In the MIJ world there is a tendency to lump all the drums together. Some of it is from the old myths of them being made in the same factory or a shared factory, but in reality the connections between companies was very small, even the smallest common screw seem to be a little different. This even extends to the wraps, where similar, but not the same, seems to be the rule.
Read moreRick Drumm: Remembering Tony Williams
Between 1969 and 1971 my teacher Ed Shaughnessy introduced me to the music of drummer Tony Williams.
Read moreRaising The Bar
my life, apparently. It turned out to be a lick that I’ve been using for years. Useful, but hardly life changing ... and after such a great build-up.
Read moreSlingerland NOB Broadcaster and NOB Radio King
These two drums came from my good friend and fellow collector Mark Cooper. Mark passed away last year and I miss his friendship, sense of humor and the great drum deals that we did over the last 15+ years. I was able to get some great snare drums from Mark. Rest in peace my friend.
Read more10+ Years Waiting, 100+ Years in the Making, 1923 Harry Bower Snare
The drum is only one of two (one is in the drum museum in the Midwest) known in this style, and even these two are both different.
Read more100 Year Old Snare Drum Reclaims It’s Rightful Heritage!
I had purchased a 1920’s Ludwig & Ludwig White Enamel Professional model 5X14 snare drum from a US seller several months previous. From the photos provided before the time of sale, I knew this drum had seen better days
Read moreSonor announces 150th Anniversary Signature and Sonorlite drum sets
150 years of SONOR craftsmanship and innovation. To celebrate this milestone, we proudly present the 150th Anniversary SIGNATURE and SONORLITE Shell Sets
Read moreMystery Drum
I wonder if you can review the attached pictures. I will be sending a second email with more. I have a 26" Bass, 13, 14, and 16 toms and snare. I am trying to confirm the vintage and, in the case of the 13" small tom, determine if it is really a Radio King drum.
Read moreThe Tama King-Beat Bass Drum Pedal
The King-Beat was one of the most heavy-dutiest of any pedal made by anyone. This became their flagship pedal up through 1983
Read more1928- Slingerland Rainbow Sprinkles Tone Flange Artist model snare
The most interesting part of this drum is the uncatalogued finish that I call “Rainbow Sprinkles”. It looks like a “coral” enamel base with multi-colored specks on top. I have never seen or heard of another Slingerland drum with this finish.
Read moreFrom editor George Lawrence
Not a lot of articles this month. I suspect some of the writers are still shoveling snow off their driveways, BUT, there are some great ones. Especially Ed Tucker’s review of the first snare drums released by the new Slingerland company! An exclusive for NSMD.
Read moreEdward Tucker’s Catalog Corner, 1936 Slingerland Drums
This 1936 Slingerland catalog also has some of the most glorious color palettes of drum sets ever displayed between its pages. The center fold out is spectacular as well, showing the finest available drum finishes in all their grandeur.
Read moreHow important are sticking patterns?
So, if one sticking pattern is so amazingly useful, why bother to learn more? Well the key word here is ‘learn’. There are some stickings that we want to commit to memory as solidly as we can. These are the workhorse stickings. They're the sounds and patterns we rely on day to day. Then there are stickings that are meant only as exercises
Read moreMike Clark: Words of Wisdom Chapter 30
“I’m tired of drumming, I was thinking about becoming a ship’s captain but I’m not stern enough.”
Read moreAnd now for something completely different!
We all need something to make us smile, and I can practically guarantee the following will provoke a smile—perhaps even a chuckle. It's an unusual and amusing photo of the best drum student I ever had.
Read moreReview: New Slingerlands! 2025 Limited Edition Oxnard Era Radio King Snares
I was privileged enough to receive two very special Limited Edition Radio King first serial number 1s of 50 of the 5“ x 14“ vintage black and gold lacquer and the 7” x 14” black diamond pearl wrap snare drums. -Ed Tucker
Read moreStar/Tama Pearl Fantasia Snare Drum
Some of the most attractive things about the vintage Japanese drums were the great wraps. One of the most original and desirable wraps is Star’s Pearl Fantasia.
Read moreEdward Tucker's Catalog Corner; 100 Years In The Making
I purchased one catalog cover of three for sale by accident thinking it was a whole catalog for only a couple dollars. Then a lightbulb went off - I’ll make a framed piece of artwork!
Read moreMore Five Minute Drum Set Lessons with George Lawrence
Here’s the playlist of the eight videos that are on YouTube so far. I have eight more in the can that will be uploaded soon. Enjoy!
Read moreFrom Editor George Lawrence
I hope you all had a good holiday and didn’t get switches and ashes in your stockings! There are some great articles in this issue. Jim
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