7 drums that rocked NAMM 09

‘Innovation’ was the name of the game for the top drum manufacturers at this year’s NAMM Show. New technology, designs and materials helped deliver an impressive array of kits and accessories to make any drummer’s mouth water.

Here are MusicRadar’s top seven picks from the show. The gear we think will rock your world in 2009 and beyond…

1. Pearl Eliminator Demon Drive bass pedal

Pearl’s Demon Drive pedal got a lot of love this year: Rhythm magazine dug its ‘eight adjustable configurations’ and MusicRadar’s own Joe Bosso got stuck in with a video demo. Good job too, that ‘skateboard technology’ is hard to explain…

2. ddrum Vinnie Paul signature drum, snare and pedal line

When Vinnie defected from Pearl to ddrum, it was kind of a big deal. But one look at the shining results from the new partnership and we’re inclined to forget about it. New kits, snares and pedals all emblazed with Vinnie’s familiar silhouette…

3. Roland TD-4K V-Drums

A brand new edition to the brilliant V-Drums range and a predecessor to the TD3. Roland’s TD-4K is an all-round improvement: stronger, sturdier and better looking…

4. Ludwig Element Series

Available in walnut, poplar, birch and maple combinations, this brand new line is sure to impress in 2009. Rhythm magazine particularly liked this Epic kit in Natural Black burst finish…

5. Craviotto Diamond snares

Craviotto’s uber-expensive Diamond Series earned a place in MusicRadar’s best drum gear of 2008. Unsurprisingly, the two new solid copper-shelled models caught our eye immediately at NAMM 09. Choose between 14”x6.5” and 14”x5.5” sizes, if you can afford one…

6. Mapex Meridian Series

A brand-new line of drums featuring Mapex’s all-new 700 Series hardware is always going to impress on paper. Seeing it in action courtesy of Spinal Tap’s Gregg Bissonette simply seals the deal.

7. Ludwig 24K gold-plated brass shell Triumphal snare

To celebrate its centenary, Ludwig made only 100 of these bad boys. They’re individually numbered from 1909 to 2009. Genius…

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