Ah, The Simple Days Of Long Ago
Often when I talk to a first time buyer, I liken drum
companies to Chevrolet, for example. Drum manufacturers have a number of models
and buyers get "in" at a certain level. But, if we get in a time
machine, and go back to the great 60s drum companies, what we find is one shell
and, at most, two different kinds of lugs. That was it. Ludwig initially had
Super Classics and Club Dates. Slingerland had the South Kings and the Stage
Bands.
Certainly, companies had choices in pedals and hi-hats due often
to the eras of manufacturing. But one day, we woke up and found that companies
made five or six models. Now go and multiply that by 8 or 9 major manufacturers
and you have 50 different models to explain, instead of ten.
Today's
manufacturers really did copy the theory of General Motors. Start the buyer with
Chevrolet and move him up to Cadillac. So, Tama wants you to buy a Swingstar and
eventually get a Starclassic Maple. Along the way, be prepared to get a
Rockstar, a Rockstar Custom, a Starclassic Performer, an Artstar II and then the
big maple set.
So, come along with me to simple days of Camco
Aristocrats and Tuxedos, Gretsch, Broadkasters and Renowns, Rogers' Holidays and
Towers.
If you would like to know more about the Simple Days of Long
Ago, I invite you to order my book from Modern Drummer called
"The Great American Drums". It's only $19.95
plus shipping and I'll send you an autographed copy. |
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