CREEM SKIN TIGHT '81

CREEM SKIN TIGHT '81

A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO DRUMS & ACCESSORIES

Dave Patrick

Drums, man’s oldest musical instruments, have a universal appeal that makes them essential to most popular forms of music today. Drums and percussion are currently enjoying the popularity, interest and recognition long due them. There are more opportunities for an interested drummer/percussionist to have some fun—and who knows, maybe even pick up a few bucks—than ever before.

Although many drummers’ responsibilities may be expanding today, one thing for drummers remains the same: having the “feel.” or the “groove,” or the “time” can make you or break you. You may have a 97-piece full-race drumset, and maybe you can hit every one of ’em, but if you can’t play a groove to make them heads in the front row bob, don’t give up your day gig just yet. A good, fat backbeat has been the main reason for many a hit’s success. Ideally, a drummer should be able to cover moWmusical styles comfortably, and hopefully expressmiipself musically within the styles he’s playing! The mlbre varied a drummer’s experience, the more likely he's the one to get all the gigs. Wouldn’t you rather play country than wash cars? Besides, some of these goodies we show ya cost a lot of bread.

Any experience you get in the percussion field can help you further down the road. And the drummer who’s a good fellow with an open mind will always have work. A drummer must also keep in mind to play as a part of the total ensemble sound, not just a hot licks soloist. An unmusical drum solo works faster than Sominex for most people.

There are many places for drummers to learn to play, including some less obvious ones like clinics, symposiums, drums corps, school music programs, cassettes, videos, bar bands, contemporary Christian music, military bands and “the old standby.” stereo and headphones. A good local teacher can save you years of frustration. and you want to gather info from as many styles and types of music possible, so you have a well rounded view of the whole percussion scene.

THE SECRET

Practice: It is the price of success!

NEAL PEART

Drummer, Lyricist for Rush

Drums: Tama Birch shells—Vibra-fibed inside (custom)

2-24” Bass Drums

6”, 8”, 10”, 12” single head concert toms 12”, 13”, 15” double head mounted toms 16”xl8” floor tom

5”xl4” wood shell Slingerland snare drum Tama wooden timbales (Japan)

2-Tama gong drums Ludwig Speed King pedals Slingerland Dynamo HiHat Pro-mark 747 sticks

All Zildjian Cymbals & Sound Effects:

2-10” Splash

2-16” Medium Thin Crash

1-20” Medium Crash

1-18” Med. Thin Crash

1-22” Ping Ride

1-22” Swish

1-18” Pang

1-Pair 13” New Beat HiHats

1-36” Zildjian Taiwan Gong

1-Octave Crotales—(low) (13 tuned cymbals)

1-Burma Bell

Drum heads include: Remo C.S., Evans Mirror & Hydraulic, and Ludwig Silver Dots.

Percussion:

Orchestra Bells

Tubular Bells

Cowbells

Agogo Bells

Carroll Sound Tree

Wind Chimes (several tunings)

Temple Blocks

Triangles

INTERVIEW: STEVE SMITH OF JOURNEY

CREEM: Steve, do you have any advice to give beginning drummers?

STEVE: I would recommend studying with several different teachers who have different styles and techniques. If you’re just learning, remember that the most important things to concentrate on are time and feel, also creativity and energy. Once you’ve got the basics, go out and get as much practical playing experience as possible. If you want to be good, you have to put in a lot of hours to dedicated practice. Tape yourself when you play and listen to yourself, if you can. Remember that you are your own best teacher. And when you play, try all different types of music; be aware of jazz, country, rock, and use them all as a learning experience. CREEM: Would you recommend lessons? STEVE: Yes, definitely. It’s useful to know how to read and have good technique. The problem with lessons is that most teachers don’t know how to get across the importance of time and feel, and the kids get misled into thinking the lessons are a waste of time. It all depends on the teacher. I recently spent some time with a man named Stanley Spector, and he had a really good method of teaching. Some people don’t like his method because he doesn’t teach by rudiments, but the alternative he has to offer makes a lot of sense and it really works. The student should remember to take lessons and put them in perspective with his own opinions about playing. Like I said, ultimately you are your own best teacher.

CREEM: Do you have any advice you could give to young people about the business?

STEVE: Always keep your goals in mind. Concentrate on being the best musician you can be. Don’t get caught up in being an overnight success, and don’t get depressed if it doesn’t happen for you right away. I’ve found that if you really have your heart in music the rest will come naturally. Just be aware of what’s happening in the music business.

CREEM: Who are your influences?

STEVE: My favorite players are people like Tony Williams, Jack DeJohnette, Steve Gadd and John Bonham. I really don’t have one favorite. CREEM: What do you think is interesting in new products?

STEVE: I’m really glad to see a return to the wood drum. I was never impressed by the other types of shells, such as a steel or fiberglas or see-through-plastic. 1 like the experiments that

are being made with different sizes of shells: the longer toms and things. I think that’s good. CREEM: What are your current projects? STEVE: We just finished the new Journey album. It’s called Escape. 1 also just finished a project with Tom Coster who was the keyboard player for Santana for six years. We had Randy Jackson on bass and Joaquim Lievano on guitar. It’s mostly an instrumental album. Also Greg Rolie, Carlos Santana and I will be recording an album in January. That should be a goody!

The Sonor Set Steve’s playing in the photos in this feature is an oak set he’s played for the last couple of years, but this is the info on the new set-up he’ll be using on the current Journey tour.

Drums: Sonor 12-ply Signature Series drums without the bubinga wood finish. Steve took the natural beechwood shells and had his own custom red finish put on them. Set consists of: Drums: 2-18x22” Bass Drums Mounted toms: 1-10”xl0”

112”xl2”

113”xl3”

1-I4”xl4”

1-I6”xl7” Floor Tom

118”xl9” Floor Tom

l-8”xl4” Wood Snare

1-61/2”X14” Chrome Sonor Snare Drum

2-DW5000 Chain Pedals

Remo Clear Ambassador Heads—White Amb. on Snare

Drum Mikes: Toms, Snares, HiHat-Beyer "201s

Overhead mike: Shure SM7 Bass Drums mike: AKG D-12s (Steve cautions on drum miking: “Take extra care your monitors are not too loud and feeding back into the microphones.”)

Vic Firth Americah Classic 2B sticks, also SD9 Driver Model

Cymbals: Zildjian

14” Rock HiHats pr.

11” Splash

24” Heavy Ride

20” Med. Crash-On left bass drum

19” Med. Crash-On right bass drum

22” Swish

18” Med. Crash

Steve recently “streamlined” his cymbal set-up, used less cymbals in a more functional arrangement.

THE MAKERS, SHAPERS & DRUM CARETAKERS

LUDWIG INDUSTRIES (1728 N. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60647):: Ludwig is by far the most complete drum and percussion manufacturer in the world, and their outfit drums are popular with drummers worldwide in all sorts of music. 1981 finds Ludwig still aggressively playing “king-of-the-hill” with the various percussion competition around, trying to either beat them to the punch, or got them one better.

Ludwig recently introduced their “set-up” modular hardware, which is a completely interlocking, interchangeable hardware line, with an incredible number of possibilities. The modular line includes suspended stands, outriggers, booms, knuckles, cymbal holders and tom holders than all combine to make most any drum positioning possible. The modular attachment introduced at the latest NAMM show included microphone holders, suspended snare drum holders, and even overhead tom stands. The NAMM show was jJso the premiere of Ludwig’s new seamless bronze snare drums and optional die-cast hoops for all the tom sizes. Ludwig is one of the major manufacturers of all the power toms and power bass drums currently popular and the new modular catalog even shows a 20-piece set!

Ludwig snare drums are available in dozens of different configurations, including Super-sensitive, Aerolite, Supra-Phonic, Bronze and Coliseum models. The Coliseum model snares are very popular with rockers these days because the 8!” depth means you can tune the heads tighter for response, and still get that ever popular “fat” sound. The Coliseum model comes with 12 lugs per head for more accurate tuning and diecast hoops are optional. The Ludwig twinchannel die cast hoops take some getting used to because the hoops don’t have the “ears” the tension rods run through on most drum hoops. The best demonstration of the strength of these hoops is done by loosening one lug on a drum outfitted with these hoops and playing the head in front of the lug. If the rest of the drum is properly tensioned, the loosened lug will remain in tune.,

Ludwig is also famous for its Speed King & Ghost bass drum pedals, and Ludwig hardware and accessories are designed with the drummer in mind. Ludwig’s Ensemble, Strider, and Rocker drum heads used the patented “Headlock” system to ensure the head doesn’t pull out of the tims, and the Silver Dots are durable rock heads.

Ludwig’s artist list reads like a musical encyclopedia and includes Carmine Appice, Buddy Rich, Alan Grantzner, Bun E. Carlos, Roy Haynes, Max Roach, Phil Ehart, Jan Paice and Aynsley Dunbar.

TAMA DRUMS (c/o Eiger Co,, P.O. Box 469, Bensalem, PA 19020):: Tama drums have bfeen coming on strong for five or six years now and there seems to be no end in sight. Tama drums have evolved from department store drums to some of the most innovative and constantly developing drums in the world. Tama listens carefully to their artists, who include Billy Cobham, Lenny White, Neil Lynch. Tama’s constant attention to the problems and ideas of modern day drummers has moved them into the front lines of the drum war and kept them there. Their close working relationship with Billy Cobham eventually led to the production of octabans, gong drums, Mega snares and various hardware improvements, including chain pedals, Titan Stands and the Multi-clamp system for drum miking. This kind of response to drummers’ specific needs is what sells drums. Fellows, keep up the good work!

INTERVIEW: BRUCE GARY OF THE KNACK

CREEM: What is your musical background? BRUCE: Well, when I was 11,1 had my first surf band in California. I left home when I was 15 and played with various musicians, and I met Albert Collins the blues guitarist when I was 17.1 was the only white kid in his band, and at the time we were touring all over Canada. I’ve played with Doctor John, done sessions with Robbie Krieger of the Doors, and toured with Jack Bruce. I was on the studio musicians staff at Capitol Records and played all kinds of music—country & western, rock and jazz—an eventually met Doug, who was the founder of the Knack.

CREEM: Describe your stage set-up.

BRUCE: 1 use Gretsch drums. The toms are 9”xl3”, 10”xl4”; the floor toms are 16”xl6” and 16”xl8”. I use a Tama brass snell snare, Paiste cymbals, Pro-Mark hi-hat, and a Frenchmade Azba-Carolinefootpedal. The bass drum is an extended shell 16”x22.”

CREEM: Do you have any advice for beginning drummers?

BRUCE: Try to experience the best in every kind of music. Pick out what you feel is the most sophisticated in every area—country, rock, jazz, whatever. Don’t limit yourself to one area. Pick out some of your favorite albums and play along with them. Don’t try to copy them exactly, but feel the chops out in your own way. I still practive with records and find it’s a good method to learn by.

CREEM: Should they take lessons?

BRUCE: Only if they really want to. I never did, and I’ve been playing for about 23 years now. I think it’s more important to develop your own feel. The best way to teach yourself, again, is records. Sit down and listen to people you like. You^shouldn’f be pushed by lessons and teachers into playing something you don’t like. I think you should learn whatever you want to learn. CREEM: Can you give any advice about the business to young drummers as far as finding the first gig, etc.?

BRUCE: I used to skip school and sneak into recording sessions to listen and get to know people. Basically make contacts with the people you think can help you. You do this by hanging out at studios, music stores, any place where these people are. Once you get to know them, let them know you are sincere about what you are trying to do. Try and get familiar with the way management works with bands, find out if they are in it fox themselves or for the benefit of everybody involved. You’ve got to be careful in this area because a lot of musicians don’t have any business sense; don’t get caught in a trap. Make sure you know what you’re doing before you sign anything.

CREEM: Who were you influenced by and who do you listen to today?

BRUCE: My influences go back to Gene Krupa, Max Roach and Joe Morello; and I still listen to these guys today. As far as modem drummers go, I think Tony Williams is one of the finest. Billy Cobham is awesome, too. I was also influenced by Ringo and Keith Moon and John Bonham arid Charlie Watts. I really like a whole lot of people. CREEM: What do you think the best new products are?

BRUCE: I like the stands by Tama, and the shells that Gretsch are making, because they sound like the drums that were made 30 years ago. I think it’s important to stay with that classic standard; you can only take it so far. I think what the Paiste people are doing with cymbals is really exciting; I think they’re the leader in their field. The new drum machines are interesting but totally intimidating to me—and I don’t think they will replace the live drummer.

CREEM: What are you working on currently? BRUCE: I just finished an album with John Hiatt called Slugline, which was real interesting to do. I also am just finishing up a rock instrumental album with Robbie Krieger of the Doors. I did a jazz album with Don Preston from the Mothers, which’ll be coming out in a half-speed master series, and also the new Knack album, which was produced by Jack Douglas. Jack also produced John Lennon, Cheap Trick, Aerosmith and a lot of others. I’m really excited about the drum sound on the new album. I don’t mean to sound cocky—rbut I think it’ll set up a new standard for drum sounds, and I really enjoyed working with Jack.

The Tama Professional drums come in two lines: Imperial Star and Super Star. The Imperial Star line is nine-ply mahogany, available in covered finishes only, and the Super Star Series is six-ply birch, available in hi-gloss natural maple, mahogany, and -an aquamarine wood stain. Both lines come with Titan hardware, the hardware that set new standards for heavy duty AND has a five year warranty. Tama offers a lighter weight hardware line called Mercury and an aluminum leg hardware line called Spartan. Tama bass drum pedal sections include_the KingBeat, Hi-Beat, Flexi-Flyer, and the Cameo Chain pedal. This pedal has been an underground legend for years in various forms, and under several different names. Tama’s version includes a chain guard and toe stop, new footboard and lower list price.

Tama’s snare drum selection includes maple, bell brass, 12-ply rosewood, black fiberglas, inlaid maple and seamless metal with your choice of Powerline, King Beat or Mastericraft strainers. The snare stands themselves are offered in steel, aircraft cable, or bell brass coils, making the most versatile snare drum line around. Die cast hoops are standard on all King Beat and Mastercraft snare drums.

Other Tama innovations include Quick-Release external mufflers, Multi-clampjiyking and mounting hardware, octa-bans, and Gong drums. For 1981, Tama has introduced a U.S.made hickory stick line that looks very strong and is reasonably priced, available in July. Overall, Tama looks to be an alert, aggressive competitor in the drum set business.

Standard 5-Piece Swingstar Set: $850.00 list POWERSONIC PERCUSSION (HarrisFandelCo., 144 Lundquist Dr., Braintree, Mass. 02184. Maxwell Meyers, 4040 Black Gold, Dallas TX. 75247; Southland Music Merchan-1 dise, 2103Sullon St., Greensboro, N.C. 27405) :: Powersonic Percussion is a young drum company, aimed at the student price range and offering a pretty-well-rounded line of drums, congas, accessories and hardware. The Powersonic drums may seem familiar to lots of drummers, but there have been some changes made. The drums are nine ply, come in 7 nice finishes, and are sold along with 5 different lines of hardware. This includes Hohner hardware from Germany, and the Drum Workshop pedals and hi-hat stand, Powersonic has their own stick line and also distributes the Bunken stick line. Powersonic makes timbales, snare kits and drum sets from 3 to 9 pieces. Write for a catalog. Standard 5-Piece Set: $ 725.00 list CB700 (c/o'C, Bruno & Son, 177 W. Hintz Road, Wheeling, IL; 60090):: CB700 drums are quickly being recognized as a serious drum company, very value oriented, but with a dealer and service network never before associated with a student-priced drum line. CB700 has a very complete full line drum and percussion catalog, as well as 6 U.S. warehouses for quick delivery and pricing that would make Scrooge McDuck happy. CB700 is also a year-round drum distributor so CB drums are easily serviceable, unlike much “seasonal” drum equipment you buy and then can never find parts for. CB700 offers drum kits, drum sets, tnallet keyboards and marching percussion, all priced with the beginning and intermediate student in mind. However, with the new MKII series drums being introduced, I’m sure more and more CB’s will show up in the hands of “weekend warriors”! For the guy who wants to play some gigs, have some fun, and not spend a fortune trying to do it, CB’s are right up your alley.

The MKII Series of drums offers a new unique lug design, parallel braced legs on the stands and, for $195.00 a snare drum with most of the features of drums twice its price. Roy Bums tested this snare during one of his clinics, and he says its as good as any snare he’s ever played. The MKII hardware is a nice sized hardware line. The stands are large enough to stay put, yet small enough to be easy to transport. The MKII Series also features a very nice line of molded cases, virtually waterproof and very strong. The CB700 Percussion line is very expensive, including all sorts of bells, blocks, beaters, tambourines, rototoms, congas, bongos, sticks, heads and cymbals. A value-conscious drummer/percussionist will always appreciate the CB700 line’s value.

Standard 5-Piece Set: $759.00 list DRUM WORKSHOP (15312 S. Broadway, Gardenia, CA 90248):: Drum Workshop is a group of drummers who have become custom drum builders, with hopes of building superior drums for the discerning musician. These are basically handmade drums featuring 6-ply hardrock maple shells and 6-ply reinforcing hoops. This type of shell construction, combined with the popular power drum sizes, gives a rich, warm sound much like the old Cameo drums or Radio Kings are famous for. The quality craftsmanship and materials used throughout makes this a drum line to be proud of. The Drum Workshop drums only come in lacquer finishes right now, but their hand-rubbed finishes are beautiful. The drums can be ordered with Gaugher Percussion R.I.M.S. to mount everything, to be sure you lose none, of the precious sound from these instruments. The Workshop also offers a full line of useful drum accessories and they are the manufacturer of the “chain” pedal used by Keith Knudsen and Steve Smith, the D.W. 5000C.

Standard 5-Piece set: $2165.00 list SLINGERLAND DRUMS (6633 N. Milwaukee Av$., Niles, IL 60648)::Slingerland is one of the oldest names in the drum business and innovated many of the ideas taken for granted today, including turnable toms, disappearing spurs, and the “Radio King” style snare strainers. The late Gene Krupa pioneered these and many more conveniences for the “working” drummer. Still eager to cater to drummer’s needs, Slingerland was the first major drum company to offer special sizes in their power toms and power bass drums to the general public.

Slingerland introduced a whole new hardware line at the recent NAMM show called Magnum. Available ofi Slingerland maple shell drums, Magnum holders feature a “resonance-isolation” take-off that enables the drummer to get the full resonance and tone from each drum. The new Magnum hardware looks strong, is very versatile, and allows more resonance, instead of robbing it, like some other holders. If you doubt it makes much difference, take a tom and listen to it mounted securely on a bass drum holder, then hold it up by a couple of fingers and hit it. On a quality drum with good heads, the difference is usually obvious. The Magnum line of stands looks like Slingerland has finally gotten the stands they’ve needed. The cymbal and tom stands include non-slip, non-mar adjustments at all crucial points, and the chrome should stay on these stands a long time. The Superset locks, as they’re called, only need a quarter turn to loosen or tighten, a welcome convenience with all drummers have to do already. Slingerland also has an intermediate student set now called the Spirit 1000 that features their 3-ply shells and a new “locking” style tom holder. Slingerland offers an incredible selection of snare drums, including the new Magnum Snare Drums in 7”, 8”, and 9” depths, with your choice of wire, cable or gu( snares. The Magnum snares also come in 10Jlug or 12-lug configurations arid feature the new Slapshot throw-off. The Slapshot is a vertically and horizontally adjustable new throwoff that keeps equal snare tension at all times, and has a handle you just snap your wrist at and you’re engaged. All drums feature the famous Slingerland flanged hoops and come in a multitude of colors.

Slingerland also has an excellent clinician program featuring drum set, millet percussion and drum corp instruction. Outfit clinicians include Louis Bellson, Les DeMerle, Mel Lewis and others.

Spirit 1005-Piece Set: $1100.00 list PREMIER DRUMS (Box 310 Elkhart, IN 46515):: Premier, the “English” drums, have not enjoyed the exposure that it takes to dominate a large portion of the drum business here, but they’re always popular in their homeland and around the rest of the world. In England, Premier was awarded the Queen’s Award to Industry for excellence in their field. Kenney Jones of the Who is a Premier player, and he’s been an asskicker since he played with Rod Stewart and the Faces! Carl Palmer, always a lover of fine drums, now plays a Premier set, and so does studio master Harvey Mason. Palmer, Mason and Jones also use a complete array of Premier chimes, mallet keyboards and other percussion accessories. Premier’s greatest success in the U.S. has been in the school orchestra and marching programs.

Premier drums feature birch shells, die cast hoops, and beautiful “Polychromatic” finishes, as well as natural wood and copper metallic. Premier’s most unique feature is the “Resonator” shells available in select outfit sizes. The Resonator shell is actually a shell-within-a-shell that makes a resonating chamber between the actual shell and the liner, which is said to greatly increase volume and resonance. Premier also offers Lokfast and Tri-lock stands, and they have a full 5 year warranty.

Standard 5-Piece Set: $1810.50 list FLO-SONIC (The Brass Drum, 90 N. Franklin St., Pen Argyl, PN 18072):: Here’s a new one for you! Bob Grauso, the originator of Fibes, has now come up with a custom snare drum called the Flo-Sonic, with a floating shell. There are no airholes, drill holes, mounting holes, etc. of any kind in this drum, in an effort to achieve the ultimate shell response. They are available in wood, fiberglas or metal shells, and come standard on 5V2 X 14” and 6V2 X 14” sizes. Special sizes are available on request and all sizes sell for $350.00 at presstime. Bob has also designed a new, oversize wire, widely spaced set of snare stands called Power Tone Snares, and the drum features quadro-flange counter hoops. SONOR DRUMS (c/o Charles Alden Music, Walpole Ind. Park, 4 Industrial Rd., Walpole, MA 02081):: The Mercedes of the drum world would have to be Sonor drums. The precision workmanship and superb quality materials throughout are reflected in the sound and in the price tag. Sonor drum shells are 9-ply beechwood and all metal components are top quality German steel. For the drummer with elegant taste, Sonor drums are even available, finished with genuine Brazilian rosewood veneer inside and out! Sonor drums are available in several metallic gloss colors as well as seven different wood veneers. Sonor tension'casings have built in “lug-locks” so that drum heads can’t vibrate loose while you’re playing. All Sonor pedals have forged footboards and quality steel throughout, and are some of the most adjustable pedals around. This painstaking attention to details pays off, and, budget allowing, a set of Sonor drums is a pleasure to own. Speaking of budget, for the drummer who with an eye for the ultimate, check out the “Signature Series” drums in Bubinga wood or Ebony. These drums are 12-ply beechwood shells finished inside and out with your choice of African Bubinga wood or Makassar Ebony veneer! All drums are extended shells with hardware designed especially for this series. No expense was spared making this the ultimate production drum line available. And they’re beautiful! A 6-piece set lists for $6000 dollars, making this a serious investment even for the most appreciative drummers. Steve Smith of Journey plays all Sonor drums and is rumored to be playing a double bass Bubinga “Signature Series” set on Journey’s fall tour if all goes as planned. Steve has played Sonors with Montrose and Journey and has nothing but praise for the quality construction and sound. Many demanding players use Sonor, including Tommy Aldridge, Jack DeJohnette and Russ Kunkel. Standard 5-Piece Set: $2186.00 list. YAMAHA DRUMS (F.O. Box 660 Buena Park, CA 90622):: The Yamaha name is usually synonymous with quality and the Yamaha drums are no exception. Yamaha drums are available in natural finish, birch shell 9000 series or a Philippine mahogany and Camellia wood 9000 DA "series. The student model 5000 series comes in medium weight 7000 series or a super heavy-duty 9000 series. Yamaha offers a “turntable” floor tom with a tympani type mechanism inside that changes head tension when you move the pedal. Yamaha’s attention to detail is superb, but the line could use a better variety of finishes. The colors offered are natural birch, black, white and chrome. The 5000 series comes in black, midnight blue, and silky brown. Yamaha drums also feature springless lugs for less noise, and many of the components for the hardware lines are inter-changable. Probably the best known Yamaha players would be Steve Gadd, Freddie White and Jim Keltner.

5000Series 5-Piece Set: $1095.00list GRETSCH DRUMS (908 Chestnut, Chanute, KS 66720):: Gretsch drums have for years offered die cast hoops, 6-ply compressed maple shells and hand-rubbed lacquer finishes that many companies have only recently come out with. Gretsch drums have always been known for quality construction and fine tone, but the hardware has not ever been up to the quality of the' drums. This problem is finally solved with the QR line of stands and holders. Strong, simply designed hardware combined with the drum’s already fine quality should give a good sounding, durable drum set. Gretsch, who did some experimental “power tom sets” for “The Drum Stand” in 1978 has finally made these extended shell lengths available to the public. Available in September, Gretsch will have long shelled toms, bass drums and 8” snare drums with all tom hoops die-cast and with the new stands. Gretsch also distributes the K. Zildjian “Dark” Cymbals and the Ufip line of cymbals and percussion devices. Both of these cymbal lines feature many unique sounds and the Ufip cymbals are a good dollar value for students and pros alike. Bruce Gary of The Knack says Gretsch drums are the absolute best drums there are!

Standard 5-Piece: $1642.00 list ROGERS DRUMS (1300 East Valencia Dr., P.O. Box 4137, Fullerton, CA 92634):: The Rogers drum line for 1981 is the most versatile and flexible it has ever been. Rogers is now offering a full line of Power toms and bass drums, with the bass drums being 18” deep. All of the basses and toms in the drum line are 8-ply maple shells and the new wooden snare drums are 10-ply maple. The new wooden snare drums some ip 5”, 6Vi\ and 8” depths and the famous Dyna-Sonic is now available in a brass finish in 5” and 6V2” depths. Rogers now also offers positive locking tension rod lock nuts on select models. The new Mulitstacker tom holder, recently added to the Memriloc hardware line, was used at the recent NAMM show to make a 24-piece drum set. (picture) There’s much good activity at Rogers now, with plans for much more in the immediate future. Rogers offers some very beautiful finishes, including sunburst lacquer, koa, metallic gold, California wine, maple and midnight mist. Rogers players include Craig Krampf, Rod Monganstein, Narada Michael Walden and David Garibaldi.

Standard "Londoner5”Set: $1710.00 list CORDER DRUMS (2607 Triana Blvd., Huntsville, AL 35805):: You probably won’t recognize the name, but Jim Corder has pioneered several developments in the percussion industry. Many say he was the very first to develop acrylic plastic drums, long before other drum manufacturers produced them. He is also the manufacturer of “Rain-bo Jingles” tambourines, a reasonably priced plastic tambourine that holds together well for the rock ’n’ rollers. Jim’s latest endeavor is the purchase of the Fibes Drum Co.’s machinery, etc., and now, the-manufacturer of 6-ply maple drums using American-made wood shells and all of the lugs, strainers, rims, holders that were previously Fibes’. The best part of his new drum line is that with good maple shells and well made components throughout, the Corder 5-piece set is only $1095 list. This is an excellent drum set for the money. Corder also makes 5”, 5V2” and 8” outfit snares, as well as 10”X14” and 12"X15” marching snares for schools and corps. The drum line is rounded out with marching trios and quads, two lines of fiber cases and some new stands I’m sure we’ll see more of. Fibes Drum owners will be glad to know the Corder Co. will happily supply you with all original Fibes replacement parts if you just contact them. The Corder shells are also sold separately for the do-it-yourselfers!

Standard 5-Piece Set: $1095.00 list NORTH DRUMS (105 Fifth Ave., Garden City Park, N.Y. 10040):: North Drums are instantly recognizable on sight because of their unusual appearance. North drums are the curved megaphone shaped drums you’ve seen on stage with Jackson Browne, Gerry Brown with Return To Forever, Yes, Billy Cobham and Earth, Wind and Fire. The North sound is unique because of the combination of synthetic shells and the curved flare of the drum gives very little “ring” or excess resonance. The sound is often a dry, punchy, directional one that is incredibly loud. The 18” deep bass is super-punchy and mikes up to Howitzer,impact easily. The North line also includes a heavy duty stand line with some very acceptable prices. North Drums are available in red, black, white and grey finishes that are gel-molded into the shells. The parent group for North drums. Music Technology Inc., is also exclusive distributor for Paiste America.

6-Piece Set [Drums on/y): $1495.00 list PEARL DRUMS (P.O. Box 100087, Nashville, TN 37210):: Few people know that Pearl is the largest drum manufacturer in the world, but it’s true. Besides the ever-expanding Pearl Professional sets, Pearl manufactures in Taiwan and Japan, most of the world’s student model drum sets sold under different jobbers names such as Reuther, .Apollo, Maxwtn, Royce, etc. The Pearl Professional drums for the 1980’s .are the most flexible, versatile drums available. Pearl is willing to do a wide variety of custom modifications for reasonable prices with realistic delivery. The variety of hardware combinations, shell materials, finishes and drum sizes makes the catalog a drummer’s dream come true. Pearl shells come in 9-ply W series, 8-ply Americanmade maple, fiberglas, and phenolic. The finishes available include 14 plastic coverings, earth-tone and hi-gloss laquer finishes, and chrome steel. The lacquer colors include maple, rosewood, walnut, and on special order, an outrageously beautiful deep wine red lacquer! We stocked a double bass set of the wine red at The Drum Stand and it was one of the most beautiful sets ever on the floor. Al Duffy, a constant innovator in the percussion industry, is now Pearl’s production overseer, manager and design whiz. Al’s ideas include the “original” chain foot pedal, gong drums, lots of custom snares,, custom doo-dads and solutions to problems for many successful drummers. He’s been a big part of the driving force at Pearl to give drummers innovative quality products. The new Extender drums and the X-l strainer for snares are a couple of his pet projects and are probably just the tip of the iceberg for innovative new ideas in percussion. The Extender drums from Pearl have Dresden-type suspended heads using a drum head 1” larger than the actual drum shell. The expanded tuning range and depth of tone from this design is unbelievable, with the best part being that you cam tune for “bottom” and still have good stick response because the head doesn’t have to be near as foose as other drums. The extender design is superb on snare drums because you can tune for a fat backbeat and still retain a crisp sound with response. The X-1 snare drum strainer is an extremely flexible parallel action fhrow-off that makes accurate snare tensioning an exact skill. Pearl Hardware, especially the Vari-set equipment, has become some of the most popular hardware in the world. Pearl drums are used on stage and in the studio by Chester Thompson, Peter Cnss, Larrie Londin, Keith Knudsen, Chet Macracken, Bobby Daniels and Stix Hooper.

Standard 5-piece set: $849.00. PEARL INTERNATIONAL (408 Harding Ind. Drive, Nashville, TN)::Pearl drum products not available from Norlin Industries are sold direct to dealers by Pearl International. These products include Pearl oak drumsticks and all of the brand new Pearl marching drums and percussion. The marching line includes snares, tenors, trios, quads, bass drums. Extender marching drums and all the accompanying holders, etc. This recently-introduced marching equipment is being well received everywhere and is already in use by several major drum corps, the number one punishers of drums! Pearl International also has come up with a Pearl cymbal line that is very reasonably priced and they sound good. Pearl International prides itself on its complete service facilities in Nashville and their instant parts service, a key interest to working drummers. Parts order and cymbals must be through authorized Pearl dealers.

PRO-LINE RISER (P.O. Box 7788, Ann Arbor, MI 48107):: Pro-line makes a variety of portable risers, platforms that finally give a drummer a chance to throw away the milk crates and ragged plywood and ride in style and comfort* Pro-line risers come in a variety of sizes and each riser is adjustable in height. Each riser features quality wood, aluminum and steel throughout, and is available carpeted or with tempered hardwood finish. Pro-line also has larger risers, stages, platforms and related stairs, etc. available. The parent company of Pro-line, Aztec Staging, does sales and rental of staging for ELO, Fleetwood Mac, Pink Floyd, Kiss and Styx, so this is a case of a big company scaling down to reach the needs of the up-and-coming professionals, not vice-versa. More than 50% of all outdoor productions were staged by Aztec in 1978, so these folks know ’bout risers!

HINGER TOUCH-TONE (Box 232, Leonia, NJ 07605):: Hinger is one of those “built-byhand-to-the'utmost-perfection” percussion companies we all dream of. Offering Space-Tone snare drums, Hinger snare drums, cable snares and handmade Touch-Tone Tympani, as well as all sorts of special sticks, mallets, etc. Hinger products are of principal interest to orchestra percussive perfectionists. Fred Hinger also offers his Virtuoso Tympanist publications in his catalog. Hinger products are definitely for the percussionists who can “hear” the difference!

CYMBALS

Cymbals and cymbal sounds, like drum sounds, are an individual preference thing—and the more cymbals you can hear before you choose your own, the better. Cymbal selection is perhaps not taken as seriously as drum selection by many drummers, when actually greater caution should be used when choosing. After all, a drum that doesn’t sound good can often be doctored up with new heads, tuning tricks, etc., but there is very little that can be done to “tune” cymbals once you have them. (Ducttape excluded!) To completely cover the science of cymbals would take this whole magazine, but for further information, write these companies. They will be glad to assist.

ZILDJIAN (P.O. Box 198, Accord, MA02018) :: The Zildjian story reads like Arabian Nights, beginning in Constantinople in 1623, speaking of secret formulas and alchemy, and the family name is even the Turkish word for “Cymbalsmith.” The name Zildjian is still synonymous with quality cymbals in 1981, and they almost totally dominate the American market. The Zildjian cymbal set-up book includes master drummers from all styles of music -and from all over the world. The set-up book is an entertaining and educational manual, available from Zildjian, that features top professional drummers and their stage set-ups. It also shows Zildjian’s recommended cymbal set-ups for different applications. The Zildjian family created many different styles of cymbals throughout drummings involvement from hi-hats and swishes beginning yesteryear to the mulestrength “rock” crashes, quick beat hi-hats, Earth Rides, Brilliant cymbals and gongs of today. When you buy a Zildjian cymbal think of it as an investment; few things hold their value like a fine cymbal. (Write for catalog) (Cymbal set-up book $4.00 postage & handling.)

PAISTE CYMBALS (105 5th Ave. Garden City, NY 11040):: Paiste cymbals and gongs have until recently had very little consistent exposure in the American market, but that is quickly changing. They’ve formed an American branch of the company called Paiste America, Inc. and have the M.T.I. Corporation as their exclusive American distributors. Paiste has five different cymbal lines, from student model *404s to the perfectionist delight “Sound Creation Serious.” Paiste recently introduced an “Industrial strength” line of cymbals called “Rude” that are said to offer more strength and volume than any other cymbal. Paiste #2002s and #602s have been available in limited numbers in the states but this new distribution and promotion program should assure we’ll get to see more of ’em! Paiste is setting up Sound Centers nationwide that will have a complete array of Paiste’s cymbals and sounds always on display, and warranty service will be available there as well. Paiste cymbals are made ip Switzerland and the Gongs are made in Germany. Paiste takes the art of cymbals and cymbal sounds very seriously.

CLEAN-UP. PAINT-UP, FIX-UP CORNER If you’ve scored a funky used set of Hupmobile drums out of Uncle Louie’s attic, scored percussiyely at the local flea market, or pawnshopped a used set that the owner promised just “needed a little work,” you can probably use some help from these folks:

PRECISION DRUM COMPANY (151 Cali fomla Rd., Yorktown Hts., NY 10598):: Precision sells more popular drum finishes available, and some discontinued and rare finishes, cut to fit your drums with instructions included.

EAMES DRUM CO. (229 Hamilton St., Saugus, MA 01906):: Eames sells handmade birch and mahogany shells in 9-, 12-, and 15-plys, and in all of the power drum sizes currently popular. Ten custom lacquered stains available.

CORDER DRUM CO. (2607 Triana Blvd., Huntsville, AL 35805):: Corder Drums sell 6-ply American made shells in all conventional drum sizes, undrilled and unfinished. Also, original fibes replacement parts and accessories.

DRUM WORKSHOP (15312 S. Broadway, Gardena, CA 90248):: These 6-ply maple shells, unfinished and undrilled, could be the heart of your “dream machine.” Power toms, basses and snares available.

DRUM MICROPHONES & ACCESSORIES

SHURE BROS. INC. (222 Harthey Ave., Evanston, IL 60204):: There’s more Shure microphones in the music business than any other brand and Shure has several microphones for drummer use. The SM 57, and SM 58 are used by Shure now as head-worn microphones for singing drummers. The SM10 Headset microphone weighs 3 ounces and puts your mike right where it needs to be, yet leaves you free to play while you sing. The SM12 headset microphone has an in-the-ear receiver for vocal mixes, making it simple to hear your monitor over the on stage drum sound.

AUDIO TECHNICA (33 Shiawasee Ave., Fairlawn, OH 44313):: Audio-Technica mikes represent good quality microphones at reasonable prices and their recommended drum mikes are shock-mounted to eliminate vibration from drum movement.

Model

ATM10SM HiHat, snare

(shock mount)

ATM11 HiHat, overhead drums

ATM11SM HiHat, snare

(shock-mount) overhead drums

ATM21

ATM21SM Bass Drum

(shock-mount) Bass Drum

TAMA MIKE STANDS (40 Eiger, Bensalem, PA 19020):: Tama Drums, the people famous for their hardware, recently introduced a new line of microphone stands built to take it, and they come in six different models for any miking situation. These stands are wide stance so they stay put, yet transport compactly. Rubber leg tips are used for proper isolation, and stands come with mike adapters.

DRUM MIKING

LATIN PERCUSSION (160 Belmont Ave., Garfield, NJ 07026):: If you’re tired of carrying so many cumbersome mike stands around, the Claw by L.P. may be just what you’re looking for. The Claw is a clamping device to mount mikes directly on the drum rims or cymbal stands. The Claw has a built-in shock mount, and can be used to mount microphones or cowbells and percussion goodies. L.P. says a fist full of Claws beats a van full of stands.

VARIOUS PERCUSSION

SILVER STREET (P.O. Box 1927, Elkhart, IN 46515):: Silver Street, Inc. is a young company that is quickly becoming a very successful drum accessories manufacturer. This is the home of the “Deadringer” drum inserts that have become the hit of the industry. Deadringer mufflers are made of adhesive backed foam and stick to the underside of a drum head. They eliminate much of the often unwanted “ring” or undesirable overtone in a drum,while also lowering the pitch of the drum and making it easier to control. The Hot Rod drumsticks they offer are heavy duty synthetic sticks for only $4.25 a pair and they have the keyp-it and stick-em drum key and drumstick holders for forgetful drummers. Silver Street also makes accessories for other musicians too! P.S. Deadringers can eliminate many drum miking problems in the studios or live.

LATIN PERCUSSION (160 Belmont Ave., Garfield, NJ 07026):: Latin Percussion manufactures quality percussion instruments from traditional to bizarre, and are most famous for their fiberglas congas. L.P. works very closely with the world’s finest percussionists, continually coming up with new sounds and effects. L.P.’s emphasis is on the percussion instruments, and they offer more selection of instruments than most of the rest combined. The drums available include bata drums, bongoes, timbales, timbalitos, surods, tambora, and “talking” drums, with hand held percussion instruments from cowbells, vibra-slaps, flexatones, shekeres, ganza, cabasas and guiros, to tamborim and pandiero. If you don’t recognize some of these names, you’re not alone! No drummer should be without an L.P. catalog )ust to keep up with the rapidly expanding role of the drummer/percussionist. L.P. are constant innovators of new instruments and sounds, and the Cohen family takes great pride in L.P.’s reputation for quality.

OM PERCUSSION (115 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Bellair, FL 33516):: These guys are chime fanatics, making 15 models of chime trees, chime clusters, angle chimes, chime ladders and your choice of custom chimes. OM chimes are available in custom colors and finishes, and all chime frames are maple. If there’s a chime sound you can’t seem to find, have OM Percussion build you one!

VAUGHNCRAFT PERCUSSION (P.O. Box 22728, Nashville, TN 37202):: Vaughncraft is a small percussion company specializing in quality woodblocks, tambourines, bongoes, temple blocks, log drums, talking drums and wind chimes. Vaughncraft offers a rotating wind chime for better chime control and long glissando effects. Vaughncraft is based in Nashville, and the instruments are popular in Nashville studios.

JOPA (Jopa Ltd., 3114 Quent Rd., Brooklyn, NY 11234):: Jopa percussion instruments are handmade by musician craftsmen as authentically as possible, and they indeed sometimes look primitive. But the proof is in the sound, so give a listen to the Daddiego family’s pride and joys. Jopa instruments include eight models of cowbells, berimbau, tamborin, cuica, recorecos, chocalos and shekeres. Jopa will also custom make percussion instruments to order.

REMO (12804 RaymerSt., N. Hollywood, CA 91605):: Remo makes most of the drum heads available today, and you may love Remo heads without even knowing it. If you love your Pearl Pinstripe tom heads or your Gretsch Permatone snare head, guess what? Good chance it’s made by Remo. Remo. supplies many major drum manufacturers with their heads made to their specifications, and they easily dominate the replacement head business. Remo has the largest head selection anywhere from Ambassadors to C.S. Black Dots and Pinstripes, as well as specialty heads from banjos to timpani. They also manufacture roto-toms—the drums that change pitch when rotated. Foto’s have enjoyed success almost anywhere drums are used due to their versatility and economical prices. Roto-toms are now available with a pitch pedal to tune them by foot like tympani. Remo also recently introduces “Timpanello” a professional quality, tympani-like instrument that sounds good and is very easy to transport. Remo also makes individual practice pads and practice pad sets for serious students.

STICKS

PRO-MARK (1076 Craighead, Houston, TX 77025):: Pro-mark is number one in the drumstick business and offers the drummer more choices in styles, weights and sizes than any other acessory manufacturer. The sticks lines already included good times, white oak, hands hickory, and even metal sticks, practice pad only. Pro-mark recently introduced two new stick lines, “Tatsu” and “Golden Oak”. The new “Tatsu” sticks have no tips, they just taper down on the end. This gives a different sound and eliminates the sticks breaking in the “neck” area that has always been the weak point in most sticks. Golden Oak sticks are the same sizes as in the white oak series but made of the heavier wood used in the Billy Cobham 808 stick. This makes the stick approximately 10-12% heavier than the white oak line. Pro-mark also is exclusive American distributor of the French made Jacques Capelle HiHat stand and bass drum pedal. The HiHat puts most others to shame!

GON-BOPS (2302 E. 38th St., Vernon, Ca 90058):: Gon-Bops of California make a full line of authentic, yet modem percussion instruments including congas, timbales, boo-bams, maracas, cowbells and d-ta drums. The congas come in sizes and your choice of mahogany, appalachian oak or walnut shells. All drums come with cowhide heads, and these are the most popular all wood drums around. The deluxe series congas even a layer of transparent fiberglas—over the natural wood shell for protection. Gon-Bops is also the parent company for Bobadilla cases. Bobadilla makes super rugged fiber cases as well as special cases for video units and other sensitive equipment. They’ll build anything custom, just call or write.

UNIVERSAL PERCUSSION (427 Fifth St., Struthers, OH 44471):: Universal is home of Cannon Toms, a nice way to add on a few drums to your set at very reasonable prices. The Cannon Toms come with maple shells in lengths from 10”xl6” and they mount on your existing stands with a universal adapter, eliminating the expense of another tom stand. Available in most popular colors.

RHYTHMTECH (511 Center Ave., Mamaroneck, NY 10543):: Rhythmtech is the crescent moon shaped tambourine you’ve probably seen a lot of lately. The design offers a better center of gravity which should inprove technique and endurance. The grip is also cushioned to ease “tambourine palm,” an ailment common on the Holiday Inn circuit. Used by Ralph McDonald, Steve Gadd, Jeff Porcaro and Lenny White.