This book is the most exhaustive and well written documenting of any drummer ever written. It’s the story of the man who conceived the modern drum set as we know it, and led the way for us all to play drum solos and be in the spotlight.
Read moreFinishes on Ludwig Standards
…relying upon what is believed to be the largest database of vintage Ludwig drums in existence, it provides insight into the finishes used by Ludwig which have appeared in the resale market in the last dozen years.
Read moreVintage Star Drums (1965 to 1974)
…among the drum community many questions came up as to whether an old drum kit, that someone had found in the attic or as a bulky waste, was made either by Pearl or the other main Japanese company: Star. Star was founded in 1962 by the Japanese company Tama Seisakusyo (later called Hoshino Gakki) and first started manufacturing drums under the Star brand name in 1965. In 1974 the company changed
it’s name from STAR to TAMA
Sweet Sixteenth
Many drummers feel “uneasy” when having to read a piece in sixteenth time. The uneasy feeling has to do simply with the fact that there’s not much in the way of reading exercises when one is first developing the skill to read rhythm. And the music can look a little frightening if there’s a lot of sixty fourth notes. But you can think of sixty fourth notes in sixteenth time as no more than sixteenth notes quarter time.
Read more1920s Ludwig & Ludwig Wood Shell Separate Tension Snare Drum
This snare drum model is listed in the 1923 Ludwig & Ludwig catalog as No. 21 Wood Shell Separate Tension. Although the Deluxe finish does not appear to have been a standard catalog offering for this particular model, I believe William Ludwig Sr. would have approved such a request from an enquiring and eager customer. Of the many restorations I’ve done over the past thirty years, this one is still my personal favorite, and I hope you enjoy it!
Read moreMy 40th Anniversary with my Gretsch Set
You were all I thought about from the time I started taking drum lessons the year prior. When the time had come to get you, you were not at all what I had pictured in my head as my 12 year old mind was set on finding a nice shiny Ludwig set that would stand out. The choice that fateful day back in June of 1983 was between you and the Ludwig Tivoli lighted set of Vista-lite drums set up in the window of Looney Tunes music that was at the southern end of Main Street in Concord NH
Read more70s Zickos Rare Supersonic drum set
This Supersonic kit is made of fiberglass and according to my research was only produced in prototype form with about ten of them being made.
Read moreWhat I've Been Working On...In 5/4
I thought I’d take some basic rock beats and render them in 5/4. I’m having fun with the result.
Read moreDan Britt: remembering Tony Williams
As Miles Davis said, "A drummer like Tony comes around only once in 30 years."
Read moreIn Memorian: Ralph Humphrey
“Throughout his career — the live performances, studio recordings, method books, videos, drum-solo compositions, teaching — Ralph eschewed the usual trappings of success, and maintained his customary integrity and humility. He was an outstanding leader and soloist, with the sensibility of an ensemble player. He never flashed his superpowers, though he had many: flawless technique, stylistic versatility, laser focus, adaptability, eagerness to learn, calm temperament, dedication to his students, and professionalism at all times. His keen ear and obsession with tuning his drums helped make him one of the best sounding drummers on record.” -Ruth Underwood
Read moreSponsor: John Crocken Drum Sticks - hand crafted historic designs
i endorse Crocken Drum Sticks. No one else hand crafts sticks like these and nothing else feels like them. As Mr. Crocken says, they are fun to use. -George Lawrence
Read moreFrom The Editor
I was overwhelmed with the generosity of you subscribers who donated to NSMD during the first annual fund drive this past month.
Read moreGrowing Up In The Shadow Of Joe Morello: Part Three -- Remembering Joe Sefcik
As for Joe Sefcik, he was a bit intimidating if you hadn't practiced when you showed up for your lesson! You could feel his disappointment, but then he would show lots of patience, as any good teacher would, and get you back on track! -Rick Schlosser
Read moreIn Search Of (not with Leonard Nimoy) Vintage Drum Parts
My cousin, Dean Stewart who lives in Alabama, is a drummer and vintage drum collector (yes, the disease runs in the family). He’s looking for a number of parts.
Read moreLudwig Finishes of the Blue/Olive Badge Era
This study reviews data gathered from a representative sample of Ludwig Blue/Olive badge drums produced from very late 1969 (earliest date stamps are Thanksgiving week 1969) through about 1984.
Read moreThree Lang/NSMD Gladstone engraved gold Triumphal prototypes (#s 1, 2, 3) from 2004-2005.
Here are three Lang/NSMD Gladstone engraved gold Triumphal prototypes (#s 1, 2, 3) from 2004-2005. I purchased these from John Aldridge who was the engraver of these snare drums. John’s company at the time, NSMD Co., also supplied the shells for these drums.
Read moreBuddy Rich the Singer
…album titled Sing and Swing with Buddy Rich, recorded in 1955. This album is unique because Buddy is not the drummer (except for one out of the 5 songs,) rather, he sings on the full album. Buddy had not been featured as the lead vocalist in this caliber in the past. The reason he drums on one song is because there are no vocals.
Read moreA Significant Problem In Reading Rhythm
Having to read combinations of rhythm that are divided by two to a beat then three to a beat within the same bar can sometimes represent a significant problem for beginning students.
Read moreUpdate: my MIJ Lido Supreme 4 pc. jazz kit in "Fantasia Pearl" project
I disassembled, cleaned and refurbished this four piece drum kit made by Pearl in Japan. 12/14/20/14 .It’s one of the rarer MIJ sixties stencils - LIDO SUPREME - and one of the rarest and zowiest colors - fantasia pearl.
Read moreBrian Dunne: Live At Daryl's House
Brian Dunne has played on thousands of gigs since his high school days - yet, Brian’s greatest notoriety comes from his longtime affiliation with the hit television series, ‘Live At Daryl’s House’ which is presently recording a brand new season – Brian is once again playing with some of finest musicians on the planet. He credits his success to networking and lots of luck with each new gig leading to something else.
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