Monday, February 29, 2016

SHANE GAMBLE-NEW UPCOMING EP-MIKE DAWSON-BEIER 1.5 STEEL--5.5 X 15~

I am always nothing short of thrilled when drummers use one of my drums for a new record. Shane Gamble has a new EP that is due out in Summer 2016, and one of the tracks that had a limited preview available this last month is entitled "Little Things". Mike Dawson chose his 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 15 for this. He also noted to me that this drum is Shane's favorite after they both went through quite a few drums to see what sounded the best for this project. Very much looking forward to this EP. Please check out the link below to Shane's website for information on the release, and for tour dates. Mike Dawson will be using this drum live as well for their Spring/Summer shows.

Thanks Again To Both Of You....This was great news here...











Friday, February 5, 2016

JULES RADINO-BLUE OYSTER CULT-BEIER 1.5 STEEL--6.5 X 14....

Had an absolutely great time last week at a Blue Oyster Cult show. It always is great when these guys are in town, and it gave me a chance to catch up up with Jules Radino. He has been taking his 1.5 Steel--6.5 x 14 on the road with him. He also uses a 5.5 x 15 live when doing gigs in New York, and has also taken his 4 x 15 on the road as well. It is always a ton of fun to talk gear, talk about the industry, and to listen to how Jules has the drum set up. In this case..It was the 6.5 x 14 like I mentioned. He uses 1 Ply Attack Heads, and the way he had it tuned...(Primarily Mid Range)...It simply soared with his incredible chops. (Links below to some live clips of Jules from past shows...)

Have seen this band many times, and they are one of those bands that are always great. Always have been. But I am telling you...Their shows now are even more energetic than ever, and all you have to do is glance over the crowd to see the reaction to that. They just are so "on"...You have to see and hear it to believe it.

Thanks Again Jules for your use of Beier Snare Drums, it was great seeing you and everyione in BOC. Looking forward already to seeing you all soon...














PAT MCDONALD-CHARLIE DANIELS BAND-BEHIND THE KIT PODCAST WITH MATT DUDLEY....

Matt Dudley recently did an excellent podcast with Pat McDonald of the Charlie Daniels Band. It is a great listen, and well worth the time. Matt does a wonderful job on these, and Pat offers a lot of a practical, real world advice for drummers. He also tours with a Beier 1.5 Steel--6.5 x 14 as his main, and a 5.5 x 14 as an auxiliary. He has also used his 4 x 15 live.

Links below for the Podcast, and to some excellent clips of Pat live with his Beier Snare Drums...







PREVIEW OF NEW SINGLE FROM SHANE GAMBLE-MIKE DAWSON ON HIS 1.5 STEEL--5.5 X 15~

Mike Dawson has been doing tracks with Shane Gamble, and he sent me this yesterday. It is a preview of a song from an upcoming EP from Shane entitled: "Little Things". They used the 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 15 on it. Mike mentioned to me that this drum is #1 with Shane, and Shane commented that the drum is perfect, and is our "Go To" after both of them tried quite a few. For those two to pick this drum, out of all they had to choose from....Is a top-tier compliment. It just simply made my day.

Thank You both for "hearing" what I am up to here, and for considering the drum for this project. Looking forward to the release of this EP this Summer....












KEVIN BROWN IN RENO AT THE PEPPERMILL CASINO-BEIER 1.5 STEEL SNARE--5.5 X 15....

Thank You going out to Kevin Brown for sending me this pic of his kit with his 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 15 from Reno. His band, The Show Ponies, were doing a run of shows at the Peppermill Casino. He picked up the drum from one of the top dealers in the country: Drum Center Of Portsmouth. I always so appreciate when players contact me after picking up a drum. I have stayed in touch with him since he did, and will look forward to doing so. Thanks Again for everything Kevin...

"I have to say, it's really quite the instrument. There is a surprising depth of tone that I would not associate with a Steel Snare, but with lot's of sensitivity and "vibe" as you move through the dynamic range. We're an Americana band that is definitely more Bluegrass orientated, so I play A LOT of the train beat, and this snare was great to have for the weekend. Ghosted notes and accents blend together nicely, and the drum just feels good to play. Couldn't be happier!..."    Kevin Brown













DAVE MAIER'S INTELLASOUND PRODUCTIONS-UNCLE KRACKER SHOW-BEIER 1.5 STEEL--5.5 X 14....

Recently was sent these pics from Dave Maier, the owner of one of the best backline services I have ever seen: Intellasound Productions. They were providing backline for Uncle Kracker, and he decided to take his 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 14 out for the show. They really, really liked the drum, and it was, like always, great to hear that.

This drum was a special order from Intellasound. It was fitted with Brass hardware all the way around, and a Brass Ludwig Millenium Throw-Off. Beautiful drum, and with the hardware, it still retains the entire range of sound of this size without altering it.

Thanks Again Dave....I so appreciate you taking the time out to send me these pics. Looking forward as always to staying in touch, and it is great to see the drum in use.







TOMMY RICKARD....BEIER 1.5 STEEL--5.5 X 14 SNARE....

California based Tommy Rickard recently received a 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 14, and from the feedback so far from him...He sounds like he could not be happier about the sound of it.

Tommy is a long-time pro on the scene, and along with being a drummer, he is also a producer, singer, songwriter, and educator. His enthusiasm and dedication is evident, like it is in all true professionals. Have had some great conversations with him, and I am just so happy me he is thrilled with this drum. There is no doubt it will see some interesting and creative use.

He has recorded or toured with Vain, Linda Perry, Eric Martin, Ronnie Montrose, Bret Michaels, and the late Scott Weiland to name a few. He also recorded Linda Perry's Grammy Award winning song "Beautiful", and is currently involved in numerous projects.

Thanks Again Tommy, And Thanks to Danny Thompson for the referral. Will be updating this story as news comes in...





Thursday, February 4, 2016

NEW ADDITION TO THE 1.5 STEEL SERIES COMING IN SPRING 2016-5.5 & 6.5 X 12......

Thanks to David Northrup (Oak Ridge Boys, Travis Tritt)...I recently pulled this shell out that I started quite some time. Obviously, it has been sitting for some time. I had wound it too tight, and had just set it aside. I had a long discussion with him at a recent Oak Ridge Boys show. It was actually their Christmas Show, and I am at the point after being at it for two years straight, I cannot imagine Christmas without seeing it. It is spectacular.

David's knowledge of playing drums and drum gear is encyclopedic of course, and we got on the discussion of 12" snare drums. He really gave me a lot of great ideas that I am going to put into the first one pictured below. Two things were at the top of my list when I started Beier Drums: First of all, was to truly make my drums. Secondly, and no less important, was to listen to everyone and anyone and their ideas and thoughts. Out of both of these requirements I set for myself have come some of the best ideas. Mark Beckett and his idea for me to make a 4 x 15 is a prime example. And when your truly making instruments with your hands...You have the flexibility and means to put those ideas to the test almost immediately. If your initial attempt doesn't work...You can just keep trying until it does work.

Thanks Again for taking time out David and the inspiration for this new drum. Will follow up on this article in Spring when the drum is out and is tested by him....





MODERN DRUMMER PODCAST-BEIER 15" STEEL SNARES-MIKE DAWSON & MIKE JOHNSTON~

I could not have been happier to see that Mike & Mike included two Beier 15" Snares in their podcast: Episode 24. That was a real honor, and cannot say Thank You enough to both of you. You guys are great on this. It is always informative, and you cover a lot of information in a short time in a very entertaining kind of way. It is always-always interesting, and one of my favorite Podcasts on the industry. Please do check out the article and video demos Mike Dawson did as well on these drums in the February issue of Modern Drummer. Thanks Again!










SINGAPORE DRUM SHOP SELECTED TO BE ONE OF THE TOP 100 SMALL MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN SINGAPORE...

A huge Congratulations going out to Benny Lim, owner of Singapore Drum Shop His business was recently selected to be one of The Top 100 Small Medium Enterprises in Singapore. This was wonderful to see, and a lot of people are extremely happy for you Benny.

The 1.5 Steel--6.5 x 14 has arrived at the shop, and a 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 14 will be shipping next week. Both are in Gloss White. Benny was also great about sitting down with the drum right away, and recording two cover songs to illustrate the snare. Links below.

Congratulations Again Benny. For a young entrepreneur...Your really moving ahead rapidly. Thanks Again for taking time out for Beier Drums, I am looking forward to dealing with Singapore Drum Shop for a long time to come...

"My brand new drum cover: John Mayer-Why Georgia. I decided to film this cover to feature the brand new James Beier 1.5mm Steel 14 x 6.5 Snare Drum. The warm overtones of this Steel Snare is perfect for the John Mayer kind of music. I love this snare...." Benny Lim.
















RUSS WHITMAN-NEW SINGLE FROM CRAIG MORGAN-1.5 STEEL--5.5 X 14...

The new single is out from Craig Morgan: "When I'm Gone" And if you saw them perform at halftime at The Liberty Bowl...You would have heard it. Russ has three Beier Snare Drums: 1.5 Steel 6.5 x 13, 5.5 x 14 & a 6.5 x 15. The two he had at The Liberty Bowl were his 5.5 x 14 as a main, and 6.5 x 13 as an auxiliary They will be hitting the road very soon and will also be doing a lot of late night television. Russ will have all three drums with him and using them live. Very much looking forward to these events, and will be updating this story. Thank You Russ, and Thanks to one of the most respected talents in the business for the referral: Pat McDonald.












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

Have done so many times...But wanted to say Thank You again to one of Nashville's first call session players: Tommy Harden (Lost Hollow Band, Reba McEntire). He was in the studio again last month with his 1.5 Steel--4 x 15. That drum has seen a great deal of use with him, and that is what I was hoping for. It is a very versatile drum, and has set aside the notion with the players that have them that a drum that is 4" in depth is a Piccolo. From Tommy on Twitter:  "This is my trusty @Beier Drums 4 x 15 shell. KILLER drum!"....







THE THNEEDS-ALASKA-JIM VOGT-1.5 STEEL--5.5 X 14....

Special Thanks going out to Jim Vogt who sent me this picture earlier this month. This is with his band, The Thneeds. They were playing on top of Ester Dome in Alaska for the inaugural running of the Sluice Box 100 Race. He had his 1.5 Steel--5.5 x 14, as he has had on numerous occasions. Jim was a very early customer here at Beier Drums, and we have always stayed in touch. He consistently uses his 5.5 x 14, and absolutely loves it. It would be great to get to Alaska to see you guys live sometime. Never know...I really like to travel!

Thanks Again for all of your support Jim....All The Best to you and the band...











ROCK LEGENDS CRUISE IV....BEIER DRUMS....1.5 STEEL SERIES...

I never seem to get out of here for one of the cruises with music lineups that are are doing so well these day's. I have noticed though, on many occasions, there are a lot of drummers with bands on all of these that use one or more of the 1.5 Steel Series. This latest one is one I would have very much enjoyed going on...There was a number of my favorites on this.

The Outlaws were there, and Monte Yoho has been a long time supporter, and uses my snares drums exclusively live, and in the studio. He currently uses a 6.5 x 14 live as a main, and a 5.5 x 14 as an auxiliary. Monte has been an enormous help to me here, and The Outlaws are simply one of the greatest bands on the road...Past & Present.

The Artimus Pyle Band was there, & Artimus Pyle also uses a 6.5 x 14 live. He used a Dynasonic on all of the early Lynyrd Skynyrd records. He has told me, and Monte many times...That his 1.5 Steel--6.5 x 14 is the greatest drum he has ever had. And that...Is one of the most welcome compliments I have ever received.

Grand Funk Railroad was there as well. And again, like all of the bands on this cruise...You simply have to see them to understand how great they still are. Don Brewer has a 6.5 x 14 that he has used live. Originally I had taken out a 5.5 x 14 to him, and he was looking for something deeper. GFR was my first concert, and to see him playing one of my drums to Footstompin Music, and all of those songs...Is simply unforgettable. He is an ultra-professional, a great guy to deal with, and his playing and vocals are as strong and amazing as they were in the beginning.

As well..I have run into several of the other drummers with some of these bands that have sat down with one of my drums, and /or used them live for the night. One was Matt Scurfield at a Gary Hoey show. Incredibly talented, and equally so as a person to deal with. Great time & show. Gary Hoey...That is all you have to say. I spin his records here often, and he is without a doubt one of the gifted guitar players of all time, and also is a person who takes time out for everyone.

Links below to some of the clips of these players with their Beier Drums. Thanks guys...