I’ve definitely been bitten by the vintage drum bug over the past year.  Since picking up a nice Ludwig Acrolite in the spring of 2014, I’ve become a bit obsessed and have started a nice collection of snare drums.  There’s a ton of information online about seemingly every make and model of drum, although sometimes … More 1981 Tama Mastercraft Artwood Superstar Snare

I’ve come across a few Deagan Century of Progress marimbas online over the past few years.  A couple have been in beautiful shape, with bright green laminate and gleaming brass resonators.  More often than not, though, they’ve started to show their age.  Missing plaques, dented resonators, deep patina on the metal frame.  The green laminate … More Bringing a Deagan Back from the Dead

The following is a short article I wrote for the latest edition of the Guardsmen, the official newsletter of the Fort Henry Guard Club. At the heart of the Guard is the not-so-subtle rivalry between the Drums and the Squad.  While friendly in nature, the divisions between the two units have deep roots, and upon … More Guard History: The Champagne Breakfast vs. The Beer ‘N Steer

The search for vintage percussion instruments often leads to funny places.  An antique store in Wisconsin selling a Century of Progress marimba.  An old Ludwig Black Beauty found buried in newspapers and sheets in the back of a garage.  An estate sale in Guelph that includes a 1930 Deagan marimba that used to belong to … More There’s A Deagan In My Attic

One of the surprising things I learned as I started to read about collecting vintage drums is how much people like the plain old Ludwig Acrolite.  That staple of high school music programs and community bands seems to be considered a must-have in any collection. The reasons they’re so desirable are pretty straight forward – … More 1968 Ludwig Acrolite