(04-29-2011 04:46 PM)Mufasa Wrote: [ -> ]NWo - When my second daughter was born, I sold my first set: Ludwig Vistalites (Blue) on a full Gibralter rack.
The things you do for love.... idiot.
Same same, match match! While my first set (an 8th grade graduation gift) was a $100 "Micasonic" set from Japan (purchased at Sam Ash in NYC), my second set was a used set of blue vistalites too. But they were covered in black contact paper when I got them. I sold them to a deserving lad when I got married the first time and moved to another state. And while I missed them horribly just a short time later I was never a fan of the sound of those plastic things. I am a lover of WOOD!. My current Pearl Masters (in natural Birch) are heavenly! And so many too! I spoiled myself with a big set.
Oh, by the way that marriage only lasted 3 months so I really was a dummy in more ways than one!
The love of drums lasts a lifetime though!
Yup - I bought those Ludwigs when I was ... sheesh... eleven??? My mom took me to Rodys Music in Savannah and said,
"What do you want?"
Those blue Vistas were the coolest thing I had ever seen. I agree, the sound was a gaffers nightmare. It took some tweaking / mixing to get a good sound out of them... but they were LOUD!
I sold a 1950's Ludwig set with Premier hardware and nice vintage Zildjians when we moved a couple of years ago. I bought it when I was 15 years old-about a hundred years ago. It belonged to a group from Australia in the 60's called the Shantells. They were a one hit wonder that sounded like a cross between the Beatles and the Beachboys.
The drum I REALLY regret selling was the 1930's Ludwig snare drum that belonged to my Mom when she played in Women's Symphony. It was also the drum I learned to play on. Sold it on eBay to a guy from Finland who told me he was born to own that drum! That made it a little better
With dear possessions, especially when they are historically significant, we can only think of ourselves as caretakers. Someone will eventually own our stuff, no matter what it is. Sometimes sooner, sometimes later. Sometimes because there is no place to put the better new stuff. Sometimes because we wish to bless someone with our stuff. I for one have too much stuff. So don't mourn your gone stuff! Though I do sometimes lament over something I think I shouldn't have
I see you all talking about drum items. When I was coming of age I was playing with my '79 anniversary Strat. My brother Joe was playing the drums so I let him worry about his stuff, which I ironically own now since he upgraded to a Starclassic maple. His original kit was purchased by him and my grandparents and now he has given it to his nephew Gio. So that's special stuff!
Tomorrow, Gio and I have been invited to our drum teacher Mike Sorrentino's (Hudson) wedding. I understand that mostly about 80 or so musicians will be there including half of Billy Joel's band and other Long Island musicians. Joe Bergamini will be there as well and I'm looking forward to seeing him again. It was an honor to be invited, and to invite a 13 year old...incredible of him!
My son's drumming blows me away and I attribute it to Mike's instruction. In 1 and 1/2 years he plays better than people I know who have been playing 30. The growth is incredible. I attribute this to an instructor who stresses, technique, rudiments, and a passion for music. It's contagious.
So I present a toast to our friend Mike. May there be many years of bliss with your fine bride Dina!
[quote='VincentUlyssis' pid='15208' dateline='1304164914']
With dear possessions, especially when they are historically significant, we can only think of ourselves as caretakers. Someone will eventually own our stuff, no matter what it is. Sometimes sooner, sometimes later. Sometimes because there is no place to put the better new stuff. Sometimes because we wish to bless someone with our stuff. I for one have too much stuff. So don't mourn your gone stuff! Though I do sometimes lament over something I think I shouldn't have
Excellent phrasing! I think many of us here not only understand this but live this as well. When my brother died just before turning 40 I had to fly out and take care of his affairs and life. I had to make many decisions about his things. Being an anthropologist he had lots of fascinating things. I gave some of them to schools, sold some records and books, and distributed other things to family. Before he died I was aware that he often simply gave things away to people that were interested in some of his things. After he died I could tell that he had given away even more than I thought (and never spoke about it). It became especially clear to me that what you said is true: we are only caretakers of things; it is the attitude we have about our things and the way we use them that is important. It is the good deeds we do, not the toys we hoard. I have tried to continue his good work by giving things away. It is nice to honor his memory that way. Oh, I also ride my motorcycle in his honor...he never got to see his little brother do what he always enjoyed: ride.
I am thinking about having a big clear out. Tan has cautioned me, saying every time I do this I regret the stuff going. Strangely enough I don`t miss the stuff I give away as much as the stuff I sell - might be a lesson there.
But looking into my studio I walk past a box of vintage Zildjians at least 30 years old, (thats how long I have had them, and some of them were second hand), untouched for maybe 7 years, a set of Arbiter flats, untouched for 7 years too, a Yamaha snare, old Tama bass drum, line bells, cowbells, my 6, 8, 10 and 12" concert toms, not used for 5 years, a ddrum4 se, (recently used) but generally untouched for 5 years - It is amazing when you put something to one side how quickly the time goes when you wonder when the last time was you used it.
So I have put some of it up for sale - as I would like to re-invest this stuff in a Ludwig 402, a speedking, and Paiste 2002 cymbals - and hopefully some Shure SM57 and SM81 mics.....and maybe.......a big maple Ludwig.....
Could I interest you in some Rotos?
I miss hearing those in songs.
If you have a young nephew you can set up a kit digging through the extras, like my brother did for Gio. Now the kid's a drummer! Check this out:
We went to Mike's wedding yesterday. What an honor. To quote Gio, "I feel like we snuck into a stranger's wedding." Sitting at one table is Ted Nugent's drummer, over there is Liverty Devito's twin? My wife and I are talking with a group of musicians and I don't see my son. It winds up that he's standing for a half hour with Billy Joel's drummer getting advice. Mike seems to have told these guys about Gio who has been nicknamed "Feet." Jobee, Mike and I solidified a drum workshop in my district this June. A dozen drummers and other pro musicians, was an interesting experience, humbling to me as a musician. I felt slightly out of place amongst drum publication executives...people that I barely felt capable to just walk up and start a conversation. Most of the night was spent eating with my wife, while my son worked the room in his quiet shy manner without trying. To quote someone who may have been one of the aforementioned publication executives "I sure hope that there will be some live music. There's an incredible amount of talent in this room." Truly I believe that some of Long Island's, New Jersey's and New York City's best were present. Singers, guitar players, bassists, keyboarders ( I know "keyboardists"-yawn) and DRUMMERS!!!!!
Talk about affecting the life of a 13 year old drummer! ...and a 44 year old musician!!!
Many happy years to Mike and Dina!
Wow, I can't believe the time. This is my last post today because I don't want to "run the board."
There are just so many things to write about on Bubba's Bar and Grill!
The "Day of Drum Kit" was great! We had an excellent time and the boys (there were only two-my son and one of the kids from school here) were able to get personalized training from two Hudson greats. As much as I have personally grown on the drums kit this year, after hearing them play (Jobee played to four of his 4Front (super-progressive rock band)) I realize that I have a lot of practicing to do. Now that the school year is almost complete I plan on playing much more often. I've got to pick up the pad and sticks I keep in my office, sit in front of my Vic Firth Rudiments poster and get busy!
(06-23-2011 01:14 PM)VincentUlyssis Wrote: [ -> ]I've got to pick up the pad and sticks I keep in my office, sit in front of my Vic Firth Rudiments poster and get busy!
Ha! Ha! Vic Firth Rudiment poster! Rock them paradiddles, VU
