New Studio Drum Sets from Hart Dynamics (5/28/99)

Hart Dynamics has announced their new Studio electronic drum sets, which feature Acupad and Acusnare X electronic drums with Kontrol Screen® drum heads for quiet playing and high triggering accuracy. Also included are new ECymbal X electronic cymbals in splash, chokable crash, hi-hat, and dual trigger ride.

Pintech Introduces Concert Cast ST Pads (5/24/99)

Pintech Electronic Percussion has released their all-new ConcertCast ST Series drum pads with Silentech woven head technology. They are available in single-zone and two-zone versions, and feature aluminum shells, adjustable heads, and a standard L-rod mounting system.

New Site for Roland V-Drum Players (4/13/99)

VDrums.com is a new unofficial site for players and potential buyers of Roland's V-Drums. It contains user patches, specs, reviews, classified ads, a discussion forum, links, and more.

Alesis Now Shipping DM Pro (2/2/99)

After much anticipation Alesis announced at NAMM that they are now shipping the DM Pro, a 20-bit MIDI electronic drum module with 64 drum kits and 64 voice polyphony. The unit is packed with a total of 1,664 sounds, and can be expanded with up to 8MB of ROM or user programmable sounds. It carries a list price of $899.

In Memory of Larry Shamus (12/2/98)

By Jonathan Karow
I received word today (December 1, 1998) that Larry Shamus passed away over this Thanksgiving weekend. Larry is remembered as the innovator of many electronic percussion products and the inventor of the original inverted beater kick trigger pad. Larry's S&S products brought much joy to electronic drummers. His strive to create and continue inventing throughout his illness is a true inspiration. May the best go out to his family and loved ones.

Best Wishes

Two New Kick Triggers from Pintech (9/1/98)

Pintech has two new electronic drum kick triggers. The one-piece aluminum K-3 Ergokik features a compact design that uses an inverted beater to play the trigger. The VK-10 vertikik is an upright unit that is played with a single or double bass pedals.

New SEP Studio/Pro Electronic Drum Pads (9/1/98)

New from SEP, the Studio/Pro Recording Series drum pads are 13" single-zone pads with a rubber neoprene surface.

Roland Introduces V-Drum Travel Case (8/7/98)

For all you V-Drum owners out there, Roland has a new travel case that makes it easier to transport your set. It consists of a soft-shell bag for the rack and a hard-shell case for the drums, module, pedals, and snare stand.

Nashville NAMM '98 News (8/1/98)

There were only a few electronic drum companies at NAMM -- Roland, Yamaha, Alesis, Hart Dynamics, Pintech, and A.D. Speaker Systems. Roland had the new KD-120 kick, and I just got info about a new V-Drum travel case. No news from Yamaha, except for their new bass drum pedals. Alesis will be shipping the DM-Pro in September, with a list price of $899. Hart Dynamics had several new products Series V(five) Acupad and Acusnare mesh trigger pads, ECymball II bronze electronic cymbal, Bullet acoustic drum trigger, and Hart Hammer pole pad. Pintech was showing their new cocktail kit and Nimrod percussion bar. A.D. Speaker Systems (a company I wasn't familiar with) was displaying their Rok Blox -- very affordable block-pad kits.

New Hart Dynamics Electronic Pads, Cymbals, and Triggers (7/31/98)

New from Hart Dynamics: Series V(five) Acupad and Acusnare mesh trigger pads, ECymball II bronze electronic cymbal, Bullet acoustic drum trigger, and Hart Hammer pole style pad.

Roland Introduces New KD-120 V-Kick Trigger (7/17/98)

At the summer NAMM show, Roland announced the newest addition to the popular V-Drum line of electronic drums -- the KD-120 V-kick trigger pad. It features a 12-inch mesh head and has a sturdy four-leg stand.

Pintech Introduces Nimrod 6" Electronic Percussion Bar (7/1/98)

The new Nimrod from Pintech is a 6" electronic percussion bar that is sized to fit anywhere in a drum kit, even between toms. It is the "little brother" of Pintech's popular 12" Dingbat bar, and is part of a full line of electronic percussion triggers.

New SEP Electronic Studio/Pro Cymbal Triggers (6/10/98)

Shafers Electronic Percussion (SEP) introduced a new line of electronic Studio/Pro Cymbal triggers, which are designed to look and feel like real cymbals. The high-impact plastic cymbals can be used with many drum modules, and are available in a range of sizes from 10" to 18". For more information, see the Press Release or the SEP website at http://www.toolcity.net/~smcad/.

Pintech Releases CK-8 Electronic Cocktail Kit! (6/1/98)

Pintech, makers of the popular ConcertCast Professional line and the world famous RS-5 Radial Sensor acoustic drum trigger, has now released the first ever electronic Cocktail/percussion kit dubbed the CK-8. The kit has 8 playing zones consisting of two CC102 dual zone ConcertCast drum pads which resemble shallow acoustic drums or timbales. The CK-8 also consists of one CT-10 trigger cymbal with boom arm, two Sensorac tubular percussion pads for use as cowbells, cymbals, etc. and their popular K-3 kick pad with inverted beater. Though the kit is designed for front stage playing while standing, the K-3 accepts double bass drum pedals for those drummers who wish to use the CK-8 as a sit behind kit weather live, practice, or in the studio. The entire kit complete with custom rack, cables, cable wraps and module mount lists for well under $699.00! Pintech electronic drum kits and accessories are made in the USA and feature an exclusive Lifetime Warranty. For more information see the Press Release or visit the Pintech website at http://www.edrums.com.

Clavia ddrum4 Hi-Hat and Cymbal Pads (6/1/98)

Clavia's new ddrum4 cast cymbals and hi-hats are designed to feel like real cymbals. The ddrum4 cymbal consists of a 10" round metal plate covered by a thin layer of rubber (to dampen the sound). It offers both a bell and a ride using ddrum's intellegent brain and "multi-sample technology" where multiple samples which can be stored as one sound. It is completely chokeable, either with your hand or your drumstick.

The hi-hat, along with an updated interface in the ddrum4 brain, allows continuous three-way action (foot, open and closed). The hi-hat is also rubber-coated metal, and mounts onto any standard hi-hat stand. For more information on these and other ddrum products, see the ddrum website at http://www.ddrum.com/ or contact their US distributer at Armadillo Enterprises.

New Releases From Wernick Musical Instruments

The new Wernick Notepads and KikNotepads are hand built electronic drum pads with a rectangular silicon rubber playing surface. The Notepads are available in various colors including Black, White, Day-Glo Pink, Day-Glo Green, Day-Glo Yellow, Orange, Dark Green, and Powder Blue. The Notepad fits on to standard drum hardware via a standard 7/8" clamp. Multiple pads can be mounted on the optional Notepad Frames. They can also be arranged and played as a percussion palette style instrument. The Notepad can be played with sticks or hands and gives feel of acoustic playing without having to appreciably alter your playing style.

The KikNotepad is the electronic kick drum version or the Notepad. It is fitted with 8mm spiked screws that have rubber covers to protect hard wood floors. For extra piece of mind the chrome weights add two extra kilograms to the KikNotepad making it even more stable. The KikNotepads silicone playing surface is large enough to accept both single and double bass drum pedals. Look for a future EDW product review on these fine Wernick products!!! Visit the new Wernick web site at: http://www.webleicester.co.uk/customer/wernick.

New Kurzweil/Dauz Electronic Drum Kit (Update 2/16/98)

I talked with Dan Dauz of Dauz Drums today and this is what he had to say about the new Kurzweil/Dauz drum system. Kurzweil in conjunction with Dauz drums has introduced a new electronic drum kit. Kurzweil's Electronic Percussion System is said to be similar to the Roland TD and Yamaha DTX lines. It has been stated that the kit consists of all new Dauz CFR Dual Zone all natural gum rubber pads, fold down kick, high hat Controller, and Kurzweil midi to trigger Interface. Also included is powder coated hardware and rack, including the kick and high hat. The Interface isn't quite finished with the software, but it has 16 trigger inputs, 2 midi ins, 2 midi outs and is a single space rackmount unit. The pads and pedals should work with all of the existing trigger to MIDI conversion modules that are currently available from Roland, Yamaha and Alesis. (None of the Alesis units are currently accept a stereo trigger inputs). If you are unaware of Kurzweil, they have been making top end keyboards and MIDI software/hardware products for years! Kurzweil showed at NAMM 1998 the Kurzweil Percussion System. A 9 piece electronic pad system comprised of 3 KP8-2 pads (8 inch dual zone trigger), 4 KP8-1 pads (8 inch single zone trigger), 1 KHP high hat pedal, 1 KPB kick assembly and pedal and 1 KMS mounting rack with clamps and cords. The Kurzweil Percussion System should be available by April, though Kurzweil's trigger to MIDI controller however will be many more months in development.

I will keep you informed of future updates.

Alesis new DM Pro Expandable 20 Bit Drum Module

The DM Pro Expandable 20 Bit Drum Module is a totally new module for Alesis that features 64 voice polyphony, a large drum and percussion library that includes 1024 sounds, and open-ended expandability that lets you bring in new sounds whenever you need them. Drummers can create and store up to 32 drum kits, and each kit can contain up to 64 different drum sounds. The DM Pro has 16 trigger inputs for drummers using electronic pads or triggering from acoustic drums, and provides six independent audio outputs. The DM Pro has a customizable onboard multieffects processor that uses the same technology as their top of the line multieffects device, the Q20. Its expansion slot lets you pull in new sounds anytime you need them. Also, the DM Pro's stereo audio inputs on RCA connectors allow external audio sources, like CD Players or tape decks, to be routed through an audio system so drummers can practice along with recorded music. For more information visit Alesis web site at: http://www.alesis.com/alesis/spotlight/drums/dmpro.html.

New Ddrum4 Product Line and FREE Samples from Clavia

Clavia proudly presents their new line of electronic drums. The ddrum4 is a new type of electronic drum system based upon a newly designed percussion module and a completely re-designed pad system called The Cast Precision Series. The new and more affordable ddrum4 system offers a large sound capacity, a vast collection of playback features and a new pad concept.

The compact design with tunable acoustic heads and cast aluminum shells on the new Cast Precision Pads provides a "real feel". The "Cast Aluminum Series" comes in two different models: Cast Precision Pads and Cast Acoustic Pads.

The ddrum4 comes out of the box with more than 500 different samples that can be easily changed with a special algorithm for up to 8 variations of each instrument. As a ddrum4 owner you will have access to ddrum's sound library. This enables you to connect your ddrum4 to a "Net" connected computer and download new samples from Clavia's Web site (http://www.clavia.se) into your ddrum4 unit, via MIDI, 24 hours a day - free of charge! For more information on Ddrum and Clavia products and the Clavia Sound Library, please visit the Ddrum web site http://www.armadilloent.com/ddrum.html.

Drum Tech Releases new Kick Pad

The new Kick Pad is designed for use with a conventional bass drum pedal. Built on the same design as their popular Flat Pads with a modified playing surface and a beefed up sensor assembly. The dual output jacks allow chaining to another Kick Pad for double-bass while it's 10" diameter also accommodates double-bass pedals. The Kick Pad also collapses for easy transport. The entire Drum Tech line is well designed with road worthy construction, appealing feel, and reasonable pricing. Retail for the Kick Pad is $229.00.

If a beaterless, self contained portable trigger pedal will fit your application, Drum Tech's popular FAT Pedal may be for you. The FAT Pedal has a large dynamic range, with great sensitivity, and a smooth and responsive feel. The dual jacks allow two Fat or HAT Pedal's to be coupled together for double bass setups while the durable, aircraft grade aluminum hinge allows for smooth, quiet operation. Be sure to look at the Drum Tech web site for information on the Kick Pad, FAT, HAT, and their new dual zone Flat Pads. For more information visit the Drum Tech web site http://www.drumtech.com/index.html or write to Drum Tech 9018 Balboa Blvd. #107 Northridge, CA 91325.

Hart Dynamics releases new Acusnare

Hart Dynamics has released their new Acusnare which is based on a chrome plated steel piccolo snare using the same technology as their popular Acupads. The Acusnare is compatible with all popular MIDI controllers and multi zone capabilities are possible when using modules such as the Ddrum and Roland TD10. The Acusnare V (series five) comes with a "Silencer" mesh head and replaceable rubber "Rim Trim". The Acusnares use popular 7/8" (Pearl style) tom mounts as do the Acupad I and Acupad II. The Acusnare retails for $329.00. Fore more information on these and the many other Hart Dynamics products, please visit the Hart Dynamics web site http://www.hartdynamics.com/ or call: Toll Free 1-800-769-5335.

Yamaha's new Bar Pad, Cymbal Bell Pad, and DTX Video Offer

Yamaha has released the new PCY 10 cymbal bell pad and BP80 dual zone bar pad to complement their popular DTX drum systems or your own custom setup. The cymbal bell pad features a quiet rubber surface and mounts on a cymbal tilter for realistic cymbal bell play. The PCY10 will work well with their popular PCY80 and PCY80S cymbal pads or as a stand alone trigger for use as a splash cymbal or such. A mono cable and tilter are included. With two independently assignable rubber playing surfaces, the bar pad features a tubular design and connects with a stereo cable, which is included. It is constructed of durable black plastic and can also be used as a increment/decrement switch when plugged into the foot switch input on the DTX module.

Yamaha is offering a DTX Video Manual on their web site for only $15.00. It is contained on two 90-minute tapes, and includes step-by-step instructions on basic DTX functions, advanced programming techniques, as well as performances and explanations. This thorough video would be helpful to any electronic drummer. Visit the Yamaha Corporation of America web site for more product information and the currant address for ordering your DTX Video Manual box set. http://www.yamaha.com.

S&S shows off new products at Winter NAMM 1998

S&S Industries had a corporate booth at the Winter NAMM show in LA California. On display was the new Spitfire EX trigger-to-MIDI expander module. Features were 10 inputs including two that support Roland and Yamaha style pads with cymbal choking and rim shot sounds, 20 user drum kits, and 10 pad types for ease of set up. They hope to be shipping by Spring 98'. Retail will be $199.99. S&S also plans on releasing their new 10.5" rubber surface pad, the Scorpion SR-1. The SR-1 pads featured two playing zones plus a Roland type rim capable switch. $149.99 Retail. You can get more information on these and other electronic percussion products at the GMDI web site. http://gmdi.home.mindspring.com/

KAT Releases the new drumKAT Turbo 4.0 Controller

The drumKAT Turbo 4.0 is based on their popular drumKAT 3.5 design. Alternate Mode has taught its old KAT new tricks. As the name "Turbo" implies, the 4.0 version is one fast KAT! Its upgraded features include more kits, up to three pads can be linked, and bank program, tempo, kit, and volume can be changed with one pad. For more information on the drumKAT and other KAT/Alternate Mode products, visit the KAT web site http://www.emu.com/emu/KAT/KAT.html or call Alternate Mode Customer Service: tel.413-594-7466

Roland V-Drums, TD-10 Module and FREE video offer

In case you are new to electronic drumming or have been asleep for a few months, the Roland V-Drum kit and TD-10 module have been the center of many high end electronic percussion discussions. The V-Pro Kit combines Roland's V-drums TD-10 Percussion Sound Module, new PD-100 and PD-120 "V-pads" and a full line of dual-trigger pads, kick-drum and hi-hat controls, and all the necessary connecting hardware. The new kit features mesh drum heads with rubber-coated rim electronic percussion pads that allow for playing with sticks or brushes. Dual trigger outputs provide for separate head and rim triggering (PD-120 only). Pad look and feel more closely resembles acoustic drums. Available in 10-inch and 12-inch diameters (PD-100, PD-120). For more information on Roland products, visit the Roland web site. Complete the information form on the V-Drums Registration area to receive a FREE V-drums demo video while offer and supplies last. http://www.rolandus.com/products/MI/drumform.html. Or contact Roland Corporation U.S. 7200 Dominion Circle Los Angeles, CA 90040-3696.

Zendrum

Zendrum is an Atlanta, GA based company that offers a different approach to percussion MIDI controllers. The Zendrum gives modern drummers a new way to create rhythm and sound by applying the finger-oriented touch sensitive playing techniques of other musical instruments to an instrument that is drummer friendly and lets the drummer come out front to jam with the other standing musicians. The Zendrums are available in different pad configurations and your choice of either various colored, durable plastic bodies or even exotic woods. Contact Zendrum to receive ordering information on the "Zendrum training video manual" at: Toll Free 1-888-Zendrum and visit their web site for more information on their unique products http://www.zendrumcorp.com/. Zendrum Corporation 2299 Peachtree Road Atlanta, GA 30309 USA.

Alex Acuna performs with Yamaha's '98 NAMM product Releases

Yamaha premiered its new DTK5L Electronic Latin Kit at the 1998 Winter NAMM show in LA as well as the DTK4E Expansion Kit. Alex Acuna performed on the new DTK5L Latin Kit that features a compact rack system ideal for standing percussionists. The package includes a free-standing rack, two drum pads, one cymbal pad and two new bar pads. Six new Latin drum kit programs have been added to the DTX 2.0 sound module.

Yamaha states that "the DTK4E Expansion Kit provides acoustic drummers with the added flexibility of having electronic sounds at their fingertips. A compact rack attaches directly to either a high-hat or cymbal stand, and can be positioned for the drummers convenience. Two drum pads and two new bar pads allow drummers to trigger various percussion sounds and eliminate the need for many cumbersome acoustic devices. Four new auxiliary percussion kits have been programmed into the DTX sound module". Delivery of the system is expected late Winter 1998. For more information on the Yamaha DTK5L or the DTK4E or other Yamaha products, please visit the Yamaha web site or write Yamaha Corporation of America, Pro Audio & Combo Division, Drum Department, P.O. Box 6600 Buena Park, CA 90620-6600; call (714) 522-9011; or visit the Yamaha World Wide Web site at http://www.yamaha.com. If you need more information about Yamaha products or services, or have comments and suggestions please e-mail to: InfoStation@yamaha.com.