DRUM & DRUMMER

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“If thine enemy wrong thee, buy each of his children a drum”
(Ancient Chinese proverb on revenge)

Nintendo Wii Rock Band:  Optional Mushroom Drum Pads

<-  Super Mario Bros. MUSHROOM ROCK BAND Drum Kit for the Nintendo Wii

Customized pads designed to improve durability and stick response may be found here:

rockbanddrumsoft.com 

DrumPadsForRockBand.com

 

Drum Pad Material Comparison Chart:  http://www.rockbanddrumsoft.com/chart.html

7	8	9	10
Average	Fair	Good	Best

Product	Protection	Sound	Sensitivity	Appearance	Rebound
Closed Cell Foam
Dual Neoprene
Single Neoprene
Gum Rubber Composite
SingleGum Rubber
Micro-Cellular Urethane (Thick/Full)
Micro-Cellular Urethane (Thin)
Micro-Cellular Urethane Dual

Available Drum Pad Material & Features:

• Gum rubber:  dampens extraneous stick noise, improved sensitivity, improved durability (dual-layer pads dampen more and are less sensitive)
• Closed-Cell Foam:  soft feel, dampens stick noise, less sensitive,
• Single-Layer Micro-Cellular Polyurethane Pads:  highest sensitivity, best stick response, less noise dampening, more likely to trigger false hits 
• Dual-Layer Neoprene/Micro-Cellular Polyurethane:  polyurethane layered over a harder neoprene layer for improved durability, higher sensitivity, improved sensitivity over stock pads

The Nintendo Wii Rock Star game (Harmonix) will allow groups of Wii gamers to:

• Sing through a wireless microphone
• Play a wireless guitar
• Play on the newly designed white or mushroom-themed drum kit. 

Nintendo Wii Rock Band vs. Playstation 3 & XBox 360 versions:

• No online mode
• Cheaper price for entire system
• Drum kit playability may (possibly) be improved
• Wireless guitar and microphone
• Incapable of downloading new songs
• Users also cannot create their own characters
• No Guitar Hero 3 controller compatibility

 Pro-Mark Thunder Rod Wooden Dowel Sticks

PROS:

• A happy medium between playing with brushes and playing with wooden sticks
• Allow you to play more aggressively and not overpower other instruments
• Can be miked for additional control over drum volume levels
• The six thicker rods are more durable than Pro-Mark Hot Rods, Lightning Rods, or Cool Rods
• Much more attack, sustain, and definition than brushes

CONS:

• Break more easily than conventional sticks when playing aggressively
• Stick definition is not as loud and clear as that of conventional drumsticks
• Even one broken dowel drastically reduces stick volume & attack
• Not enough volume on acoustic kits for some playing situations

Watch Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged Concert to see Dave Grohl of Nirvana used Lightning Rods on a miked-up drum kit.
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Easton AHEAD Drumsticks

  <- Click on this image for the full line of Easton AHEAD stick models

I normally use Easton AHEAD sticks for full-volume playing.  Ahead sticks are made by the same company that produces Easton baseball bats and sports equipment.

PROS:

• AHEAD sticks greatly reduce hand and wrist fatigue by absorbing much of the vibration that is transmitted to the hands by conventional wooden sticks.
• The life of Easton Ahead sticks is generally several times that of conventional sticks.
• AHEAD sticks are made of a strong aluminum alloy with replaceable plastic sleeves over the striking surface.
• The nylon tips may also be unscrewed and replaced.
• AHEAD sticks are machined so that each pair is precisely balanced.

CONS:

• One pair costs ~$30-$35, which is several times the price paid for a pair of quality conventional sticks.
• Cymbal definition is not as distinct at lower volumes when compared to many types of wooden sticks.
• They are not indestructible.
• Some drummers may prefer the feel of wooden sticks.
• The sleeves are somewhat difficult to replace.

Easton AHEAD Maintenance Tips:

Replacing the plastic sleeves before they are worn through increases stick life, but each sleeve need to be preheated by a hair dryer to expand the sleeve before sliding it over the aluminum core.  A small amount of super glue should be applied to the threads of each tip before replacing them.  This prevents the tip from unthreading due to the vibrations absorbed by the stick’s core.

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MiJam Drummer:  Air Drumming with your iPod

Although the MiJam Drumsticks have gotten mixed reviews, they sound like a fun toy to try out.  Since I can’t set up a full drum set in my apartment, these could be a fun alternative to drumming on a practice pad.

Many users mention that the feel of playing with these sticks is awkward at first.  They are meant for air drumming, and users should not strike any surfaces while using the MiJam sticks.  Some reviewers mentioned that the MiJam sticks take a great deal of force to trigger the sounds.  However, the MiJam Drumsticks can be purchased for just over $10 on eBay.  At this price, they may be worth trying out, since they are portable and allow you to play along to your favorite music through headphones

Excerpt from sharperimage.com:

Features:

• Motion-activated drumsticks play through your home stereo, your PC, or your MP3 player.
• miJam Drummer™ generates a kit-full of drummer sounds — snare, bass, tom-tom, hi-hat, and cymbals.
• Just plug-and-play along with your iPod, MP3 or any other audio device.
• “You don’t strike anything except imaginary instruments — and prerecorded “fill in” includes six rhythm patterns to make even your youngest sound like a pro.”
• Clip-on module has controls for rhythm, tempo and volume; there’s a headphone jack for use without disturbing anyone.
• Use with the mi Jam Stage Mic and add vocals to your performance.
• Record your gig and podcast it or post it on your blog.
• Each stick is 13″ long and weighs 7.1 oz.  (Recommended for Ages 8 and older.)

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Child-Size Calypso Steel Drum

This children’s mini Calypso Steel Drum is manufactured by Back-To-Basics Toys:  backtobasictoys.com 

• A wooden stand, a set of two rubber-tipped mallets, and a songbook are included for $99.99.
• The steel drum has a size of 10″d x 3.5″h, and the stand dimensions are 4.75″l x 12″w x 7.5″h.
• Teach your child how to read basic sheet music while enhancing coordination. 
• Introduce your child to percussion instruments in a fun way
• It’s a lot of fun for big kids as well, and it takes up less room than a full-sized Calypso Steel Drum.