Brad Schlueter

Gretsch recently expanded its New Classic Series line to include a classic bop-style kit. The three-piece shell pack includes a 14 x 18-inch bass drum, an 8 x 12-inch mounted tom and a 14 x 14-inch floor tom. This line’s preconfigured shell packs don’t include snare drums, allowing buyers to choose the size snare drum … Read More “Gretsch New Classic Series Bop Drum Kit”

Zildjian recently sent me a slew of new Hi Bell K Constantinople cymbals to audition–flat rides, thin rides, medium thin rides and a dry ride–plus a pair of hi-hats. These cymbals have a bell modeled after a 100-year-old pair of Zildjian orchestral cymbals, and provide a wider range of frequencies than cymbals with smaller bells. … Read More “Zildjian K Constantinople Hi Bell Cymbals”

Sabian’s Vault line of cymbals was developed during one of its cymbal-making demonstration tours, where the company visits drum shops, brings in hammering and lathing machinery and manufactures cymbals on the spot. It’s fascinating to watch, but more than that, it allows attendees to have cymbals custom made to their specifications. The most interesting, musical … Read More “Sabian Vault Artisan Ride Cymbals”