"This is the way the world endsNot with a bang but a whimper." T.S. EliotThe @$$#0L3$ at Yamaha should have let Rogers die with a big bang. Just for good will and some nice publicity, they could have released a final, limited-edition retro Rogers set with high quality 5-ply shells and beavertails in Champagne sparkle or WMP. Even overpriced, it would have generated great attention in the drum world, and would have been a fitting ending to close the curtain on the reknowned Rogers brand. A missed opportunity.
When they took it from Brook Mays, Beavertails were just introduced. You can find the occasional BM set with Beavertails, Maple Shells, Modern Mounts, Lacquer and Sparkly Wrapped finishes, and really good upper mid range quality. Bill Crowden was spearheading the resurrection for BM. Now that name, is both respectable, and reputable. It was a real, honest resurrection. Sadly Bill Crowden passed away this past February. He loved drums.
At NAMM they introduced a kit worthy only of lighter fluid and matches. And it never got better.
Yamaha? NOT IN MY HOUSE!