2010 NAMM Thoughts

[Sopranos]

I did not attend but thanks to those who posted pictures I feel like I was able to experience it in some capacity.... thanks SoCal Mike and Alpine for the great pics!!

My thoughts of the major drum manufacturers after checking out the pics are as follows:

I am really impressed with the Ludwig, Yamaha and Gretsch finishes.... really top notch! Specifically, the yellow to black Legacy Exotic from Ludwig.... and the light green sparkle Starclassic from TAMA...WOW!

I thought both Tama and Mapex really stepped it up and had some very nice finishes as well with an overall wide variety... classy stuff IMO.

I wasn't all that impressed with the DW and Sonor booths... from what I saw in the pics there wasn't much from DW and the Sonor finishes didn't do it for me. I think it also has to do with the high standards I place on those makers so I expect too much.

Lastly, and this really breaks my heart, I think the biggest disappointment was Pearl. It looks like they put most of their effort in launching that ePro electric kit and I just don't know..... hmmm. I would have liked to see them up there with Ludwig, Tama, Gretsch and the rest but I was left wishing there was more from them.

And, what do I play?............................................. ............ Pearl Masters. So I'm definitely not biased this year.

Share your thoughts here about the NAMM show even if you didn't attend but saw the pics, etc.

[Alpine]

More great photos:http://web.me.com/julianlove/Site_2/...94_Part_1.html
videos at: http://www.youtube.com/user/Sweetwat...F92354EBAAFA27
Also here http://www.youtube.com/user/drumclip...3DEA306710CF2E

My thoughts so far: The Pearl Epro is a big disappointment (which is basically a rebranded Alesis DM10).
Great reports are coming in about:
Korg Wave drum http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdQRzroYCh8
The new Yamaha Silicone DTX PAD http://dtxdrums.yamaha.com/library/t...drums/dtx950k/
Roland's new Octapad SPD 30 http://www.rolandconnect.com/product.php?p=spd-30
2box module (with 4GB of internal memory) http://www.2box.se/
The DITI from Alternate Mode http://www.alternatemode.com/2010/
Brady Drums always attract artists from all over the globe. http://www.bradydrums.com.au (Photo: http://www.mikedolbear.com/ )

[RobertM]

I don't know: part of me thinks that, based on the photos I've seen of the various companies, NAMM 2010 is a big failure. Each big company seems to have offered less and tailored finishes and options to a very narrow customer base. Perhaps this is due to the bad economy and thus weaker customer interest.

My breakdown of the showrooms:

1. Pearl: Why on earth did Pearl discontinue the Masters Premium line? According to their revamped Web site, the only decent maple shell available is the MCX, which does not have all the bells and whistles that the Premium series had. No more birch shells options, no more thin shell options either, and no more wide variety of color options. If you want upper end and options, you have only the Reference (hybrid shells) or the expensive Masterworks.

2. Tama: Tama continues to demonstrate how not to run a drum company. Compared to Pearl and Yamaha, Tama has consistently offered fewer color finishes and fails to be flexible and open to customer needs. Now, Tama has altered the Starclassic Maple and Bubinga lines by eliminating the painted-on badges and wood air vents, replacing them with corny-looking "Starclassic" cursive screwed-on badges. If you want the old, classy "badgeless" look, you have to buy either SC Bubinga Elite or SC Bubinga Omni-Tune. Also, the finishes for the SC Maple and SC Bubinga lines are quite limited: no more solid white or for that matter solid colors at all, just solid black. Every other color option is either the adolescent race-car stripes finishes or a host of mediocre burst options. The vintage gold sparkle finish is a bit cool, but none of the other new options are really that show-stopping. To me, this narrow range of options for Tama's high-end lines suggests that Tama is really targeting a certain sector of the young-ish rock/indie drummer crowd.

3. DW: Well, not much to say here. I am not really a fan of DW's sound; I used to own a Collectors Maple kit, but I wasn't happy with its tuning range after a while. However, at least DW offers a larger variety of finishes and other options, though at a price.

4. Sonor: I am with someone else on this forum who noted yesterday that Sonor is developing a particular skill at choosing some of the worst finishes for drums. The S-Classix line is a cool kit, with a nice sound difference from its biggest competitor--the Yamaha Recording Custom--but the S-Classix finishes are beyond narrow in range and limited to the vomit patterns of '60s and '70s styles. Only the natural walnut and rosewood are somewhat nice, in my humble opinion. The other big flaw of the S-Classix is the lack of size options. Who claims to make a fairly high-end birch kit and not offer an 8x12 tom?? The Delites are more or less the same as the past few years: no new color options that I could see, but at least they offer a nice birdseye cherry and azure and some decent sparkles. Like Pearl, you can have it the way you want it with the SQ2, but again you better have the $$$.

Well, that's my myopic rant against the big companies at this year's NAMM. As a player who leans towards the jazz, fusion, funk, r&b genres, I have found little to celebrate in terms of drum sizes, finishes, and options from some of the big companies. I'm more convinced now that the only option for players of my kind of taste and style will be the companies of Noble & Cooley or Pork Pie, where I can get the simple things I want without breaking the bank (which is what would happen with a Masterworks or SQ2).

P.S. The only real winner I have seen so far is Istanbul Agop's 30th Anniversary cymbals, particularly the 30th Anniv. hi-hats: they look and sound like old Zildjian As from the bebop era, and they are nice and light (about 630/680 in weight)! Very nice option for a great jazz and groove hi-hat!

[frank0072]

I was wondering if anyone who is going to the NAMM has seen a DJ Drums booth? I own one of their top line kits and I love it. I am wondering if they are on the NAMM and if anyone has heard their kits and can post pictures and opinions :-).

[bobdadruma]

I agree with RobertM. I wouldn't go as far as to call it a failure, But from the pics that I have seen, I am not excited, Let's just put it that way.
I don't blame the manufacturers for not going all out during these hard times. It would be foolish to flood the market with products that no one can afford to buy. Better to wait until things get better.

[Bopshizzle]

Gretsch has pulled out their A-game for this year's NAMM, as it seems. These look really sweet, and they're reasonably priced.

[wloeb]

Originally Posted by RobertM

The other big flaw of the S-Classix is the lack of size options. Who claims to make a fairly high-end birch kit and not offer an 8x12 tom?? !

They now have a 8x12 as well as a 14x18 bass drum and 6x14 snare:

http://www.sonor.com/pbas/Sonor_FE/s...n_SearchId=412

[Steamer]

Thanks for the pic links Alpine :}

Love the looks of the new Peace X3 Bee-Bopp 9 ply maple Emerald Burst kit with the matching laquered maple wooden hoops....... nice!

Agree Robert on the Agop 30th line. Can't wait to lay a stick on them!

[RobertM]

Originally Posted by wloeb

They now have a 8x12 as well as a 14x18 bass drum and 6x14 snare:

http://www.sonor.com/pbas/Sonor_FE/s...n_SearchId=412

Hurray! Finally! Sonor gets an award for this. Well done.

This info. update has not been added to their S-Classix page, though. It is only on the update/news page on their site.

Thanks for the info., Wloeb!

[sugarmaple]

How much is that Gretsch wood hoop snare going to sell for?

[Moldy]

I think everything in the Mapex booth was drool-worthy.

[Cottontop]

Originally Posted by Moldy

I think everything in the Mapex booth was drool-worthy.

Ya i really like the redesigned black panthers, but i think they should have added more saturn finishes

[Music is Awesome]

My biggest thing from NAMM so far is that Pearl totally dropped the ball. The epro kit is a bunch of very poorly excuted great ideas and the descion to discontinue the Masters Premium line while at the same time not adding any new finishes to the MCX line was another drop.

[risendrummer]

I was there for 2 days and this is my feedback.This is just my opinion by what I have seen at NAMM the last 4 yrs and how the drums we play are changing.

Just a short paragraph.

Hello drummers ,NAMM was ok but a lot of drum kits are now built in China and Tiawan.Ludwig had a very big display a very big come back after no marketing in about 30 yrs.Tama was rockin as well as DW was packed every day and of course Yamaha had a complete building to them selves..The Tama Babinga is now built in China as well a very pricey kit.They dropped the retail from about $4,100.00 to a price point of about $3,300.00.I was curious so I asked the Tama personal the reason is they are made in China and not in Japan any more.Others like Pearl are made in Tiawan now as well..
The bottom line there are only a handful of the main manufactured drums where the shells are made in the USA anymore.(Ludwig,Gretsch and DW, Porkpie is what comes to my mind.
The other boutique kits that use keller shells like TRUTH ,Shine ,Epiarch,Risen,Phattie, etc are made in the USA.
C&C was a no show as well. I have been a drummer 45 yrs and never thought I would see our drums built in communists China.Mapex was the first and now the others are following suite it seems..Thanks for your time.

[sqadan]

The Chinese manufacture thing is really pretty depressing - but everything is going that way these days... Guitars and amps are increasingly made in China as well.

If I buy a new kit any time soon it will be a Ludwig Maple Classic or Legacy Classic... Still made in the good ole' USA and still cheaper than half the stuff made over seas. Proof that it can still be done.

Ludwig and Gretsch appear to be the only major drum companies left with products that are classically styled and appeal to someone without juvenile tastes. I'll live without the 18 / 20" deep bass drums, black anodized hardware, racing stripes, fade finishes, space age mounting hardware, and intergalactic badges thank you.

Old man rant over now.

[zambizzi]

I think the criticism of Asian manufacturing is completely backwards. It is thanks to this trend, which was chosen by *consumers* (you and me) by the way, is a great thing. Buying a kit made in Asia might leave a funny taste in your mouth...maybe it bumps some sort of patriotic nerve (if you're fanatical about that sort of thing) - but realize that it has created FIERCE competition in drum-making...pushing down prices and pushing up quality. Everybody on the manufacturing side, willing to compete wins. Consumers win tremendously.

The fact is, competition is good and we drummers reap the benefits of it. Prices are lower so our dollars go much further. There are more choices than ever, in this history of drum manufacturing, and quality has never been better.

I wholly believe much of that will drop off, as the economy continues to decline. Many manufacturers will simply fall away or be bought by others who are faring better in the market. I think this is even more true as far as cymbal-makers. There are simply too many out there making mostly the same cymbals (generally speaking).

[fusssion]

Originally Posted by RobertM

Hurray! Finally! Sonor gets an award for this. Well done.

This info. update has not been added to their S-Classix page, though. It is only on the update/news page on their site.

Thanks for the info., Wloeb!

HOWEVER....they need a 9x13 as well!! IMHO

[Les Ismore]

... "criticism of Asian manufacturing is completely backwards. It is thanks to this trend, which was chosen by *consumers* (you and me) by the way, is a great thing."

Americans 'chose' to have their jobs shipped to Aisa? Think again, it was clearly the manufactures decision to go over-seas and mine cheap (slave) labor, the double edge sword has been its left American consumers less money to spend on cheap goods made by slave labor, the companies benefit/profit, the country suffers through bloodletting of the labor force.

Gretsch, DW.... any US co you can think of gets their hardware (metal work) from Aisa. Aside from Axis, I don't know any US drum manufacture producing their own hardware, they're just assembling parts from Aisa and Axis is without a drum throne, so their hardware line isn't totally complete.

Its not possible to buy a drum kit/hardware completely US made. Trick is the only drum Co that has a shot at making a 'made in the US kit' a reality.

Drum companies ( or any manufactures) did not go to Aisa to help the consumer, their main goal was/is to make themselves more profitable, they just expect you to keep buying and lower prices are what they bait the hook with.

[zambizzi]

Originally Posted by Les Ismore

... "criticism of Asian manufacturing is completely backwards. It is thanks to this trend, which was chosen by *consumers* (you and me) by the way, is a great thing."

Americans 'chose' to have their jobs shipped to Aisa? Think again, it was clearly the manufactures decision to go over-seas and mine cheap (slave) labor, the double edge sword has been its left American consumers less money to spend on cheap goods made by slave labor, the companies benefit/profit, the country suffers through bloodletting of the labor force.

Gretsch, DW.... any US co you can think of gets their hardware (metal work) from Aisa. Aside from Axis, I don't know any US drum manufacture producing their own hardware, they're just assembling parts from Aisa and Axis is without a drum throne, so their hardware line isn't totally complete.

Its not possible to buy a drum kit/hardware completely US made. Trick is the only drum Co that has a shot at making a 'made in the US kit' a reality.

Drum companies ( or any manufactures) did not go to Aisa to help the consumer, their main goal was/is to make themselves more profitable, they just expect you to keep buying and lower prices are what they bait the hook with.

Of course not, but consumers are going to choose the best product at the best price, in a competitive market. It's an inescapable law of economics. Would you prefer there be less products available, pushing up the price and pushing down the quality? Should consumers pay considerably more for inferior products in order to artificially protect domestic jobs? When your purchasing power increases as a consumer, you are more wealthy.

I'd hardly call far better paying jobs in far better working conditions "slave labor"...especially when the alternative is no job at all. This is how economies develop and become less poor, generation-to-generation. It is how real wealth is created. It's precisely the reason you have the standard of living that you do, today. This is a common misconception of developing market economies which ignore the enormous benefits in relatively small time-frames while attempting to paint the labor conditions as some kind of hell on earth...when in reality these people are thrilled at the investment and opportunities that otherwise wouldn't exist.

[KarlCrafton]

Well, the people that know me know I'm a Ludwig guy, so no big surprise that I am THRILLED that Ludwig is making such a huge 'comeback' with the new products.

Finally, in the last couple years, Selmer has stopped treating Ludwig as it's ugly step child and brought in a REAL, caring team of people to do things right.

The offering of CM sizes is fantastic--pretty much everything you could want--and their prices are great.
The Legacy line is being offer in all sizes too, which is spectacular.
Legacy drums are more expensive, but not "you gotta be kidding me, they're out of their minds" expensive.
A batch of new snare drums--and c'mon, who doesn't like Ludwig snares?

Quite a few new finishes too, such as the Glitter Glass which they didn't have before.The exotic, and burst finish prices aren't way out of line either.

In the CM & Legacy, 20, 22 & 24" bass drums (22 is what most people seem to play), offer depths of 14 thru 20" deep, in 2" increments--something for everyone's taste.

The sound is great, and the quality is great. 5 stars for Ludwig IMO.

[MikeM]

I have to chime in with a hug to the folks at Ludwig. I sold a Ludwig set a couple years ago. It was from '95 and left a lot to be desired.

However, I'm looking at getting a new bass drum (14x24) and I'm leaning Ludwig. I like what I've been seeing from them the last couple years. They seem to have really stepped it up.

[Skulmoski]

Gretsch put forth a solid showing and Ludwig stepped up to the plate with some very nice drums. I did not attend and I am basing my thoughts on the wonderful photos that SoCal Mike and Alpine provided. Many thanks SoCal Mike and Alpine!

GJS

[Brundlefly]

My take on NAMM:

Drum companies that really brought stuff to the table where DW, Mapex, Gretsch, Yamaha, Ludwig and Sonor and Craviatto.

Pearl and Alesis should be taken out back and shot.

DW. A few folks are crapping on DW, which is to be expected given how much they tend to be in the spot light, however they did have one of the more impressive booths. No, not because they brought NP's NHL kit, but because they continued to do what almost nobody has been able to do: bring innovations to the show every single year. They aren't always big or mind blowing, but those iterations are always there and they add up. It is a sign of a company that is restless and has creative momentum, which is not a quality that one can find in too many other drum companies, save Yamaha or perhaps Dunnett.

Mapex and Gretsch were stand outs. Not innovative (that's not their purpose), but for just doing such a good job of getting things right. Everything they showed was solid, classy, beautiful and sensible. What that says to buyers is that you get a lot for your money. These are high bang for your buck companies. A perfect match for the economy. Smart.

2 Box. Completely overshadowed by Pearl. It and the Wavedrum were the only instruments at the show that I kept playing even after I had played them enough to know what they were about.

Ludwig. From my POV, finally revitalized. For the first time in a long time, they have a line up of stuff that I thought made a lot of sense and was legitimately enticing.

Roland, eh... The new Octapad shows that they haven't ground to a complete halt and the move to metal hardware for their TD line was welcome (if massively overdue). But there is also a sense that they are resting on their laurels this year with little more than cosmetic changes.

Cymbals (as with guitars, basses and amps). If there really is room in the music industry for this many companies doing the exact same thing then there needs to be moratorium placed on complaints about the supposed poor health of the music industry.

And the two Istanbul guys: kiss and make up already! Every time I see them show up on the same place with separate booths, I feel like I got invited to two dinner parties held on the same night by both sides of a bitter divorce. At least someone pick a different name for eff's sake.

Every drum booth: all drummers who go to NAMM must show off the section of the JoJo Mayer DVD that they chose to focus on over the past two years. One cannot possibly properly test a pair of hi-hats without valving or push-pulling.

[Steamer]

Originally Posted by Brundlefly

And the two Istanbul guys: kiss and make up already! Every time I see them show up on the same place with separate booths, I feel like I got invited to two dinner parties held on the same night by both sides of a bitter divorce. At least someone pick a different name for eff's sake.

Maybe you need to do a bit of research on the true cause of why the company previously known as Istanbul was split in two in 97 for legal reasons after one of the original company founders died in a tragic accident............and sorry to break the news to you because of this will never be one company ever again under one Istanbul name.

Istanbul Mehmet run by Mehmet Tamdeger.

Istanbul Agop simple known as AGOP now run by Agop Tomurcuk's two sons Arman and Sarkis since the split after his untimely death.

The new Agop cymbal stamp and the new logo on the NAMM 2010 banner both pictured varifies their desire for a clear new identity to be simply known as Agop at this point on so a very clear distinction between the two Turkish cymbal companies has ALREADY been achieved..............

[Brundlefly]

Originally Posted by Steamer

Maybe you need to do a bit of research on the true cause of why the company previously known as Istanbul was split in two in 97 for legal reasons after one of the original company founders died in a tragic accident............and sorry to break the news to you because of this will never be one company ever again under one Istanbul name.

Istanbul Mehmet run by Mehmet Tamdeger.

Istanbul Agop simple known as AGOP now run by Agop Tomurcuk's two sons Arman and Sarkis since the split after his untimely death.

The new Agop cymbal stamp and the new logo on the NAMM 2010 banner both pictured varifies their desire for a clear new identity to be simply known as Agop at this point on so a very clear distinction between the two Turkish cymbal companies has ALREADY been achieved..............

It was meant as a light-hearted comment, possibly verging on comedy. I know the rough story behind the split and I own an Istanbul ride myself. Although, being pre-split probably doesn't help my cause any.

[risendrummer]

Ludwig had an awesome booth at NAMM .I played Ludwig myself many yrs starting out as a 12 yr old.It is great they are comming back...........The new catalog is unreal as well.
Rascal Flatts drummer Jim Riley was very instrumental helping Ludwig's come back.He has been an endorsed Artists by them since about 1998 .The are lots of others but he was like the new generation more less but it took a lot of yrs to do it.Now that Ludwig is finally marketing again I believe they will take the world by storm again. Check out Jim's site below make sure you turn up your speakers he plays music of every genra.

The plays Ludwig drums and uses Gibralter hardware.
http://www.jimrileymusic.com/

Originally Posted by KarlCrafton

Well, the people that know me know I'm a Ludwig guy, so no big surprise that I am THRILLED that Ludwig is making such a huge 'comeback' with the new products.

Finally, in the last couple years, Selmer has stopped treating Ludwig as it's ugly step child and brought in a REAL, caring team of people to do things right.

The offering of CM sizes is fantastic--pretty much everything you could want--and their prices are great.
The Legacy line is being offer in all sizes too, which is spectacular.
Legacy drums are more expensive, but not "you gotta be kidding me, they're out of their minds" expensive.
A batch of new snare drums--and c'mon, who doesn't like Ludwig snares?

Quite a few new finishes too, such as the Glitter Glass which they didn't have before.The exotic, and burst finish prices aren't way out of line either.

In the CM & Legacy, 20, 22 & 24" bass drums (22 is what most people seem to play), offer depths of 14 thru 20" deep, in 2" increments--something for everyone's taste.

The sound is great, and the quality is great. 5 stars for Ludwig IMO.

[davidd]

Really enjoyed this year's show. Standouts for me were the 2BOX Drumit Five and the HAPI Drums.

Have a bunch of pictures on Flickr, and more NAMM Articles at My Music Thing.

Still don't know when the DrumIt Five will be available in the US, but would be interested to hear from our friends in Europe who have a chance to spend some time with these.

Cheers,

david

[davidd]

Heard back from Bengt at 2BOX and updated the original post with the below information. No telling how long the wait will be to see these in the US.

1. Have you found a US distributor?

We have some leads we are working on but we are not in a rush as we need to ramp up production before entering the US market. At this time we are pretty back-ordered in Europe.

2. When will they be generally available in:

a. Europe – They are available now in limited quantities.
b. US — Nothing decided, see above.
c. Elsewhere? — During Spring time.

3. What will be the MSRP and expected street price in Euros and US Dollars for the DrumIt Five?

For US there is no price set yet. In Europe street price is €1990:-

4. What will be standard pad sizes for the DrumIt Five?

For now 10 and 12. Later we will add 8 and 14 inch.

5. Will there be any colors available other than orange?

For now – only orange.

[wordword]

Pretty excited about the new Paistes :D :D :D

[Axe]

Ludwig!

While both of my kits are of Asian origin (Element and Epic), I love the stuff theyre putting out now. I might grab me one of those Epic Modular or Epic X Overs yet too...Ludwig!