Korg’s next-generation Wavedrum Dynamic Percussion Synthesizer has been generating buzz in the percussion community for its seamless marriage of traditional percussion sounds and playing techniques with state-of-the-art synthesizer technology. Not surprisingly, several prominent drummers and percussionists are unlocking the Wavedrum’s possibilities. Such artists as Alex Acuña (Weather Report and countless others), Dafnis Prieto (Eddie Palmieri, Michel Camilo, Chucho Valdez), Pat Mastelotto (King Crimson), Robin DiMaggio (Paul Simon, David Bowie), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Chickenfoot) and Danny Carey (Tool) have embraced the Wavedrum as an integral part of their percussion setups and musical approaches.
Alex Acuña is a top-call session player. Aside from his notable stint in pioneering fusion group Weather Report, Acuña has worked with a long list of legends: Ella Fitzgerald, Al Jarreau, Chick Corea, Joe Zawinul, Paul McCartney, Peter Gabriel, Blondie and scores of others. Touching on every genre of music, Acuña’s career requires him
to be versatile, which is what appeals to him about the Wavedrum. He sums it up saying, “The Korg Wavedrum makes it easy to express your musical journey.�
Dafnis Preito was classically schooled at the National School of Music Havana in his native Cuba, before arriving in New York City in 1999. Since then, he has left an indelible mark on the jazz and Latin music scenes. He sees the Wavedrum as a complement to his drum set, but he also likes using it for solos. He states, “Wavedrum is the most sophisticated and powerful electronic percussion instrument I’ve ever played.�
Over the course of several decades, Pat Mastelotto has gained recognition as a session drummer and a member of King Crimson, Mr. Mister and most recently experimental supergroup HoBoLeMa. His session credits include Al Jarreau, the Pointer Sisters, Kenny Loggins, Patti LaBelle, Hall & Oates, XTC, Matthew Sweet and dozens of others. He has found the Wavedrum to be a perfect addition to his drum configuration, and, in describing the Wavedrum he has coined the term, “Wave-a-licious.�
Robin DiMaggio has had a diverse career drumming for artists such as Steve Vai, David Bowie, Paul Simon, Diana Ross, Chris Isaak and Johnny Cash, to name a few. Robin’s mastery of electronic percussion in the 1980s later led to gigs with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and others. DiMaggio is an expert on digital percussion tools, so it is with significance that he notes, “The invincible Korg Wavedrum is making any copycats stop in their tracks; you can’t re-create what’s already the best tool out there.�
Korg’s Wavedrum is the first electronic product to employ a real drum head playing surface for an authentic feel, combined with 100 built-in drum, percussion and synthesizer sounds from around the world, offering an all-in-one instrument that’s ideal for use by students, aspiring musicians and professionals, or in settings where space is at a premium. An MP3 player can also be connected for jam sessions or accompaniment. Wavedrum can be used by itself, or integrated into a drum kit or percussion rig. It can replace a room full of instruments, making it a welcome choice for crowded stages, theatre pits, home/project studios and classrooms. Hundreds of sound combinations can be stored, with 12 favorites instantly accessible.
For more information, please visit www.korg.com/wavedrum.
