David Bateman

Mar 28, 2024 | lewisgolden.com | David Bateman |Neil Edwards |Lewis Golden

Although often dismissed, the index-linked UK State Pension can be remarkably good value for the outlay required and, in some instances, can cost you nothing. Entitlement to a state pension requires at least 10 “qualifying years” of National Insurance Contributions (NIC), with the maximum pension of £10,600 obtained after 35 qualifying years.

Jan 16, 2024 | mikedolbear.com | David Bateman

Evans dB ONE Low Volume Cymbal PackFor over a decade I’ve been lucky enough to have a studio at home where I can play as loud as I like. I only mention this because sometimes some drum-related releases and products tend to pass me by. Take the Evans dB ONE low volume cymbal pack as a case in point; until they were given to me, I’d no idea they existed because I never needed low volume cymbals, or heads.

Dec 21, 2023 | mikedolbear.com | David Bateman

Wincent Selection – More goodies from Wincent. I recently looked at some of Wincent’s 5B sticks, and you can find that here – http://mikedolbear.com/reviews/wincent-hickory-5b-natural-drumsticks/The selection I have looked at this time around consisted of some sticks, mallets and nylon brushes. sticks – All of the models here are made from hickory. 7AXL My primary stick for most of my playing over the last 30 years has been based around a 7A.

Dec 2, 2023 | mikedolbear.com | David Bateman

Sabian Cymbal SelectionIt’s always nice to get a box of cymbals from Sabian and this time was no different. The cymbals in this selection were three Complex Aero crashes, a Rocktagon, the 15” Complex Medium Big Cup Hats and the Todd Sucherman signature ride. 18” AAX Rocktagon I don’t think I’m being unfair by saying that Sabian has never been shy in creating weird and wonderful cymbals.

Nov 4, 2023 | mikedolbear.com | David Bateman

Code Nicko McBrain Signature Drum HeadsLike I’m sure many people were, I was rather surprised to see Nicko McBrain’s big move to Code Heads earlier this year. However, I then saw the video released at the time and it kind of made a bit more sense. If you do some research, or if you’re just old enough to remember like me, Nicko always used to use [clear] Ludwig silver dot rocker heads and these new heads are quite reminiscent of those, at least in appearance.