Drums:

Books: Reference: Drums

Instructional:

DVD: Drums
VHS: Drums

Drums and Percussion: Acoustic Drums:

Add-On Packs: Entry
Add-On Packs: High End / Custom
Add-On Packs: Intermediate
Bass Drums: Entry
Bass Drums: High End / Custom
Bass Drums: Intermediate
Floor Toms: Entry
Floor Toms: High End / Custom
Floor Toms: Intermediate
Misc

Sets:

Complete Kits

Entry
High End / Custom
Intermediate

Shell Packs:

Entry
High End / Custom
Intermediate

Snare Drums: Effect
Snare Drums: Standard
Toms: Entry
Toms: High End / Custom
Toms: Intermediate

Bass Drum Beaters
Click Track
Drum Rug
Drummers Gloves

Electronic / Drum Machines:

Acoustic Trigger
Archive
Cables and Interface
Drum Amplifiers
Drum Machines
Expansion Cards
Individual Trigger Pads
Modules
Percussion MIDI Controllers w/ Sound
Sets: Complete
Sets: Pads
Trigger Packages

Orchestral Percussion:

Drums: Snares: Packages
Drums: Timpani
Mallets: Bass Drum

Drums for Dummies ASIN:0764553577 Our Price: $17.49 Customer's Rating: 4 Summary: This is great, but................ Comments: This book is great and all, but you'll have to go another way if you really want to learn something: I have seen many websites and reviewed many books such as this one, but I have come to one conclusion, and many people know that. Books and websites are not a replacement for good drumming lessons! Go to a concervatorion near you, or find a teacher on your own, but don't think that this book can teach you like a real, live teacher can! Go to drumming lessons for about 2 months, then buy this book. I'm sure it has great hand-excercises and techniques, but to teach you how to play the drums, it can not!

Drumstick Spinology (Book & DVD) ASIN:0970534205 Our Price: $23.96 Customer's Rating: 3 Summary: Good book. The only one as far as I know on the subject. Comments: I was surprised to see this book, since I had done an extensive search for a book on this subject a year ago. Actually, I had searched for ANY book on twirling, drumstick OR baton. I found exactly one on baton twirling but it wasn't very good. This book is good. It lists 15 basic twirls and then goes thru various combinations to get your imagination fueled. There are many good quality photos, tho some photos are missing. There is a handy digest at the end that concisely presents the content of the book again. The book is kind of on the thin side, but that's largely a good thing, easier to digest and work thru. I recommend this book. On the bad side, the book seems to be a "version 1" that was rushed out the door before it was as good as it should have been. Some photos are missing. There is an 11 page chapter on humor that adds nothing of value and should be cut out. The digest at the end also seems to be fluff, but it's actually handy, but it would be better if it were condensed to just one or two pages, rather than 11 pages. All in all, especially since to my knowledge it's the only book out there on the subject, it's worth having.

4-Way Coordination: A Method Book for the Development of Complete Independence on the Drum Set ASIN:0769233708 Our Price: $12.95 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Authors Marvin Dahlgren and Elliot Fine Comments: Folks, this book is a gem for drumset development, one of the drum bibles. Exercises are thorough in exploring different permutations of hand and foot rhythmic sequences. Working this book will open up those synaptic nerve paths and program your muscle memory for every possible rhythm pattern. This is the perfect preparation for Gary Chester, Jim Chapin, etc. Even if you don't have drums, you can work this book on the drum pad while tap-dancing your feet on the floor, and you will have a rhythm vocabulary the very first time you sit down at the drums.

Funkifying the Clave: Afro-Cuban Grooves for Bass and Drums ASIN:0769220207 Our Price: $29.95 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: WOW! Comments: Combining traditional Latin claves with a funk backbeat. I bought this book / cd combo to improve my bass playing and drumming. (Yep! I play both.) I enjoy Latin / rock type music and wanted to become more familiar with the various styles and rhythms of this music. This book is awesome! It is also not fot the beginner or the timid unless you are dead serious about your playing. This will not only improve your playing, but your reading as well. The CD's start with a group of songs performed by the band. Then they break into LOTS of examples of ALL different styles of Latin music. Once you think you have it all mastered, the songs you heard at the beginning of the cd are there without drums / bass depending on which cd you want to play along with. Yes there are 2 cd's. One for drums, one for bass. By the way, all the songs on the cd have studio grade charts in the back of the book for you to follow. If this book doesn't keep you busy for a long time, you must already be a seasoned studio professional. Even if you are, there's probably something in here for you. ENJOY!

The Updated Realistic Rock Drum Method ASIN:0897244869 Our Price: $14.36 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: An easy read - Go Pro, fast! Comments: This book is outstandingly well-compiled, and is especially excellent for the beginning drummer. Even for an intermediate player, these beats are worthy to know. The page formats are inviting to the reader, and are easy to follow, to boot. The excersizes methodically become more difficult, and their layouts are set in a way that encourages rapid development. Included are two audio disks, that are very useful for the audio for drummers that learn by the ear. Hearing the music really helps a drummer get a feel for how a piece is supposed to go. This book will have you master, there's no other way to say it, COOL rhythms in no time, and with no hassle at all (impress your friends!)! I'm teaching myself, am making quick progress, and have had no problems. Feel free to ask me about this product! Not to mention, this book was rated the 11th best drum book according to the Modern Drummer magazine of '93. ^_^

Drum Circle Spirit : Facilitating Human Potential through Rhythm ASIN:0941677842 Our Price: $20.97 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: The definitive book on circles!! Comments: Arthur Hull hits the nail on the head with his book, Drum Circle Spirit. Without this book to use as a guide, I would feel lost!... I call it simply "REQUIRED READING" for those who care about their community and friends who wish to drum in a group setting. It empowers most anyone to begin and conduct their own drum circle. THANK YOU ARTHUR!

260 Drum Machine Patterns ASIN:0881888877 Our Price: $9.95

Complete Idiot's Guide to Playing Drums ASIN:0028639405 Our Price: $11.87 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: An excellent guide for beginners and experts alike Comments: The decision to actually pick up the sticks and sit behind your very own drum kit is a big step to say the least. What seems like an easy instrument to learn becomes one of the most complex and physically demanding instruments ever. But don't let this introduction mislead you, drums have become my life, and if you dedicate the time and get going you'll soon realize the same. Now when I first started there were a few things I was never without, my sticks, my snare drum and "The Complete Idiots Guide To: Playing Drums", yes this book was (and still is) that important to me. Like I mentioned, the life of a drummer is a tough and often confusing one, but this book seems to sort everything out for you. Michael Miller's writing is not only extremely helpful but an entertaining read as well because he's always throwing in little jokes here and there. The guide itself is broken down very simple, with every chapter you learn more more such as what drums to buy, what sticks to look at, how to maintain and tune your kit, and all the key terms necessary for a successful drummer. In the later chapters you're slowly introduced to drum sheet music, all of the 26 percussion rudiments, and page after of drum tabs and sheet music. Also covered are the different drumming styles such as rock, jazz, blues and more. Miller always stresses (as do I) the importance of having a teacher, and how they can expand your understanding more than anything. I only actually had one small problem with the book, well to tell you the truth it's more with the author himself. Miller refers to Drum Works drums as the "top of the line" and "the best you can get". Yes, Drum Works do make incredibly impressive drums, but to call them the best would be unfair, so for all those new drummers out there don't Mr. Miller's love afair with Drum Works confuse you, there are many companies out there who make drums just as good or even better than Drum Works. Overall however, this isn't a complaint about the book, but more of an observation so take it for what it's worth. So, if you're seriously considering becoming a drummer make sure to have "The Complete Idiots Guide To: Playing Drums" by your side, it will help you like no other book can.

How to Make Drums, Tom-Toms and Rattles ASIN:0486218899 Our Price: $15.58 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Fascinating Book on Woods Craft originally published in 1938 Comments: This is a reprint of Mason's classic 1938 edition. It is fascinating, even though Mason uses some slightly racist-sounding phrases, it is obvious that he repects (respected) Amerindian culture. He has a great feel for their spirituality. And personal experience with our First Peoples. It's a little corny and naive other parts. Mason's book has many drawings of original drums and their designs. He gives detailed practical instructions on how to build drums, hand-frame drums and a pow-wow drum, from processing a raw animal hide to bending wooden slats into a hoops, stretching and drying the drum head, painting and adding adornments. He left me with the impression that it is nearly impossible to build dud! Stinky probably spoke true (if the book was a 1938 musty-smelling edition) but Stinky's review was woefully misleading. The book is a classic on woods craft type drum building. It also provides an intimate glimpse into the recent past before thoughts and words were filtered through a politcally correct seive.

Beginning Steel Drum ASIN:0897249739 Our Price: $11.96

Drum Set Warm-Ups : Essential Exercises for Improving Technique ASIN:0634009656 Our Price: $10.36 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Fun Excercises Comments: Rod nailed it with this book. After a few weeks with this book you will definitely have better feel for moving around your set. Fun.

New Orleans Jazz and Second Line Drumming w/CD ASIN:0897249216 Our Price: $24.95

Drum Grooves presents : Groovin' to the Music with Audio CD ASIN:0967936209 Our Price: $29.95 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Learn to play all styles of drumming Comments: Having taken lessons for only two years with a top rated teacher(find a good teacher;it makes learning easier)we went to "drum grooves" and started working on all the material provided. People are amazed of with the variety of playing I demonstrate having studied for such a short time. I owe it to having purchased "drum grooves" at the school I study at. I hope Dana Oliver puts out more good work to expand on his knowledge shared with us.

Drum Tuning : The Ultimate Guide ASIN:0634039253 Our Price: $12.95

Portraits in Rhythm: 50 Studies for Snare Drum ASIN:0769214398 Our Price: $12.95

More Drum Techniques of Rush (More Drum Superstar Series) ASIN:0769250513 Our Price: $14.95 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: 5 stars is not enough......perhaps 5 galaxies of stars Comments: i rate this book.....5 milkyways

The Forgotten Power of Rhythm: Ta Ke TI Na ASIN:0940795078 Our Price: $14.95 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: The philosophy of Rhythm. Comments: This is a great book, Flatischler focuses on the philosophical and spiritual aspect of rhythm and it's basic principles, he writes about how rhythm affects the body and spirit and how it can heal. He explains all the basic principles of pulse and rhythm and how this can be found in rhythms all over the world. This is one of the best books to start with if you want to study rhythm but I also highly recomend it to all musicians (I had been playing the piano for many years when I read it and it tought me a lot). You should also check out Flatischlers great drum band "Megadrum", it includes one of the greatest percussionist on this planet, excellent stuff. Three other recomended rhythm books "The healing drum" "The drummers path" and "A Rhythmic vocabulary".

Give the Drummers Some!: The Great Drummers of R&B, Funk & Soul ASIN:157623603X Our Price: $29.95 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: This Book is Essential for any Modern Drummer Comments: This book is essential for any modern drummer. Plenty of fantastic interviews with the drummers who shaped funk and funky beats, and more than one hundred transcribed grooves so you can follow the style of funk through the years. Every drummer needs this book, no matter what style you play, absolute necessity.

The Essence of Afro-Cuban Percussion and Drum Set: Includes the Rhythm Section Parts for Bass, Piano, Guitar Horns & Strings ASIN:1576236196 Our Price: $39.95 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Boy, I wish I found this sooner! Comments: I simply can't sing enough praise for Ed's book. I've been playing djembe and congas for a couple years, and I've always wanted a comprehensive book that covered the history, rhythms, and instruments. Finally I have one. This book describes the background in terms of history and culture that birthed Afro-Cuban music, then takes a structured approach through all the instruments. The breadth of coverage on the instruments is fantastic. Not only are there the basic rhythms, but with Ed's approach, you see how they all fit together. It even has a whole section on the non-percussion parts of the rhythm section (piano, bass, etc.) and how the songs of various styles are structured. I've never found this kind of information elsewhere. For people who don't have a background in these musical styles (like me), this is wonderful. Then there's a whole section on adapting these styles to drum kit. The audio examples are the best I've heard in any book/CD combo I own, by far. They are far more comprehensive than any other, and they support what you're learning in the text. The synergy between text and audio makes this a gold mine. While this book is more expensive than most music books, it has several times the value of any other book I've seen. I so much wish I had this from day one. Even getting it now, it's filling in the (many) gaps in my learning, and will surely be the most essential book in my collection for a good long while.

Planet Drum: A Celebration of Percussion and Rhythm ASIN:1888358203 Our Price: $21.00 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: The Primal Sound.... Comments: Mickey Hart goes into a global exploration of percusion instruments in this particular book. The interplay between sound and mysticism is explored, with lavish photographs and numerous quotations to boot. Although this book isn't much on words, theres a lot of good stuff in here. Breaking it down into various regions, Hart shows some wonderful examples of musical instruments used in Africa, Oceania, Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas. Aside from more familar instruments (bullroarers, clap sticks and various drums), he also gives examples of exotic instruments like the shekere, mbira, shawm, skull drums and gamelan orchestras. In addition, he explores numerous non-western cultures, such as the Rashaida, Ethiopians, Tutsis, Nepalis and Ojibwa. Aside from this are little side-bars on various related subjects such as Shamanism, Capoeira, Carnival, drums and warfare and the "dance of the dead". Theres even a whole list of names various cultures around the world have for the bullroarer, which is considered sacred in cultures as far away as the Australian aborigines and the Apache of North America. And, of course, it explores the process of sound, from the big bang to the end of time itself, complete with a lot of cultural notes and tidbits that are great to know. For instance, did you know tht Ethiopian soldiers used to be accompanied by trumpters and drummers who symbolized the drummers who will herald the Apocalypse? Or that in some parts of the world drums really were used to communicate? Or that early Christians were summoned to church with a "sound board" instead of a bell? All of these small little notes, and many other historical facts and curiousities are contained within this book. And, finally, there are also a handful of illustrated myths and legends retold in the book. These include a Sioux legend of the origin of the powow drum and a Koori story about how the bull-roarer came to earth, as well as a grisly tale of what the Inca did to captured foes (made them into drums) and a Siberian tale of creation. This is really an amazing book. Those with an interest in anthropology, music or shamanism should take a brief look at this book. Heck, everyone should. It may not be a lot of reading, but it is wonderful to flip through and learn about the history of sound, mysticism and the pulse of the world itself. Just buy it and you'll see what I mean.

Drum Tuning:A comprehensive guide to tuning drums ASIN:0964465817 Our Price: $12.95 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Drum Tuning by Larry Nolly Comments: I think this is the best book on drum tuning you can find. I'm an intermediate drummer and I found this book very helpful. I really like the section on tuning the snare drum. After reading Mr. Nolly's book, I found that I was making a lot of mistakes tuning my snare drum, as well as my whole drum set. I've never been able to get the sound that I wanted out of my drums but now I can.

African Rhythms and Independence for Drumset ASIN:0967309816 Our Price: $24.95 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: African exponentiation Comments: Mokhtar unfolds layer after layer of colors, textures, pulses that are the ingredients for the 'hologram' of African effect (and my affection). I teach at MARS music in Nashville and make my students use this text as part of our curriculum for the beginner to the advanced. Kyle Jones

Ultimate Play-Along for Drums: Level 1, Vol. 2 ASIN:1576234029 Our Price: $24.95

200 Drum Machine Patterns ASIN:0881886327 Our Price: $9.95 Customer's Rating: 3 Summary: Bland Drum Patterns Comments: I don't feel that the patterns in this book are very useful outside of the most basic types of music. The patterns are organized in a visual format allowing for easy programming into grid type sequencers which is a plus for those who cannot read standard music notation. However these patterns simply do not cut it except perhaps for those seeking an introduction to beginning MIDI drum programming. Anyone expecting interesting patterns should look elsewhere.

Jazz, Rock and Latin Sourcebook: 100 Grooves for Drums and Bass ASIN:0897249275 Our Price: $19.95

Buddy Rich's Modern Interpretation of Snare Drum Rudiments ASIN:0825610036 Our Price: $11.96 Customer's Rating: 4 Summary: "Buddys" book.. Comments: Lets be clear on this, Buddy did not write a single lession in this book, not to take anyting away from his gift but music notation was not his thing, He signed up for the cash and was given a lump sum for his name and a few pictures...Having said that, the book is fine for learning how to progress with your rudiments.

The Essence of Brazilian Percussion and Drum Set ASIN:076922024X Our Price: $24.95

Drum Techniques of Rush ASIN:0769250556 Our Price: $12.95 Customer's Rating: 4 Summary: Not perfect, but worth owning Comments: I've enjoyed going through this book and working out some of the parts. Some of the time signatures/changes were eye-opening, as you can get lost at times trying to decipher certain Rush tunes (well I know I do anyway). On the downside, a lot of it has been simplified - kind of like a "Here is the basic idea of what's being played" attitude (The Trees for example). There are occasional mistakes which I can live with, but some of it is flat wrong. Check out the beginning of Natural Science ("Wheels within wheels in a spiral array") - if you listen to the song while following the transcription, you will see that what is written is wrong. Overall I'd recommend this book - is there such a thing as a BAD drum book?

The Healing Power of the Drum ASIN:0941677877 Our Price: $10.47 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: An Insightful Look at Drumming for Health and Wellness Comments: This is a must have book in any person interested in the field of percussion, music therapy, or wellness. As a drummer and psychotherapist Robert Friedman guides the reader through the experience of using the drum as a tool for therapy and healing. What has been known for centuries by other cultures of the world comes to life in Friemdman's book. He uses stories from expert percussionists such as Layne Redmond and Babatunde Olatunji as well as noted music therapists Barry Bernstein and Christine Stevens among many others to convey that the drum is a powerful and useful tool in therapy. Friedman inculded many helpful sections such as drumming with specific populations such as At-Risk Adolescents, Senior Citizens, Autism, Down Syndrome, and many others. A section on specific drumming activities is included as well as an extensive list of drum related resources. This book is a pleasure to read and learn from. On a personal level I appreciate that several times in the book Friedman recommends consulting a music therapist to assist with therapeutic drumming interventions. He clearly recognizes and supports the use of music as a vital part of the therapeutic process and guides the reader to many sources where they can explore their rhythmic spirit. This book should be required reading for anyone entering the healthcare field. I personally recommend this book to my percussion students and fellow music therapists and know that many more would benefit from reading this wonderful work.

UBS Blues Drums Basics BK/CD ASIN:1576236706 Our Price: $12.95

The Drummer's Path: Moving the Spirit With Ritual and Traditional Drumming ASIN:0892813598 Our Price: $10.36 Customer's Rating: 2 Summary: Women CAN play whatever drum they choose! Comments: As a woman drummer and drum maker of the past 10 years I was very disappointed by Mr. Wilson's ideas regarding women and drumming. The fact is, women throughout the history of humankind have endured countless hours of back breaking physical labor, many times with an infant strapped to their backs, from gathering firewood to working fields to walking miles just to find and carry home water. Sule, living in a place where most people are not subject to living so close to basic survival has forgotten what his female African ancestors had to endure upon their arrival in this country. His theory that women would "fry their eggs" if they played a conga or a djembe (I play both, as do many professional female percussionists) does not fly since most of us can imagine that the above mentioned forms of labor are much more demanding on anyone's body than playing drums. If his theory were in fact true, it is possible that none of us would be here. Women are not as fragile as most men think we are. Mr. Wilson does have some very good advice on spirit and the flow of energy while drumming. But I enjoyed "When the Drummers were Women" much more!

Hip Grooves for Hand Drums: How to Play Funk, Rock & World-Beat Patterns on Any Drum ASIN:0963880152 Our Price: $17.47 Customer's Rating: 2 Summary: Not as helpful as you might think from the title Comments: My title summarizes my main disappointment with this book. It sounds great but when you get it, it seems to give relatively little in all those pages. Lots of filler, not enough content. I was especially disappointed with the notation. Although conga players use this chessboard notation, it's not standard in music generally, which means you can't show it to a drummer or the songwriter in your band and expect them to know what it means. Music notation exists for very good reasons -- it communicates rhythms with great accuracy. Letters in little boxes just don't.

Medieval and Renaissance Dances for Recorders, Dancers, and Hand Drums ASIN:0934017514 Our Price: $14.95

Best of Led Zeppelin Drums ASIN:076927224X Our Price: $12.95 Customer's Rating: 4 Summary: Good Capture of Led Zeppelin Drums with some flaws Comments: I am a great fan of John Bonham and Led Zeppelin. I always wanted to see how to play the songs besides looking at flawed tabs. If you are a drummer and are a fan of Led Zeppelin or John Bonham then you should buy this book. The only problem is that you might have a hard time following some of the songs because they do not explain any of the techniques. This gets a little frustrating when you are trying to play it. But other then that its a great book. I hope they come out with another one of other songs because I was disappointed to see that there werent some really good songs in there.

Berklee Practice Method: Drum Set ASIN:0634006525 Our Price: $10.47 Customer's Rating: 3 Summary: Not for the advanced player! Comments: Just a quick note about this book: It it NOT for the advanced player, but rather the basic player that has a basic grasp on how to read music. The book is clear and takes you through basic concepts step-by-step in order to accompany the charts in the book and the tracks on the enclosed CD. If you already have experience reading in a band situation, this book will not help you. It seems to be designed more for the "drums as a second instrument" crowd.

Step One Play Rock Drums (Step One) ASIN:0825616697 Our Price: $7.95 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Joel Rothman does it again! Comments: Joel Rothman pens another stunning masterpiece. Not only does he kick a** on the drums, but we all can see he has a sensitive side as well. I reccomend that anyone who plans on playing the drums buy this book, and anyone who has ever tapped their finger, their pencil, their pen, their fork, their knife, their whatever should also. Furthermore Joel Rothman is a god.

Play Drums Today! - Level 1 ASIN:063403300X Our Price: $14.95

Learn to Play Drums (Learn to Play Series) ASIN:0746030444 Our Price: $9.95 Customer's Rating: 4 Summary: Very Good Learning Book Comments: This is without a doubt the best way to learn the drums without hassle. It is a very easy book to read and has everything it could teach you about drums. It is without a doubt the easiest and best way to learn.

Drums from Day One ASIN:0786648511 Our Price: $19.95

How to Play Drums (How-To-Play Series) ASIN:0312082126 Our Price: $8.76 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Great Beginners Handbook Comments: This was one of my first books on percussion and it has so much information packed into it, that I still keep it within reach for quick reference. It covers the basics of drum kit, latin and orchestral percussion in a clear and systematic layout. The exercises are also very consise. (And personally I like the accurate drawings too.) A valuable book for any student of percussion, written by two experienced musicians.

The Healing Drum: African Ceremonial and Ritual Music ASIN:0892815051 Our Price: $13.83 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Traditional music worth sharing! Comments: If you like traditional and ceremonial music from West Africa, you have to check this one out. Born into a family of musicians and healers, Yaya Diallo brings you authentic music from a dying culture. Djembe, dnounouba, balafons, tama, voice, and other instruments grace this cd with the power of music from a society that depends on music for so many things. Healing, celebrating, working, honoring, mending disputes, you name it. It is music from a people that understand the impact of sound, and the effect sounds have on the listener. Four of the twelve tracks are actual field recordings made in Yaya's native village of Fienso.

The Bongo Book ASIN:0786620714 Our Price: $12.57 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: The Bongo Bible Comments: I bought this book shortly after I started playing bongos about 6 years ago, and it is still a great source of rhythm patterns and overall inspiration. You can find rhythms in this book that will apply to any style of music. It is true that there is not much on technique. But I suggest to anyone who is frustrated to just keep trying! Read this section over and over, LISTEN closely to the CD, get your hands on those drums and eventually it will click. (If you still need help, get on the usnet group rec.music.makers.percussion.hand-drum or do a Google search in this group. Any question you can think of has been asked and answered already :-) There is even a section on re-skinning a bongo head. You do-it-yourself'ers and drum tinkerers will LOVE this. It's easy and fun to put on a new head -- especially if you put goatskin on the macho (small bongo head). If you have some bongos, thinking of buying some, or know an aspiring bongocero, this book is a MUST.

The Drum Book ASIN:0879304766 Our Price: $17.47 Customer's Rating: 4 Summary: A Book to Dream About! Comments: For anyone who loves drum sets, this is a fabulous book. The pictures are wonderful, and the history of the trap set is really fascinating. If you want a lot about jazz sets or jazz drummers, this isn't the book for you, but still, the history of drums from the 1920's on is good to read. The appendix, a listing of many, many drum companies, is enlightening and useful. Soon it may be updated, and that'll be great, too (2003 is a long way from 1997 in some ways!)

Guide to Vintage Drums ASIN:093175979X Our Price: $17.47 Customer's Rating: 4 Summary: Good introductory survey Comments: John Aldridge's book is a good introductory survey to the history of the drumset. There is a slight bias toward Ludwig Black Beauty snare drums that should be taken into account, but most readers should be able to identify with Mr. Aldridge's enthusiasm. Although it is only marginally helpful for collectors trying to identify a particular drum, this book is an essential foundation that should be the first addition to every enthusiast's library.

The Drum Handbook: Buying, Maintaining, and Getting the Best from Your Drum Kit ASIN:0879307501 Our Price: $17.47

Beats, Fills, and Solos for Drums: With CD ASIN:1875726055 Our Price: $14.95 Customer's Rating: 4 Summary: Not bad.. Comments: I've been a drummer for about a year, then I bought this book as I wanted to learn more fills and different beats. The Solo's don't sound very good (i.e they're not really awe inspiring or anything) but there are some really good beats and fills. Not enough solo's for my liking. The book's good for beginners as there are some pretty simple beats and fills there too. I wish I'd had this a year ago myself as I picked up most stuff I know by ear. In summary the book's good, but I just wish there was more. But for the price it's great!

Have Fun Playing Hand Drums: A Book and Cd for Playing the Djembe, Conga, and Bongo Drums ASIN:0769280587 Our Price: $15.96 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Excellent book and CD for learning and playing along with Comments: The book is well illustrated and the accompanying CD is excellent for learning and playing along with - the exercises are played several times so you can get the feel of the sound and practice with the CD. The exercises and patterns are carefully graduated. There are also a number of play-along tracks to get more experience. I would also recommend this book for players of other instruments to get a good grounding in rhythm sense. This book followed by Richie Gajate-Garcia's "Play Bongos & Hand Percussion Now" is the best course for learning bongos I know of. Gajate-Garcia's book will take you to more complex rhythms and patterns useful for nearly every setting.

The Art and Heart of Drum Circles ASIN:0634050664 Our Price: $10.47