Dangerous Illusions: Who Stole Ringo’s Drums?

Q: What do Ringo’s drums – the iconic Ludwig Downbeat made famous on the Ed Sullivan Show, a set of Zildjians – straight from the depths of the family fault, murder, mystery, sex and betrayal have in common?

A: Dangerous Illusions, the new literary crime novel by Joseph J. Gabriele.

Percussionist and novelist Joseph J. Gabriele paints an incredibly rich and vibrant picture in his 268-page murder mystery thriller. While hosting a lavish party at his Park Avenue apartment, Eliot Sexton, a Manhattan writer and percussionist, finds his friend and former U.S. Diplomat murdered and “THE” iconic drum set, worshiped by millions, stolen from his office – and his 70 party guests see nothing.

Mr. Gabriele leads the reader on an unforgettable journey through Manhattan in search of the killer, the thief, the drums, and answers to questions that have unpredictable and volatile consequences. New York is never what it appears to be.

The seemingly effortless blend of drum and percussion details with modern writing is superb, to say the least, and aficionados from the Not So Modern Drummer community will truly appreciate the style in which Mr. Gabriele presents classic instruments, drum shops, and legendary drummers – from Baby Dodds, Chick Webb and Gene Krupa to Joe Morello and Ringo Starr. As a drummer and reader you are instantly transported to the time and place, and the memories that made drumming history – and the many reasons each of us are drumming today. We were equally impressed with the subtle weaving of rhythmic patterns in the writing – and it had us tapping them out as we followed along, slowly becoming one with the characters.

Mr. Gabriele has presented a can’t-put-down thriller, and is well worth the read. The drum addict within us all will appreciate the attention to detail – thanks to Mr. Gabriele’s seven years of researching and writing – conveying knowledge from drum collectors, historians and experts from around the world – including the Ludwig family themselves.

 

“Not since Dashiell Hammett’s Maltese Falcon has an object of desire caused so much trouble.” – Craigie Zildjian

 

Dangerous Illusions will be released in hardcover on February 9, 2014 – the 50th anniversary of Ringo and the rest of the Fab Four making their debut in America on the Ed Sullivan Show. It is currently available as an e-book at all major online retailers. For more information, visit: www.dangerousillusions.com.

 

L&L 1920s Brass Oval Badge

Hi George, I was wondering if you might know where I could find a L & L 1920's brass oval badge in nice shape. I've made a few contacts to date and have someone checking for me at the Connecticut and Chicago drum shows, but was hoping through your own contacts, you might be able to point me in a specific direction. Thanks very much for any assistance you can offer and also wanted you to know, NSMD is looking great these days.. nice job!

Best regards, Joe Czulinski

---

Hey Joe, I don't have any in stock, but I'll post your request. Anyone?

 

Nice 1952 Leedy & Ludwig Kit

From Denzil Woody...

This Leedy and Ludwig kit was purchased in 1952 when I was a sophomore in college. I played them for three years and they have been stored in hard cases since that time.

 

Bob Campbell's 1920s Ludwig & Ludwig Wild Rose Triumphal

The Robert M. Campbell Collection - “1920’s Ludwig & Ludwig 4 X 14” Wild Rose pattern engraved, gold-plated Triumphal, Standard Model”  - by Robert “Bob” Campbell

As a collector, there are those “holy grail” or “desert island” snares that you hope one day to find, and with some good luck and sufficient cash, possibly own. At the 2013 Chicago Drum Show, I had the good fortune to be seated next to Bun E. Carlos during the filming of a Vintage Drums Talk segment by Jim Messina, www.vintagedrumstalk.com, www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrOuznVG2ZU). I’m not sure how the conversation started but Bun E. began telling me some stories about the legendary Charlie Donnelly (Connecticut drum store owner and vintage drum expert who Steve Maxwell credits as “the person responsible for jump-starting me down the path of vintage drums.”) This progressed to talk of our collections. I mentioned that I had purchased a Ludwig 1928 Gold Triumphal 100th Anniversary Reissue from Steve Maxwell. However, I said, “I really wanted an original 1920’s Ludwig & Ludwig Triumphal.”

To my surprise, Bun E. said something like, “I have one that I might sell. Are you seriously interested?” I, of course, replied with a most eloquent answer, “Umm, really?” So then and there, we made a deal.

Bun E. kindly invited me to pick up the drum at his storage barn. His amazing, expansive collection is a story for another time but I did get the Triumphal, signed by Bun E. on the inside of the shell.

I was very curious about the history of the drum and asked Bun E. for some background information. He referred me to Steve Maxwell, who originally acquired this Ludwig & Ludwig Triumphal. Steve said the fellow who had the drum obtained it in Chicago from his teacher in the 1950’s. He didn’t play it much then because it was “so nice”. When the seller contacted Steve, he hadn't played in 20 years and wanted to see how much it was worth. Steve provided this interesting account of how this unique, historic drum serendipitously came into his shop:

“I get a call out of the blue from a guy who says he has a metal Ludwig rare drum and since he's in his 70s and living on social security he figures he might as well try to sell it and see if it's worth a few dollars. I asked him to describe it and he told me it was a 1920’s Ludwig. He thinks it's a 5", then again maybe a 4x14”; and he said it was engraved. So, I assume he's talking about a regular Black Beauty, so I ask if the shell is black with engraving showing through, and he says, "No, it's a gold color". So, now I figure that he's got a stripped shell that was originally an engraved black beauty since we see that sort of thing from time to time, and therefore value is a lot lower. So, I ask him about the engraving pattern and if it is floral (and I describe the typical 10-point and 12-point floral) and he says "no". So I describe the typical scroll pattern and again he says "no". So I ask him what the pattern looks like and he says, "it's sort of like a flower". Now, the LAST thing I am thinking is that this might be another Wild Rose pattern Triumphal. I simply figure that he has a 1920’s era Standard that may have been nickel over brass, non-engraved; and I figure someone stripped it, polished the shell, and did a home-made engraving job. So, I tell the fellow to bring it in and I'll have a look. In the back of my mind, I'm thinking that this is maybe a $500-$700 player's drum. However, I didn't say that because I didn't want to disappoint him. So I figured I should just keep quiet until I actually saw the drum.

About a week later, he comes into my store with a drum case. I opened the case and just about passed out on the spot! Looking up from the case was an absolutely incredible 4x14” 1920’s era Wild Rose pattern Ludwig Triumphal. I told the guy to sit down because we had to have a serious talk here...

I pulled out Mike Curotto's book (Vintage Snare Drums: The Curotto Collection, Volume I) and turned to the page where Mike describes his Wild Rose, the only one that ever surfaced. I tell the guy that his drum is now only the second one in this pattern that has surfaced, and in fact is now the 8th Triumphal since only 7 other examples overall are known to exist.

As I mentioned in an email to Bun E, I could have bought this drum from the guy for a song since he needed cash, but I encouraged him to let me broker it on consignment so that he'd get a significantly higher amount than if I were to buy it outright. I told him that I felt we could move the drum fairly quickly for him. Then I told him what I thought we could get for the drum, and he almost passed out! He agreed to consignment so I then contacted Bun E and a few other people who I knew would be interested. Bun E grabbed it immediately. I delivered it to him in person, and the rest is history. It was a nice deal all around because the transaction was really life changing for the seller, and the drum went to someone who appreciated it (Bun E.), and now it's in your hands, which is great.” Many thanks to Steve for providing this wonderful story… Now if I could only find out who was the original owner prior to the 1950’s!

I am an avid believer that our drum history needs to be preserved and handed down to the next generation before it is lost forever. I am merely the custodian of this drum until it passes to the next owner. While I could not get the exact provenance of this Triumphal, I have captured all that I know in this article. If anyone has any information about the origins of this drum (or questions), please feel free to contact me at fallendrummer@me.com.

Brief background on the Ludwig and Ludwig Triumphal snare drum:

The Ludwig & Ludwig Triumphal snare drums were truly exceptional in their day, coincidentally only a few years before the great Stock Market crash of 1929 (e.g., 1925-1928). They were the pinnacle of drum making; gold-plated and ornately hand-engraved on the shell, hoops and even the lugs. My drum is indeed a 4 X14”, 8-lug gold-plated, engraved Ludwig & Ludwig Triumphal Standard Model with the Wild Rose pattern. The center-beaded, two-piece soldered shell is quite heavy for a 4 X14” (although I guess not atypical for brass shell drums of the period). As noted by John Aldridge in his “Guide to Vintage Drums”, the Triumphal like Black Beauties of the period had an air chamber inside the bearing edge, i.e., formed by bending back the last ½ inch of bearing edge at a 90 degree angle and soldering it to the shell. Upon close inspection, I did not find a weld so assume this is a spun brass shell. To date, it is only the second known to exist with the Wild Rose pattern and perhaps only 1 of 8 total Triumphals that have survived.

Acknowledgements: Many thanks to Steve Maxwell, Bun E. Carlos and Mike Curotto for all the input, encouragement and shared wisdom.

 

Drori Mondlak Releases New Album

Performing their original compositions, KLARO! blends the romanticism of European classical and folk music and fuses it with the rhythmic fire and swing of the American jazz tradition together with the harmonic sophistication of contemporary improvised music. The group is co-led by two critically acclaimed international artists - alto saxophonist Karolina Strassmayer, and drummer Drori Mondlak.

From Drori's Press Release:

We dedicate our new CD Small Moments to the beauty of music and its enduring power to move the soul.  After two years of touring and performing the music of our previous CD Joining Forces (2011), our desire was to keep our creative juices flowing. In early 2013 it was time to write new songs, gather our close musical friends, record, and take the new show on the road. And that’s just what we did!

The Musicians: Our long-time collaborator, guitarist Cary DeNigris, once again contributed his virtuosity and originality. A new voice in KLARO!, bassist Ingmar Heller, laid down the groove with great warmth and feeling.

The Drums: I used my beloved WMP Ludwig 1971 Jazzette kit. I added a 16” floor tom. These drums are 3 ply clear maple shells and they sound fantastic...warm and resonant. The snare drum was a 1939 Leedy Broadway Standard - 8” depth, 3 ply maple shell with parallel throw off. The fact that this drum still has the original snare wires gives it that real dry orchestral response and has tremendous sensitivity and articulation. Rim shots produce a beautiful ring from the brass rims and lugs on the shell.

The Cymbals: All Zildjian cymbals from the 50’s. My main ride is a 22” old stamp K, left side ride is a 20” old stamp K, lower right side is a 20” trans stamp A ride/crash, to the right of that is a 16” trans stamp A crash, the hi hats are a pair of 13” old K’s.

The Studio: During our tour in Germany we traveled to Ludwigsburg to record at the great Bauer Studios. This is one of the oldest studios in Germany with an incredible sounding room with great acoustics. We recorded with all four musicians together in one room to create the intimacy and connection of a live performance.

For more information, visit the following links:

http://klaro.bandcamp.com/album/small-moments http://www.drorimondlak.com/ http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Drori_Mondlak.html

 

Why I'm Selling My Ludwig Top Hats

Here's a "for sale" submission from Jack ‘JR’ Zdvorak:

Now here's a story for ya. What you're looking at is sometimes known as the 'Holy Grail' of drums, an original 1940-41 TOP HAT & CANE tom and floor tom. There may be less than five of these left on the planet, depending on who's telling the story. To my knowledge - again don't quote me on this - the only known complete sets in existence are owned by Charlie Watts of the Rolling Stones and Don Bennett up in Seattle, Washington. Here's two of the four out of this kit, and some very healthy pieces of drum real estate about to go up for sale or auction in mid January 2014.

Jack and his Top Hats

I'd like to offer a special thanks to George Lawrence, owner-publisher of Not So Modern Drummer, and Gary Forkum, owner of Fork's Drum Closet, Nashville, TN. – Fork’s is the finest example of an all inclusive drum wonderland in the entire U.S. - and my new friend, Clay Fuqua, Nashville vintage specialist. Another guy who needs to be commended is James Grainger along with Steve and Joyce down at Custom Fretted Instruments and Repair in Sparta TN, just south of Nashville. Great team...fixes guitars for the best pickers in the country, reasonable, & very, very good at what they do,...a lost art.... & he's helping me bring many of mine back to life.

Upon meeting them the week before Christmas in Nashville 2013 I can clearly see why they are successful and why Nashville has become the new East Coast Hollywood - one of the top entertainment capitals of recording artists, musicians & vintage gear anywhere in the US. They are friendly here, knowledgeable, and they make you feel like a part of the family. That's what's cool about the south,...genuine and no BS. Being originally from the midwest, we've kind of heard it all from both coasts and simply live up to our motto, "Show Me". I needed their expert help and advice and got it. Thanks, because these drums have gone across the country with me looking for the right bed to lay their little sheepskin heads. Nashville won,...hands down.

Now I don't want to get ahead of myself, nor do I mean to sound pretentious, but I think it's nice to know where someone is coming from, when writing stories about one of the most famous drum sets to ever be built. Who's blowin’ smoke and who’s not.

Here's the story and, to the best of my knowledge and recollection, 'the truth'. It's a fascinating story. I may have to change a few names and initials to keep from getting too involved with any red tape, but this is the fable.

Here's a question for you: Do you remember when you were just a little guy and looked up to that local hero-musician guy ? Remember him? - The cool dude you wanted to be, the former player, the one who decided later in life to teach and pass along his vast knowledge to us young-uns to keep us from making too many bone head mistakes? Well that was my mentor, Mr. 'H' we'll call him, like Richard Dreyfus in the movie Mr. Holland’s Opus. He literally changed my life when I came to him for guitar lessons back when I was 10 years old. He was not only a National Guitar Champion back then, but ran a very successful teaching facility called 'American Music Studios'. Taught guitar, drums, banjo, mandolin, anything with a skin or a string on it, and had some of the best teachers you could find in the entire Mid West working with him. He studied with the world renowned 'Andre Segovia' in a master class back in 1960. He also carted us snotty nosed wanna bes from one AGMA National Music Competition to the next, from one end of the country to the other. Along the way we got to take in the Ludwig factory, the Gibson/Epiphone factory up in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and a ton of other landmarks on a bus with fifty other rug rats. Who does that anymore??? I still have the complete 60's set we drug to every competition, Gold Emblem Ludwigs, red sparkle, double bass, 4 toms, congas & Turkish Zildjians from the sixties. Those will never be sold. They went with us everywhere and are still as great a set today as they were back in the sixties. Fond memories - makes you appreciate quality in all aspects of life - just like musical equipment.

"Mr. H"

He was also an awesome drummer with top of the line Ludwigs all the way. Played center stage for good friend 'Willy-G' owner of Harley Davidson at their landmark '100th year HD Anniversary' in 2003 up at the Juneau Plant, in Milwaukee,Wisconsin. (Think PartYyyy!!!) Reminded you of Apollo Creed in his Red White & Blue get up in Rocky. Crazy, full of life, never married (no time for it), bigger than life. I just wanted to be around his enthusiasm because it was infectious, almost John Wayne like. He devoted his whole life to us kids and teaching us to be the best musicians we could be. Made you feel you could climb Mt Everest and you couldn't even spell it. You all know who I'm talking about.

These Top Hat & Canes were a gift from Mr. Ludwig himself to my buddy and mentor, Mr. 'H'. That's the story they told me and along with the pics of them together, I'm sticking with it. These 'Top Hats' are a part of that journey...that history...if they are passed down to you, you cherish them... and I did. Mr 'H' passed away a few years ago. I only got to see him two or three times after returning back to the Midwest from Vegas before he left us. I cried like a baby because there will never be another one like him. I vowed to try to keep it all going no matter what it cost. I sang at his funeral and there wasn't a dry eye in the place. I promised then and there to keep the legend and studio alive.

Ludwig Catalog

Remember when we actually made things of quality in this country? Quality instruments that said 'Made In USA'..and damn proud of it. These 'Top Hat & Canes' were one of the best examples of that era you'll ever find. Why? Because that's what Ludwig was and is to this day. These things feel like they were made to go to war and win it. It's because of the craftsmanship & pride they took in putting them together. The finish is unlike anything you'll ever see again, because they just don't have the time to make them that way anymore. The heads are made of calf skin & feel like a fine leather coat but have a distinct sound that just feels warm yet solid and comfortable. That's quality craftsmanship still leaking through from seventy four years ago. They had to stop making them because when WWII came along a few years later we needed our resources to make guns and bullets,...so the story goes...so less than ninety of them ever made. The floor tom was supported on a folding cradle. These, according to Clay down in Nashville, were added on by Ludwig as a possible proto type for things to come,...but used 4 of them for stability instead of the 3 legs we see today,...pretty ahead of their time.

Now you're probably wondering why would anybody in their right mind want to sell these? They are a part of our history and heritage. Some of the best drummers on the planet pounded out their lifetime fantasies on Ludwigs. I'm retired now and struggling to keep the legend alive. Somebody may help me with the purchase of this history. I'd be forever grateful. I run a small teaching & recording facility called Coyote Moon Productions with twenty to twenty five students from ages six to sixty where I teach guitar, piano, and vocals. This year I'll also start teaching acting at the 'Actor's Studio', hopefully at a new facility, financed by the sale of many of my prized vintage guitars & drums.

Jack's Students

I feel I have been blessed. In my acting career I was lucky enough to have worked with some of the greats like JohnnyDepp, & Benicio Del Toro, Tom Cruise, and Dustin Hoffman in 'Rainman' (as kind of a stand-in stunt double),..not really much of an acting career, but hey I was in the game and in the top 1% of the industry for a few minutes. Most of the TV shows I was in were cancelled before the 5th episode...but I had fun...enjoyed playing music in Las Vegas whenever I could. As I look back on it all, it was mostly about the journey with me,...not the rewards. At my teaching studio, any stringed instrument or drum the kids can pick up, they have access to – to take it home, and play it to death. I can't take them with me and they sure aren't getting that in our current education system these days. I've got over a hundred guitars from 1918 Gibsons to Fender Pedal Steels to Sitars, mandolins, banjos & of course, some awesome drums I'll never let go of. Some of my kids are from under privileged families. Some were autistic and struggling, but the music is like a universal language to them. They get it and I'm glad to offer it to them. I do a charity event with Samick Guitars out of TN every year called 'Shades Of Blue, Autism Speaks'. It's not easy keeping this going. I seem to spend more on my kids than I make but, like my mentor Mr 'H', I'm paying it forward. No kid will ever go without a new guitar or drum at Christmas as long as I'm still kicking. If I sell these drums for the right price, I'll be able to build out my studio so we can have more room to actually have a band stage set up, a recording control room & some nice equipment. Tall order, but I'm keeping the faith. When you have kids from six to sixty it's a pretty good feeling watching them fly, sing their first song on stage, and get into college on a music scholarship. Every cent I make off of these things will go to their facility and keeping the music alive. They are dropping so many music programs where I live - it's a shame - this economy isn't fair to the 'young uns'...they deserve better. They deserve a shot like we had.

It's time for these Top Hats to find a new home, so if you want a piece of history, they are for sale. Make me an offer I can't refuse, or watch eBay. (unfortunately, that may be my best bet). If you need to authenticate anything on these bad boys, call Gary and Clay at Fork’s Drum Closet, or George down at Not So Modern Drummer. They are good guys, know their stuff, & I highly recommend them. Hope you enjoyed my story...I miss my friend Mr. 'H'. He changed my life, but he also left me some items to keep the legend alive. He would have liked this article and is probably smiling down at me right now while I'm writing this. 'Guitars & Drums'...like 'Words & Music'. I've got a lot to be thankful for and grateful to have even played in the game. Thanks again George for releasing this article. Great magazine...hope it brought some smiles to your face & a few fond memories.

(Editor’s note – I have seen and held these two drums that Jack is writing about. They are the real deal, are in good condition, and sound great. Jack is also the real deal – a very energetic, enthusiastic, and likable person. His motive for selling these drums that have so much sentimental value to him is admirable. The actual name of the finish on these drums is Top Hat according to the Ludwig catalog, but the name has kind of morphed over the years into Top Hat and Cane, a nickname of sorts that has become accepted by the vintage drum community as a pardonable mispronunciation. I still catch myself calling it Top Hat and Cane...  I took the pictures below at Fork's Drum Closet. - George Lawrence)

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING THESE DRUMS, PLEASE CONTACT GEORGE LAWRENCE AT (330) 338-6035 OR BY EMAIL AT GEORGE@NOTSOMODERNDRUMMER.COM.

About Jack 'JR' Zdvorak: Jack has worked as a drummer in L.A. and Las Vegas and as a Screen Actors Guild actor in movies and tv shows. He also worked as a crew member for TWA for twenty five years. He is also a devoted teacher and mentor to his students.

 

For Sale: 1975 Ludwig Black Oyster Drum Set

This is a well used but well cared for kit - 12, 13, 16, 22. They have usual funky wrap seams and the 8x12 tom has a wrap patch - but they sound great and play great! The 12,16, and 22 are matching granitone, the 13 has a maple interior. I'm selling the 3 toms, bass drum and double tom holder only. No snare, hardware or cymbals are included. I'm asking $800 plus shipping from San Diego area. Email Toby for more details at tobyahrens@cox.net.  Please email George Lawrence, publisher of Not So Modern Drummer if you need a reference - george@notsomoderndrummer.com.  

Ahead Adds New Tenor Sticks

Ahead Expands Marching Line With New Chavez “Arsenal” Tenor Sticks And Mallets.

Based on their proven, proprietary designs that integrate an advanced aluminum core and handle, Ahead Marching Drumsticks offer near-perfect uniformity and consistency in terms of weight, size, balance and tone plus the increased durability, comfort and shock absorption that make them ideal for drum corps, Winterguard and other types of marching drum lines. And now, the exclusive "Chavez" Arsenal Tenor Drum sticks and mallets bring Ahead's superior physical, musical and visual advantages to even more marching drummers on the field and off.

Developed in conjunction with Dallas Mavericks’s drum line instructor and educator “Chavez”, the new Ahead Arsenal ATS Tenor Drumsticks and ATM Tenor Drum Mallets feature a durable white powder-coated finish, extruded and swaged handles with premium-quality DuPont Delrin® heads. The ATS are 15.625˝ long by .695˝ diameter, 80 grams, with .875˝ white Delrin heads. The ATM are 14.50˝ long by .695˝ diameter, 82 grams, with 1.25˝ black Delrin tips.

For further information visit www.aheaddrumsticks.com or your local authorized Ahead Drumstick dealer, stop by the Big Bang booth at NAMM (#3564) or contact Big Bang Distribution at 800-547-6401, bigbangdist.com.

 

Top Country Drummers Choose Cympad

Cympad Goes Country As Top Country Drummers Choose Cympad.

Cympad, makers of a wide range of cellular foam cymbal washers, has announced that the drummers for several of Country music’s biggest artists are now using and endorsing the innovative and popular cymbal accessory. Many of the musicians that these Cympad endorsers perform with have been nominated for 2013 Country Music Association Awards and will be appearing on the CMA Awards show, which will be broadcast live from Nashville on Wednesday, November 6, 2013 at 8:00 ET on ABC-TV.

Cympad’s roster of Country Drum Artists include:

Sean Fuller (Florida Georgia Line)* Garrett Goodwin (Carrie Underwood)* Jeff Marino (Darius Rucker)* Billy Mason (Tim McGraw)* Kent Slucher (Luke Bryan)* Rich Redmond (Jason Aldean)*

These Country music players, along with a growing number of Jazz, Rock, R&B, Latin, Metal and other drummers, use a variety of Cympad Optimizers, Chromatics and Moderators cymbal pads in both studio and live situations. Cympads are available at drumshops and music stores everywhere. For more information visit www.cympad.com.