Jul 9, 2020, 08:00 AM
by
Rhythm Scene Staff
DRUM WORKSHOP
Collector’s Series Timekeeper Snare Drum
Drum Workshop, Inc. (DW) recently announced the official launch of the Collector’s Series “Timekeeper” Snare Drum. Aptly named, the drum is decorated with “Clock and Gear” wood inlays, with 351 individual pieces to be exact. Each piece of exotic and dyed laser-cut material is meticulously hand-inlayed into the 1/36-inch-thick top veneer of a Pure Purpleheart shell.
Resident Woodologist and Drum Designer John Good created the Timekeeper motif as a fitting tribute to the artform. Good explained, “Some of my favorite drummers do just that. They keep time. And they do it in a way that is so admirable. These often-unsung players play for the song. It’s a cliché, but it’s so right on the money. The Timekeeper is in tribute to those players.”
The 11-ply VLT Pure Purpleheart shell is expertly crafted at the DW California Custom Shop and outfitted with a host of professional features including custom True-Hoops with faux leather inlay, True-Tone Snare Wires, MAG Throw-Off System with 3P butt plate, True-Pitch 50 Tuning, DW Heads by Remo, and more. Finished in limited edition Antique Bronze, the 6.5 x 14-inch Santos Rosewood-clad snare is designed to be a playable piece of art.
Good added, “Our goal is to not have this drum solely be a memento; it’s designed to be played. I think Purpleheart is an excellent choice for a workhorse snare, and we see more and more drummers discovering it and being blown away by what it can do.”
The drum is supplied in a Deluxe DW carrying case. To find out more about DW, its artist and products, visit dwdrums.com.
GRETSCH DRUMS
New Full Range Finishes
Gretsch Drums has announced the addition of two new finishes to its line of Full Range drums. The new offerings join the value-price Catalina Series, as well as the more mid-priced Renown lineup.
Gretsch Brand Manager Andrew Shreve comments, “We’re always searching for compelling new finishes, ones that are in keeping with the historic look of Gretsch. We’re very conscious of what Gretsch fans prefer, and we always aim to please.”
Delivering superior versatility and pro-quality sound, Renown drums feature 7-ply Gretsch maple shells, 30-degree bearing edges and exclusive “Silver Sealer” interiors. Satin Antique Blue Burst extends the color palette to five lacquer and two Nitron finishes, with all seven coming in a choice of eight distinct shell pack configurations.
Catalina Club Yellow Satin Flame finish follows the successful Blue Satin Flame option introduced in 2018. The vintage-inspired wrap is one of two, alongside four available satin lacquer finishes. Catalina Club has received world-wide acclaim as the go-to around-town kit due to its build quality, value, reliability warm, punchy tone courtesy of all-mahogany shells with soft, 30-degree bearing edges.
For more information, visit the Gretsch drums website at gretschdrums.com.
LATIN PERCUSSION
Three New Cajons
Latin Percussion introduced three new cajons: the 3D Cube String Cajon, inspired by the artwork of M.C.Escher, the Black Box Wire Cajon with a stunning natural-wood face plate, based on the award-winning Black Box, and the signature USA Woodshop Tony Succar Cajon.
The artist M.C. Escher was the master of illusion, exploring the contrast between the depiction of three-dimensional volume on a two-dimensional surface. The exterior of the new, hand-crafted 3D Cube String Cajon, inspired by this artist, uses solid pieces of dark stained and natural Siam Oak with Indian Lilac wood to create an optical illusion that is both two and three dimensional at the same time. The slightly wider than normal cajon has a huge bottom end, its six angle-mounted strings provide high-end snap and crack, and the Mahogany sound board offers a deep, rich resonance for a multi-dimensional sound. It measures 18 ¼ inches high by 13 ¾ inches wide by 11 ¾ inches deep and is supplied with its own carry bag.
The LP Black Box Wire Cajon is based on LP’s Black Box, winner of Drum! magazine’s Drummies! Award for best cajon. An entry-level cajon, it is constructed with an environmentally responsible eco-board with a birch/poplar soundboard for great sound at an affordable price. The sophisticated matte-black finish gives the cajon a polished appearance, and its rounded edges make it easy to play. Tonally, the drum provides a clear distinction of snare and bass tones that is perfect for any style of music. It measures 19 inches high by 11 inches wide by 10 inches deep.
Percussionist, composer, arranger, bandleader, producer, and Latin Grammy award winner Tony Succar helped design the Peruvian style Woodshop Tony Succar Signature Cajon. Made in LP’s USA Woodshop, the crafted Chilean Pine body breathes with resonance, and the Red Meranti soundboard provides punchy, bright tones with a graphic finish. This drum perfectly embodies Tony’s ability to combine tradition with modern and youthful energy with authentic Peruvian tone. The signature cajon is finished with Tony’s immediately recognizable initials in bright red. It measures 18 ¾ inches high by 13 inches wide by 11 5/8 inches deep.
To find out more, visit lpmusic.com.
TDR
New LoProfile Drum Rack
By combining its unique, patented, curved design and high-quality components with the popularity, set-up consistency, security, and ease of transport long associated with drum racks, the new LoProfile Drum Rack from TDR Manufacturing raises the bar for modern drummers and their drum hardware.
The TDR rack provides all the advantages of conventional drum racks plus the additional benefits of more comfortable drum positioning and a highly-distinctive look. Due to its advanced features, the new rack decreases the need for heavy, bulky floor stands, while its exclusive arch eliminates 90-degree corners that have often required awkward and unnatural drum, cymbal, and accessory placement on racks in the past.
The pro-quality TDR rack is made in the U.S.A. from heavy-gauge, 1.5-inch stainless steel, fits around bass drums up to 26 inches, and accepts standard clamps and arms. It is available factory-direct in a choice of natural, chrome, and black finishes.
For more information, visit tdrmfg.com.