Re-published from 2012
When jazz drumming giant Elvin Jones passed away in 2004, his wife Keiko was left with the daunting task of handling his vast estate. Elvin had two apartments in New York City. He and Keiko lived in one; and the other was strictly for his drums. His storage apartment was packed from floor to ceiling with equipment spanning his entire career. Every room was full of Elvin Jones history. It took Donn Bennett four years to help Keiko liquidate the estate. This resulted in Donn purchasing the entire thirty plus year collection. This included eight complete sets, over one hundred cymbals, and a dozen snare drums, cases full of hardware, sticks, brushes, mallets, and all types of percussion gear. Keiko provided signed letters of authenticity for everything. The next step was getting it all to The Donn Bennett Drum Studio in Bellevue, Washington.
Elvin Jones fans from around the world were lining up to purchase a piece of Elvin’s history. This included many famous drummers who respected and admired his talents for many years. Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts bought a vintage yellow Gretsch kit. Steve Jordan, Benny Greb, Lenny White and Frankie Banali have also purchased items from the estate. Many unusual and rare items Included an early black Gretsch 20” x 20” bass drum, and prototype chain and sprocket foot pedals from DW. These are just a few of the hundreds of items still available for sale today.
“Seeing these iconic drummers delight in their acquisitions has been one of the biggest highlights of my career”. - Donn Bennett
The most desired items of Elvin’s were his old K Zildjians. Donn still has a number of these cymbals left; ranging in price from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Also available are complete Camco, Tama, and Yamaha sets, Gretsch and Tama snares, and many used sticks, mallets, brushes and cases. One of the most gratifying aspects for Donn has been the friendships he has developed since purchasing the estate. He has heard countless testimonies from Elvin Jones fans everywhere. One interesting story came from Keiko herself. Many drummers assumed Elvin’s use of an 18” bass drum was due to pitch and response concerns suited to his style. The real truth is it was simply easier to fit into a New York City taxi.
“One of the most rewarding parts of this entire process has been the relationships I’ve developed with countless Elvin fans. It’s been a fascinating education to learn what a huge influence Elvin had on people and the enormous love and respect that people have for him”. - Donn Bennett
On Elvin’s 75th birthday, Armand Zildjian created a customized commemorative cymbal as a gift. It was signed and dated by him in large lettering. Charlie Watts considered adding this cymbal to his collection, but decided on another. It presently hangs in the Donn Bennett Drum Studio offices. Elvin Jones fans should definitely check out Donn Bennett’s website to purchase their own rare piece of jazz drumming history.
The Donn Bennett Drum Studio is located at 13212 NE 16th St. #7, Bellevue, Washington 98005 (425) 747-6145
The Elvin Jones Vintage Collection http://www.bennettdrums.com/elvin_jones.php
Donn Bennett Drum Studio
http://www.bennettdrums.com/index.php
Donn Bennett Drum Studio on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/donnbennettdrumstudio