I'd also like to see those pics. I can't picture exactly how one would tape the snare drum to the mounted tom. I've never experienced a snare "walking" away on me, but then again, I've never come close to playing like Buddy.

Mike

Guys!

Mike: When I wrote "walk", I meant that the snare drum would actually move while Buddy was playing it.. and .. if you study his playing style closely, you will notice that he sits with the snare drum right up against his midriff, actually touching him. Later on in his career his knees would be constantly bumping the snare drum... so that, coupled with the fact that he moves around quite a bit as he plays, well... if the snare drum were not held in place in some manner, it would "walk" around while he's playing. I guess the tape method worked well enough!, as he kept that in place for a few years anyway. There were two guys that set up his drums: One did the actual unpack and assembly, and the others job was to set the drums in place and tape the snare to the rack tom. While this was going on, the other guy set up the chairs and BR shield music stands. From what I was told, the guy that did the taping was EXPERT at it, and Buddy wanted him and only him to do it. Of interest: They both received an extra $150.00 a week to do this job! Buddy could be demanding of course, but if he liked you, and liked your playing/approach, he was a GREAT guy! Otherwise... it could be very uncomfortable. Stories abound! I have chatted with and gotten to know a better than fair amount of guys that were on his band, and the one common thread between all of them was this statement: Buddy was very generous and fair.. if .. you put forth the attitude and effort for him. Man are there some great stories though!

Regarding the pic of the drums "taped" together: Yup... I have 'em. Just have to dig/scan/post 'em up. These date from 1980, and BR was at the end of his last endorsement with Ludwig.. ( and for the 3rd time I might add ) . Of note is that during this particular period, Buddy had 3 concert toms to his left, and a SynDrum mounted over his floor toms! Neither of those items stayed in place very long though, and BR returned to his CLASSIC 5 piece set up 'till his passing in April of 1987.

Tommyp

Great thread, great story Tommy! I never knew Buddy had a tape specialist.

I just hope Cathy Rich doesn't hear about this...

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tommyp

Cathy actually contacts my friend once or twice a year and offers him a ridiculous amount of money for some of his items

he refuses to sell

.... plus he doesn't think a whole lot of her for whatever reason

Anyone have a Gregg Potter trap case for sale?

Coffee Break2