Gladstone Society A Lang Percussion Inc. publication serving owners and admirers of fine historical percussion instruments Volume 6 No. 1 Spring-Summer 2003 WOOPS, WE’VE DONE IT AGAIN! - WE HAVE MOVED Lang Percussion has been caught in the proverbial landlord-tenent wars in the big city. When we moved into the building at 325 Gold Street the neighborhood was a disaster. The building was virtually deserted, with broken windows and graffiti- but, the rent was reasonable and the interior space was great. We spent a lot of money and energy to make work space and studios. A number of graphic artists and small businesses followed into the building. But, as is the usual pattern in this city, when artists fix up the neighborhood it becomes “hip”, then rents climb, forcing the artists out in search of the next hot area. We have found a new space in Williamburg, Brooklyn. The area is funky and vibrant with a lot of young artists and musicians in live/work loft spaces. We have built sound-proof studio space and a good work space for our machines and drums. It has been disruptive, but we hope to be up and running as soon as the dust settles. The good news for Gladstone afficionados is that we had a “moving sale” to sell off inventory and to raise some cash for the move. We lowered prices and made a lot of people happy with great deals. Dr. David Wells and a group of friends bought some twelve drums, two of Mike Rosen’s students bought drums and two of Brad Fuster’s friends bought drums. Robert Sachs is the proud owner of a complete set of segmented “Timeless Timber” Flame Birch (shells by Global Drums). We are waiting for a Flame Birch snare shell for Bobby Sanabria. We are also waiting on Cocobolo shells from True North. The wood is rare and supply is erratic. We are assured that they are on the way and continue to take orders. Call about one of the greatest drums that we have ever made. Please note new address. Telephones remain the same. Lang Percussion Inc 145B Roebling Street Brooklyn, NY 11211 (718) 624-1825 * |
Gladstone Drums at Work Richard O’Donnell’s wife has signed him up for “GA” (Gladstones Anonymous) to help with his snare drum addiction. He just purchased his fifth drum: 5.5” Cooperman Curley Maple. His rational “But, I don’t have a 5.5” drum”. In his recent US tour with the Irish National Orchestra, he used a set of six Gladstone toms and a 6” snare. Brian Willson bought a 5.5” Cocobolo after trying out every drum in the shop. We are discussing a complete set. Brian’s group, featuring Salim Washington, will be playing in Ireland and Paris this summer. We recently shipped a 4” BMP to Tony Martucci. Tony’s credits read like a “Who’s Who” of jazz. Include Mose Allison, Gary Burton, Charlie Byrd, Edddie Daniels, Joe Henderson, Joe Lovano, etc. etc. Chet Falzerano, that amazing drummer, historian, writer, and Gladstone fan, is making a major change in his life that most of us only fantasize about. He is going to “follow my dream and move to Italy for a year to play my drums”. Most people just go down to the basement! Are you jealous yet? I asked about his Gladstones. “Some of the Gladstone collection will go with me, the rest to storage until I make more permanent plans. "Sticks" McDonald's drum is not only my favorite, but it matches my '53 Gretsch kit that I will be taking. Also packing my 4" Lang/Gladstone. What expatriate drummer would pack up for Europe without a couple of Gladstones?” Steve Maxwell came by the shop and purchased a number of Gladstone snares, a Gladstone/Vintage replica drum set, and three “Animals” for his new drum shop in Chicago. A particularlly beautiful Gladstone is the 4.5” Cedar shell made by True North. Check out notsomoderndrummer.com for Steve’s address and listings. |
What’s New at Lang Percussion
It is common knowledge that no one pays “list price” anymore. Putting an artificially high list and then discounting from that always seemed stupid to us. It also made the price of a Gladstone seem astronomical, although everyone knew to call around for the discounted price. Say, for example, the list was $1450. The actual purchase price would be around $900-950. Now, there is a realistic price, usually lower than the old “discount” price. The cost of add-ons, like gold plating, custom shells, etc, are clearly stated. The pricing on the Drum Sets puts us in line with other high-end makers except that we offer three-way tuning and interesting shell options. You can puchase a set in you choice of finish with three toms, bass drum and two stands for $3020. |