View Post

6 Custom Drum Companies to Check out At NAMM 2013

In Drums, General Updates, Inspiration by PhilipLeave a Comment

The NAMM show is one of the world’s largest gathering of musical instrument manufacturers in the world, held every January in Anaheim, California, USA, at the Anaheim Convention Center. The NAMM show showcases all of the new products from drum companies (as well as guitar, bass, and basically any musical product you can think of) from all over the world …

View Post

Want To Learn How To Play The Drums?

In General Updates by PhilipLeave a Comment

Now is the best time to start drumming! Not only is it the best time to start playing drums, but it’s also the perfect time to better yourself at your instrument. Mike Michalkow’s Drumming System does both of those things. I personally own a copy and love it. Now is an amazing time to get on board with the Drumming …

View Post

Pro Drummer Tips: Dwight Baker on Tuning Tom Drums in the Studio

In Drum Tips, Drummer resources, General Updates, Pro Drummer Tips by Philip2 Comments

Dwight Baker Dwight Baker is a multi-platinum producer/engineer/mixer/songwriter based in Austin, Texas who has worked with many artists such as Kelly Clarkson, Brandi Carlile, Bob Schneider, Blue October, Alpha Rev, and David Archuleta. He owns and operates out of his Austin, TX-based studio, Matchbox Studios. Dwight’s Pro Drummer Tip: A quick tip for everyone planning on recording or going into …

View Post

Benny Goodman – Live at Carnegie Hall – Review

In Drums History, General Updates by PhilipLeave a Comment

For some inexplicable reason, columns devoted to musicians and their lifestyle always seem to lead in the same direction – directly toward a gutter. Perhaps editors are convinced that the public yearns to know of carnal exploits rather than creative triumphs, that Iggy Pop’s latest bloodletting, for example would be better suited for public exposee than his latest single. The editors are undoubtedly right, but let me assure you, dear reader, that my type is capable of serious discourse, too. And there are a bevy of “legit” musical topics on which to expound.

That much said, I have decided to devote the next several hundred words (that’s pretty substantial, isn’t it?) to one of the greatest musical triumphs in history. To properly dig, you must transport yourself back to another era: the year 1938 and a place called New York City. On the evening of January 16, a young bandleader called Benny Goodman assembled one of the greatest musical lineups of all time for a little hoedown at a class joint known as Carnegie Hall. We are most fortunate that the resultant events were recorded, for the fellas that night created a stunning musical document, a testament to the glory of swing and jazz: “Live at Carnegie Hall.”

View Post

Drum Tip: Mark Hardware Angles and Height On Your Cymbal and Hardware Stands

In Drum Tips, Drummer resources, Drums, General Updates by Philip8 Comments

Drum Tip: Set Your Drums Up Consistently A couple of days ago Ed Francis shared a tip about spiking your drum set hardware layout with tape to make sure that you set your drums up exactly the same every time, which leads to a more efficient set up and comfort when playing. His post reminded me of another important aspect …

View Post

Ed Francis on The Importance of “Spiking” Your Drum Kit Set-Up

In Drum Tips, Drummer resources, Drums, General Updates by Ed Francis2 Comments

The Drum Coach from Round Rock Drums, Ed Francis (AKA: The Drummer on the Round Rock), combines his love of life, music and people with a HUGE and generous heart. At no cost to the recipients, Francis tours Round Rock and surrounding areas to share his passion for the arts and drumming. He donates countless hours to elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, juvenile detention facilities, music stores, drum studios, community centers, YMCA’s, daycare centers, and other outlets. He does this with one thing in mind – to spread his passion for music and drumming. I have had the privilege to become his friend over the past year and recently had a chance catch up and ask him to share a drum tip with the readers here at Makedrums.