Friday, May 5, 2017

PETER RESLINSKI-THUNDER BAY BLUES FESTIVAL WITH DRIVEN-BEIER 1.5 STEEL--7.5 X 15....

Peter Reslinski and his band-Driven-are on the bill for the Thunder Bay Blues Festival which runs from July 7th-9th. The band will be playing on Sunday, July 9th, and will be opening the day. He mentioned to me that he picked up the 1.5 Steel--7.5 x 15 from Fork's for this, and it really looks like it is going to be a great time.

That drum has been manufactured at Beier Drums since 2013, and was formerly the 1.5 Steel--8 x 15. Really looking forward to your feedback Peter.....Thanks Again! Will be in touch....     







DAVID NORTHRUP-BOZ SCAGGS 2017 TOUR-BEIER 1.5 STEEL--5.5 X 12....

Nashville legend, and one of the most admired and respected drummers I know: David Northrup, just joined Boz Scaggs band and will be on his 2017 Tour. He will have his 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 12 along with him as well on the road.

David spent the last three & half years touring non-stop with the Oak Ridge Boys. I saw their Christmas Show three times, and will never forget those shows. Without a doubt, those shows will always rank as one of the great musical memories with me. He used a 1.5 Steel--4 x 15, 5.5 x 14, 6.4 x 14, & 6.5 x 15 at them, and a 6.5 x 14 on tour as one of his mains. He also used that drum in clinics along with the 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 12. As well, he used a number of the 1.5 Steel Series on his last three studio records with the Oak Ridge Boys, Peter Brandon, & Chris Taylor.

He is a non-ending source of information and insight, and through one of our discussions at a show we talked about sizes of drums. At that time I had not done a 12" snare drum, and he really encouraged me to do one. I had a shell which was actually a mistake, was made too small, but I kept it. Honestly, it was something I was always stepping over or throwing in a box, and it was kind of a rusted heap at this point. I took care of all that, and that drum has been a phenomenal addition to the 1.5 Steel Series.

I am really hoping to see David live with this new band this Summer. I have a lot on my itinerary coming up, but for sure am going to try to make it to one of the shows that are within reach distance wise. I am really happy this band comes around to this area as often as they do. David has been a great friend to me, and it is always a great time to see him play live.

Congratulations David on a great new gig.....See you soon~











 

STEVE MACIVER-BEIER 1.5 STEEL--6.5 X 14-BUFFALO DRUM OUTLET.....

Sending out a big Thank You to a new customer and a new dealer this morning: Steve Maciver & Buffalo Drum Outlet in Depew, NY. 

Steve walked in Buffalo Drum Outlet in April and inquired about a 1.5 Steel--6.5 x 14. Paul, the owner, gave me a call. Steve is already using the drum and loves it. (His initial comment is below). It was really great dealing with both of them, and they made this transaction super easy.  

I will certainly be updating this as I get more news from Steve, and any new stock arriving at Paul's store. Really appreciate everything you two!

"Jim, very happy with the snare. It's already becoming my go-to snare. Love it."

Steven Maciver







Wednesday, May 3, 2017

TOMMY HARDEN IN NASHVILLE-BEIER 1.5 STEEL--4 X 15...

Great to be in touch here recently with Tommy Harden. He has been using a 1.5 Steel--4 x 15 for quite some time now as one of his mains, and that is always wonderful to hear. He is a timeless legend, and as well, is just a great guy.

His on-going project with his wife Lorrie-Lost Hollow, is heading back tot the UK for a round of gigs pretty soon here, and they recently posted a series of videos which really have drawn a big viewership: The Live At Lattitude clips....Link below. Take a minute to check in with these...Great band!

Appreciate everything Tommy....





ACHIM FAERBER-LIVE WITH PROJECT PITCHFORK-BEIER 1.5 STEEL--5.5 X 14...

A great set of pics came in of Achim Faerber live with Project Pitchfork in Germany. This band is easily one of the most enduring and successful bands since it's inception in 1989, and they continue to to be a hugely successful draw.

Achim is one of the three live-simultaneous drummers they perform with. He holds seats with Eisbrecher, Prag, Automat, Peter Heppner, and others, and overall is one of the most respected session and live drummers in Europe.

He currently has a 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 14 & 5.5 x 15, and has also used a 6.5 x 14. His primary drum though has always been the 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 14. That drum is his main for live & studio work, and he has used it on the last 10 records he has been on. He also will be starting with a new size from Beier Drums here shortly. Will update this as always..

Thank You Achim.....








  

   

Sunday, April 30, 2017

PETER RESLINSKI-BEIER 1.5 STEEL--7.5 X 15...FORKS DRUM CLOSET.....

Many Thanks going out to Peter Reslinski here. He just picked up a 1.5 Steel--7.5 x 15 from Fork's Drum Closet in Nashville. I really appreciated it Peter, and like I told you: YOU were great to deal with! Will look forward to your updates. Thank You as well to Matt Forkum and Forks Drum Closet Nashville...One of the great drum shops in this country....


" Not for the faint of heart! Thanks to James Beier for this incredible snare! It's a head ripping 7.5 x 15. No typo, a 15 inch snare. The sound is huge, sorry neighbors, but it's a good huge.
Jim could not have been more helpful with assisting in this purchase. This man hand builds a truly incredible instrument, and is one of the nicest guys in the business! He creates many varieties of his 1.5 Steel Snare Series from scratch, and at a great price point for such an gorgeous instrument.
Thanks also to Matt from Forks Drum Closet in Nashville for a seamless transaction and quick shipping!"   Peter Reslinski







MIKE COLLINS & UFO IN CHICAGO...BEIER 1.5 STEEL--5.5 X 14 & 4 X 15.....

At the end of March and into April I have been gone a lot. This year has been busier than normal with a lot friends and drummers heading out for shows. One of Rocks most beloved bands-UFO, had a Spring Tour with Saxon. Mike Collins pretty much summed it up below! It was such a blast getting to meet Mike and talk drums, and for the three of us to catch up with Andy Parker. Andy had his main-The 1.5 Steel--6.5 x 14 with him as he has for a number of years now. 

Mike and I chat on and off, and have since the day he got 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 14. That is his main, and he has used that drum in countless live shows, and in the studio. Several records were Metts-Ryan-Collins, Kevin Hahn's (Opal Studio) Into Oblivion, and there are more that will soon be released. He has been behind the kit for Dan Reed, Throwback Suburbia, Dilana, Earl Slick, and a long list of others. He is involved in numerous live projects, is constantly working, and has been one of the most in demand players in the Northwest for some time. Talking as much as we did, it truly truly was amazing to hear where he has been, and who he has worked with it. He also has been a  Pearl Artist for quite some time.

He is just beginning with his 1.5 Steel--4 x 15, and will update the Latest News as he works with the drum. Thank You Mike Collins! Like we discussed, we are going to have to try to make this an annual. UFO is heading out in the Fall again here, and this time it is my turn to fly out for a show. I really appreciate your support, friendship, and the fact you have one of my drums with you wherever you go. We will Talk Soon for sure!  









"This photograph represents one of those moments where things come full circle. About six years ago I was fortunate enough to meet the members of the band UFO (thank you Krishta!). For those who know me well, you know how much I love UFO! The first time I heard the band I was 13 years old and I was instantly hooked.
So it was an honor to meet one of my drum heroes-Andy parker. Of course we got to talking drums and I told him how impressed I was by the sound of his snare drum and asked him what kind it was. He told me it was made by a company called Beier Drums and gave me one of their business cards. The next day I emailed James Beier (the owner) and told him I loved the sound of Andy's snare drum and would love to get one for myself. He got back to me immediately and within a week or two I was the proud owner of a Beier snare drum. He then added me to his website and has since featured me in his newsletters whenever I'm in the studio or on the road using his snare drum. All this time I've never had the opportunity to meet James because he lives in Wisconsin and I live out here in Portland. A few months ago I saw that UFO was going to tour the US but they weren't coming anywhere near Portland. I did see that they were playing in the Chicago area and decided to contact James and asked if he wanted to meet at the UFO show in St. Charles. He thought that was a great idea and this past weekend we finally met face-to-face and hung out with Andy before and after the show. I'll forever be grateful for meeting Andy that first time a few years back and I'm especially grateful for having the opportunity to finally meet James! I could never thank him enough for his ongoing support and friendship.
My Beier snare drum is the best snare drum I've ever owned and will continue to be my go-to whenever I'm in the studio or performing live. Thank you James for an amazing time in St. Charles last weekend. I'll never forget it!"   Mike Collins





Saturday, April 29, 2017

STEVE FRUDA OF THE ELEMENTS-BEIER 1.5 STEEL--5.5 X 14-FORK'S DRUM CLOSET......

I have been in touch and regularly follow Steve Fruda of The Elements. He is a great communicator, an astute musician, and his clips of the band I always tune into.

Recently he picked up a 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 14 from Fork's in Nashville. He had a lot of questions on and off during our discussions about my 13" drums. Those drums are just being finished and introduced. So....This was a surprise, and a very welcome one. This drum is going to work extremely well with him, and his comments are below.

His kit (Compact Clubber) is in the May Issue of  Modern Drummer as well in Kit Of The Month. I am very excited that the 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 14 will be behind this kit now, and undoubtedly I will have updates from him for the Latest News.   

Thank You Steve for everything. I am very much looking forward to staying in touch as always, and continuing our drum discussions. Hope the band is having a great time in Nashville this weekend! 

"The Beier 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 14 sounds amazing. It is dynamic, sensitive, and produces a beautiful tone. Thanks for everything Jim!"

Steve Fruda










Friday, April 28, 2017

THANK YOU MICHAEL CHRISTIAN OF INSTAGRAM'S SNAREDRUMFREAKZ-BEIER 1.5 STEEL--4 X 15 & 5.5 X 8~

One of Instagram's most lively profiles is "snaredrumfreakz." It is operated & maintained by Michael Christian out of Indonesia. With almost 76,000 followers, he really has built quite a platform for drum enthusiasts worldwide. He has quite a few endorsements as well...Meinl Cymbals is one of them.

He recently posted a pic of Michael Grando's 1.5 Steel--4 x 15 from the live gigs with Tyler Bronson Smith. That went over great. He also just posted an image of the 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 8, and an image of Steve Fruda with his 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 14 which I will update on...

Thank You Michael. I can see where you are most likely overwhelmed with images, and really appreciate you taking time out for Beier Drums.....



  

JOCHEN BAUER IN GERMANY-BEIER 1.5 STEEL--8 X 14, 8 x 15, 6.5 x 14....

It was great to hear from my one of my pals several days ago from Germany-Jochen Bauer. He was rehearsing for his band and running through some Judas Priest, Saxon & Accept tunes. Jochen was an early customer of mine, & has three snare drums from Beier Drums: 1.5 Steel--6.5 x 14, 8 x 14 & 8 x 15. He was using the 8 x 14 which I see him playing most often-(I think that his favorite!). He is also a former TM, and has been working in and out of the industry for many years. He is a true die-hard, incredibly knowledgeable, and is one of the coolest guys I know. 

Drum stuff aside, I also want to extend my Congratulations to Jochen for his continued work on some of the health problems he has faced. To date, he has lost a total of 113.6 pounds, and is feeling great. That is a mighty feat, and an issue that a lot of people on this planet face. I have been lucky, and never have had to worry about my weight. But....This is a challenging situation worldwide, and can cause a lot of pain, frustration, and health problems. I have always seen that clearly, and people that are faced with this need props from everyone around them.

Keep it up Jochen!.....I am always rooting for you. Thanks for all of your on-going support & friendship. We will talk soon no doubt.....

"Rehearsal with some classic Judas Priest, Saxon & Accept tunes. Love my DW set, and especially my James Beier snare 8 x 14! What a killer sound! Rock on my friends...."

Jochen Bauer
   





Thursday, April 27, 2017

SAM LUMSDEN LIVE AT RAF LOSSIEMOUTH AIRBASE-MORAY, SCOTLAND-BEIER 1.5 STEEL--5.5 X 14....

Sam Lumsden never ceases to amazes me. Whether your listening to a band in a pub in Scotland, a venue elsewhere in the UK, at an event at a Medieval Castle, at an audition for an upcoming movie, in a studio, or getting instruction at First Class Drums in Inverness, you are likely to, or are going to run into this multi-talented/faceted drummer.

If that is not enough, he recently had a gig at the Royal Air Force Base-Lossimouth in Moray, Scotland. As always....he had his 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 14 with him which he has used non-stop for years now. He also has a 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 15. He is one of those drummers who can literally play anything. You could place him in a Death Metal band, a Sex Pistols Tribute, have him cover Peter Gabriel tunes, follow Stewart Copeland, Ginger Baker, Keith Moon through all that they have done, throw some early Jazz at him, etc.., Not only could he play it, and with ease....But he could explain it in detail. Then he could turn around and teach it all to someone. This is what great drummers can do, and do consistently.

I am always happy to get the latest from Sam. As it is said....This is TBC no doubt...! Thanks Sam...










Wednesday, April 26, 2017

MIKE HANSEN CLINIC-LONG & MCQUADE-KAMLOOPS-BRITISH COLUMBIA-JUNE 29TH-BEIER 1.5 STEEL--5.5 X 15...

Mike Hansen (Hurricane, George Lynch, Steve Vai, Pointer Sisters) will be doing a clinic at Long & McQuade in Kamloops, B.C., on June 29th at 7:00 p.m. He will be discussing his lengthy career, technique, and all things related to drumming and gear.

Mike uses a 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 15 as his main live & in the studio. Please contact Long & McQuade for further details. Thank You Mike.....You will go over big as always....





CHAD MELCHERT CLINIC-MAY 7TH-LONG & MCQUADE-DRUM MONTH-EDMONTON-BEIER 1.5 STEEL--6.5 X 14 & 4 X 15~

Chad Melchert (Gord Bamford, CCMA Drummer Of The Year 2016) will be doing a clinic at Edmonton Long & McQuade South on May 7th, at 7:00 p.m. It is Drum Month in May, and Chad will be discussing all things related to drumming including tips on how to get the most out of recording drums. Chad uses a 1.5 Steel--6.5 x 14 & 4 x 15 as his mains on the road, and in the studio.

Please contact the store for further details. Thank You Chad Melchert....This will be a great event....






Tuesday, April 25, 2017

BLUE OYSTER CULT-45TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR-JULES RADINO-BEIER 1.5 STEEL--6.5 X 14....

Blue Oyster Cult is getting ready to hit the road to celebrate their 45th Anniversary, & they will be doing a string of festival & headline shows in Europe & the UK. I just was talking with Jules Radino, and he is going to have his 1.5 Steel--6.5 x 14 along for these dates. This is a drum he has used extensively live with the band, and has had for some time. I will update this when the tour begins.

Thank You Jules Radino! I really, really appreciate this....