Joyful Noise Launch in Chicago Takes Best in Show
Those who attended the 16th Annual International Vintage and Custom Drum Show (The Chicago Show), May 20-21, St Charles, IL, witnessed history in the making with the successful launch of the Joyful Noise Drum Company (JNDC), LLC, snare drum line. Highlighted by its drum badge feather motif and revolutionary “one touch” strainer system, the JNDC snares featured seamless spun brass or bronze metal shells in sparkling finishes, hand engraved by John Aldridge, and wood shells of “Timeless Timber” and exotic woods. Mike Curotto summed it up perfectly, “Absolutely stunning drums!” “We believe our sound truly makes the difference,” beamed Curt Waltrip, JNDC President and creative designer. “We say this with confidence because we are the only company in the world, combining what we vintage drum collectors love about the old into a brand new drum, using state-of-the-art technology, materials, artisans, and craftsmen.” |
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In a “back to the future” move, JNDC has developed the patent-pending Modern Classic Series featuring seamless metal shells spun from brass or bronze, sharp “bell flanged” bearing edges, and a crimped snare bed. Further enhancing the beauty and sound of these drums are the machined solid brass Corder tube lugs, solid brass mounting hardware, and solid 2.5 mm brass single or triple flanged hoops, and vent (small and large) or no vent design.
If that doesn’t peak your interest, try the patent-pending “one touch” strainer system for string or tape, featuring the drum badge feather motif, cast in solid bronze and plated in bright nickel or 24k gold, depending on your “bling” quotient. And, speaking of bling, the metal snares include the Standard model, bright nickel over brass; the Deluxe model, black nickel over brass or bronze; and the Elite model, black nickel over brass or bronze with hand engraving by John Aldridge in the “Winged” Elite or “Scrolled” Elite panel pattern (see photo).
John Aldridge has endorsed JNDC with his own Signature Line modeled with his specifications, featuring the JNDC 4”x14” brass shell with JNDC finishes, hardware, and single flanged hoops, and eight (8) tube lugs instead of the JNDC standard 10 lugs. The JNDC 4”x14” Elite John Aldridge Signature Snare will be engraved with the “Winged Elite” panel pattern. Tim Kae, Drum City and Guitarland, Wheat Ridge, CO, is also endorsing the JNDC line through the Tim Kae Original (TKO) Snare featuring his preference for the JNDC 6.5”x14” brass shell with “tailpipe” patina finish, 2.5 mm triple flanged hoops, and bright nickel plated hardware.
The JNDC wood snares are steam bent, single ply shells made with two distinct types of wood. The Legacy Series is made from “Timeless Timber” and the Exotic Series is made from exotic hardwoods, each featuring hand rubbed tung oil finishes and the “one touch” strainer system. The “Timeless Timber” is old growth, reclaimed American hardwoods, flamed birch and figured maple, having been submerged in the Great Lakes for nearly 100 years. The exotic hardwoods include purple heart and orange cocobolo, with same species reinforcement rings, chosen specially for their exceptional musical tonality when crafted into drums.
“Our passion is to produce the finest musical instruments possible. We’re not trying to produce the most drums, dress up something average, or mask inferior products with inflated marketing hype. We have produced a superior, powerful line of drums, creating the new industry standard,” Curt adds. “And, by committing a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each drum to help a child or a community of children, we realize our purpose. In this way, we leverage our ‘passion, power, purpose’, and our legacy becomes your legacy when you purchase one of our drums.”
“Your drums are a work of art.” “I can’t wait to buy one of your drums.” “Beautiful!” “Awesome—drums and sound!” These were just a few of the documented comments received during the Chicago Show. In fact, there was nothing at the Chicago Show creating more buzz than the JNDC snares. Visit the JNDC web site to learn more about this new company, www.joyfulnoisedrumcompany.com. The entire JNDC collection can be reviewed and ordered on line within a couple of months. Retail prices range from approximately $1200 to $2800 depending on model, size, material, and engraving. The next JNDC exhibit is planned for the 10th Annual Custom & Vintage Drum Show of Hollywood, CA, October 7-8, 2006, where the JNDC snares will be a must see and hear—“Nice Stuff! Great Drums!”