Drum Pedals

Charles Connor was a pioneer in the early beat of rock and roll. As a drummer in New Orleans in the early 1950s, he played with Professor Longhair and became the original drummer for Little Richard. In fact, it was Little Richard who asked Connor if he could produce a rhythm that sounded like a train – and he did. The train rhythm can be heard on many of Little Richard’s earliest recordings including “Good Golly Miss Molly.” His innovative playing has since been the inspiration for a long list of players and products such as special double bass drum pedals.

Mike Dorfman was introduced to the industry with his design of a special polish for drums. In 1990, he opened Trick Drums, getting the name from his love of cars and how a super enhanced car would be “tricked out.” Mike designed an all-metal snare drum which later expanded to bass drums, toms and pedals. He developed a hardware manufacturing processes using CNC machines that led to offering his services as OEM as well as manufacturing the Trick brand.

Dusti Dryer was just one year old when she was dubbed the world’s youngest musician. A photograph of her playing the harmonica, or rather holding it, was featured in a magazine and launched her career as a musician. Dusti took a liking to the drums and formed many small groups during her career, mostly all women, playing gigs in the Los Angeles area. Her groups were in highest demand during World War II when she played for army camps, clubs and ballrooms. In addition she played with many well-known artists such as the Andrew Sisters, Pinky Lee and Jimmy Durante. Dusti also appeare

Stanley Leonard, the principal timpanist emeritus for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, was interviewed during PASIC 2010 on the very day he was inducted into the PAS Hall of Fame. It was an exciting day and Stanley expressed his gratitude for the honor. He also recalled his life in music, beginning with his early teachers and his passion for the timpani. He is also the author of the well respected method book “Pedal Technique for the Timpani,” as well as his composition, “Canticle” for timpani, which was first  published by Volkwein Brothers in Pittsburgh in 1972.  The book rema

Don Lombardi is the founder of Drum Workshop, who formed the company at the age of 26 with the goal of providing teaching facilities for young drummers in Santa Monica. Don had the opportunity to purchase the equipment to bring the famous Camco drum pedal back to the market place under the DW name. As the company developed and its product line increased to include snares and full drum kits, Don kept an eye on his original goal of music education.

William F. Ludwig II was proud of the company his father started, largely based on the 1909 patented bass drum pedal, which allowed the drummer to sit down for the first time. Bill followed in his father’s footsteps by leading the company, overseeing the company’s reorganization following World War II, the Beatles boom of the 1960s, and supervising a noted innovative product line of the 1970s. Bill seemed most proud of the friends he made along the way, for which there were many.

Cary Nasatir grew up in Chicago, surrounded by rhythm and the beat of his father’s drums, often visiting the iconic Frank’s Drum Shop. It was inevitable that young Cary would develop a love for percussion. He vividly recalls the vibrant atmosphere of the shop, where he took lessons from renowned drummers like Roy C. Knapp and Cozy Cole, and eagerly sought autographs from legends like Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich when they performed clinics at Frank's. But what stands out most for Cary is the sheer joy and exuberance he felt every time he played the drums. As his playing career progre