September 2006
6515BR-SOB-E 6.5" x 15" Sterling Silver over Brass / engraved
Trying new finishes is something I'm never afraid to do, but let's face it - there are some limitations. Brass has always been a great choice for certain musical applications, but the chrome or nickel over brass thing -well, its been done. I first used silver over brass for a drum that went to last years Winter NAMM show and when I suggested it to Gomezz (Reamonn) who owns at least 8 Dunnett Classics, he thought it would be the perfect addition to his collection - as long as it was an engraved model. Gomezz took me at my word when I told him Giulietti is probably one of the best metal engravers alive today and gave Giulietti carte blanche to engrave the drum as he saw fit. I suggested a variation on the florette theme - something a bit more modern but nothing too tribal - that's just dated and my apologies if you have a tattoo! The end result of Giulietti's efforts are what you see here. The addition of CR hoops adds to the focus of the incredibly deep, brass tone of this drum. It's so nice to lay into brass sometimes and in this configuration it feels like hitting and anvil through a down pillow.
West Coast Drum Center's 2nd Annual Charity Golf tournament
This is one of my favourite community events and this year was better than the first! Celeb drummers Denny Siewel, Kenny Aronoff and Taylor Hawkins were in attendance. Sadly missed were Stewart Copeland and Adrian Young who had planned to attend but were not feeling up to 'par' that day. In spite of that the event was a huge success and a swack load of cash was raised for a good cause. Click on the bunny to view the pictorial!
The 10th Annual Hollywood Custom & Vintage Drum Show
Hollywood Drum Show producers Kerry & Patti Crutchfield in front of the events new venue! Eat your heart out REMO.
Once again Paul Mason of Tempus Drums and myself will make the pilgrimage to Los Angeles - Pasadena more specifically - to present our wares at the Hollywood Custom & Vintage Drums show. In addition to the new venue in Pasadena, my good friend and show producer Kerry Crutchfield is introducing a new twist : a record expo featuring rare records and music memoribilia and collectibles. It's going to be a very interesting show with some great clinicians like Ed Shaughnessy and Billy Ward. For more info visit www.vintagedrumshow.com and be sure to check in at drumsmith.com for the full pictorial!
Paiste Faktory Tour
Me holding the signed original of John Bonham's endorsement contact
It's coming! The Paiste Faktory tour pictorial and feature will be published in the next issue of Classic Drummer magazine! This will be arguably be the most in depth tour of the Paiste facility in Nottwil Switzerland ever. Magazine readers will be treated to an extensive online companion pictorial featuring dozens of photos and several MPEG movies. Don't miss this one! Subscribe today at www.classicdrummer.com!
DRUM! magazine Reader's Poll
WE WIN!
Nice work everyone! With your help Dunnett Classic received DRUM! magazines award for best new drum accesory (the R Class throw off) and runner up in the best snare drum.
Drumsmith.com also came in 2nd as the best online resource for drummers!
The new R2 (V.2) Rapid snare removal throw off - exclusively on Dunnett Classic snare drums.
I could have stopped at V.1. The R Class and R2 throw offs have set a new standard in snare drum throw off technology - why mess with it? Because it needed some details that would transform it into what I consider to be a Classic. The re-designed shape of swivel release lever says smooth - just like the action of the throw off itself - and the new tension knob provides improved grip for easier tensioning. That plus an additional 6mm (16.5mm total) of drop gives the R / R2 unprecedented slack when the snares are in the off position. Factor in all that AND the keyless (patent pending) entry feature that allows you to remove the snare wires for snare side head changes WITHOUT a drum key, models for beaded shells, genuine gold and gloss black finishes and...well, I guess I'll just leave it alone for a while, it's just that good.
In my ipod
Billy Talent and drummer Aaron Solowoniuk came out swinging with their 2nd album Billy Talent II. Aaron used a number of Dunnett Clasic snare drums in the making of this album and he plays a 6514 Stainless on tour - and the way he's been touring you know that drum has gotta be holding up or else. I managed to spend some time with Aaron as he watched me swap out three broken plastic Nickel Drum Works strainers on his snares. Great guy, equally great drummer. See the band live or buy the album - worth it.
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