So if you hadn’t noticed, we now carry Gator and SKB drum cases at our store. On the Gator side we are focusing on the Protechtor series of cases that came from XL Specialty Percussion, Inc. (XL Spec). They are now a subdivision of Gator. Check them out here. And check out the selection of amazing SKB cases here. For both Gator and SKB, you will only find drum, cymbal and drum hardware cases/bags on our site. But if you want to get a great deal on any of the rest of their products, give us a call.
Meanwhile, we have also added some Audio-Technica microphones. Check them out here. We are just featuring their products that are great for micing pecussion, but again…give us a call for anything else they carry…we can get it for you.
Humdrum Admin
So today we are announcing free shipping on any Shine custom drum orders. This is a savings of $45 for snare drums and $199 for kits! Take advantage of this savings…also, keep in mind that we only charge sales tax on orders being shipped to New York state. That is also a huge savings that you should be taking advantage of!
If you haven’t tried to build custom drums on our site yet, check out Shine’s selection here.
Humdrum Admin
There’s a new song by the band 311 called “Hey You” which literally thanks music for always being their friend. The concept being that music is something that has always been there for them. I’d like to take that a step further and thank music for giving me lifelong friends. I’ve garnered many a friendship over the years mostly due to playing and hanging out with other musicians. I know my life would be far less full without these relationships and music was the conduit through which they were formed.
Friendships are usually made through some basis of commonality. Whether it be work, school or sports, there has to be something that throws you together to get the ball rolling. For me since my teen-age years a large part of my friendships have come through playing in bands. I think that music having a spiritual aspect to it adds a little extra to the mix. When you experience the high of performing well together as a group as well as personally whether technically or just nailing that perfect groove, I think a special bond develops. That’s why I think when bands break up it can be a bit messy at times. Emotions are heavily tied to music. In order to play well together you have surrender somewhat, let your guard down and truly listen to the people you’re with. Always with the thought, “ What can I add (or not add) to what we’re doing here that will make it better?” That exact concept is mirrored in strong friendships.
Perhaps one of the closest friendships in my life came through a musical connection. We met in high school. I had just started playing drums seriously and I came across this guy playing tunes on a guitar of a band I was heavily into while we were waiting to board a bus to go on a retreat (we went to a Jesuit Catholic Prep School). Although we ended up hanging out in the same group for the rest of our time there it wasn’t until after we had graduated that we became close friends. We started playing in bands together and the friendship grew and we became like brothers. Karl passed on from this world about eleven years ago. He was the most talented musician/artist I’ve ever seen. Definitely the most unusual person I’ve ever met. The effects and impact he made on my life I still feel everyday. Through being his friend I met his sister who I also played with in a band. She is a dear friend and I became a godfather to one of her sons last year. Just a couple of examples really…there are so many more.
All brothers and sisters through this gift from God known as music. It’s a powerful medium. So music, I thank you not only for being my friend but for the wonderful, amazing people you’ve put in my life.
Mike Flaherty
We are now selling the Shine Definition Birch series kit and snare drums at 25% and 30% off! Check them out here.
These drums are Shine’s new production line. All the great features and quality that they have become famous for has been put into these amazing birch drums. You can pick from five different colors and for the snare drum, you can choose from several sizes. These really are beautiful and extremely affordable!
Humdrum Admin
I’ve always loved the melodic aspect of music as well as the rhythmic. I started playing guitar roughly around the same time I began playing drums although with guitar it was mostly for my own amusement in privacy of my room. I would figure out songs I liked or maybe work on something original. Later, when I started playing drums in bands I would pick up little bits of information here and there like scales and technique from the guitarists I played with. I really believe playing this “other” instrument helped me to be what’s known as a “musical” drummer. It’s pretty logical to assume that if you have a fair idea what other instrumentalists are doing it makes it easier to groove with them. Your ear becomes more fine-tuned. It’s simpler to listen for things you might want to accent like for example during a guitar or keyboard solo. Now you’re not just keeping time on the drums, you’re adding interest and excitement to the music while supporting the band. In short, playing a different instrument changes your approach to the drum set in a very positive way.
In recent years I’ve had the opportunity to step out from behind the kit and play guitar and bass in a band situation. At first it was a little scary leaving my security blanket, my nice little wall of drums and cymbals between me and the audience. Now I really enjoy it. It’s also been an eye opener on certain practical aspects of live performance that as a drummer I hadn’t really considered. Usually, when playing drums you can always hear yourself. Drums are naturally loud. It’s hearing the other instruments/vocalists that’s the problem. Not so much while playing guitar or bass. Here I find being able to monitor yourself more of a challenge. Now I know why these people I’ve been playing with all these years would continually turn their amps up all the time. It’s very difficult to play well when you can’t hear yourself. Yes, I know shocking but like I said something that unless you experience it firsthand it’s not easy to understand.
I will always consider myself a drummer first before any other instrument. Quite honestly it brings me the most joy to play. I feel closest to God playing drums especially when things are really flowing whether it be a really good personal practice or band performance. I don’t get that from guitar. I do see guitar as a great supporting part in my lifelong development as a musician and a drummer
Mike Flaherty
Just to keep things current…we are officially up and running and selling Shine’s full line of custom drums! Check them out at www.humdrumonline.com. We are especially grateful to Shine for being the first on board at Humdrum and we believe you will be as impressed with their product as we have been with their support and service. Not that we weren’t fans already, but we are even more so now!
Anyway, the store is launched and we are actively working on growing the product lines (XLSpec drum cases should be up there very soon). Stay tuned for more announcements as we continue to grow…and tell your friends to come join us on the Back Porch!
Humdrum Admin
So after a long week of technical difficulties, we are back online and better than ever. If you go the store and forum, you should notice that it runs a LOT quicker now. That is thanks to a much better hosting service that we migrated to. Thank you for your patience over the last week full of many “cannot connect” messages and snail paced posting. Hopefully, you find this a lot easier to use now!
Anyway, we are now litterally moments away from officially opening the store…stay tuned.
Humdrum Admin
So check it out…we have officially launched the site store/blog/forum…all of it. We sincerely hope you enjoy! (and spread the word) 
You may have noticed that the store does not yet have any products to purchase and that will be coming very soon. But the store is ready to go and that’s a big deal! We hope to have Shine’s full customized selection available online by the end of the week…then we will continually be adding additional manufacturers and their product. We will post an announcement here each time something is ready to go…
Thanks! Enjoy…
Humdrum
Humdrum Admin
Shout out to Mick for the amazing drawings he does! Now featured on our home page and at the top of our blog. Thanks Mick…we like to call this guy the Humdrummer.
Humdrum Admin
Hey everyone…we are so excited to announce that Shine Drums has now partnered with us!!!
Shine is an amazing company in the custom drum world…ever heard of Lady GaGa, Brandy, Sly & The Family Stone or Third Eye Blind??? These are just a few of the people that they support, and we are thrilled to be able to offer them to you as well! Check out their site Shine Custom drums, and join us on May 1 when we launch…
Humdrum Admin