This is not John's first foray into limited editions! In 1990, he designed the patterns for Ludwig's reintroduction of the engraved black beauty and did part of the production engraving. At the same time he engraved a few drums for Drum Workshop's top endorsers and began doing aftermarket engraving on drums for individuals and drum shops. From that point, his engraving shop featured a revolving door for drum companies looking to enhance their product offerings with engraving. From the hoops for Johnny Craviotto's prestigious Lake Superior snare drums, to Slingerland's Copper and Brass Beauties, to Tama's Kenny Aronoff Trackmaster limited, to Ludwig's 90th Anniversary model snare drums, John has worked with almost every major manufacturer of metal snare drums in the industry.
John also works with individuals to create unique instruments, either by engraving the customer's drum, or by providing a new drum and engraving it to the customer's specifications. If you've been thinking about having a custom drum built to your specifications, John can help there as well. Since he works in conjunction with some of the most reputable and respected drum companies and custom drum makers in the world, he has access to a plethora of high quality professional level instruments which are suitable for custom engraving.
Last
but not least, John's fetish for incredible sounding (and looking) snare
drums has finally born fruit in the form of a new line of
Vintage inspired snare drums. Starting out as the
Not So Modern Drum Company, John now builds drums under the Vintage Drum Company name. Customized 4x14, 5x14 and 6.5x14 brass snare drums, plated in black
nickel and engraved with a pattern unique to his company are the main offering.
The drums are offered in a variety of finishes and
configurations, including the reintroduction of
professional line 8-lug drums to the marketplace. According to
John, "Eight lug drums fell out of favor towards the end of the 70s
as drummers began moving towards higher pitched
tunings. With today's music leaning towards more
open, ringing drums with brighter and lower pitched tunings,
eight lug 14" snare drums are really making a comeback." NSMD produces all of its models with either 8 or 10 lugs as
standard order items. Six lug models can be special
ordered for those who really want to stretch out, or
12 lugs for drummers who demand the highest tuning and desire the
most control over their sound. Whatever you're looking for in a recording
level snare drum, the Vintage Drum Company is ready
to fulfill your wildest dreams!