Rogers Drums
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Rogers Drums, created in 1849 and based in Covington, Ohio, is a drum company, which many consider the "Mercedes-Benz" of the drum world. Their drums were embraced by musicians from the dixieland movement to the classic rockers of the 60s and 70s. However, the manufacturer was most closely associated with the "big band" and swing drummers of the 40s and 50s.
Rogers are probably most famous for their "Dynasonic" snare drum, which featured a number of innovations. In particular was a unique cradle in which the snare wires were supported. This meant that the wire tension could be adjusted independently of the snare tension. Dynasonics were made from about 1961 until the mid-80's, when the company was bought by CBS-Fender. Dynasonics are best known for being COB - or "chrome over brass". However, there were a small number of wood Dynasonics made throughout the lifetime of the drum, which are considerably sought after by collectors. It is thought that there were only 3000 wood drums made. Other notable Rogers drums are the Powertone snares.
For the growing European market, Rogers drums were also made in the UK under licence from Rogers USA. Shortly after being purchased by CBS, Rogers drums began production in the Fullerton, CA factory complex where American Fender Guitars were produced.
The most celebrated Rogers endorsees were Buddy Rich, Louie Bellson and Cozy Cole. In addition, other jazz luminaries like Ed Schaughnessy, Roy Burns, and Bobby Rosengarden have played Rogers kits at some time in their careers, as well as Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead and Glenn Evans of Nuclear Assault and TT Quick.
Dynasonics, and to a lesser degree Rogers Drums as a whole, are now viewed as collector's drums. Examples of wood Dynasonics can be seen here: [1] A later COB snare can be seen here: [2]
In the late 1990s, the Rogers name was acquired by the Brook Mays Music Company of Dallas, TX. They positioned the brand as a low-cost, but high quality import line of beginner-to-advanced drums that were sold exclusively in their chain of music stores. Many purists and collectors believed this to be insulting to the company's great reputation. However, they sold successfully as many drummers (especially younger ones) wanted their own Rogers kits. Due to other circumstances, though, the Brook Mays company were ultimately unable to continue operating their retail stores (mostly small- to mid-scale local merchants bought and managed by Brook Mays). In the summer of 2006, BMMC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, creating an uncertain future for the legendary Rogers trade name.
On August 26, 2006, Yamaha Corporation of America announced that it has acquired the intellectual property rights to the Rogers Drum Company at a bankruptcy court-ordered auction. Yamaha recently purchased the legendary Swiss cymbal maker Paiste (the world's largest cymbal producer). Having purchased Rogers, Yamaha (already producing a successful electronic and acoustic drum line under its own name) seems to be positioning itself to become a gargantuan player in the percussion market.
"Opportunities to acquire a well-respected brand that is so treasured by players do not come along everyday," said Tom Sumner, vice president and general manager, Pro Audio & Combo Division, Yamaha Corporation of America. "We will use our expertise to improve on the Rogers legacy."
