Product Showcase — March 2023
BLACK SWAMP
Overture series
Black Swamp Percussion announced the official launch of their Overture series, a line of entry-level instruments designed by concert percussionists, with a sound specifically intended for band and orchestral performance. Overture products uphold the Black Swamp standards of design and performance, while providing world class instruments at a value accessible to every level of musician.
Black Swamp Percussion is adding the two new product categories below to their existing Overture tambourine, model TDOV.
The Overture Castanet Machine features fiber castanets secured directly to a ply Birch frame using a unique elastic-free design. The fiber castanets are durable, have an excellent response, and are incredibly easy to play.
Overture Woodblocks feature solid rubberwood construction with a tight grain for increased durability. The tone is bright and focused, producing a sound specifically intended for band and orchestral repertoire.
For more information, visit www.blackswamp.com.
MALLETECH
Stiletto
Malletech has recently upgraded their Stiletto keyboard geometry and increased the bass resonator diameters without increasing the size of the low-octave reaches. More powerful, cleaner bass, less non-harmonic overtones, and shorter reaches to the far side of the sharps for stick clicks on such pieces as “Rhythmic Caprice.” The Stiletto2 has the same width bass bars and resonator diameters as the biggest 5-octave marimba made by the biggest musical instrument company in the world, but with a “normal” 22-inch C1 to C2 reach! It has the same solid frame, height adjustment, 6-section drop-in resonator system, and tunable tubes like an Imperial or Roadster, but smaller, lighter, and less expensive.
The Stiletto Marimba comes with a honey-finished oak frame with black aluminum hardware and black aluminum resonators. The standard Stiletto Marimba has tunable resonators in the first 1.5 octaves, and standard resonators for the rest of the instrument. Full-range tunable resonators are also available; contact your preferred retailer for pricing and availability.
For more information, visit https://malletech.com/instrument/stiletto/.
ROLAND
Premium Headphones for Electronic Drum Kits
Roland introduced the VMH-D1 V-Drums Headphones, a complete personal monitoring solution purpose-built for electronic drumming. Co-developed by Roland and V-MODA, these unique headphones deliver premium sound that realizes the full sonic potential of V-Drums or any other e-kit. They are comfortable to wear and outfitted with smart, practical details.
The VMH-D1 is the first collaboration between the Roland V-Drums team and V-MODA, the leading name in headphones for DJs and electronic musicians. Working closely through many development stages, they crafted a special design that couples custom 50mm drivers with select materials, and new mounting methods to accurately translate the aggressive transients, wide frequency range, and rich overtones of every electronic drum set.
The VMH-D1 delivers a custom-tuned sound experience that connects the player with the sound like no standard music headphones. They will enjoy high-impact audio reproduction with tight, punchy bass for kick tones; warm, full midrange for the snare and toms; and smooth, extended highs for the cymbals. And with the big soundstage and crystal-clear separation, subtle drum overtones; natural cymbal decay; room sounds; and ambience effects are presented in full 3D detail.
The VMH-D1 provides long-wearing comfort with large memory-foam earpads and a cushioned headband for extended playing sessions. The earpads offer excellent isolation from acoustic pad noise and outside distractions. The synthetic leather covering offers moisture-wicking properties to reduce slippage and keep the phones from moving when working up a sweat.
The VMH-D1 comes with a 10-foot cable that provides plenty of length for routing it out of the way while playing, along with a restraint for securing the cable behind the head and onto the floor behind the drum throne. A hanger is also included, which can be attached to a drum or cymbal stand to stow the headphones when not in use. A prominent red “R” on the right earcup makes it easy for the player to see the correct orientation when putting on the phones.
Though tuned for drums, the full-range VMH-D1 headphones are great for music listening, too. Drummers can enjoy high-fidelity sound while jamming with favorite songs, playing with backing tracks, and recording with music-production software. There is also a shorter 5-foot cable for casual listening away from the drums, plus a carrying pouch to keep the VMH-D1 protected while on the move.
To learn more, visit Roland.com.
TRX
Online Platform Lets Drummers Custom-Design Cymbals
To better meet the wants and needs of today’s players, the new Custom Cymbal builder on the TRX Cymbals website has been developed to give drummers the opportunity to design their own cymbals and have them made to order by TRX’s master cymbalsmiths.
The TRX Custom Cymbal builder guides drummers through a step-by-step process that covers the 10 factors that determine a cymbal’s sound, appearance and performance, including: Type, Size, Weight, Bell Size/Finish, Hammering, Lathing, Finish, Ventin, and Rivets.
In addition, each drummer can choose to have cymbals personalized by having their name and/or logo laser engraved on the cymbals. To learn more, visit trxcymbals.com/product/custom-cymbals.