If you are visiting the North West Regional Championships you should take time out to visit the Centre Stage Percussion stand, where you can see a world first.

MP-Drum

Called the MP-Drum, it's a new product to the percussion market, developed by Centre Stage Percussion themselves.

It replaces a traditional practice pad with a real snare drum sound, but no matter how hard it's hit, it only produces a mp dynamic — hence the name. It's designed to be the perfect drum for students, teachers, drum groups, quiet practice and happy neighbours!

New product

MD Martin Gernon told 4BR: "It's rare that a totally new product enters the instrument market place, but this is one of those rare moments.

We've been developing it for the last 12 months and we are now delighted to launch it this weekend. For beginners and professionals alike, it is the perfect practice tool."

Martin stated that unlike rubber or plastic practice pads, the MP-Drum has a full snare and gives a tight, distinctive response.

Launch price

He added: "It's exactly like playing a snare drum, but with a maximum volume of mp! Rim shots, hoop cracks and drum rolls can all be done. All this and intricate sticking patterns and rudiments can be clearly heard, which can't be achieved on traditional practice pads.

All this for a special launch price of just £95, so it's not going to break the bank either, so would ask music teachers, not just percussionists to come along and see this amazing product — it will revolutionise the classroom or private practice environment."

It's exactly like playing a snare drum, but with a maximum volume of mp! Rim shots, hoop cracks and drum rolls can all be doneMartin Gernon

Percussion prize

Martin added that also new for Blackpool, is a range of high end Bubinga snare drums, professional glock and xylo mallets, and a fabulous new range of rattan marimba and vibe mallets as well as the Centre Stage Uniforms.

Centre Stage Percussion is once again sponsoring the Best Percussion prize in each section.