Ralph Peterson 35th Annual Student Music Awards - Downbeat

Toolshed | Gear Box
88 DoWNBEAt JUNE 2012
thE ‘X’ fACtoR
System-x instrument stands from Hamilton
are so flexible and versatile, they can be custom
fit to perfectly suit your instrument. Each
saxophone stand has an adjustable bell rest and
body rest and features tracked legs that let you
turn it into a double, triple or even a quad setup
(connectors sold separately). System-x brass
instrument stands combine an adjustable bell
rest with customizable bore fitting to secure
the instrument. The modular stands fold
small enough to fit any gig bag, and even
some instrument cases. Different
models have been designed to accommodate
alto/tenor sax, baritone
sax, trumpet/cornet/flugelhorn/soprano
sax and trombone. More info: dansr.com
JAZZ ESSENtIALS
Alfred has published Jazz Real
Book: Essential Jazz Standards,
created for individuals, teachers
and instrumental/vocal
groups. A professional-quality
resource, it’s suitable for working
musicians and students
of jazz. Titles include such
tunes as “Giant Steps,” “Lester
Leaps In” and “Take Five.” The
book includes rehearsal letters
to assist with understanding
the form of every song,
and suggested substitute
chord progressions are also
provided. More info: alfred.com
VERSAtILE StICK
Pro-Mark has introduced the Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez Signature drum stick, named
for one of today’s most versatile players. Measuring 16 inches long by ½ inch in diameter,
the stick features a wood tip that’s small and versatile enough to make it suitable for jazz,
fusion, pop and r&b. Known for his stylistic diversity, El Negro has played with a wide
range of leading artists, from McCoy Tyner to Carlos Santana. More info: promark.com
IPAD gIg BAg
Gator Cases’ Tablet/Mix bag provides
an all-in-one carry solution for musicians
with iPads. Made of lightweight
nylon, the bag has a fitted sleeve that fits
an iPad, and its see-through cover allows full use of the tablet
without removing it. The larger main compartment features a
thick padding and is designed to hold a compact mixer or the
iPad while mounted in a docking station. More info: gatorcases.com
RIDINg thE BASS
The Bass Rider from Waves is a plug-in
that rides bass levels automatically. A
companion to the Vocal Rider plug-in,
Bass Rider delivers ideal bass levels
without changing the natural sound of
electric, acoustic and synth basses.
Unlike a compressor, Bass Rider works
note by note without disturbing any inner
dynamics, so bass sounds sustain
and decay naturally. More info: waves.com
ShoCK ABSoRBER
Shure has created a new shock mount for
its KSM353 ribbon microphone. The mount
threads onto the bottom of the KSM353 and
holds the mic securely, regardless of orientation
or stand movement. More info: shure.com