(Book). The Ludwig Drum Company was the world's largest drum company in the 1920s under founder William F. Ludwig, and again in the 1960s under his son. This fascinating autobiography by William F. Ludwig II begins with his childhood recollections of home life and his father's drum factory. As a teenager, Mr. Ludwig became the national rudimental champion and member of the famous International Marimba Symphony Orchestra. Taking time out for distinguished wartime military service, the author helped his father start a second drum company, W.F.L. Restoration of the family name to the business, Total Percussion, The Beatles, N.A.R.D., selling the company to Selmer, and his active lecture career since all these topics are addressed here in captivating detail, in the words of William F. Ludwig II.

(Book). In this book, author Rob Cook gives the complete history of the Rogers Drum Company, whose drums, in the words of Not-So-Modern Drummer editor John Aldridge, were "the Cadillac of the 1960s...(whose) innovations in hardware design have been copied by almost every drum manufacturer in existence." The Rogers Book covers the company's east coast beginnings, the Covington, OH era, English Rogers, the CBS era, and much more. It includes a list of Rogers endorsees, a comprehensive guide for dating equipment, a color section showing old catalogs and drum colors, the parts listings from all Rogers catalogs, a list of current resources, and lots of photographs throughout. This is a must-have for all drum enthusiasts!

(Book). The Gretsch Drum Book by Rob Cook in collaboration with John Sheridan is a complete business history of the Gretsch Drum Company and dating guide for Gretsch drums. From the founding of the company in 1883, every significant management change of direction is discussed right up to the current era in which owner Fred W. Gretsch partners with KMC Music. A history of Gretsch artist relations includes an alphabetic list of every Gretsch drum endorser from 1936 to 2012 with photos of over 200 of them. The dating guide illustrates every catalog, color, badge, snare drum, drum kit, and hardware item catalogued through the 130-year history of Gretsch drums.

If you want to have more fun on the drums, improve your skills faster, and play along to real music, then you need to build a solid foundation. The Best Beginner Drum Book gives you a clear path for getting started on the drums and skipping the frustrating obstacles that most new drummers face: setting up your kit, holding the drumsticks, learning notation, creating catchy beats and fills, learning musical styles, and playing your favorite songs.

Reveals the history of the rock drum kit, its leading manufacturers, and the drummers who inspired innovation in its making

Move over guitar collectors, it's time to give the drummers some ink. One of the world's most valuable collections of vintage snare drums is presented in this beautiful, full-color gift book. The snare drum collector's market is heating up, becoming the next area of interest for music historians and instrument collectors. Highlights: * The book features 84 of the rarest vintage snare drums from Curotto's collection of more than 420. The drums are gold plated/engraved, silver plated/engraved and black engraved snare drums, plus a "Future Collectable" section. * Every snare gets a complete historical description of all facets of its components and the back-story on its creation and where it was "found" before Curotto acquired it. * Brands covered include the most famous manufacturers - Ludwig, Slingerland, Gladstone, Leedy, Gretsch and Wurlitzer. * Photographed with the highest-quality digital camera, the images are gorgeous in detail and lighting. This will make a great gift book.