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X8 Drums Blog

Protecting and Maintaining Cymbals

As every drummer knows, a drum kit is only as good as the care given to it. Since most drum kits consist of drums, cymbals and hardware that puts it all together, it is important to protect the various components within the kit from damage during transportation, including the cymbals. Cymbal damage usually occurs during transportation or storage, but by following a few guidelines, this damage can be reduced or eliminated.The metals used in cymbals are sturdy, but can still be damaged by im …
18th Jun 2015

Cymbal Tips for New Drummers

They shine and gleam, whether metallic, glossy, matte or grungy, beckoning the novice and professional drummer to sit and sample the sound of a simple, yet complex, round of metal goodness that can inspire the rhythmic charms only a cymbal can. These signature beacons of drumming excellence bring a mystery to a drum kit, providing unique variances and tones that are described as anything from mellow and sensitive, to dark, cutting or symphonic. A cymbal is more than the accent to a fill …
18th Jun 2015

Artist Profile: Derek Roddy

Divine Empire, Aura Borealis, Malevolent Creation, and Meinl Cymbals all have one person in common, Derek Roddy. Known as one of the fastest drummers alive due to his ability to keep up not only the speed of death metal drumming, but also keep up those speeds for minutes at a time as well as hitting “blast beats,” on the bass drum using only one foot, a drumming technique that usually requires both feet. Roddy has released a DVD that seeks to educate others on how to hit blast beats, and docu …
18th Jun 2015

Meinl Cymbals Artist: Chris Adler from Lamb of God

Christopher James Adler, more popularly known as Chris Adler, is the drummer of the metal band Lamb of God and the older brother of Willie Adler, the band's guitarist. Chris was born on November 23, 1972 in Washington, D.C. He went to Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, Virginia. He attended college at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia where he was planning a career on network engineering. While in the university, he met his current bandmates John Campbell and Mark …
18th Jun 2015

2011 Zildjian Drummer Love Contest

It’s not too late to enter the Zildjian Drummer Love contest! Win incredible prizes just by showing your love for your favorite brand of cymbals, Zildjian!Entering the contest is easier than you think. In 500 words or less, tell Zildjian cymbals how awesome their products are or why you really want to own your own set of Zildjian cymbals. Make a video of your best drum performance, ever, no matter if you’re in your bedroom, garage, on a stage or under a bridge! Submit your video (up to 3 m …
18th Jun 2015

Drummer of Tomorrow Contest Announced!

Drummers come in all styles, from basement shredders to wedding band rockers to jazz ensemble rhythmists. Most drummers find success comes through hard work, determination, and even a little bit of luck, and it is with these drummers in mind that the Drummer of Tomorrow contest has arisen, seeking the next greatest drummer.Brands like Mapex, Zildjian, Remo, Alfred and Vic Firth are providing prizes packages that total over $50,000 to lucky U.S. winners that submit videos to the Drummer of …
18th Jun 2015

2011 DRUM! Night

Northern California may never be the same again after the dust settles from the 2011 Drum! Night premier drum event. The evening promises to showcase some of the finest known drummers, including the rhythm section of Santana, Raul Rekow and Karl Perazzo, Thomas Lang, and Terry Bozzio as well as Street Drum Corps Presents BANG! and Armando Peraza. Along with performances by these percussionists, the 2011 Drum! Night event will provide opportunities to learn from these greats, try out new …
18th Jun 2015

How Sabian Cymbals Are Made

Go behind the scenes with Sabian Cymbals. Chris Stankee (Sabian AR Manager) & Chris Sears (SMI Drum Instructor) talk about how Sabian Cymbals are made with footage from the factory. Definitely worth watching! Part 1: The beginnings Learn about the copper and tin materials used to create the B20 Bell Bronze castings and the B8 Sheet Bronze. Then see the tempering process, how the hole is drilled in the center and the finishing process. He then talks about how they tweak the sounds of …
18th Jun 2015

Types of Cymbals for your Drum Kit

Between different drum and percussion kits, there are several different choices that can help accent the music and rhythms being played. From wood blocks and the type of drum sticks or mallets to the different drums and cymbals available, determining the best parts for the job can be a confusing part of any musician's life. Cymbals, in particular, can make or break the sounds in a song, and as such, incorporating the right cymbals into a drum kit can be an important decision for the drummer, …
18th Jun 2015

Artist Profile: Spencer Smith

Noted on Urban Dictionary as the “best looking member” of alternative band, Panic! At the Disco, Spencer Smith is a millennial drummer with the skills and attitude to embark on a drumming career without boundaries. Preferring to maintain his technical mastery over driving rhythms and strong beats instead of improvisational fills, Smith brings a strong dance groove to the music produced by Panic! At the Disco. At the age of 12, Spencer Smith began drumming in Pet Salamander with friend, Ryan R …
18th Jun 2015