Fun with the Korg Wavedrum

Each toy in this rig is special for many reasons. In this clip, I’m focusing on the Korg Wavedrum…possibly the most unique electronic drum device I’ve ever tried or owned. There are other cool things similar to this…the ATV aFrame and Roland Handsonic come to mind, but what I like about the Wavedrum is the ability to hit it with anything - sticks, hands, fingers, brushes, mallets, etc., and it turns into a whole new drum. One of my fave toys, ever.
[Gear for this clip] Korg Wavedrum, Nord Drum 3P, Roland SPD-SX Pro, Roland TD-50X main snare with all other Roland Pads running through a TM6 Pro, Vater sticks, DW 5000 Hat & Kick Pedals, Audio Technica OH mic & Headphones, Mackie Mix12FX sub-mixer into a Zoom L-12 mixer into a Zoom Q2n4K. Mixed in Studio One.
Thanks for listening!

[@paom8476]

Really a damn shame they stopped making these...

[@dennisagresti9367]

I bought this one brand new last year either through eBay or Reverb from Japan. Decent price.

[@paom8476]

@@dennisagresti9367 That's how I got mine, NOS from Japan, the special yellow one. IMHO, it was never properly marketed in the states.

[@dennisagresti9367]

@@paom8476 I recall that the original one was marketed well (that’s the old one that Danny Carey uses). Same goes with the 2nd one, the silver one. I owned that one but sold it. You’re right, though…the Oriental version along with the most recent Global edition (the one I now own) was not marketed well at all. The interesting thing is Korg partnered with Pearl, using the Wavedrum sensor technology, to create the E/Merge kit, which, coincidentally, Pearl never marketed extensively and it’s somewhat of an unknown kit. Fantastic feeling/playing heads and triggering, but not good cymbals and a so-so module.

[@paom8476]

The full size also needs a reissue with updated connectivity to increase accessibility of the synth engine for custom patch programming in an app. After 19 years I'm not holding my breath, though. Interesting fact about the collaboration, I was unaware of any other products using similar technology in their sound engine.

[@dennisagresti9367]

@@paom8476 I would be shocked if Korg put more design R&D into this. Agreed, though...would love a USB connection and an app to allow programming. It would be interesting to see if Pearl does something with it, but I highly doubt that as well since the E/Merge seems to have been a bust.