticon shells that are resin treated “for improved sound and durability with minimum weight.” All, have a new heavyduty tom mount, and an exclusive Quadura Cover that’s “guaranteed to withstand high temperatures without wrinkling.” They’re available in white, black or blue.

Remo has new optional 8x14 Rock Snare Drums with Quadura Chrome covering on Acousticon shells in the Encore Series ($199.50), Liberator Series ($179.50) and the Discovery Series ($149.50).

The four Series of hardware are package deals. The Extra HeavyDuty with Quick Lock 500 Series ($337.50) and the Heavy-Duty (Double-Braced Legs) 310 Series ($280.50) include two cymbal stands (straight and boom), snare and hi-hat stands and bass drum pedals. The Heavy-Duty (SingleBraced Legs) 300 Series ($169.50) and the Lightweight 100 Series ($103.50) include snare and hi-hat stands, one straight cymbal stand, and bass drum pedals.

Write to: Remo USA, 12804 Raymer St., N. Hollywood, CA 91605

EUROPA

Dynacord Digital Drums feature “natural sounds stored in digital form, sensitive dynamics, sequencer control, free sound programming and a gigantic sound library.”

Dynacord has a library of 60 sounds stored on integrated digital memory circuits (sound modules). The sound modules come in five categories: natural sounds (acoustic drums), electrified sounds (electronic drums), cymbal sounds, percussion sounds, and new rock drum sounds. The modules are priced in “A” ($60 each) and “B” ($90 each) categories.

The heart of Dynacord drums is the eight-channel PERCUTER-S digital drum computer ($895). One sound module plugs into each channel, which can be driven by any kind of triggering. Volume is dependent upon the dynamics of the beat. When you want to change the sound modules, just pop out the old and plug in the new. Each channel has a sensitivity control, panorama level control, pitch control (disconnectible) and foot control of overall pitch.

The Digital Pads have plastic shells with “a soft, very tough rubber material” playing surface, offering “the full dynamic range from swinging jazz to ‘brutal’ heavy metal sound.” In white, red or black, the tom-tom and snare pads are $150 each. Bass drum pads are $230 each.

The BIG BRAIN Digital Midi Sequencer is called the “mastermind” of the Dynacord system, with the capacity to control up to two PERCUTER-S’s. It features 15 levels for storing dynamics of individual instruments and beats. Fifty pre-set and/or customprogrammed rhythm patterns program up to 50 songs consisting of 16 sequences of 99 repetitions each (one eight-bar sequence with 99 repetitions), and a maximum of 100 sequences with eight different bars and 99 repetitions. These songs can be combined to form 50 super-songs, to cover an entire concert. The memory capacity can be expanded via cassette interface and standard cassette recorder. The BIG BRAIN can be programmed in real time using pads or channel buttons, or in single steps. Eight channels can be programmed simultaneously with digital pads.

The BOOMER Digital Sound Programmer lets you create your own sound modules of any natural or synthetic tones. It has a feature that erases previously used modules—the two Programmable Blank Modules (128K and 256K) can be used again and again.

The DIGITAL HIT ($230) is a unit for reproducing one digitally stored drum sound triggered by any source. All PLUG-IN MODULES for the PERCUTER are available as pre-recorded DIGITAL HITS. The D.H. runs off a Power Pack that can supply up to four D.H.’s ($60).

Write to: Europa Technology, Inc., 1638 W. Washington Blvd., Venice, CA 90291.

R.O.C.

R.O.C.’s drum series are the Concert Pro, the African Bubinga Wood, the Working Pro and the Standard. The company philosophy is that “the hope of affording better instrument© someday is not comforting ®! © musician whose music is today.”

The 10-ply Concert Pro Series drums are made of mahogany and hickory hardwood. The number of plies varies between series. The African bubinga wood rtru ms are made of 11-ply hardwood. The Working Pro drums are 10-ply, and the Standard drums are either 10or nine-ply.

The Concert Pro Series (in standard or extra deep shells) includes a 13-piece and an 11-piece drumset. All mounted tom-toms are single-headed. The Bubinga Series includes two 11-piece outfits. The ‘‘Goldfinger” drumset with gold-plated hardware, or the same drumset with chrome hardware, called “Chrome Wood” has extra deep shells only. The tomtoms are single-headed. The Working Pro Series has the sevenpiece “Power Pro” and five-piece “Jazz Pro” sets. All drums are double-headed, and the five-piece sets are standard size shells.

Since R.O.C. doesn’t have a catalogued five-piece power tom set, let me focus on their J-13s, 13-piece Concert Pro drumset. For $1,759 you get eight tom-toms, two bass drums, two floor toms, a snare drum (all standard sizes drums), two bass drum pedals, three boom cymbal stands, two tom-tom floor stands, hi-hat and snare stand. The hardware is R.O.C.’s TS-202 extra heavy-duty line and there is a stock tom mount Spgjuded in the $1,759 price, mbs, also has a TH-7 OMNIBALL tom mount on bass drums and floor Stands that’s optional. The same set with the OMNI-BALL hardware goes for $2,029. The J-13s drumset in power tom sizes with OMNI-BALL hardware lists at $2,169.

The Standard Series are fivepiece drumsets for “semiprofessional or student” drummers. The hardware varies from double-braced to single-braced. (The OMNI-BALL hardware is not available.) Prices on the Standard Series sets go from $399 to $699.

R.O.C. has a selection of -‘Studio Snares” including a 14x12, 14x10 and 14x8 in wood, a 14x61/2 gold-plated steel snare, and all of the popular size snares in both wood and chrome. " Write to: R.O.C. Musical Instruments, 64 Dorman, San Francisco, CA 94124.

EMERALD

It’s difficult to categorize Emerald’s drum series—except for the Brougham—because, for one thing, outside of the Brougham, no two drum series appear to be made of the same shell material.

Using the five-piece drumset as a reference point, t’H begin with Emerald's top-of-the-line (in dollars and cents) outfit, the Stallion (special order only). The shells are combination oak, maple and birch; overlayed with bubinga wood, and covered in English leather hidesl They feature deep shells only and hardware Is the double-braced chrome 505 Series, The five-piece set is $2,000

Emerald has two five-piece sets for $1,800. The Master (special order only) is made of Lauan wood shells with natural wood finish. The 8x14 snare matches the set. Now, their catalog has a #800 Red Fury drumset made of “handmatched Cypress woods.” The hardware is from the 305 Series, which, except for the black finish is identical®) the 505 hardware. A new sheet from the'company (a5 late arrival) illustrates several new color combinations of this #800 drumset: black shells/red hardware, yellow shells/black hardware, gold shells/black hardware, pink shells/black and white shells/white hardware.

For $1,600 you can choose a five-piece set from the Safari Series. The Bubinga drumset is “hand-chosen plies of Bubinga over maple” with 14 coats of handrubbed lacquer. The Rosy Red Walnut set (special order only) is “hand-chosen plies of Rosy Red Walnut over maple.”

The “Gold Fever” drumset features the 705 Series brass hardware with deep shell drums. The laminated covered black shells are over mahogany and oak woods. This five-piece outfit sells for $1,500.

There are two lines of Black Panther Series drums; the higher priced Series is by special order only. I don’t know if there is a difference in shell construction, but the #200 B.P. drums have singlebraced hardware and less lugs per drum than their #300 B.P. brothers and sisters. (Gipm sizes are identical.) A five-piece #200 B.P. set is $950. The #300 B.P. is $1,500.

The Brougham Series drums are made of mahogany and oak shells with a nice selection of concert toms, standard Size toms, tunnel (power) toms, floor toms and so forth. It’s available in black, white, wine red, blue dusk and silver laminated finishes. There is a 500 and 400 Series, the difference being that one has heavier-duty hardware and tomtom mounts, more lugs per drum, and that sort of thing. A five-piece power set m the 500 Series costs $1,100fand in the 400 Series it’s $900.

Emerald’s snare options include (in 61/2x14 or 8x14) these models: The Safari Rosy Red Walnut, The Stallion (in black leather or burgundy red), The Safari Bubinga, The Knight (chrome metal) and Big Ben (solid brass).

Newest from Emerald is the fivepiece “Benz Percussion” student drumset made of mahogany shells. Complete with doublebraced cymbal stand, hi-hat and snare stand, and bass drum pedal, this set goes for $495. All drums are double-headed.

Also from Emerald is the DXL 6000, digital drums with 100 percent new digital brain. Each set is hand finished and all shells are formed from durable hardwoods.

Finally, Emerald has a selection of accessory items, including their own colored cymbals, regular cymbals and colored drumsticks.

Write to: Emerald Musical Instruments, Inc., P.O. Box 3275, Chatsworth, CA 91313-3275.