On 2 & 4

From Ashes, New Promark FireGrain Drum Stick Review

 

What’s in your stick bag?

Today marks the official release of Promark’s new FireGrain drumsticks. It’s not often major changes occur to drumsticks. Aside from modifications to the size or the tip, drumsticks remain relatively the same. Last year, Promark released their Active Grip drum sticks which took your preferred drumstick and coated it in a black grip finish that activated during use to allow the user better grip. 

I had the opportunity to test the new FireGrain sticks before their release. I put them through the test. Both in the practice room and on the stage. 

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Primus Drummer Tim Alexander

Tim Alexander Suffers Second Heard Attack

Last week Tim Alexander from Primus broke the news that he’d recently suffered a second heart attack. News of his recent health scare took me down memory lane and reminded me of how big of an influence Tim has been to rock drummers across the world.

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The Passing of Nick Menza Former Megadeth Drummer

The Passing of Nick Menza

Over the weekend news broke that drummer Nick Menza passed away while performing with his band Ohm at the Baked Potato in California. Menza was most widely known for his contribution to Metal’s power house, Megadeth in the 90’s. Menza’s drumming can be heard on some of Megadeth’s biggest albums including “Rust in Peace,” “Countdown to Extinction,” and “Youthanasia.”

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Gear Review: Cympad Cymbal Washers

A Review of Cympad Cympad Washers

You’ve probably never given any thought to the felt washers that sit on your cymbal stands. It’s ok, neither have I. The extent of my concern typically begins and ends rather quickly. Are they there? Yes, good enough. It wasn’t until this year that the company Cympad was once again brought to my attention. I had seen their products at the NAMM show in years past but never really knew much about they’re products. After all, I didn’t know there was an alternative to traditional felt washers.

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In demand Drummer

Valuable Insight From Jeff Friedl

I had the opportunity to meet one of the busiest, in demand drummers in the music industry. That my friends is Jeff Friedl. Some of his past and present gigs include Puscifer, A Perfect Circle, Ashes Divide, Devo, Eagles of Death Metal, Filter, etc. I was looking forward to meeting Jeff as he has played in some of my favorite bands. It’s not everyday you get the opportunity to gain insight from someone like Jeff.

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The Foo Fighters Split, A Look Back At Dave Grohl

Drumming Legend: Dave Grohl

With rumors circulating about the Foo Fighters disbanding after 20 plus years of existence, fans across the world freaked out! Me included, the first thing I could think about was, what’s next for Dave Grohl? Rumors began circulating after Dave’s performance at this year’s Oscars. A stellar solo performance on guitar, it seemed almost obvious that Dave would go solo right!?

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Why Are you A Drummer?

A Simple Way To Stay Motivated As A Drummer

Not just a superficial question, but one that has deeper meaning. If you can identify why it is you became a drummer, you can use the answer to that question to continue to stay motivated during those times that you don’t feel like practicing or feel like you don’t want to do it at all. Which is fine because

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Get the sticky on Drumtacs

A Drummers Review of Drumtacs

You may have noticed these subtle circular black tacs showing up on drumheads all over the internet. They are spreading like wildfire. What are they and what do they do?! No one likes to be left out, so let’s join the party! They are called Drumtacs, the new drum dampening product on the market. They were designed to control unwanted buzz or overtones on the kit. Similar to other drum dampening products on the market, what is it that Drumtacs brings to the table that the others don’t? Let’s take a look.

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