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1» A G ThingEvans’ new G-Plus single-ply tomheads give a warm tone andample sustain, with a denserattack, improved projectionand increased durability. G-Plus heads are ideal for playerswho prefer the tone of asingle-ply, but need thestrength and protectionof a double-ply head.The heads are constructedfrom a single ply of a 12-millimeterfilm and come either clear orwith a translucent frosted-stylecoated finish. MSRP: $24–$47.More info: evansdrumheads.com2» Full BodiedToca Percussion’s new cajon, featuringa burl oak front, has thebass frequencies of the typicallytenor instrument covered well.At 20 1 /2 inches tall by 12 1 /2 wide,the new cajon is slightly larger thanstandard cajons and better able todeliver a lower, throatier voice—anideal addition to flamenco, worldmusic and ethnic instrumentensembles. The cajon is adjustablefor subtle shifts in tone and timbre.Resonance is enhanced bygenerous rubber feet that lift thecajon higher off the floor, isolatingit acoustically and preventing vibrationsfrom choking. MSRP: $269.More info: tocapercussion.com3» Legendary SticksVater has introduced Legends ofJazz Series hickory drum stickmodels from drummersJimmy Cobb, ChicoHamilton and CharliPersip. Hamilton’s stickcombines a 5A grip witha gradual taper for aresponsive and quickfeel; Persip’s shorter stickis just larger than a 5A gripwith a barrel-style tip thatproduces a defined ridecymbal sound without toomuch ping. Cobb’s modelmeasures between a 5A and5B in the grip, with a long taperand medium-sized teardrop tipfor warm and defined cymbaltones. MSRP: $14.99.More info: vater.comToolshed6»2»4»«15»«32GEAR BOX 34 » Bronze BeautiesSabian has released its B8 series, aselection of high-quality trianglescrafted from uni-rolled bronze. Thetwo ranges, B8 and hand-hammeredB8, are crafted from B8bronze and consist of 4-, 6-, 8- and10-inch sizes. Non-hammered modelshave a focused sound, while thehand-hammered range producesmusically complex overtonesfor a richer sound.More info: sabian.com5» Personal ApproachAntonio Sanchez’s new HudsonMusic Master Series DVD displaysthe drummer’s skills over a series ofchallenging songs and solo segments.Performing on his smallertraditional jazz set, and the larger kitthat he uses with the Pat MethenyGroup, Sanchez presents musicalconcepts, exercises and suggestionsfor developing musicians that applyto drum students of all levels.Sanchez explains technical,musical and philosophical pointsthat apply to drummers ofall styles. MSRP: $29.95.More info: hudsonmusic.com6» Time MasterDavid Stanoch’s new book,Mastering The Tables Of Time,Volume 1, combines the foundationsof rhythm and trap setdrumming styles using a commonsystem to assimilatethe disciplines of timekeeping,coordination, rudiments,polyrhythms and musicalphrasing. The bookprovides players witha library on rhythmand trap set drummingas it was traditionallyconceived inthe U.S., combiningEuropean rudiments,African polyrhythms,four-way coordination,jazz and backbeatgrooves andsoloing vocabulary.MSRP: $24.95.More info:rhythmelodic.com66 DOWNBEAT November 2008