My oft-postponed trip to the "drum graveyard", Al Drew Music in Woonsocket, RI finally happened today. It was sort of, shall we say, overwhelming. I was not prepared for so many project drums, parts, sets and shells all at once. An area of the store has a "museum" with some 30's and 40's stuff, including a Leedy "Signatures of the Stars" set, which I've never seen one in person. A LOT OF ROGERS STUFF. Miscellaneous Big R parts, rims (some Dyna bottom rims), logo heads, etc. A row of nice Rogers snares, including some BnB's. Many dozens of shells in various levels of restorability. Parts everywhere. A few Pearl large hex-rod mounts and arms. Dozens of old footboards. It would take DAYS to go through it all-really. A lot of marching drum shells, some with lugs, some not. A mountain of drum bags. The gentleman who waited on me charged what I'd call reasonable prices. An undrilled 8"X14" Keller second for $40, and a Rogers 2-sided BD beater, used for $10. Plus some Ludwig heads, which are hard to locate up in my area. I didn't find a Rapid strainer for my friends 66 Slingy snare, but it was a cool experience none the less. Worth a visit on a rainy day...

Tom E.