E to K
Electronic kit
i just didn't get the name...again!
Factory Metal
Jim Anderson is always a treat to watch at a trade show.
If any energy drink company is looking for the perfect endorser...
www.factorymetalpercussion.com
LOL! Couldn't resist.
Fidock Drums
Maybe you've seen Stephan Fidock's ad in a drum publication lately - the tag line is 'High in Fat', and indeed, this Australian drum maker is making some fine snare drums and wood hoops from native Australian woods.
www.fidockdrums.com
Vic Firth
Vic Firth does not have a bot that is open ot the public at Messe. Instead, they have this cool little artist lounge / show room where
Marco Sicolli minds this oasis and treats clients, artists
and friends to some private stock. Always a great - and slightly quieter hang.
www.vicfirth.com
Fräuleins
What would Messe be without a few fräuleins making the rounds, hmm?
What goes in Frankfurt...
GEWA
Major European distributor GEWA
Gig Pig
Gig Pig has been around for several Messe shows now, a testament to Europe's love of cigar box percussion. These interesting wooden cubes actually sound quite good and you'll never get it confused with a shipping crate.
Gretsch
The
big news for Grestch at this year's Messe was new distribution. There was more than enough heartache to go around as former distributors tried to figure out what to fill the G-spot (Gretsch / Gibraltar) gap with.
125th Anniversary kit
Love 'em or hate 'em, GC is a BIG player in the industry.
Say 'hello' to my 2 pals Jeff Lorenz and the one, the only, the infamous Glenn Noyes.
To the best of my knowledge, neither had been consuming alcohol at the time this picture was taken - they're just happy-go-lucky guys!.
Hang Drums
One of the coolest percussion instruments around finally available at a somewhat more affordable price. These things make some truly groovy sounds. Do a search for hang drums on youtube.com and you'll see what I mean.
Best in Show
The top playing surface - which is actually like an inverted steel drum - is suspended from a parabolic wooden resonator
that also acts as a support structure. It's just a very cool instrument.
...and of course having a lovely young lady to demonstrate her delicate touch just adds to the relaxing effect...
oh yes...touch my G Sharp.
I always enjoy seeing what Hansoy has at the show and I've always thought the
drums with the interior snares on th inside were cool.
Istanbul Mehmet
Some of the best sounding Turkish cymbals on the market, Istanbul Mehmet presented a full range of products covering all styles of music.
Istanbul Mehmet inverted China - one of my favourite cymbals at the show
Trashiest cymbal
Jinbao
The lights that the booth providers used in Jinbao's booth were horrid.
The color and intensity of the light was actually painful to even be around.
MY EYES! MY EYES! I'M BLIND!!
I found this particular lug to be very interesting.
Kirchhoff (bless you!)
www.kirchhoff-schlagwerk.de
Acrylic is very popular in Europe for some reason. Kirchoff has taken acrylic to a new level with their line of seamless shells that come in a myriad of colours. This monster kit is easily the largest trade show set up I've ever seen.
I very much appreciate it when a manufacturer takes the time to
consider the visual impact of their booth. This kit was just fun to photograph.
The clear bar rails add in interesting touch.
Best Monster kit
Kirchoff also had this little number going.
The visual effect was quite...relaxing...to watch.
Attention to even the finest details like this raised badge.
Kirchoff was also offering a very special wood shell series that featured the Dunnett R2 throw off and butt end.
