In celebration of the 25th anniversary of our Maxwell, IL shop, I asked Adrian Kirchler to create a very small special run of AK/Maxwell/Craviotto snare drums. There will only be three drums, one each 4.5x14, 5.5x14, 6.5x14 (SOLD) . Below are the 5.5x14 and the 4.5x14. AK 3 point strainer; nickel over brass engraved shell; 24k gold plating on all hardware; specially engraved rims are 3mm brass (24k gold plated). Each shell is engraved with the pattern we selected, as well as “Maxwell Drums, 25 years”. The additional detail pics below are from the 5.5x14, but features are excluded the same for both. Buy now to secure yours. Keep in mind that these are the only 5.5x14 and 4.5x14 Maxwell 25th Anniversary, AK/Maxwell/Craviotto drums that will be built. $7500 each. Contact Steve at 630-865-6849 or at vintagedrums@aol.com

Ludwig 1920s 4x14" Black Beauty snare drum owned by Papa Jo Jones and several of the most prominent drummers of all time: This incredibly historic drum was passed from William F. Ludwig Sr. to Gene Krupa, who passed it to Big Sid Catlett. Big Sid gave it to Papa Jo Jones (who can be seen playing this drum in a video with Milt Buckner, just search YouTube for “Jo Jones, a magician on drums, in Caravan”). Papa Jo gave the drum to Billy Cobham, who used the drum to record the historic “Inner Mounting Flame” album. The drum then went to John Riley, a noted NYC educator and jazz drummer, who owned and used it for many years. I sold the drum for John to a private client many years ago and it is now available again.  Letter of Authenticity from Steve will be included. Price on request. Contact Steve by text at 630-865-6849 or by email at vintagedrums@aol.com

I had the great pleasure last summer of sitting with Nick and talking about all things Gretsch, and also talking about my experiences over the years. I am also very thankful for the kind words from all of the people who commented on this video. Very much appreciated. Hope you enjoy it! Steve https://youtu.be/hg5T9SM_JuY?si=UnKN-qwpYZpcEPng

Update 1/11. I had the wrong video linked. Fixed now. Enjoy! This video is one that I loved making. It was such an honor to be able to make this video and to play these snares from three of the world’s most talented and influential drummers. Gene and Buddy’s snares have gone to new homes, but Louie’s remains in my personal collection. Over 400,000 people have seen this video. Enjoy! https://youtu.be/LysrNyjSRfI?si=CjvKBbXtIutgM3Pr

Here is a short podcast discussing the 1967 Rogers catalog. Lots of pics of these great drums! https://youtu.be/ROgBpI2mTGw?si=zWv0bcS_njmGgiXp

Brand new and in stock now, here is a Gretsch USA Custom drum set from our exclusive run of Elvin Jones tribute sets! This set is 14x18", 8x12", 14x14", and 5.5x14" - all vintage build and finished in white satin flame. Check Steve's notes below for more info on these limited sets, and be sure to check our video demo! Steve’s notes: New and exclusive for Maxwell Drums! We have exclusive use of white satin flame with Gretsch, and we are doing a run of Elvin Jones tribute sets. Elvin had an 12/14/18/5.5" in this finish and there are several pics of him with the set, including the cover of the historic album “Dear John C”. All sets are vintage build, with my reproduction rail consolette tom holders! Note that a few more can be built here so we can also do this with a 20” bass drum if preferred. If you prefer different sizes contact Steve at vintagedrums@aol.com for a price quote. - 14x18": Vintage spurs, gloss black hoops with matching inlay, T rods, Maxwell rail consolette tom holder, tone control on BD batter side. - 8x12": two tone controls and 9.5mm vintage bracket mounted to shell for tom holder. - 14x14": two tone controls, 9.5mm vintage tom leg brackets with your choice of our 100% correct repro legs as shown, or the standard Gretsch 9.5mm flared/angled leg. - 5.5x14" snare drum. 10 lugs, Microsensitive strainer and butt plate, snap-in key holder, batter side tone control. A 100% perfect 60's look and That Great Gretsch Sound! Only 6 kits available to order until my new shipment of rail mounts arrives in the Fall. Here's Gretsch's info on the USA Custom line: "At the heart of each drum is the legendary 6-ply Gretsch-formula maple/gum shell with its expertly formed 30-degree bearing edge, the exclusive "Silver Sealer” interior finish and rugged die cast hoops. The custom drum building team in Ridgeland, South Carolina uses time-tested, classic finishing techniques such as hand-rubbed stains and nitro-cellulose lacquers. Gretsch’s nitron-finishes are some of the world’s finest, offering additional durability and legendary styling. Gretsch takes pride in knowing that USA Custom owners can sit down every day and literally play the kit of their dreams." CHECK OIT THE VIDEO: https://youtu.be/LhDvrgsBiGk?si=3dC7RoaxUyZrJGSr

You’ll enjoy the story behind this one. Check out the video for the story and some playing on this set. Killer set that has gone to a new home. https://youtu.be/Ob1gO0o-UjA?si=ZXbswgkxK6F47oHg

Here’s a great video that pays tribute to Johnny’s work. You’ll see and hear the very first set, #1, which is 9x13, 16x16, 14x22 and 5.5x14, and then we top it off with a historically significant set, #1000, which was made entirely from 600 year old Timeless Timber birch. This is the only complete Craviotto set ever made from Timeless Timber. Johnny made snares, but wood wide enough for an entire kit was exceedingly rare. Enjoy! https://youtu.be/DRDqBlBafPA?si=ils4eU5gSGXLGhGc

I managed Charlie’s collection of drums from 2007-2014. Over the course of that time he purchased many sets and other items from me. His desire was to purchase items that were owned by drummers he admired. One of those was Louie Bellson. I sold this set to Charlie and wanted to share it here as a piece of our drumming history. For those who have never heard of Louie, check out this video. It’s a grainy black and white from 1967, but check out Louie’s playing. https://youtu.be/feF0DzZiwzQ?si=w_pSC9wCCqlLH2qz Below is a description of the set I sold to Charlie: This drum set is Louie Bellson's Rogers drum set used in the later 60s. Louie was one of the most incredible players of all time, and to have one of his sets in our shop is a true honor. The set consists of  9x13, 16x16, 2-14x22, 5x14 chrome dyna, canister throne, bass drum pedals and high hat stand. This set has been authenticated and originally came from a person who got the set from Louie and had it for many years. The set is a Fullerton era Rogers kit designed to Louie's specifications in that all of the shells are natural interiors, not the speckled interior usually found on Fullerton era drums. Additionally, all knobby brackets with the exception of one cymbal bracket are the old Pat Pend variety, and all collets are the older, sturdy, machined variety. Set is white marine pearl of course, and consists of the following: Two 14x22 bass drums, each with two sets of spurs. The right bass drum also has a knobby bracket for the cymbal arm, and includes the cymbal arm and tilter. There are a few extra holes on top where Louie had moved brackets around. These are plugged with bolts. The left side bass drum has a knobby bracket and the L cymbal arm and tilter. There are a few extra holes on top where Louie moved the bracket once. These are plugged with bolts. This bass drum also has a knobby bracket that was used with an extension arm to secure his high hat to the shell so that he could move it closer to his left foot. The bracket is present, but the extension arm that attaches to the high hat is missing. Both bass drums have the Louie Bellson logo heads. These heads have a silhouette of Louie behind his kit with the words: "The dyna-sonic sounds of Louie Bellson" The Rogers logo name on the heads is a stick on decal. Both of his swivomatic bass drum pedals are included, as is his high hat stand. The toms are 9x13 and  16x16. The 5x14 chrome dyna is in nice shape with a couple of minor dings in the shell. The canister throne is included and it has the initials "L. B." written on the inside. Original Rogers batter heads on the toms. Set sounds wonderful! Truly a historic set!

Here is a reprint of a series I did for Modern Drummer many years ago. Enjoy! Steve Papa Jo Jones was the epitome of "swing", from his very early days with the Count Basie band in the 30s, right up until he passed in 1985. His style, grace, and his incredibly 'musical" approach to drumming inspired people like Buddy Rich, Louie Bellson, Max Roach, Kenny Clarke, and so many more. His technical skills were quite substantial, but he never let that get in the way of the music. With his feather-light touch you'd almost think he would fall short on the "out/shout chorus" in a big band, but he could play an out-chorus with brushes and drive that band incredibly. He truly "played for the tune" and man, did he swing!! He is affectionately known as the "father of the high hat", and all you have to do is listen and you'll understand why.   When I was 18 years old I had the great pleasure of having "sessions" with Papa Jo at Frank Ippolito's shop in NYC. I would take the 4 hour bus ride from Providence, Rhode Island and hang at Frank's. Of course, when I was 18 I was a huge fan of Buddy Rich and Louie Bellson. I was floored by their technique and focused all of my practice in that direction. Papa asked me to play for him and I basically play every "Buddy" lick I ever learned. So, Papa let me finish, then all he does is take a huge deep breath, and then he just looks at me with that quirky, devilish smile. Being a dumb kid, I had no clue what he meant. He then tells me "breathe". And, he was right. I was tensing up and not letting the energy flow.   He then taught me how to view the entire set as one large instrument. Each cymbal has so many different sounds; the bell, the edge, the middle. Every drum has multiple sounds. He would play on the snare at the edges, in the center, on the rim, and also with his fingers. And, he always told me to think of the drum set as my dance partner. He would say; "don't beat up your dance partner; dance with her".   He also taught me how to pick cymbals. He would always just "tweak" the edge of the cymbal between his thumb and finger. What he was doing was feeling the thickness. He always wanted lighter cymbals because they have so many tonal colors. He said he tweaked the edges "so I can see all the little devils dancing on the edge". He wanted to see and feel that "edge wobble".   I could go on for days here, but the best thing for you to do is to listen to some of Papa Jo's best work. Find some early Basie recordings (One O Clock Jump 1937, Jumpin at the Woodside 1938, and of course Cherokee 1939). Also check some of his later work with great jazz organist Milt Buckner in the early 70s, especially this cut, and, in an upcoming installment I will tell you the story of that Black Beauty snare he is using in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eANTTBvIXmI , plus check out some of Papa's solo albums. And, for brush work and more scope this out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIBMzy2TdHQ And, there is a Hudson Music DVD titled Classic Drum Solos, Volume 2. There's a 5 minute Papa Jo solo in there to give you an idea. He looks like he was born sitting in that drum chair. I've never seen anyone so "at home" behind the kit. It is on YouTube at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWTJCtQo3_g   I treasure the time I was able to spend with Papa Jo, and I remember his devilish smile, just like the one you will see in the videos. And, he truly opened my eyes to an entirely different way of playing, which was so instrumental in rounding out my playing skills.        So, check out Papa Jo, and then when you have done so make sure that you do what Papa always told me to do; "pass it on". Don't let it be forgotten.     See more of my Papa Jo Jones comments on my YouTube channel here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2BSUC_jURE   And, there is a special story behind that 20s era Ludwig Black Beauty you see on that album cover. It is one of the most historic drums in the world, with an incredible legacy of owners. More on that in an upcoming post. Steve

Ambrosia maple is a softer maple and it is unique in terms of the grain on each drum. This species is home to a small beetle that actually creates very small holes in the shell, and the excrement from the beetle creates the various striations in the grain. Superb sounding solid maple Cravioto shell and each drum is virtually unique due to the way the striations are formed. $2200. Contact Steve at vintagedrums@aol.com or by text at 630-865-6849.

Another stunningly beautiful solid Cypress drum. 6x14 with 45 degree edges. This one has our unique “toasted/oil” finish that enhances the existing grain. Cypress is known for its percussive attack and brighter sound, and quicker decay. A wonderful drum!! $2500. Contact Steve at vintagedrums@aol.com  or by text at 630-865-6849