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February 2006

714 Kore (K Class) Stainless - Canary Hybrid

What started as a personal project became a product line. This is how it goes...my dream drum has always been a 6.5 x 14 Mono-Ply X® Koa. Out of all of the wood I have selected by hand on my ventures to Hawaii I was only able to obtain a piece of the correct dimension to yield a 5.5 x 14 depth. Close but not close enough. Then while doing some patent research I came across a patent (3,911,779) that was issued in 1975 to an inventor named Clifford Della-Porta for the Premier drum company. Using Della-Porta's design I was able to extend the depth of my Koa snare drum to the desired depth. I had concerns about weight and the mixture of wood and metal, but I found this contruction to be both lighter and thinner than other wood-metal hybrids and that the tonality of this combination was as exceptional as it was unique. And of course the beauty of stainless and wood leaves nothing to be desired. And if stainless worked, then why not Titanium? That combination worked equally well. Thus the birth of K Class, or Kore Series drums which are offered in 4 configurations: Domestic or Exotic wood with either Stainless or polished Titanium rings.



7514 Kore (K Class) Titanium - Fishtail Oak Hybrid

Of course, what would a hybrid drum be without hybrid hoops? After several hours of R&D I am happy to introduce the K Class wood-metal hybrid hoop - the world's first hybrid hoop.

The advantages over traditional wood hoops is obvious - the chrome over brass insert provides protection for the areas of the wood that usually succumb to heavy stick damage. This without lossing any of the acoustic benefits of a wood hoop - in fact, the overall sound of the wood hoop is improved. Side stick is clear and cutting, rim shots are warm and woody but carry with them a distinctive brass attack. That and the fact that they look so inviting! (U.S. & Foreign patents pending).



6514 Stainless w/ K Class wood-metal hybrid hoops

The 2006 Winter NAMM Show

The week of January 18 saw me in Anaheim, CA for the 2006 Winter NAMM show - and what a show. The Dunnett Classic booth took on a whole new look with 18 unique snare drums set against a shimmering stainless steel backdrop. Traffic at the booth was heavy and steady and the interest in new products for '06 was intense. In addition to the new Kore Series of wood-metal hybrid snare drums I also introduced the new R2 throw off which features removal of of snare wires from the throw off without the need for a key.

For the full NAMM show pictorial here is the URL:

http://www.dunnett.com/namm2006/namm2006.html



The new R2 Rapid snare removal throw off





Another concept that was more than 5 years in the making, the R2 was a very well kept secret. This simple and elegant patent pending design allows the removal of the snare wires without the need of a drum key or tool - a time saver when you really need it. The R2 will be standard equipment on all Dunnett Classic snare drums as of 4/06. In addition current owners of Dunnett snare drums can easily retrofit the quick release components to their existing R Class throw off.

Alright...who made this Messe?

It's not like I didn't get enough trade show at NAMM, but...once again I will be travelling to Europe for Musik Messe in Frankfurt. Dunnett Classic drums made their European debut at last years show and this year I'll be working to increase exposure in the European market. I'll also be spending some time at the Ludwig booth this trip. I've been fortunate enough to be involved in some rather interesting projects that will come to fruition at the show - I'm very excited - and if I'm excited...

My trip will include a special in-store visit to my dealer in Koln plus I will fulfill my longtime wish to visit the Paiste factory in Nottwil, Switzerland where I will be working on assignment for drumsmith.com and Classic Drummer magazine.

I am also very pleased to learn that Dunnett Classic Titanium and Stainless steel snare drums is currently gracing the cover of Sticks magazine February '06 issue!