Boy Howday's Guide to Drums '86: Part One

Boy Howday's Guide to Drums '86: Part One

Dan Hedges

You’ve been exiled to the garage.

Your old man wants to know why you don’t take up something quieter, like saturation bombing.

The guy across the street keeps calling the cops. The same two cops keep turning up. One’s eyeing your gear like it’s hot, quoting some obscure municipal noise statute. The other’s looking at your kid sister.

Non-drummers automatically presume you’re a Neanderthal.

This drum stuff is a royal pain, you say? You bet. You’ve got all those stands to set up. All those cymbals. There are lugs and screws to tighten. Sticks to tape. Things fall over, the stuff weighs a ton, you sweat all the time. And when you play a gig, nobody can even see you way back there.

Guitar would have been better.

But it’s too late now. You’re hooked. A noise junkie. So you keep honing that footwork. That wrist action. And when you’re out in the Real World, you can’t stop tapping and banging on things. Dashboards. Chair arms. People’s heads.

You keep buying more stuff, too. The American Consumer, in search of the Ultimate Sound. Bongo Fury, ’80s style. The equipment listed in

this special two-part CREEM supplement make enough gear between them to give every next door neighbor on the planet a mega-headache and keep every drumming cousin in the Known universe locked into a solo frpm here to eternity. We’re not endorsing the stuff. We’re not reviewing it either (you’ll have to use your own ears, hands, and feet for that). It’s a necessarily selective overview, since there’s so much available in percussion these days that even Neil Peart finds it hard to keep track. And Tommy Lee? Forget it.

So what follows are some of the newer and/or hotter items each manufacturer has on the market. All of them gloriously noisy. All of them the result of ever-improving drum and percussion technology. All of them worth writing to the companies concerned to ask for the appropriate brochures, since they’ll be more descriptive than space allows us here.

Don’t be shy. The brochures are free. And after all, even drummers like to get mail.

SONOR/HOHNER

Once again, With breakthroughs in drums and related hardware becoming more sophisticated as time goes on, it’s good to hear that there are still manufacturers who keep in mind those players just starting out.

At $2,150.00, Sonor’s new Performer Plus set is geared toward musicians looking for a beginning kit that has the quality and performance of a professional outfit. Available in creme, red, and onyx black, the drums feature nine ply/all-wood shells, Ambassador heads (top and bottom), with a bass drum fitted with 10 tension lugs and a black resonator head on the front.

The Sonorlite Series, on the other hand, sports shells of Scandinavian Birch. Snare and bass drum shells are 12-ply and measure 7mms. Tom-tom and floor tom shells are 9-ply and measure 6 mms—features which “allow Sonorlite drums to produce a warm, rich, modern, sound.” Kits in the series start at $2,227.00.

Hohner’s new Pro I kit has also been introduced with the beginning player in mind. Features include all wood construction (with mylar shell coverings in black, wine red, midnight blue, or white), black dot batter heads, deep power tom dimensions, an all-metal 51/2/2x14 snare, chrome plated hardware, heavy-duty chain-link system for both the Hi-Hat and the bass drum pedal, and a gloss front bass drum head. Kits in the series begin at $625.00, suggested retail.

For further info on the company’s full range of kits, contact Hohner/Sonor/Sabian Headquarters, PO Box 9167, Richmond VA 23277.

R.O.C.

Relying largely on word-ofmouth advertising among musicians, R.O.C. sells their drums primarily through small percussion shops, rather than the multilevel music megamarts, and are known for making almost limitless customizing options available to the buyer.

R.O.C.’s most popular kit, the 13-piece Killer Pro, is built of 10-ply hardwood, and sports “hardware that would probably withstand direct attacks from Godzilla.” The self-contained arsenal includes two 22x14 bass

drums, eight standard shell tom toms (6x5, 8x6,10x7,12x8,13x9, 14x9 1/2, 15X101/2, 16X11), two floor toms (16x16,18x16), 14x51/2 chrome snare, and all stands and hardware. Basic list price is $1,759.00, though the kit can be ordered with virtually any variation of size, shell type, hardware, and finish.

Even flashier in appearance is the 11-piece Goldfinger kit, made of 11-ply hardwood. A pair of 22x16 bass drums are the centerpiece here, along with six extra deep-shelled tom toms (10x9,12x10,13x11,14x12,15x13, 16x14), two floor toms (16x16, 18x16), 14X61/2 steel snare, all stands and hardware. With chrome hardware, the kit lists for $2,699.00. Gold hardware is $2,999.00. Again, customizing is available. Glen Quan of R.O.C., by the way, has written a series of highly readable bulletins focusing on both the aesthetic and technical sides of drum construction. They’re filled with tips and sundry data on choosing and using drums, useful not only to musicians just starting out, but to those who’ve been playing for years. To get them, along with info on the firm’s entire line, write R.O.C. Drums, BBQ Music Marketing, 64 Dorman Avenue, San Francisco CA 94124.

SIMMONS

As a trail-blazing pioneer in drum electronics, Simmons hasn’t been resting on its fiscal profits, with new breakthroughs and refinement^ continuing to roll off the firm’s drawing boards on a seemingly hourly basis. Their new sSrfOOO five-piece programmable drum set sports a total of 10 dif^f^||ii^(five preprogrammed at the factory, and five user-programmable). On tap are four digitally sampled programmable snare drums, a software-generated kick drum theft accurately rep^ddpes the “click” and “thumfnipCa w©H~ miked acoustic kick drip, and “classic” analog toms featuring a “second skin” that faithfuflp reproduces the sound of a double-head drum. List price is under $1,000.00

Simmons SDS9 drum set, on pe other hand, features 20 factory programmed kits and 20 user-programmable that can be set to automatically trigger during programming, making it a snap to program without playing the pads while monitoring each change. Particularly notable is the snare drum, utilizing three independent samples of snare, rimshot, and cross-stick sounds, studio recorded and digitally stored on EPROMs (erasable programmable read only memory) modules that are user changeable (Simmons available library of sounds totals over 100) or their EPB-1 digital sampler. With Midi interface on board as a standard feature, the SDS9 lists for under $2,000.00.

For the record, the Simmons SDS7 Digital/Analog electronic (dyc|juy|j||| already a classic, used by top players around the globe. It again uses EPROM chips stored on modules, wt|ich the musician inserts into a brain that can store up to 99 different kits. All three of the above drum sets are equipped with Simmons’ newest “floating head’s pads, giving the player precise control over dynamics amt tone. Simmons recently introduced its SDC200, the first amplifier specifically designed for electronic drums. The 200 watt RMS amp features five channels with independent EQ and effects sends, as well as individual inputs for kick, snare, three toms, Hi-Hat, and cymbals. Its speaker, specially built to reproduce drum sounds, is rated to 275 watts RMS.

For the SDS1000 and other electronic kits without any onboard MIDI interface, the firm has developed the programmable, eight channel TMI (Trigger to MIDI interface), giving the player access to the sounds of keyboard synths and the ability to communicate with a huge range of MIDI equipped expanders. The TMI lists for under $400.00, Simmons eight channel and fuliy programmable MTM converts drum pad, acoustic drum, or tape signals to trigger MIDI and non-MIDI sound sources. The MTM lists for $1,195.00. And speaking of expanders, Simmons new SDE provides access to the sounds of tuned percussion instruments (vibes, marimbas, glocks, bells, gongs, etc.) via its 20 pre-set and 20 user-programmable sounds (with 80 others accessible via cartridge). For information on the entire Simmons’ line, write Simmons, 23917 Craftsman Road, Calabasas CA 91302.

DYNACORD EUROPA

West Germany has long been a hotbed of innovation when it .comes to electronic musical gear; a tradition carried on in recent years by the Dynacord Company of Straubing (marketed in the States by Europa).

Their new Rhythm Stick is a remote MIDI controller that lets the drummer play any MIDI instrument (drum processors, rhythm machines, keyboards) from the front of the stage. Shaped like a guitar, the Rhythm Stick sports eight trigger selectors to specify the “instruments” and two slap sensors with which the selected sounds can be played. All eight sounds can be triggered at the same time, and the device remembers all programs entered into its userprogrammable memory. A peak LED indicates the maximum value for velocity MIDI data so that it’s possible to adapt to different playing techniques without sacrificing dynamics. Suggested retail price for the Rhythm Stick is $895.00.

Dynacord’s new ADD-one, Advanced Digital Drums, is touted as the first fully programmable percussion computer. It features full MIDI implementation, programmable eight-channel routing, a sample library expandable to 80 sounds in memory, 128 patch positions of drum sets, multiplying from single pads, separate master and monitor outputs and a headphone amplifier, 8 VCFs, 8 VCAs, 8 LFOs, 24 envelope generators and 8 programmable digital delays.

Dynacord are calling their new line of slender, ultra-futuristic pads Power-Pads. The spring design (called compliancecontrolled suspension) makes the playing surface resilient, so it "gives” under impact then returns to its original state without further reverberation. Along the same Ijnes, Dynacord’s Power-Kick responds like a natural bass drum head. When struck by the drum beater, the impact surface “gives” into the body of the drum slightly, while the low, spring-mounted mass provides quick rebound. For information on Dynacord, contact: Europa Technology Inc., 1638. West Washington Boulevard, Venice CA 90291.

GRETSCH

The Gretsch name has been appearing on drums since 1883. Their current range of kits is one of the most extensive in the business, with over fifteen different outfits available in a galaxy of configurations. With shells made of hardwood maple, all Gretsch drums are standard equipped with the purchaser’s choice of white coated PermaTone, clear Ambassador, or Clear Black Dot heads, and feature triple chrome plated diecast hopmm^h top and bottom (natural finish bass drums come with matching hoops), list prices, for a five-piece Grand Prix kit, for example,! start at $2,340.00. For that, you get a 14x22 bass drum, 8x12 tom tom, 9x13 tom torfi, 16x16 floor tom, brass 5x14 snare drum, and aH stands. A seven-piece Fusion kit starts at $3,059.00, and includes a 16x22 bass drum, mur toms (8x8, 8x10, 8x12, 9x13), 16x16 floor 10m, brass 6x14 snare drum, and all stands.

For those with something a tad larger in mind, a starter version of the 13-piece Artist kit comes with two 16x22 bass drums, eight toms (8x6,8x8,8x10,8x12,9x13, 10x14, 12x15, 14x16), two floor toms (16x16, 16x18), wood 8x14 snare drum, and all stands. Suggested list price is $5,601.50. And for yod micro-chip fans, Gretsch makes the Blackhawk electronic drum kit. With five round pads (3 toms, 1 snare, 1 bass), a five channel board, cords, and all stands, the kit lists for $999.00 (two drum set available for $399.00). For more complete details on these kits and the rest of the company’s line, contact Gretsch, One Gretsch Plaza, PO Box 358, Ridgeland, SC 29936.

MAXTONE

You can tell what stripe of musician Maxtone are aiming for just by the names the company gives their kits. The Monster. The Mysterian. The Warrior. The Storm Rider. Most are five-piece outfits, and On Site Music (Maxtone’s U.S. distributor) points out that all are available with or without cymbal stands, unlike kits made by certain firms “which force their stands on you.” The Power Station, for example, features a 16x22 bass drum, 16x16 floor tom, 61/2x14 chrome snare, two toms (11x12, 12x13), and a double tom holder. With cymbal stands, the retail piice is $1,215.00. Without, $785.00.

Heavier in armament as well as in name, the Beast weighs in with bine-pieces, and consists of a l||j?2 bass drum, 16x16 floor tom, 51/2x14 chrome snare, four concert toms (51/2x8, 6V2XIO), 10x14, 14x16) two toms (8x12, 9x1$Mwo concert tom stands, andpr double tom holder. With cymbal stands, the retail price is $1p49.00. Without, $1,029.00. Maxtone also manufactures an jpSxtensive range of individual drums, stands, and sundry percussion gear. For information, write Maxtone/On Site Music Group, 3000 Marcus Avenue, Suite 2W7, Lake Success, NY 11042.

SABIAN

“The finest cymbals for the finest drummers” is how Sabian likes to describe their wares. The Canadian firm manufactures four different lines. Their lowestpriced cymbals can be found in the B-8 series, produced from bronze alloy discs that are spun and formed into the cymbal shape, then precision hammered. By way of example, the suggested retail price for a 16" Crash is $69.00. The B-8 Plus series is produced the same way, with the addition of a heat treatment to temper the bronze, “producing a brighter sound with enhanced sound projection capabilities.” A 16" Crash runs at $85.00 suggested retail.

Sabian’s more up-market AA cymbols, meanwhile, are individually cast in bronze alloy, and are characterized by their “bright, shimmering” sound quality. A16" crash in this series carries a suggested retail price of $139.00. At the top of the line is Sabian’s HH series, individually cast and hand hammered for a voice that’s “low, dark, warm, and rich.” Suggested retail price for an HH 16" Crash is $188.00. Sabian have also begun importing Tosco cast bronze cymbals from Italy. For more information on these and the entire Sabian line, get in touch with Sabian, Meductic, New Brunswick EOH ILO, CANADA.

DRUM WORKSHOP

One leg can only stretch so far, right? In Hi-Hat land, that can limit your setup. Based in Newbury Park, California, Drum Workshop has just introduced the 5502 LB Remote Hi-Hat and the 5500 T Turbo Hi-Hat to help remedy the situation. The 5502 LB has no legs, but comes equipped with a clamp that lets you put your Hi-Hat anywhere on your drum set, even attach it to the 5500 T.

The 5500 T Turbo Hi-Hat, with independent rotating legs for easy placement for DW’s double bass drum pedal, allows multipedal set-ups and has a removable third leg (the non-skid footboard plate enables the footboard to work like a third leg, making it easy to group three or more pedals together). For information on these and other DW products, contact Drum Workshop Inc., 2697 Lavery Court #16, Newbury Park CA 91320.

ZILDJIAN

Although the various series of Zildjian cymbals (including their classic A. and K. cast cymbals) already add up to more than 120 models and sizes, the 350-yearold company recently branched out even further with the introduction of its Z-Series. Used by drummers like Tony Thompson and Tommy Aldridge (and billed as “the first totally new cymbal in generations”), the bronze alloy Z-Series is shaped by computerized hammers, rather than lathes. According to Zildjian, it’s the individual shapes of the hammers (convex Closed Hex, concave Open Penta, concave Five Point Star, and convex Six Point Star) that determine the different sound characteristic of each Power Crash, Power Ride, Power Smash, and Hi-Hat, providing “explosive volume potential, quick response, and powerful projection.” List prices range from $112.00 for a 12" splash, to $274.00 for a 24" Heavy Power Ride. For information on the ZSeries and the rest of the firm’s huge line, contact: Avedis Zildjian Company, Longwater Drive, Norwell MA 02061.

MEINL

Among European musicians, Meinl has been a well-known name in cymbals for quite a few years, yet it’s only been fairly recently that the West German firm has begun shipping their wares Stateside (marketed by Out Front Inc.) under their own name. Their competitive edge is based around what they call their Tuned Cymbal System. Simply put, it means that should it come time to replace, say, your Meinl 16"/Crash with a new one, that new cymbal (thanks to the firm’s manufacturing methods) is guaranteed to sound exactly the same. Their line is split into three series: Profile, Dragon, and Raker.

The all purpose Profiles are available in three styles: the thin Hi Tech, the medium Rock Velvet, and the heavy Volcanic Rock. Suggested list price for either a Hi Tech or Rock Velvet 16" Crash is $140.00,, while a Volcanic Rock would be $5.00 more. The Raker seriesrfHPH| extreme high-end frequencies, was specifically designed for those musicians using electronic drums or working in high volume situations where normal cymbals have trouble cutting through. Suggested list price for a 16" Heavy Crash is $120.00. The Dragon hand hammered China series, meanwhile, utilizes metal imported from China, which is melted down, cast, and hammered at the Meinl factory. According to the company, Dragons are the lowest-priced hand-hammered cymbals in the U.S.A, with a 16" Crash listing at $145.00. For more information, contact Meinl/Profile U.S.A., 101 Horton Avenue, Lynbrook NY 11563.

CALATO

During the nearly three decades since drummer Joe Colato invented the first nylon-tip drumstick, Calato has become one of the most widely used brands both here and in Europe. Based in New York State, the company may have built their reputation on their all-wood Regals, JoJos (available with wood or nylon tips), and those pioneering Regal Tips, yet they’ve never stopped trying to improve on this most basic of drummers tools.

Since the company is headed by a musician, it’s not surprising that they enlist the back-line experience of top players when it comes to developing new products. Calato’s new Chester Thompson stick was developed in direct collaboration-with 'the Genesis drummer. W" long, it’s .580" In diameter and features an oval wooden head. Made of ^^^^e U.S. southern hickory, the sticks sports a suggested retail price of $7.10. For for more info on these items and the full line of Calato sticks, mallets, brushes, practice sets and pads, and bass drum pedals, write to Calato, 4501 Hyde Park Boulevard, Niagara Falls NY, 14305.

VIC FIRTH

Vic Firth, solo timpanist and head of the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s percussion section might have the classics on his mind, but his Massachusettsbased company produces sticks for drummers and percussionists of every musical stripe. Their flashy new Starburst sticks are wood tips made from select rock maple laminations with colordyed alternating layers in red, black, green, blue, brown, and red & blue. In your choice of either 16" or 16 5/8" lengths, the Starbursts list for $7.80. The Steve Gadd Signature Model and the Harvey Mason Signature Model are the production versions of the wood-tipped sticks Firth has been making for the two ace drummers for years. Made of select hickory, the 15%" Gadds are jet black (with Steve’s signature in gold) and list for $10.00, while the 151/2" Masons are Stradivarius brown (with Harvey’s signature in silver) and list for $8.00.

For those preferring a stick with a longer and heavier stretch, Firth have added a new stick to their American Classic Series. Dubbed the Rock Crusher, the 17" stick sports a broader tip than many, creating “a bigger drum sound while bringing out more desirable colors from the cymbals.” The hickory sticks are available with wood tips (list price $7.20) or nylon tips (list price $7.35). For more information, write Vic Firth, 323 Whiting Avenue, Unit B, Dedham MA 02026.