The Best Vintage Hi Hat
I have played them all- Camco, Gretsch (Walberg &
Auge), Ludwig, Premier, Rogers, and Slingerland (made by Camco).
Back
then, hi hats were pretty simple, and even the heaviest ones were lightweight
compared to today's functional masterpieces. Initially, every company had one
model, but by the late 60s, it seems that all companies has a number of choices.
For
me, the best hi hat ever made, the one that inspired other companies, was the
Rogers Swiv-o-matic. I bought mine in 1965. In all that time I never even had to
oil it. Rogers made bigger models, but the Swivo was first, best, and so
dependable.
When all the competition had flatbase stands, Rogers went
to a world-class tripod, the first of many. Rogers used a footboard connected on
two sides of the main shaft, so the pull was not in one area, like those of
every other builder. Mine has a layered footboard, for rocking the left foot. I
have two "replacements" standing by, but I have never used them. I
have never even replaced the rubber tips!
It's just a great design from
a great mind (Joe Thompson), built by a great team (headed by Henry Grossman),
and marketed by Ben Strauss.
If you'd like to learn more about Rogers,
your may be interested in 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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