Who We Are & What We Do
DrumSpy is a dedicated hub for drummers, offering in-depth gear reviews, industry news, expert lessons, and artist features. Built by drummers for drummers, it delivers the latest insights, practical guidance, and inspiration to fuel a lifelong passion for rhythm.
About DrumSpy
Hey there. I’m Nick Cesarz.
I’ve been obsessed with playing the drums for more than twenty years. I play in a pop-rock band called Vinyl Theatre and also produce music for local bands in Milwaukee, WI.
I founded this website in November of 2016 with a simple vision:
- To become a trusted resource where people can come to learn about new drum products and information about being a drummer.
- To provide the best, most reliable, understandable drumming advice.
- To create and nurture a community of drummers willing to help each other be better players and feel more confident in any drumming situation.
Our Review Process
We follow a structured and transparent approach to reviewing drum gear. Every product is assessed with fairness, honesty, and in-depth analysis to help drummers make informed decisions.
Hands-On Testing
We either purchase the gear ourselves or have a team member review a product they already own. In some cases, companies send us products to test, but that never influences our opinions.
Full Disclosure & Transparency
Any sponsored content on DrumSpy is clearly labeled, and we disclose all affiliate relationships, like our partnerships with Drumeo and Sweetwater. If we earn a small commission from purchases, it is stated openly.
Objective & Research-Driven Reviews
If we haven’t personally tested a product but believe it’s worth mentioning, we make that clear. Our goal is to provide the most thorough, research-backed, and unbiased information for drummers looking for the right gear.
Real-World Testing
Whenever possible, we test drum gear in real-world scenarios—whether in a studio, at a live gig, or during extended practice sessions. This helps us assess durability, sound quality, and usability beyond just first impressions.
Comparison & Industry Research
We compare products to similar options in the market, looking at performance, features, and value for money. Our team also researches expert opinions, drummer communities, and user feedback to ensure a well-rounded perspective.
Updating & Refining Reviews
Technology and drum gear evolve, and so do our reviews. We periodically revisit older reviews to update them with new insights, firmware updates, or market changes, ensuring that our recommendations remain relevant and accurate.
About Me
When I was nine years old I was lucky enough to win a drawing out of a hat to become one of two percussionists in the fifth grade. Thus began my trek carrying a snare drum on my back on the school bus each day.
I was fortunate that my parents supported my ambition for music, allowing me to begin private lessons after school.
Since day one of percussion and drums, I’ve been obsessed. I took music and continued private lessons all through-out high school and studied at the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater for four years, learning drums and percussion.
During my time at university, I acquired an incredible excess of knowledge studying orchestral excerpts, playing techniques, varieties of percussion, playing in many different ensembles, and discovering a real love for the many instruments known as percussion.
From university to touring the US with Vinyl Theatre
Experience & Gear
Drum set, being my biggest passion, was my primary focus. I played in many jazz groups, big and small.
I learned how to play four-mallet marimba, performing pieces from Nebojsa Zivkovic, Nigel Westlake, Stephen Whibley, and Michael J. Burritt (possibly others I cannot remember). Percussion ensemble was a primary focus for our curriculum which introduced me to some of my favorite composers, including Steve Reich and Phillip Glass.
Currently, I use the following gear most of the time:
- DW Design Black Satin
- MIJ 5-piece kit
- Sonor Kompressor Series Brass Snare 6.5×14″
- 14″ Meinl Byzance Hi-Hats
- 19″ Meinl Byzance Thin Crash
- 20″ Meinl Byzance Ride
- Alesis Strata Prime Electronic DRums
- Alesis Strike MultiPad
Connect With Me?
If you have any questions or comments, or perhaps you’d like to submit an article, please contact us here. We also do features on drummers, so please feel free to send your press kit over and we’ll be in contact.
I may have founded Drum Spy, but I can’t solely be the only contributor. We welcome drummers of all ages and perspectives to give insight, reviews, self-promotion (with humility) to help further the website.
Some of the opinion pieces may be speculative, as we can’t always get our hands on all the products we talk about. Despite this, we still do our best to provide an objective view of each product we mention.