My good friend Matt Brennan owned this set. He had purchased it at the Chicago drum show a few years ago. He fell in love with them just like I did when I saw them for sale on Facebook. He had enjoyed having them and had replaced the heads. He had cleaned them up to a very nice level and had also played them some. They are not the set you would gig on every week, but for special occasions they are the ticket. Matt had bought a car that he wanted to restore and he looked around at his treasures to see what he could turn in to cash for the project. I have done it many times myself. I have also sold things I wish I had kept.
Read moreThe first book-length study of its kind, Drumsville! The Evolution of the New Orleans Beat is a companion to the New Orleans Jazz Museum exhibit that traces the history of drums and drumming in New Orleans from Native People to today. A main goal of Drumsville! is to provide the keys to understand how this legacy led to the creation of the drum set, an instrument so pervasive that few people question its origin
Read moreFor many years my wife put up with 50 snare drums on stands in the dining room and 200 snare drums on custom shelves in the entry way of our home so a new kitchen, dining room, living room and master bathroom were long overdue.
Read more*A little Marvel Model history from Rob Cook's book THE LEEDY WAY: "The
Marvel Snare Strainer was Leedy's first attempt at a strainer that would
keep the snares under tension when released.
Read moreThis study reviews data gathered from a representative sample of Stop Sign Badge and first version Square Badge Gretsch drums produced from about 1970 through about 1981
Read moreOlympic Drums in Portland Oregon has a wonderful selection of vintage drums for collectors and players alike. I recently purchased 3 Ludwig & Ludwig snare drums that particularly caught my eye. The New Era, Stipelgold and Gold Flash were rare finds and perfect additions to my wood snare drum collection.
Read moreThe set I am featuring in this issue is a completely restored 1960s Ludwig Set in beautiful red glass glitter. The bass drum is 20X14, the mounted tom is a 12X8, the floor tom is a converted marching drum 15X12. The snare is a Jazz Festival. The rail consolette works great and all the chrome is in great shape. It is a very pretty set with the glass glitter wrap. Red sparkle looks great, but red glass glitter just pops. I have a humorous story about this set I would like to tell you.
Read moreThose who lived in the Eastern Block in the communist era have different recollections of those days. Some miss them, some curse them. I am too young to remember it well, but what I do know is that it wasn’t very pretty. Communism was very efficient at sucking creative juices out of those less persistent, as well as the will to do things that weren’t widely accepted in the society.
Read moreJust how common are the various wraps and finishes that Gretsch used on its vintage drums? This study reviews data gathered from a representative sample of Round Badge Gretsch drums produced from about 1962 through about 1969.
Read moreOn view at The Memphis Drum Shop -- Joe Morello's legendary 'Take 5' ride cymbal displayed in all of its historical significance. The provenance is without question.
Read moreI have spent countless hours looking at Mod Orange sets and saving pictures of them. I have been to countless drum shows as well as music stores and in the last 30 years of looking, have probably seen no more than 10 sets in Downbeat sizes.
Read moreI recently purchased a fully reconditioned Ludwig & Ludwig Stipelgold Standard Professional model snare drum. I purchased it from Bill Wanser at Olympic Drums in Portland Oregon who did an amazing job refinishing it. It is a beautiful example of the rare Stipelgold finish offered by Ludwig & Ludwig in their 1926 catalogue. You could also purchase the snare along with the bass drum as an outfit. Stipelgold is a coarse, textured finish with a yellow hue. The unique badge indicates Genuine Stipelgold above Ludwig & Ludwig.
Read moreDrum Shows: The Music City Drum Show is coming up next weekend. July 9 in Nashville TN. The St. Louis Drum Show has moved into a much nicer venue In conjunction with the UMSL Music Dept. This year will be at the beautiful Touhill theater. The date is October 8. AND.. There is quite a drum show going on lately at DrumSellers.com. Check out all the latest gear for sale that has been consigned to us by collectors.
Read moreIn the 1930s, Gretsch was in the early stages of developing their metal brass shell snare. These models started off with a center beaded shell that was one piece, seamless in design and plated nickel over brass. The very first models came equipped with six tubular lugs, single flanged hoops and an outsourced strainers from a major drum competitor. It is important to note that catalogs referencing these early 30s model snare drums are very rare and hard to come by. Most
Read moreI just purchased a rare snare drum from Olympic Drums in Portland Oregon. It's a WMP, 5x14, 1929 Ludwig & Ludwig New Era wood snare drum.
Read moreHello, A couple of years ago I recorded to rope drums made by Captain Stephen Emory and posted it on YouTube. Please feel free to use it in your web presentation. It’s about as true and authentic presentation as we could muster. Hope you enjoy. Peter Emerick.
Read moreBrady Drums, made by Chris Brady and company, are revered worldwide for their fine craftsmanship, exotic Australian timbers, and most notably their wonderful and unique sound. Chris Brady, truly a drum building pioneer, introduced Jarrah, Sheoak, Wandoo, Spotted Gum, and other indigenous Australian woods into the vocabulary of drummers. Brady constructed these drums with ply, stave/block, and even solid shells.
Read moreA book I wrote on the Ludwig Line of bass drum pedals exists for one reason. I ran out of room!
Read moreThese are a few of my canister thrones. I have had most of them for many years. I have always used them on every set I own - they all match the finish of a set. All drums and snares match making very complete vintage drum sets.
Read moreThis total restoration took me an awful long time and hours of countless elbow grease. I purchased this from the original owners brother, he had passed away decades ago and he couldn’t bring himself to part with the set. But he finally realized that they were just wasting away and that they should be brought back to life and played again. I’m glad he did. He is a very nice guy and he was thrilled to know that I was not only going to restore them, but play them as well and keep his brothers legacy alive. As promised I will be sending him the “after” photos.
Read more
