Truth had some great drums at their booth. They just released a Matt Greiner signature production model kit that sounds phenomenal! If your interested in hearing what Truth Drums sound like you can check out their new site  that provides high quality audio samples of truth drums.

You can also keep up with Truth by following them on Twitter: @truthcstmdrums

1. Check out the putting green on the side of that snare drum!

2. Adding a 15″ maple ring in between the tube lugs adds a very interesting look.

3. Beautiful Lime Green sparkle with a very inventive X design!

4. This snare looks somewhat like a normal metal snare wrapped in the middle, but if I remember correctly, Geoff told me they were 2 snare shells cut and put together with a middle shell of maple.

5. Coach hand bag snare drum? I wonder if this is a real Coach print!?

6. This is a hybrid kit. Maple with acrylic pinstripes! Genius. Nice detail on wrapping the suspension mount!

7. Here is the complete drum set.

I hope you are inspired by these incredible drums!

What drum stands out to you the most?

Let everyone know by leaving a comment!

I had the honor to meet Mike Ciprari from SJC Custom drums at Winter NAMM this year.

SJC Custom Drums have always been a drum company that I look to for inspiration. They design some of the most innovative custom drums on the market these days. I’ve been following them ever since I started building drums in 2006. Each year they seem to up the ante. This year was no different. They are great about posting interesting pictures on Twitter. You might want to follow them.

Here is a quick video from the SJC Booth at NAMM.

I don’t know much about the exact specs of these drums, so if anyone does, feel free to leave a comment. My commentary on the drums may not correct or give much more input than the picture itself.

SJC Custom Drum Pictures from NAMM 2012

1. This snare drum really stood out to me. I have never seen a stitched wrap design on a snare. It looks like it was actually hand stitched by someone!

2. Another really interesting and unique inlay/wrap design.

3. This snare requires 2 pictures. Someone on the Makedrums Facebook page called this snare “The Mother Of all Snares”. It kinda does look like a pregnant snare.

4. This is a really interesting drum. I’m not sure what to say about it! I don’t know if there is a special reason for the internal air venting. I sure would love to know!

5.  This drum set was the focal point of the SJC booth. You see can all the incredible details in the pictures, and the drum heads light up!

6. Barber Shop Pole Stripe Sailor Theme Snare Drum – I’ve never seen anything like this. Great Idea to put rope in the hoop!

7. Hybrid Snare with frosted acrylic. This is so detailed and intricate, I wouldn’t know where to begin building something like this.

As you can see, SJC Drums make some amazing stuff. Let their work inspire you to create better drums!

What is your favorite design out of all the drums on this page? Leave a comment and let us know!

I just returned from a 4 day trip to Orange County/Anaheim California and I have a ton of good stuff for you. I’ll be adding blogs pretty frequently in the next week so stay tuned for that. NAMM might have just changed my life.

I went with 2 of my drumming brother’s from Austin – Chuck and Mike!

Philip, Chuck, Mike

Both of these guys are amazing drummers and great friends. We had an incredible time drooling over new drum gear, stalking our favorite drummers, and living it up at NAMM!

I got to meet some of my favorite custom drum builders including:

• Bill and Jake Cardwell of C&C Drums
• Mike Ciprari of SJC Custom Drums
• JR Frondelli of Frondelli Drums
• Truth Custom Drums
• Craviotto Drum Company
• Joyful Noise Drum Company
• Brady Drums
• Eric Soy From Dynamicx Drums, Drum Foundry, and Black Swamp Percussion

And of course I saw lots and lots of drumming legends, and was able to snag some photos with them!

While I’m working on some of the blog updates, I would highly suggest that you “Like” the Makedrums.com Facebook page, and also subscribe to my Youtube Channel. I have already put lots of pictures and videos on both of those pages!

Check back tomorrow for some more NAMM related content!

What was your favorite drum booth at the 2012 NAMM show? Leave a comment and join the conversation!

Every time I get pictures in an email from someone who has used my eBook as a guide to build their very own custom drums I feel like I was able to make a difference in someone’s life. Today I got some amazing pictures of drums that Niklas Kilenstam built. I highly suggest you check out his custom drum company K-Drums and his band called  The Men. Let these pictures inspire you as you think about building your own custom drums!

Thanks Niklas for sending in these amazing, inspirational drum pictures!

What is your favorite drum/set out of all these pictures? Respond by leaving a comment!

I recently had a chance to talk with Ed Francis aka “The Drummer on the Round Rock” to ask him to share some of his drumming wisdom with the community here at Makedrums. Ed shared some really incredible insights on attaining your goals as a drummer, but don’t be fooled! These tips can help you achieve goals in all areas of your life – not just drumming!

MD: Could you share specific examples – some “drum nuggets” of wisdom – that you have held on to, and have seen as instrumental in helping you achieve your personal drumming goals?

Francis: Humility is always a good place to start. When I first began playing [the drums] I knew that I didn’t know it all and I wanted to learn as much as I could about drumming. And I continue to remind myself of that way of thinking – that I still don’t know it all.

MD: A sense of knowing your own limitations has helped you…what else?

Francis: Let me try to create a list of things…

I don’t consider there to be any “hard and fast rules” to drumming success. Everyone’s path will be different. These are merely some examples of what I have done, and ways of thinking, which have assisted me well with my drumming career. I‘m sure there are a few missing that are helpful, but here it goes:

• Practice.

It’s amazing how much more someone will listen to you if you are already doing what it is you are asking of them – and this is most certainly true for teachers. Whether we’re playing for a band, teaching or giving drum clinics, people will first take notice if we’ve put in the required time and effort. As a friend of mine used to say, “the proof is in the pudding.”

The level of consistency we put into practicing our craft is a reflection of its importance in our lives.

•  No matter what I needed to do for a “real job,” I’ve always had drumming as part of my life.

I’ve bumped into many people over the years who have said “I wish I could do (insert passion here), but I just don’t have the time.” They made many excuses for their inability to make their wish a priority. I never understood this way of thinking. While growing up as a young adult I held on to my dream of being a drummer and practiced, played and performed as much as I could around my work schedule.

We make time for the things that are really significant to us.

• Find out what is most important to you.

When it comes to drums there are so many areas of interest. Are you a novice seeking to increase your drumming abilities? Do you have a level of competency on your instrument and looking to develop a stronger presence in the community? What is it that you hope to accomplish with your musicianship? Answer these questions and you will begin to understand what it is that you want to accomplish.

Knowing who you are – and what is most important to you – will help you to reach your goals.

• Do not let anyone else (including me) dictate the terms of what is most important to you.

There are so many distractions out there! People trying to tell us what’s most important. Others trying to sell you things or concepts which are truly not necessary for what it is that you see as most valuable. Knowing yourself and feeling confident about what it is you are doing will aid in your ability to distinguish what is beneficial from what is a drain to your efforts.

Be your own drummer!

• Stay focused on your goals – but be willing to look around.

Once you get a feel for who you are as a drummer, and what you wish to accomplish, it’s always a great idea to look around at what other successful people are doing in the areas which are most important to you. I like to be inspired by those around me who are great at what they do – and this includes my students. Some of the very best ideas and influences may very well come from unexpected sources.

Take the “blinders” off and be sure to learn from others.

• Just because something is good to do doesn’t mean it’s beneficial.

I can’t begin to tell you the number of missed opportunities I’m glad that I missed! We’ve had shows fall into our lap (last minute) – huge media events on big stages with lots of free media coverage – where it practically killed me to decline. When not prepared, it’s far better to miss a great opportunity than to seize that same opportunity only to gain an unfavorable impression in the community.

Making a strong first impression is always the best thing.

• A good name is better than being “right.”

There have been a few situations where people neglected to pay for services I have provided. In the past I sought to collect on these past due amounts only to walk away with the money and the potential for a not-so-flattering story to be told. I’ve learned that I actually make more money by not worrying about a few small payments.

It doesn’t feel good to lose money, but gaining a great reputation is worth much more than any amount of money.

• Be confident with your ability to fulfill what you promise.

Ask yourself: “Is what I say I can do actually what I am capable of providing?” I try to balance my advertising to accurately match what it is that I’m able to accomplish. There is something to be said about doing what you said you can do. People respect that and will highly recommend you to others.

People are always going to gossip – give them something great to gossip about!

• Always have something nice to say, or say nothing at all (at least keep it constructive).

Be careful what you say. People are connected now more that ever before. Our relationships with others may very well be the bridge that allows us to capitalize on future business. And – to be honest – it’s just common courtesy to be nice to others.

If your heart and mouth are in alignment with your passion – and you care about the people you are working for – the money will eventually follow.

• Care about what you are doing and who you are doing it for.

People are smart. They know if you are invested in them or not. Get to know your band-mates, students (their parents), club owners, music store owners, (etc…), and truly seek to add value through what you do with your drumming. It’s about relationships not money.

Investing yourself into the lives of others is investing into yourself.

• Whatever you do – give it your ALL.

Whenever performing (a small daycare facility with only 20 little kids or a huge stadium filled with 5,000 adults) I put my heart and soul into that moment of performance. This is also true for any projects connected to my drum business. Remember, what you do in that brief moment may be the one thing where people base their entire opinion of who you are and your abilities. Always provide your very best at everything you do.

No matter how big or small give it your all.

MD: We always enjoy a chance to hear from you. Would you like to add anything else?

Francis: Thank you for providing this platform. I think what Makedrums.com is doing for the drumming community is great. And a HUGE thank you to all my family, friends and students who have helped to make my drumming career a reality.

MD: We look forward to hearing from you again.

You may find out more about Ed Francis and Round Rock Drums at: www.roundrockdrums.com

P.S. – Check out this awesome drum solo from ED!!!

 What are some of your drumming goals for the year 2012? What do you think of Ed’s solo?  Leave a comment here!

It’s been amazing year for Makedrums.com and I wanted to recap some of the most visited blog posts and pages of the site for the year 2011. If you are brand new to the site, this is a great place to start! Enjoy, and please join in the conversations and leave some feedback in the comments area! HERE’S to an even better 2012!

Makedrums.com Top Posts of 2011 (according to Google Analytics)

Mike Michalkow’s Drumming System Review

Disclosure: Since I spent a LOT of time reviewing Mike Michalkow’s Drumming System, I would appreciate your support in buying lessons through a link on this page. You won’t pay a cent more, but I’ll receive a commission for my time writing this in-depth review, which helps fund this website (and my drum building obsession!). Thanks!

Check out my experience in a Video Blog:

Overview:

• 20 DVDS
• 15 Play Along CDS
• 5 Work Books
• This system is the culmination of 21 months of research and planning by Mike and the Railroad Media.
• Their goal “Create a truly revolutionary system that will teach absolutely anybody how to master the drums. Use cutting-edge technology to simplify the process into step-by-step lessons that make learning fun and easy. The content should be comprehensive, but flexible enough that the student can pick and choose exactly what they want to learn at any time.”

My Notes on The Mike Michalkow’s Drumming System: DVD 1

• When you practice something new you have to be patient.
• If you can’t get it today, put it down and come back to it tomorrow.
• On Setting up your drum set; there is no “right” way, you have to be comfortable.
• I love that Mike talks about the way you set up your drums, and your posture when playing drums. This is an important part of drumming, especially if you want to save your back in the long run!
• Stick grip technique: Matched grip – this is exactly the way I was taught…what the heck is Germanic grip, French Grip, and American Grip? Guess I better watch the rest of the dvd!
• Mike explains how to get different sounds out of your bass drum and hi-hat by using different striking techniques…this is pretty in depth stuff that most drummers may already do, but don’t know how to explain what they are doing.
• So far the first 1/4 of the 1st DVD has been about the equivelant to 2 beginner drum lessons. Extremely basic drum playing information, perfect for someone just starting to play drums.
• The DVD Package comes with 5 work books that are to be used with the DVD. This is extremely helpful for teaching drum patterns and learning how to read music all at the same time.
• I love that Mike actually teaches you 22 easy drum beats BEFORE he starts explaining drum notation and theory. For the beginning drummer, you just wanna rock and he allows you to do just that!
• THANK YOU for talking about the importance of using a metronome! – You are a drummer, you keep time, a metronome is a  no brainer!
• You should expect to pay any where from $100-$200 for a good metronome. Don’t buy a cheap one. You’ll need it to have a head phone jack. Mike uses a Boss Dr. Rhythm.
• By the end of the first DVD you should be able to play along with a few of the included play along songs!
• The credits are proof that you’ll be able to play to the play along songs – As the credits scroll you see each person involved in the making of this DVD playing the drum beats they learned from the first DVD! Including video editors, graphic designers, executive producers and more!

Check out the trailer for the Drumming System by clicking the image below!

Other Drumming System Highlights:

• I never have had a very clear understanding of rudiments, and the rudiment section is one of my favorites so far. Clear explanations of each rudiment and the work book to show me the notation and sticking has been incredible for me to easily understand these rudiments.
• Rudiments are amazing. Why has it taken me 16 years to realize this!???
• The 7 stroke roll….that’s when it starts getting hard for me. My left hand hates me.
• Double Paradiddle – Has a triplet feel, and its played by adding an extra “Para”
• Triple Paradiddle – Triple the “Para”
• My mind is blow by all of these rudiments. Very in depth stuff!
• The Triple Ratamacue actually is so hard after all!
• I am a sucker for learning how to play Latin and afro-cuban beats…and this is like a one on one lesson with Mike. I love this.
• Although this isn’t as in depth as Mike’s Latin Drumming System DVD, he basically teaches you how to play and be versilatle in a Lain drumming situation.

Conclusion:

Overall, I’m very impressed with this package of Drum Lessons. Mike has been teaching drums for over 20 years, and his Drumming System is the culmination of years of gigging, teaching and being taught. I have confidence that even non-drummer could become a GREAT drummer if they were to systematically practice exactly what Mike teaches in these lessons. I will definitely be re-watching parts of these DVDs from time to time.

If you want to become a drummer, or become an even better drummer, I highly recommend getting Mike Michalkow’s Drumming System!

Click here to learn more about the Drumming System!

What are you thoughts on Mike’s Drumming System after hearing my review? Leave a comment to join the conversation!

Disclosure: Since I spent a LOT of time reviewing The Cobus Method, I would appreciate your support in buying lessons through a link on this page. You won’t pay a cent more, but I’ll receive a commission for my time writing this in-depth review, which helps fund this website (and my drum building obsession!). Thanks!

Cobus  Potgieter (don’t worry, I can’t pronounce it either) came upon the drumming scene in 2006 when he posted his first Youtube video drum cover of “Pop” by  N’sync. This video quickly became a top viewed video on Youtube and now has over 3 million plays.

I recently got my hands on his new DVD instructional package called The Cobus Method, my first impressions from just opening the package are:

1. There are 15 DVD’s and 5 CD’s!!! That’s soo much content!
2. I wonder how long it will take me to watch all of these DVD’s… hehe.

Here is my experience in a Video blog:

My notes from watching The Cobus Method -

• Cobus’s use of the word “redonk-ulous” is pretty hilarious. EDIT: Cobus has lots of interesting/funny sounding words he likes to use. Crazy South-Africans.
• The way Cobus explains theory is incredibly simple, I’ve been playing drums for 16 years and felt like his explanation of time signatures,  and note values was easier for me to understand than ever before.
• This dude is totally self taught, and really good.
• The Cobus Method really is a method. Cobus has a specific way of learning drum songs, and a specific way of teaching them, and he is very well spoken and knows what he is talking about.
• Similar to my post about how to chart out drum music, Cobus likes to understand the structure of a song
• Appetizer, Drink Pairing, Main Course, Pudding, Cup of Coffee, Chef Fishing for Compliments, Breathe Mint – Really great analogies that Cobus uses to describe song structure.
• The way Cobus explains how to listen to other instruments for melodic cues during a song is right on.
• Yuca sounds like a band I might like.
• As long as you get the feel of the song you don’t necessarily have to play ever fill verbatim.
• It’s pretty cool watching Cobus learn a song and play through perfectly 10 minutes later.
• The Udrum kit that Cobus plays in the videos sound really good, as well as his TRX cymbals.
• The “Grid” is a great way to explain creating drum beats and fills, and extremely easy to understand.
• “Writing a drum beat is a creative process, and creative processes are ALWAYS subjective. It is art. There are no rules to creating art. You may love your drum beat, but again, your emotions toward your drum beat are totally subjective. Your bass player may hate your kick pattern. Don’t get too attached to your beat because creating a song is a collabrative process.” – Cobus, paraphrased
• These words of wisdom from Cobus about writing with a band will save you lots of time and heart ache. Leave you ego at home, serve the song.
• One of my favorite parts so far: Cobus sharing some of his “signature beats”.
• Getting to see a band writing session with Cobus and the other musicians playing off of each other and collaborating is inspiring, and really shows how a drummer should approach writing with a band.
• The “Herta” is an awesome hybrid rudiment to throw into fills.
• I might have a new favorite part of the DVD’s: Cobus sharing and explaining some of his “signature fills”. He uses lots of these in his Youtube videos. I actually played one of Cobus’s signature fills without even knowing it…but he actually knows how to use it! Check out the video of me playing this fill!

After watching all of the DVD’s I can honestly say that this really is an incredible product. I will need to actually re-watch some of the lessons when I am sitting next to my drum set and can try out some of his signature fills and beats. Overall, this DVD would be good for begging drummers and advanced drummers. Cobus starts from the very simple things of drumming, and ends with some ideas/beats/fills that will challenge the seasoned drummer.

Well. That is my take on the Cobus Method. I love this drum lesson package. I will be re-watching the videos over and over again soon. That’s the great thing about these drum lessons; you pay for them once and you can watch them whenever you want to, over and over again!

If your interested in learning more about The Cobus Method, check out the site by CLICKING HERE. – There are lots video clips from the actually DVD’s on his site that let you see the drum lesson package before you buy! Check it out!

I would love your feedback, and as always your comments are welcome. How about a conversation starter:

What do you think about Cobus?

Leave a comment to join the conversation!

Disclosure: Since I spent a LOT of time reviewing The Cobus Method, I would appreciate your support in buying lessons through a link on this page. You won’t pay a cent more, but I’ll receive a commission for my time writing this in-depth review, which helps fund this website (and my drum building obsession!). Thanks!

I have been a customer of Drum Foundry for about 7 years, and every interaction I have ever had with the people at Drum Foundry has been extremely pleasant. As far as I know, they are the only company that actually creates and innovates drum building tools  specifically for the at home/garage custom drum builder. These products are used by beginning drum builders and professional drum builders all over the world. They also make some really great lugs, hoops, and Snare Throw Strainers among other things. These are a few items that I already own, or that I would love to have in my drum shop.

1. Drum Foundry Layout Mat ($44.99) -

This tool make it extremely easy to mark your shells for drilling holes for hardware. The DF layout mat can help you calculate a number of things; including lug spacing, air vent placement, strainer / butt layout and bass drum spur placement.  6, 8,10, and 12 lug configurations are available on the mat, with shell diameters ranging from 6″ to 26″. Do yourself a favor and buy one today!

2. Snare Bed Cutting Jig ($379.00) -

This handy little tool allows you cut your snare beds with extreme precision and accuracy.

3. Extra/Different Snare Bed Templates ($34.99) -

Drum Foundry offers 3 templates for cutting snare beds. Each template gives your snare drum a new sound.

4. Drum Foundry Wrap Trimmer ($119) -

I have been eyeballing this handy little tool for a few weeks. I might have to finally give in and buy it! If you have ever built a drum that you end up wrapping, you may notice that wrapping your drum all the way to the edge can cause your drum to sometimes* have issues with the drum head fit, and resonance. This tool cuts away a small portion of your wrap so that the drum head only makes contact with the shell and not the wrap.

5. T-Jig For Toms and Bass Drums ($59.99) -

This is a great tool specifically made for drum builders that allows you to easily mark tom and bass drum layout. Use this in conjunction with the layout mat and be drilling your holes in no time!

Please respond by answering these questions:

What is the most helpful tool that you use when making drums? Do any of you own and use these tools? Do you own any other drum tools that I should include in this post?

Drum Key – All Drummers should have at least 5…because you never know when we are going to lose them!

Speedy Drum Key – A little faster than your standard drum key.

Drill Bit Drum Key- The fastest way to change your drum heads! (You would also need a drill)

Metronome – One of the best gifts you could ever give a drummer.

L-Rod For Mounting Your Rhythm Watch – Easy way to keep your metronome close!

Music Stand – You can pack this baby up in your hardware case and take it to all your chart reading gigs!

Drum Heads – Check out my post describing my preference in drum heads – My preference in drum heads (Blog Post)

Mono Cases Drum Stick Bag – This stick bag is by far one of the coolest stick bags I’ve ever seen!

Mono Cases Cymbal Bag – To match your stick bag of course!

Pork Pie Drum Throne – Trust me… don’t go cheap on a drum throne.  This is what the drummer lives on top of. Skimp on this and you could be paying for it in visits to the back/neck/spine doctor! I have used a Pork Pie Drum throne for about 10 years now, they are amazing.

Roland Spd-s – Because it’s one of the cheaper ways to add some out of the box electronics to your set-up (Check out some of my Roland SPD-S Videos)

Roland Octapad SPD-30 Digital Percussion Pad – Because it’s a step up from the Spd-S. Much better sounds, and functionality.

Roland SPD-SX Percussion Controller, Sampling Pad – Honestly, I just can’t get enough of all of the Roland drum pads…This one seems to have just come out, would you like to buy it for me?

Drum! Magazine Subscription – A great drum magazine.

Modern Drummer Magazine Subscription – The world’s most widely read drum magazine.

In Ear Monitors – Chances are, if you keep drumming, you’ll need a pair of these. There are some great options out there: Shure SE-425 (I use these) (They also have one of the best warranties), Ultimate Ears TripleFi 10, Shure SE535-V, Westone 4 are among some of the better models.

Ray-Ban New Wayfarer Sunglasses – Because you’ll need them at all the outdoor festivals you play at. Plus, you’ll look just like Guy “Shades” Patterson!

Drum T-Shirt That You Can Play! – Because there will always be “that guy” that wants to play the drums on your shirt, but when you wear this shirt you’ll give them a very nice surprise…it really plays!

Drum Lessons with a Pro – There lots of drummers that will actually give drum lessons over Skype. Paul Wandtke is just one of them, and he has great prices!

Coffee Drum Table that you can play! – How awesome would it be to have a drum circle in your living room using your coffee table!

Zildjian Black Classic T-Shirt – Let people know what you like to play!

Got Drums? Mens Hoodie – Everyone needs a hoodie!

I’d Rather Be Playing Drums Metal License Plate Frame Tag Holder- Now everyone behind your car will know the truth…

Zildjian 24 Inch Bar Stool 2-Pack  - Obviously for the bachelor pad or drum room.

SKB Drum Cases with Padded Interiors – I have used SKB Cases for about 10 years and absolutely love them. Did I mention they have a lifetime warranty?

Sabian HHX Super Cymbal Pack – I am positive that any drummer who got this as a gift would indeed be grateful.

Sabian 24″ Symphonic Gong – Even though most drummers will admit it, they secretly wish you would buy them a gong!

Quick Set Cymbal Mate – I started using these a couple of years ago when I got tired of the cymbal wing nuts falling off the stand in a dark venue when I was changing cymbals. See my video review of the product.

The Making of a Drum Company : The Autobiography of William E. Ludwig II – This is a great book on the history of Ludwig drums told from the perspective of William Ludwig himself! I own it and think it should be required reading for all drummers who want to start a drum company! I also wrote a blog post on the History of Ludwig Drum Company a while back you might want to check out!

Neil Peart Taking Center Stage: Lifetime of Live Performances – This is Neil Peart’s latest DVD. One of the most famous drummers in the world. Know for playing drums for the band RUSH.

Blue Man Group: How to Be a Megastar Live! – I own the first Blue Man Group DVD and really want this one. If you need inspiration for drumming, just pop this in the dvd player! Incredible engaging live show.

STOMP Live – Again, I own the first Stomp DVD and I really want this one. More drumming inspiration!

Audix DP7 Drum Microphone KIt Dynamic Mic Package – This is a really great set of drum mics that can get you started in the pro audio/drummer world!

Feel free to email this post to your friends and family and let them know which items are on your list!

Is there something on your list that I’ve missed? Tell me by leaving a comment below!

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”