I rarely sell or trade my snare drums but this was an easy deal. The drum that I traded to Mark was a 1920s-30s Gretsch Emerald Green Pearl American Model. Mark is Mr. Sea Green Pearl and has the matching Gretsch EGP bass drum so I was happy to be able to help him get the matching snare drum and in turn Mark added another rare snare drum to my collection.
Read moreTo Click Or Not To Click
Whenever the discussion turns to click tracks, drummers like to cry foul (usually accompanied by a sour face). For many drummers, the use of a click track is unnatural, cheating, insulting, or all three. I'm afraid I can't agree. A drummer's prime responsibility is to keep time. Unfortunately, keeping steady, unwavering time is hard to do.
Read moreNew Drum Wrap Manufacturer in Canada
Although the folks operating Walopus Drum Wrap have been producing drum wrap for the better part of a decade, it has been on a very limited scale. Before 2015 production was limited to a few designs in small quantities for a handful of drum enthusiasts local to the Greater Toronto area.
During the course of the last five years the folks at Walopus have perfected their formula to produce the most flexible, durable, gleaming and lustrous drum wrap possible
Reflections on Shelly Manne: Chapter 5
Not So Modern Drummer columnist David Barsalou asked internationally recognized drummers – Billy Drummond, Larry Finn, Tim Griffin, Rod Morgenstein, Alphonse Mouzon, and Lewy Stix
to share their ideas and opinions on the following quote attributed to Shelly Manne.
Shelly Manne said...
"The ride beat is the easiest and the most difficult thing a drummer will ever play".
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Mike Clark: Words of Wisdom part8
Once you’ve mastered a lot of the technical wizardry that your heroes have played, you only have a small piece of the puzzle...That’s the easy part.
When you age, and hear the phrasing they played when they were twenty years younger makes you realize where the real work is!
Read moreBello Drums for sale
Bello drums announces the sale of their boutique Fiberglass drum co. We are looking for a serious buyer to purchase our name, Bello Drums, our custom molds to make our shells, any and all other assets and inventory, and to retain our artist roster. Product training is available. The price is $20,000.00. Please, only serious applicants. Call 724-588-8193 ask for Bill Haller
History and Development of the Early Snare Strainer, 1889 - 1920
The first working snare release with a lever mechanism was patented in 1889. The invention was that of Ellwood E. Fry of Brooklyn, New York
Read more1965 Ludwig "Superbeat" in oyster blue pearl
This is one of those kits that you dream of finding and it actually found me. I run an ad on the local Craig’s List looking for vintage drums. One day I get an email from an older gentleman telling me about this kit he may want to sell......
Read more1929-30 Ludwig Ralph Smith Drum Outfit
In my relentless pursuit of vintage drums, I came across an interesting Ebay listing: “Early 1900's Vintage Ludwig Drums, Black Beauty Snare, Zildjian, Zenjian Cymbals”. While the pictures weren’t very sharp, I could definitely see a 1920s-1930s engraved Ludwig Black Beauty in what appeared to be the original case. There were four cymbals, a bass drum and clearly a bunch of assorted hardware, all in De Luxe finish. Normally, I just collect snare drums but in this instance, I decided to make an exception. So I pulled the trigger.
Read moreBlood Sports and Game Cocks
Completely constructed of thick cut ash, this sturdy relic from the birth period of our American nation is wonderfully preserved, as should be in the case of such an early, historical piece. Formally of a New England estate, this very unique drum must have been recognized for the role it must have played during a very special time in history, and thus carefully protected from the destructiveness of time and abuse.
Read more1970s Ludwig congas, sky blue pearl
The drums I have chosen from my collection to show you this month is a cool set of Ludwig Congas.They are not the best sounding congas you will ever hear, but they are definitely the coolest. I have always liked the conical congas like Ricky played on the "I Love Lucy Show".
Read moreMartin Fleetfoot Pedal - the one that started it all. Martin > Camco > Gretsch > DW
The Martin Fleetfoot spawned the Camco pedal. Camco made the same pedal for Gretsch, inscribing the footboard w Floating Action. Drum Workshop purchased the Camco tools and dies. Then there is the Tama Camco pedal, copied in spirit if not entirely in the flesh.
Read more1934 Slingerland 5x14 sparkling green/artgold Artist model
Slingerland’s Sparkling Green finish was first introduced around 1934. I have seen my share of Sparkling Green/Green Sparkle finishes from the 1930s and this drum shell is one of the cleanest versions that has ever come my way. “Cancer free”. The finish cleaned up and polished up nicely. The solid maple shell interior is very clean. The cloud badge is also clean with a tight grommet.
Read moreBuddy Rich: The Beat Goes On - Featuring Gregg Potter and Cathy Rich
Gregg Potter and Cathy Rich continue the legacy of Buddy Rich's music.
Read moreMystery: What drum shop does Frank Zappa's "Drum Shop" art collage depict?
An episode of the series "History Detectives" featuring Cal Schenkel, Bobby and Gail Zappa investigating whether a Collage painting is or isn't by Frank Zappa. Original broadcast hosted on video.pbs.org/video/2253617192
In addition to being the musical genius and political dissident that we all know, Frank was also an artist (and a drummer). One particular piece he created was lost then found and an investigation by PBS turned up some surprising ties to the drum shop world.
Read moreCanopus introduces reproduction of the vintage Ludwig baseball bat muffler
Canopus Drums has been very innovative in new designs of instruments, hardware and parts. Now their newest offering is a much needed improvement on an old classic- the CIM-20 baseball bat internal muffler. It is an exact copy of the baseball bat but with new features. Not So Modern Drummer carries all Canopus products.
Read moreA first hand account of Ringo's auction of drums and personal items that fetched over 9 million dollars
I was prized when Ringo picked up the sticks and started playing the kit. I was standing a few feet in front of him with an astonished look on my face. He began playing the beginning of Come Together and Ringo laughed when he saw me smiling and said “You caught that.” to which I said “Yes I did.” The last time Ringo played that kit as a Beatle was 51 years and nine months ago, truly a magical and historical moment.
Read moreBrush with greatness; I played the Sistine Chapel set on a gig!
This past weekend my band shared the stage with another band at a local festival. The drummer for the other band had the drum set I knew as Bobby Rock's "Sistine Chapel" Peavey drum set. I could hardly believe my eyes.
Read moreBuying Custom, Part 2: Choosing a builder
If you’ve decided that custom drums are right for your needs (see my previous article) it’s time for a critical next step: selecting the builder to work with. It’s not always easy. There are a lot of custom builders out there, with new ones entering – and other leaving – the marketplace every year. So making wise choices means doing your homework.
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Reflections On Shelly Manne: chapter 4
NSMD's David Barsalou asked internationally recognized drummers Claire Arenius, Marko Djordjevic, and Dave DiCenso to share their ideas and opinions on the following quote attributed to Shelly Manne: "the ride beat is the easiest and the most difficult thing a drummer will ever play".
Read more