The vintage drum collecting world mourns the passing of Mark “Whitey” Cooper, a great friend and colleague, as well as one of the most important experts on many aspects of drums and drum set history. Mark was one of those guys that every one, and I mean every one, liked and loved. The first time that I met Mark at a drum show I knew that he would be one of my favorite people. Instant comrades.
Read morePeter Erskine Gladstone/Lang Snare
To say I am beyond thrilled to be the new caretaker of this incredible piece of snare drum history from one of the greatest drummers of all time, my friend, the incomparable Peter Erskine, is an understatement.
This is what Peter calls “…my legacy snare drum…” and I am fully aware that this is/was one of his most prized and personal snares of all time, and I am so grateful that he has entrusted me to watch over it.
Them Stinkin’ Badges
One of my favorite parts of the vintage MIJ drum genre is simply admiring all the badges, the styles and types and even the brands. A badge on a drum (especially a stencil) lets you know who sold it. Any kind of badging usually accomplishes at minimum the tasks of identification and advertising, and sometimes a little deception with the styling.
Read more1928- SLINGERLAND 5x14 WALNUT TONE FLANGE FANCHER ARTIST MODEL
Most of these drums have 10 brass wood screws or 10 brass brads on the top bearing edge that are in line with the tube lugs and are there to allow the brass ring of the Tone Flange to seat. This drum is a tad different, there are12 brass brads that do not line up with the lugs (see photo). I also noticed a difference in the internal attachment hardware. On Slingerland snares of this era there is usually a washer, a lock washer and a screw. This drum has a larger washer, smaller washer, lock washer and a screw for the lugs, 3 point strainer and butt plate.
Read moreAlbum Review - New Start by bassist Tom Kennedy w Dave Weckl on drums
I’m featuring a great album by a bassist this month, Tom Kennedy, not just because he is a great bassist and a musician, but also because one of my favorite drummers, Dave Weckl, is playing on the album. Weckl
Read moreLes Demerle's Dance and Jazz Party Cruise - Nov. 10-17, 2024
Hi George,
Here is the promo video for our Les DeMerle Band Jazz Cruise. Please consider joining us and thanks in advance for any exposure you can give to our event. Man, It would be so cool to have a NSMD group out on the high seas with us. Les
Getting Your Drum Book Published
Most of the time I find the writer has not done their homework in researching other books to discover what has been published on the same subject. That research can take a lot of time, but it’s necessary if you don’t want to waste your time submitting material that's already available.
Read morePhotos from Chicago Drum Show on NSMD Facebook
Bob Campbell shoots great photos, period. Especially of drums and drummers. He got some great shots of both at the 2024 Chicago Drum Show in May. Too many to post here. They are uploaded on the NSMD Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/notsomoderndrummer Go check it out.
Read moreHow to Succeed
Buddy Rich said it well enough: "Be on time, wear a clean shirt and swing your ass off!” Despite Buddy's penchant for homely sweaters, his advice goes a long way toward spelling out the expectations (the basic requirements of the job) of being a pro, or at least desirable. I used to tell my business students something similar: Show up on time, wear the right clothes, and do what you were hired to do to the best of your ability.
Read moreBilly Arnold's New Book - Keeping the Groove After 70+
Billy Arnold’s new book is about being over the age of 70 and how to keep the spirit and enthusiasm that one had as a child. Also reminding us of when we were teenagers and thinking – “Wow! I’m going to do this. I’m going to do that.” In your 40’s you might ask – “Am I there yet?” Things change over time and we might again wonder – “Am I there yet?”
Read moreSpeed A Beat bass drum pedal roller accessory
Speed a Beat will be in booth 166 at the Music city Drum show in Nashville --July 20 and 21
Read moreThe Family of Paradiddles
Aside from single and double strokes, paradiddles are the most often used sticking patterns in drumming. In the family of paradiddles there are four standard types—single paradiddles, double paradiddles, triple paradiddles, and paradiddle-diddles. The following highlights each family along with their inversions.
Read moreMy Latest Drum Blog; Jim Blackley Page 97 Up Close and Personal
I am a staunch disciple of renowned drum teacher Jim Blackley. His death in 2018 at the tender age of 86 silenced his voice, but it needn’t cut us off from his legacy and extraordinary teaching.
Read moreSuper Ludwig Super Sensitives
I really like the Ludwig pre-serial # Super Sensitive snare drum. I have 10 of them in my collection from the 1920’s – 1970’s. This month I will feature 3 of them that are from 1961 – 1964.
Read moreRemembering John Barbata
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of the great John Barbata. Our thoughts go out to his family, friends and fans. Rock in peace, Johny” – Jefferson Starship
Read moreFrom Publish Editor George Lawrence
I got a call from producer Bobby Colomby, former drummer for Blood Sweat and Tears, to play on this recording by the band Pages in L.A. in 1979.
Read moreLiving Music; A Film about Ra Kalam Bob Moses - Indie GoGo Fund Raiser
Bob Moses is one of my favorite drummers. My friend, Nashville drummer Clifford Koufman, is currently making this film and is raising funds via Indie GoGo.
Read moreBucket List Find - Ludwig Down Beat Bowling Ball Oyster Blue
I’ve always been a fan of the blue and black “bowling ball” oyster finishes that Ludwig introduced in 1971. The blue is my favorite and I have had a couple of Hollywood kits (12, 13, 16, 22) over the years, but I’ve always wanted a Downbeat kit (13, 16, 22) with a rail consolette.
Read moreRare Early Pearl Snare Drum
The word “rare” is a very subjective term and quite overused in the drum world, but in this case I think it’s appropriate. There are many parts of this drum which are rarely seen, or not seen at all, and they don’t appear in any known catalogs.
Read more1960s Keystone Badge Ludwig Drums – Types and Dimensions
This article documents the types and sizes of drums recorded in a large database of 1960s Ludwig Keystone badge drums to provide a glimpse into Ludwig’s 1960s production.
Read more