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is published by DigitalDrummer ABN: 61 833 620 984 30 Oldfield Place Brookfield Q 4069 AUSTRALIA Tel: 61 411 238 456 editor@digitaldrummermag.com www.digitaldrummermag.com Editor & Publisher Allan Leibowitz Sub-Editor Solana da Silva Contributors Simon Ayton Grant Collins Philippe Decuyper Scott Holder Hercules Robinson Michael Schack Cover Photo Zildjian Gen16 Design and layout ‘talking business’ Digital distribution
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It’s an interesting time for e-cymbals. When we started planning this edition, we had no idea iconic acoustic cymbal maker Zildjian was poised to enter the market with electronic cymbals. We were aware of its VST offering and include a full review in this issue. We were also aware of further sound vaults about to be released, but the new triggering device was a well-kept secret. We hope to be able to test the real thing in the months ahead and include our findings in the next issue of digitalDrummer. This month, besides the VST review, we also start a series of e-cymbal side-by-side comparisons, thanks to Scott Holder. Scott’s home resembled the cymbal department of a retail store as he assembled most of the current offerings for a range of tests. We kick off with comparisons of stick noise – an important factor for anyone buying egear for silent practice. Sticks also feature in another exhaustive head-to-head review in this issue. We tested a wide range of sticks, looking at how well they were matched, their unique attributes and their “playability”. Drumsticks are, of course, an intensely personal choice, and the review was also not helped by the inconsistency of sizing in the market. One thing’s certain; if you switch brands, make sure you actually try before you buy. We found an enormous difference between the lengths and weights of sticks labeled “A7”, not to mention the confusion unleashed by some of the other naming practices, including the use of player names of genre labels like “jazz”. Our featured artists this month are very different. Pete Lockett is known for his diversity, from Bond movies to Ronan Keating and Sinead O’Connor. But he’s also very active in e-drumming and has some strong views. Frank Jooss, meanwhile, is the drummer for German cult band Fiddler’s Green, and uses external triggers to augment his acoustics. Also a colourful figure, he provides a different perspective on the role of electronics. Michael Schack, who was profiled last year, makes his debut as a columnist this month, with a look at the Euro-scene. Always enthusiastic when he’s discussing e-drums, Schack paints a glowing picture of their future on his home continent. The international flavour of this edition is enhanced by our story about the second international e-drum video collaboration, a project that brought together amateur e-drummers around the world for just under 10 minutes of youtube glory. As a member of that group, I have to share the experience – and hopefully some readers will be inspired to participate in the next one. I’d like to see even more nations represented as well as a broader range of e-percussion instruments. And, on that note, it’s on with the show. One, two, three, four ...
Allan Leibowitz editor@digitaldrummermag.com
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