Text, images and video by Ronn Dunnett copyright 2006

The opinions expressed in this pictorial are those of the author

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Why MusikMe$$e Sucks & Blows

I know, I know...it's a European thing, but when you come from a country where tobacco consumption indoors at public venues or in restaurants is strictly forbidden, it's a tough adjustment.

Even though MusikMesse had posted teenie tiny no smoking signs on the entries to the halls, the dishwasher sized ash trays inside did little to convince anyone that they were in any way serious. Thus for the entire 4 day show a pungent, stingy blue haze filled the halls of Messe and by the end of the day your clothing smelled like you had spent the past 12 hours fighting a 5 alarm blaze at a shit factory.

I'd also like to thank MusikMesse for failing to ensure visitors and exhibitors receive fair treatment at the hands of the local hoteliers by establishing a housing committee like NAMM. By failing to provide such a resource, hotels in Frankfurt have declared open season on Me$$e exhibitors by gouging them for all they are worth, often double the standard rates.

Apart from that, it was great.

Enjoy the pics!

Ronn



Welcome to Frankfurt...

...and welcome to MusikMesse! Please enjoy the show!

 

Halle 3 - the main hall for drums and percussion

The Agora tent where most of the drum and percussion events were staged.

Abao percussion products. Some very high quality instruments - and very affordable.

TheAhead snare drum which made it's debut at NAMM attracted a lot of attention. Fitted exclusively with features such as the R Class throw off it represents solid value.

There was no shortage of cymbal companies at Messe, particularly Turkish manufacturers. Anatolian is a very popular line in Europe and are endorsed by players such as Randy Black.

Roy and Ron from Aquarian - all business.

Arbiter Flats are still very popular although the components are primarily plastic. The bass drums leave something to be desired however the toms and snare produce a decent sound.

This was one of my favourite products at the show. A very practical and compact alternative for tymp players or for drummers looking for a gong bass drum sound without the added size / weight. They sounded very convincing.

 

Canada's Ayotte drums showed several kits and some interesting new snare drum options.

Although the tribal theme has run it's course the paint work on these Ayotte wood hoop snares poses some interesting possibilities.

Ayotte's new Velvet line may not represent a sufficient price / quality delineation from their high end offerings.

A gorgeous metal-like finish on a 13" wood hoop model

The company name is BCP - and I can't remember what that stands for but I lovingly refer to it as Berlin County Percussion. This kit was covered in rhinestones - and interesting look however, the price of this kit was beyond silly - in the high 5 figures - in Euros no less! Kids, if you really want to be rich and famous, give up playing and start a drum company with the letters CP in the name. Buy some World Max parts and go nuts.

Bohema sticks. Veyr high quality sticks primarliy for concert percussionists.

Bosphorous cymbals

Apart from the Hammer and Stanton Moore signature lines Bosphorous had a few cymbals that were of special interest. This is a "floppy" ride - a ride cymbal with great stick definition and spread. It was exceptionally thin and thus there was an unusual "wobble" effect when played. There were also some wobble crashes.


Click here to view an MPEG clip

Cadeson displayed sparkle finishes that were everywhere at this years show.

Cadeson finish samples.

The Cajon factory specializes in cigar box percussion and had a cool box kit set up.

d had a cool box kit se