Secret Weapons for the Modern Drummer DVD Reviews

• Best technique dvd available

  
  By APWM4CGKAHIRK on 2007-08-13
  This DVD focuses on hand technique. It focuses not at all on drum set coordination, foot technique, beats, or "licks". Of course, if you master just some of the techniques he explains, particularly the Moeller technique and its variations, your ability to play beats (particularly jazz) and licks (particularly at breakneck speeds) will be greatly enhanced.
  
  I think this is a great instructional video. The only competition of which I am aware in this particular niche are the Joe Morello technique DVDS. Morello's DVDs are wonderful and I recommend them, not the least because they have some of Morello's fantastic playing. But Mayer's DVD is even better than the Morello DVDs. The principal reason is that Mayer covers a broader range of techniques, ranging from the "free" or Gladstone stroke to the Moeller techniques and its variations to the one stroke roll. In addition, Mayer's explanations of each are as clear, detailed, and understandable as one could possibly want. Each technique is broken down into constituent elements, explained in depth, depicted both slowly and up to speed, and accompanied by recommended exercises for developing facility with the technique. There is enough practice material for years.
  
  Mayer is a good person to present the material. He is not annoying or self-absorbed. He comes across as sincere, intelligent, knowledgeable, and concerned.
  
  I was not familiar with Mayer before this DVD but am now a real fan. The segments in which he does some playing are a real treat. He is versatile, musical, and *incredibly* fast.
  
  

• Teaches as well as he plays!

  
  By A8TFVOQ8K9P31 on 2007-07-27
  After a 10 plus year hiatus from playing drums, when I came back I found the web was full or instructional videos and information. First thing I wanted to do was install a fresh set of chops! Google introduced me to Moeller Method, YouTube was where I first saw and heard JoJo Mayer. I did waste money on another Moeller Method video that you should avoid but the purchase of Weapons for the Modern Drummer is money well spent. JoJo is not only a drummer of the high caliber but an excellent teacher as well. There is a wealth of information on this DVD. All of it is well presented with great camera angles and well thought out examples. He shows all the different grips, and goes into detail on Moeller and Gladstone and finger control. His presentation is fresh, humorous and addresses not only the physical aspects of technique but the mental part also. It is all there! He has a great respect for the instrument and it shows. A previous review says this is not for beginners but I'm not sure I agree. I would have loved to had this information when I first started many many years ago. It would have solved many questions I had at the time.
  
  

• not much performance but great educational DVD

  
  By A38PF5I55NJGTA on 2007-07-21
  I've been playing for almost 20 years and seen a lot of instructional videos but I have never gathered as much info on hands as there is in this one. Jojo goes into great detail on the various techniques. His approach is very "scientific", breaking stuff down to the smalest nuances, explaining the physics behind it. You can finally start seeing what you've been doing wrong and how to improve it.
  I hope he will do more DVDs, on feet etc. Highly recommended.
  
  
  

• The Ultimate Hand Technique DVD

  
  By A2LVYHHNQVX8M8 on 2007-11-14
  Great drummers don't breaks sticks and heads. Jojo Mayer shows you EXACTLY how the physics of drumstick, drumhead and hand control work in your favor. Ever notice how great drummers' hands just flow effortlessly? It's because they know the sweet spot on a drumstick, how the hands, fingers and wrist work, how to allow the stick to rebound off the drumhead (as opposed to digging it into the head), etc.
  
  As an added bonus, he does a couple of solo demonstrations that completely kicks MAJOR A$$. He is definitely one of my favorite drummers of all time.
  
  

• The BEST single DVD for hand techniques

  
  By A2CC2CRU24E44X on 2007-11-20
  For most drummers, it begins with the hands. This DVD is packed with excellent technical details about how to go from the very beginnings, to stick fluency. These details are not only shown, but explained precisely and concisely. You also get to seem them demonstrated by a master. If I could recommend only one instructional DVD (and there are many excellent choices), this would be the one. I consider it a must have for any beginning drummer, regardless of playing style. I rate very few products with 5 stars, but this one clearly earned it.
  
  
• JUST GET IT NOW !!!
  By A1QPHT5B0ZGH61 on 2007-11-15
  WOW !!! What a great video. So far, it's the best instructional video I have ever see, along with Joe Morello. Jojo is not here to show off his fantastic drummer, but instead he gives us the best explanation of how to use our limbs in the most natural way, resulting in a great increase of control and speed. Thank you MISTER Mayer !! This video a must have for any drummer, I mean any drummer !!! Get it ASAP !!!
  
  
• One of the most complete works available on the subject
  By A38QS0YVZCEGEZ on 2007-08-28
  Jojo's last effort is quite for sure one of the most complete works on hands technique available, along with It's Your Move by Dom Famularo and the great dvd by Steve Smith Steve Smith-Drumset Technique/History of the U.S. Beat DVD, which completes the field with the most complete explanation of feet technique. I highly recommend these three for a complete display of drumming techniques, from the most basic to the most advanced. One final note: even if Jojo has studied with the great Jim Chapin, it's quite easy to notice a big difference between his version of the "Full Moeller Stroke" and Dom Famularo's one (which is truly the full version of this technique), so don't miss to check out both to get the idea.
  
  
• If you only buy one drum DVD, make it this one
  By A1AWJUDQU6JXGU on 2007-12-21
  This is the most aggravating DVD I've ever seen. Not because it isn't good, but because it gives me nowhere to hide. I have other DVDs that try to explaining these techniques, but they don't actually explain them, and I could use that as an excuse for my not being able to play like that. Jojo's DVD is such an extraordinary model of clarity, simplicity, and painstaking detail that I really feel there is nothing left to explain. It's all right there. Now if I can't do a one-handed roll at buzz-roll speed, it's only because I haven't practiced it enough, not because I don't know how. I guess I'll just have to practice more--much more.
  
  There really is nothing quite like this out there, and it is exactly what I've been looking for. It uses multiple camera angles, animation, slow-motion, repetition at various speeds, and, perhaps most useful from my point of view, he demonstrates a technique using all those tools, then shows you the same technique with no stick in his hand, so you can clearly see the finger, hand, and wrist motions and all the muscle contractions. If surgeons had an instructional video like this, there would never be another malpractice suit.
  
  
• The Most Important DVD You Will Ever Own (If you are a Drummer)
  By AHKM0ZKODAJX8 on 2008-04-18
  I am a musician, drum instructor and music school owner. I have studied with Dom Famularo, Jim Chapin and Joe Morello and without question, this is the best instructional video on the Moeller technique in existence. JoJo is truly marvellous and breaking down Freestrokes, Moeller, Pumping Motions and how to apply them on the kit. The technical production is superb and the animations really bring out the lessons clearly. If you find you are sore, experience pain, break sticks, drum heads or any of the many aliments that plague drummers then you need to have this video. If you wish to play with more speed and have great control and feel, then this video is for you.
  
  I would not be without Jo Jo's Video and it is one of my main teaching tools along with Tommy Igoes Groove Essentials, Jim Chapin's Speed, Power, Control and Endurance and Dom Famularo's book It's Your Move.
  
  
• An invaluable resource
  By A2LNUIU6BWOGTC on 2007-08-09
  Every drummer should own a copy, regardless of your skill level. Beginners will learn to practice the fundamentals of hand technique properly and efficiently, and more advanced players will benefit from the clear explanations of Jojo's amazing tricks. Gladstone, Moeller, push-pull, one-handed rolls and more are all described very clearly. A great resource to have on your shelf.
  
  
• This is it
  By A3RN0RMS7V8271 on 2007-08-25
  This is what you are looking for. Everything you will ever need for drum technique is here. You won't be disappointed. Go for it.
  
  
• Destined to be a classic!!
  By A198WLKRUM30RO on 2007-09-03
  This video is for any drummer seeking mastery of the instrument and technical proficiency. I've seen many videos that reference or include topics on stick control; this is simply the best of its kind. As many of the previous reviewers have mentioned, this video has clear, precise and detailed explanations of techniques that will enhance your playing ability. Each segment has a troubleshooting section, which provides methods to identify and remedy common errors in technique. Highly recommended!
  
  
• Outstanding insight into hand technique
  By A2SAXFP1DNJGW6 on 2007-09-14
  I've viewed many drum instructional videos during my 25 yrs of playing, but I must say, this DVD by JoJo Mayer is by far the most comprehensive and insightful presentation on hand technique I've seen. The material is presented in an easy-to-understand format, is well produced with great graphics and camera angles, and JoJo shares his insights with a wonderful, engaging sense of humor. What makes this unlike any other I've seen is that his approach is based on the physics of how the human body moves most naturally, with the goal being maximum effect with minimum effort.
  
  He covers the basic grips, the fulcrum, finger exercises, the "free stroke", the Moeller Stroke, the "push-pull" technique, and sooooo much more. Illustrations of JoJo's eye-popping hand technique indicate what's truly do-able & possible if one puts in concerted effort at the drums. The video contains no patterns or `licks', rudimental exercises, independence exercises or foot technique - there are tons of other DVDs and books for that. JoJo focuses strictly on hand technique.
  
  This DVD has sent me scurrying to the practice room, and has reignited my quest to gain greater control of my hands, with the ultimate goal of being able to play whatever I hear in my head. Highly recommended!
  
  
  
• learning the proper technique's
  By A11ZW9305Z3FPV on 2007-12-28
  Although i have been playing for many years i am trying to learn more and more about technique...This cd-rom by JoJO mayer is outstanding.....I keep going back to it constantly to review what is shown in the different hand positions....I kept asking myself why i could not get any faster and more accurate, but by a simple move of the stick in my hand to its proper position made all the sense to me....These are secrets that drummers have to pay expensive teacher's to show them...It has been passed down though many era's and now Jo JO Mayer has put it out their in cd-rom ...A must buy for all drummers....Thank you JoJO......
  
  
• Hand technique review
  By A1E9PO4BW92B1S on 2007-12-29
  This is one of the better drum DVDs that one can use time and again. It only covers hand technique but in great detail. Mr Meyer has investigated the subject thoroughly and conveys the information very well. After playing drums for years I thought I knew hand technique but found much to learn here. Great production and sound as well
  
  
• Let me pick up my jaw before writing this review...
  By A3C2A3D2KG1F1A on 2008-07-23
  Wow. WOW! I apologize but I'm still blown away by the content in this video. There has been a lot covered in other reviews so I'll just give you my experience with this video and how it's help me. I'll also restate the best aspects of this video.
  
  I did my share of research before purchasing this video and just about everyone exclaimed how amazing it is. Well, look at the reviews here on Amazon. During the time of this review there are 48 reviews written and only a handful (5) are 4-star reviews, nothing lower. Everyone loves this video and for good reason. If you're looking to improve your hand technique (and who isn't) then this is the only video you will need to master.
  
  I'm a bit of a late bloomer with the drums. I've always appreciated the drums very much but for some reason I grew up a bass player. Well I'm 27 now and it's about time to go ahead and hang up the bass. It's going to be impossible to cover 20 years worth of ground in the next few years, so instead I figured I would just become the best drummer I can become in the shortest amount of time possible. I noticed many drummers that have been playing for years that aren't very proficient have poor hand technique. I wanted to nip this one in the bud right away because I believe that will help me gain some time back. A lot of drummers focus on speed from the get-go and forget about technique and control - which in my opinion is much more important.
  
  No amount of YouTube how-to videos can train you like Jojo can. I have learned much more during one viewing of this video then I've learned with all other YouTube videos I've watched combined. As stated in other reviews - Jojo not only has absolutely perfect technique, he also teaches these techniques very well.
  
  Jojo is a great teacher. He comes across as a very down to earth, very professional and intelligent drummer. You can see his fluidity with every movement he makes, not just with the drums. Jojo guides you through each technique very thoroughly. He provides troubleshooting tips for the most common problems, I found these especially helpful. Jojo also does a great job of injecting little comedy bits throughout the video. The bit towards the end of the movie where he shows a hand clapping exercise is especially funny.
  
  The most desired techniques are discussed, included the ever-so-sought-after Moeller technique. Actually the Moeller technique is discussed in great detail. You will also learn finger, wrist, forearm and shoulder techniques, the free stroke (or Gladstone method), French grip, German grip, Matched and Traditional grip and much more.
  
  Jojo really showed me how to look at drums in a whole different light. I'm more pumped then ever!
  
  One of the complaints I keep reading about is that he doesn't show a whole lot of him playing crazy beats behind the kit. Well, this is good and bad. It's bad because he's such a joy to watch, but it's good because that means you have 3 hours of good solid training content. I prefer the training because I can always check out YouTube and watch many Jojo videos.
  
  Just get this. If you want to really go to the next level with your hand technique then you have no reason for not buying this. This is one of those videos I would pay hundreds of dollars for if I had to. I've stopped taking drum lessons because this video is elevating my skills much faster then my drum teacher ever could. Remember he makes it look so easy because it will become so easy, just keep practicing. Productive practice makes perfect.
  
  
• Definitive Stick Control DVD
  By A14N2FN74Q7ZLX on 2007-08-03
  This is it! The definitive DVD on stick control, Jojo covers everything I ever wanted to know about finger control, Moeller strokes, and shows us the techniques that will open up our drumming to unlimited possibilities.
  
  He's funny too and explains everything clearly and uses good camera angles and great interludes to keep it fun and groovy.
  
  This is a must have top 10 DVD for drummers and will help anyone at any level, If I only had this 18 years ago when I started playing........
  
  
  
  
• Brilliant Stuff
  By A1VWMEPS8700YK on 2007-08-06
  one of the best hand technique compilation and explanation, with good sense of humour to spice it up. You will get back every penny of what u invest in this DVD.
  
  
• Everything you wanted to know about hand technique
  By A1HIAOIDGTS481 on 2007-09-06
  This is one of the most thorough instructional DVDs I have ever seen. This is to hand development what the Thomas Lang DVDs are for foot concept development. Steve Smith's "Drumset Technique..." DVDs cover a lot of foot and hand techniques, but nothing near what Jojo covers in this 2 disk set. I learned more in one sit through of this title than I have from any other book or DVD that I own. Jojo is entertaining and extremely knowledgeable about his craft and presents this material in a fun and structured manner that makes it easy to watch and easy to learn. If you want to get your hands to the next level, this is a GREAT way to do it!!!
  
  
• Definitive video for getting your hands together.
  By A23YFSIX510Q5T on 2007-09-09
  This is the definitive instructional video for getting your technique together in terms of your hands: moeller, gladstone, matched, traditional, finger control... all of it is covered in depth and accurately with multiple angles and beneficial camera work. It leaves no "mysteries" (so to speak) about many techniques and concepts that were previously covered ambiguously in other videos or by other drummers. If you want amazing hands, this is it. Period. It has benefited me immensely. I recommend it to any player, beginner to pro. If you have never seen Jojo play- you are in for it; the guy is flat out amazing and has amassed an unbelievable level of proficiency in his technical ability, as well as his musical use of those techniques.
  
  
• Makes me want to pratice more!
  By A287FUALP1EI0O on 2007-09-14
  I should've known and shown everything that's been said in this video!
  I was always a fan of Jojo since 1995 when I heard him with Screaming
  Headless Torsos and always wanted to know how he manage to play the
  way he did!
  
  Now I know.....
  
  
• SO excellent!
  By A1682DNPUF4C1B on 2007-09-17
  Excellent. The most interesting and excplicite technique for hand!! You are a drummer? You must have!!
  
  
• BUY THIS DVD!!!
  By A2SRV81AJBJCHO on 2007-09-18
  Drummers: If you want to learn some skills that will make your playing faster, and less strenuous than ever before, then check this DVD out!
  
  I've been drumming now for about 4-5 years, and had little to no training/lessons. I had to learn everything I know pretty much by guessing, and trial and error methods... Trust me, it's been quite an expensive, and sometimes frustrating ride..... During that time, I've broken a lot of sticks and heads, and now I KNOW EXACTLY WHAT I WAS DOING WRONG THE WHOLE TIME!!! I've only been practicing the skills and tips explained on this DVD for about 5 days now, and have already noticed drastic improvement in my playing speed and endurance... I can already tell that my current set of sticks and heads will last me at least twice as long as they ever have!!!
  
  Jojo's scientific approach to drumming saves your energy, and helps prevent strain on muscle groups and joints. If you're like me, and frequently break heads/sticks, or your wrists/fingers/any other part of your upper body hurt from drumming, do yourself a favor, and buy this DVD NOW!!! Stop hurting yourself and your drum kit, and learn these tricks! You'll be glad you did!
  
  
• Exceptionnal stick control review
  By A24ODQN954PJX on 2007-09-24
  This DVD shows everything for improving stick control and handling. It demonstrates how far the limits can be pushed back. And Jojo beeing a Swiss native, it gives a push and kind of a recognition for the swiss traditionnal drumming heritage. Go for it.
  
  
• Amazing
  By A1KZFXF5Y6P5L2 on 2007-10-28
  This video shows you such an amazing variety of techniques, and how to improve your playing. Very inspirational. I have told all of my drummer friends to buy this and they all thanked me for it!
  
  
• JoJo Knows Teaching
  By A4GBFBSW2CB1W on 2007-11-09
  JoJo Mayer's "Secret Weapons" DVD is worth every penny. There is a few good instructional drum DVDs out there, and this ranks as one of the best. It is straight forward, easy to follow, and very common sense. Every drummer ought to study this DVD. There is no way you won't grab positive useful information from this, that you can begin to apply to your playing immediately. Appropriate for all levels, particularly intermediate and advanced. Check it out.
  
  
• Secrert Weapons for the Modern Drummer
  By A3NZES73UEVR73 on 2008-01-27
  Jojo Mayer is clear in his demonstrations and amazing in his performances. My drumming has improved following his advice. Scientific, using and explaining the physics of the drum and the stick and artist, using theory in servitude to self expression. Excellent.
  
  
• A Must Have for Technique
  By A3DMNY7EW2UAJG on 2008-02-15
  This DVD is one of the best drum instructional videos I have. Jojo does a great job of demonstrating stick technique, which includes holding them properly, and letting the stick rebound off the drum head freely. He elaborates on the "Moeller Method" and the "One Handed Roll". There's some comedy relief thrown in the video as well. Well worth the price.
  
  
• secret wepons for the modern drummer
  By A68JCEFSI263Z on 2008-03-10
  I play drum from 20 years, I teaching drum and I play professional.
  I belive this is the best method I ever wiew in my life, really usefull and clear, also funny and intresting; eccelent quality of the images and eccelent sound.
  definitely great work!
  andrea nicolè
  
  
• Very Instructive Video From a Fantastic Drummer
  By A1QVFHPY8418HC on 2008-05-14
  I used to play the drums long, long time ago in high school and part of college, then I did something stupid: I sold them. I've always regretted this and just recently purchased an electronic drum set to catch up on lost time. Being that it is not exactly like riding a bike (the fundamentals come back but overall I feel like a spaz), I decided to relearn everything the right way by getting some drum DVD's and books. Of the several training items I purchased, this one is the best. JoJo is entertaining, extremely talented, and does an excellent job demonstrating what he is trying to teach you. He doesn't zip through anything during the lessons. Plus he has a good sense of humor and is easy to listen to. This is one great instructional DVD and highly recommended. Even for spazzes like me who are relearning how to play.
  
  

• 4-Way Coordination: A Method Book for the Development of Complete Independence on the Drum Set
• Tommy Igoe Groove Essentials
• Modern Drummer Festival 2006 Saturday & Sunday
• The Art of Playing with Brushes DVD/Play Along CD
• Creative Coordination & Advanced Foot Technique