On September 14, 1980, I met someone that would motivate me to open my ears, and my mind, regarding the drumming protocols I'd held onto for many years. It was a little known accordion-playing parody/satire artist named "Weird Al" Yankovic, at the broadcast studios of the Dr. Demento radio show in Los Angeles. Al debuted his new Queen parody - "Another One Rides The Bus" - live on the air, and asked me to pound out the beat on his accordion case. Afterward, I suggested he have a band, and I'd be his drummer. It was the start of a lengthy and rewarding musical journey for me.
Read moreThe Drum Builder Movement
Not So Modern Drummer's project documenting the history of what has been called the "drum builder movement", by compiling an exhaustive list of all past and current drum builders, small drum companies, major manufacturers, drum parts and services suppliers. Almost all drum companies started out as small one man shop drum building operations. This is the unifying link between vintage drums and custom drums.
Read more
2017 Snare Drum Olympics Registration
To register for the 2017 Snare Drum Olympics please contact George Lawrence at george@notsomoderndrummer.com 330 338 6035 Online registration and information page will be posted soon. Entry deadline is May 1, 2017 for the public judging at the Chicago Drum Show in late may. Deadline for the celebrity final judging and results is November 1, 2017. Judging takes place in late November. Publicity for your drum starts when we receive it, so get your drums in early.
Read more1960s Ludwig WMP "Super Beat" Set
The Ludwig set I'm showing you from my collection is a real beauty. This is a very niceLudwig Super Beat set. I am not totally sure who started calling this configuration "Super Beat" but I like it. The set is a Super Classic set with a 20X14 bass drum. Since it has a 20X14 like the "Downbeat" and 16X16 and 13X9 toms like a "Super Classic" the collectors have named these sets "Super Beat".
Read more200- Drum Workshop 5x14 Solid Aluminum/Titanium Electroplated Prototype (#778626)
This drum was born on June 25, 2009. The hardware was chrome plated but could have been brushed nickel. A gentleman approached DW with an idea about a new type of plating called titanium electroplating. I have seen photos of this type of electroplating on custom cars.
Read more1968 Ludwig Standard Kit S-300 in Lemon Strata
The Ludwig Standard line of drums were introduced in 1968 to be a lower end priced kit to compete with the flood of imports that were coming in at the time from overseas.
However, the great thing is that, like the Club Dates, you were getting the same shell found in the classic line shells of that time, just with different hardware (less expensive to cut costs).
Read moreThe Goodwilled Salesman: 1951 WFL Banded Pearl 6.5"x 14" Snare Drum
The actual drums that were used to feature all of the finish offerings by WFL at this time were titled Dealer Display. This option was made available to dealers beginning in the 1949 catalog in which all seven of the pearl finishes were featured vertically on each panel of a 12” x 15” field drum.
Read moreReview: Canopus's new Alphonse Mouzon Signature Snare Drum
“My Signature snare drum series has a fat, deep, crisp and powerful sound that is great for all styles of music : Rock, Jazz, Funk and Fusion and more!”
Read moreNews for March 2016
The 2016 Snare Drum Olympics has started!
Not So Modern Drummer at The Chicago Drum Show
The "Drumwrapper" recovering machine is back in production
You can now donate to Not So Modern Drummer via Paypal and Stripe
There will be no Nashville Drum Show this year
New website categories and content
Hit Like A Girl Voting Ends March 27, 2016
To The Power of Three
One of the most important, interesting and powerful rhythmic tricks available is groupings of three. I don't mean playing 3/4 or 6/8 or quarter-note triplets. Almost every music style uses three-beat figures played in a four-beat environment. In fact, it's rare to hear a tune that doesn't use this concept in some way.
Read moreDate? Value? L&L Thumb Screw snare drum
Tim wants to know what this is and what it's worth. What say ye?
Read moreRewrapping 1969 Ludwig Hollywood Kit
Any idea how much rewrapping a vintage kit impacts on the monetary value of the drums? I
Read moreWanted - Premier 2000 parts
I need a tensioner and a damper for a premier 2000 snare
Read moreRip off alert
My friends, I am seeking the help of anyone that may have information on some missing gear. Unfortunately, my drum storage area was robbed and a lot of stuff was taken. So far, this is what I know has been taken
Read moreVideo: Jake Winebrenner, the Cymbal Whisperer -Repairing cymbals with micro fusion welding
Read about Jake Winebrenner's new high tech method of welding broken cymbals back to health.
Read moreCannister Thrones?
I've always been curious about canister drum thrones. I don't recall ever seeing a story about them, anywhere.
Thanks!
Read moreSlingerland 1958 WMP cocktail kit. What's it worth?
Subject: 1958 slingerland cocktail drum set
Message: hi george i own a '58 slingerland wmp combo bebop drum kit w/ 13''snare ,cymal stands,hi hat,,cymbals,seat,fiber trap case...do you know what this is worth???/thanks mark britestuff@yahoo.com
Jasper/Gretsch raw shells for sale by Joe Montineri
Joe Montineri has some Jasper shell inventory left. Contact Joe for all details
JASPER RAW SHELLS Pre 2000 Maple Gum 6-Ply
7 - 7x12 2 - 6x13 1 - 6x10 1 - 7x8
1 - 8x12 1 - 5x13 1 - 8x10 6 - 8x8
1 - 9x12 2 - 9x10
1 - 10x12
1 - 4½x12
1 - 6x12
2 - 12x14 2 - 13x16
1 - 16x16
2 - Shell Pacs 19x22, 8x12, 16x16
What do I have here?
Hello, I stumbled onto your site and I'm pleased I have I must say. I have a very old (I think) Ludwig 28" x 14" I believe, but measuring from outside of each hoop the overall width is 16".
Read more