Rebirth of a Classic American Brand: Rogers Drums Returns

BUENA PARK, Calif. — Yamaha Drums has resurrected the venerable Rogers Drums name and quality to introduce two new drum sets that bear the classic logo, the Trailblazer and the Prospector. The names of the kits hark to 1849, the year that Joseph A. Rogers founded his firm, and the beginning of the California Gold Rush. Rogers also launched a new Web site, www.rogersdrumsusa.com.

Trailblazer drum kit in red
Trailblazer Drum Kit
"This is the first project in the re-introduction of one of the most renowned brands in drumming history," said David Jewell, marketing manager, Yamaha Drums. "We chose to enter the market at the most popular price points and plan to develop the brand back to what it was in its heyday."

The Trailblazer kit is designed for mid-level players and working drummers who seek a solid reliable drum set. The set is perfect for students, houses of worship and teaching studios looking for a high-quality, expandable drum set at an affordable price. Features include suspension mounts on the tom-toms, which enables the shell to vibrate for better sustain, and durable heavy-duty hardware (straight cymbal stand, boom cymbal stand, hi-hat stand, snare drum stand and bass drum pedal). The 10-lug steel snare complements many genres of music. Add-ons include an 8" X 7" tom and a 14" X 13" floor tom, sizes that are the most popular for this price point. Trailblazer kits are available in Bandana Red, Blacksmith Black and Mining Pan Silver.

"The Trailblazer offers mid-level players a drum kit they won't outgrow in a year or two and working drummers get a reliable kit that can be expanded for any musical situation," said Jim Haler, product manager, Yamaha Drums.

Prospector drum kit in black
Prospector Drum Kit
Designed for the entry-level drummer, the Prospector is available at a great price and features dependable, durable hardware (straight cymbal stand, drum throne, hi-hat stand, snare drum stand and bass drum pedal). The kit's tom-tom depths make it easier for younger players to position them properly. Colors include Bandana Red, and Blacksmith Black.

Founded in 1849, the Rogers Company originally made animal-skin heads for the growing banjo market and then expanded into drum heads, believed to be the first company in the country to do so. In the 1930's the firm began manufacturing drums and drum accessories, gaining a reputation for rugged quality as it racked up high-profile endorsers, including Buddy Rich, Louie Bellson, Ed Shaughnessy and David Garibaldi. The company's innovations include Swiv-o-Matic hardware and the Dynasonic snare drum. Yamaha Corporation of America bought the intellectual property rights to Rogers Drums in 2006.

For more information, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Yamaha Drums, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com; or visit www.rogersdrumsusa.com.