Category — Snares

Ludwig drums have announced new centennial maple drums, which are the first product being linked to the company’s 100th anniversary in 2009.

“The Ludwig Centennial Series fuses the need for reliable gear with the desire for perfect drum tone in one exceptional package. Expandable to fit the needs of any playing style, Centennial Series Drums are Ludwig’s answer to the battle-cry of the mobile percussionist.”

“The Centennial Series Drums start with 6-ply (toms and floor toms) and 8-ply (snare and bass drums) North American Maple shells. Augmented with Ludwig’s new Classic Micro-Lug, Vibra-band mounting system on toms, and 2.3mm drum hoops, Centennial Series presents the road-worthy player with new ways to expand their spectrum of tone. Centennial’s three “Core” shell packs each come standard with a bass drum (20″, 22″, or 24″, each with a 20″ depth for added low and punch), a 12″ rack tom, 16″ floor tom, and snare drum.”

The kit (pictured above), looks absolutely beautiful to play and I’m curious to see what the reviews will be like. I’ve personally always loved Ludwig’s, as a 1967 Ludwig Blue Sparkle kit (with Supraphonic Snare) was the first I ever played on.

For more information go here.

Due to popular demand, Gretsch has released a series of Purewood Rosewood snare drums.

“Three new Rosewood snares have been added to Gretsch’s Full Range Snare lineup. Each 9-ply, 100% Rosewood snare drum features 30-degree bearing edges, die cast hoops, 10-lugs (20-lugs on 8 x 14) and 20-strand snares. Adjustable throw-off and Evans G1 batter side with Evans clear snare side heads included.”

These are serious snares, very high quality. So if you’re planning on buying one check out the prices first…

S-514-RW 5.5 x 14 Renown Purewood Rosewood Snare Drum $770
S-6514-RW 6.5 x 14 Renown Purewood Rosewood Snare Drum $845
S-8014-RW 8 x 14 Renown Purewood Rosewood Snare Drum $925

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Pearl Drums is introducing a new drum kit, with new maple shells.

“Our Masters Series MCX 6-ply Maple shell has set the standard for great sound and craftsmanship for years and can be heard on countless recordings by the world’s most legendary drummers.”

“NEW for 2008, MCX 4-piece shell packs can be purchased at an average street price of just $1,500 dollars ($2,499.00 List) in your choice of 5 NEW configurations.”

“The heart and soul of MCX is the 6-ply 7.5mm shell, made from hand-selected choice Maple using our Superior Shell Technology. This offers the smooth round tone you would expect from Maple with even highs and mid range frequencies, coupled with pronounced low-end punch. The 7.5mm shell thickness provides a super wide tuning range; increased resonance and projection all of which allows your sound to be felt as much as heard.”

This drum set looks like a great intermediary step between Pearl’s lower budget models and their higher-end professional kits.  It is great that matching Pearl MCX snare drums are available as well. The tuning range of this kit is also a major plus, in my opinion, for drummers who like to experiment and/or tune to specific pitches.

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To celebrate Gretch’s 125th anniversary the company is teaming with Guitar Center to release the “Gretsch Vintage USA Maple Limited Edition Snare Drum”. The snare’s were selected from 300 original Vintage USA Jasper shells recently found in an amazing discovery at the Gretsch factory in Ridgeland, South Carolina. Only 125 of the drums have been made and will be available for sale worldwide.

In my opinion these drums look really cool. This is definitely a chance for any gear-heads to own a vintage made Gretsch snare drum thats also new! These would be great, especially if you want to get that warm vintage tone everyone always talks about. The price also isn’t bad at $599.99 considering what you’re getting. I personally won’t be getting one just because I’m going to be getting a nice double bass pedal soon, but if you are getting one I’d hurry there’s only 125!

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