Hello!

Earlier this month, I drove out to Tennessee for the first annual Nashville Drum Show. It was an excellent event with a ton of great gear and a stellar closing performance by the incomparable Keith Carlock. I put together a HUGE coverage package from the show, but I’m still working on editing everything down.

Fortunately, I met a great photographer named Damian Figures at the show, and he was nice enough to send along his shots for use over here at DGR. Huge thanks to Damian!

So, let’s get to it!

All photos care of Damian Figures.

 

2012 Nashville Drum Show

First up, a round of photos featuring beautiful tubs made of reclaimed river wood from Ancient Tree Drums. Stunning stuff from the second best city in north Florida.

Here’s a little Teaser from a company called Booty Shakers. We’re working on a review right now!

Another little teaser for our Asheville, NC neighbors, Carolina Drumworks. These drums are gorgeous in person – sonically and visually. Peep those hoops!

Industry veterans, Dixon Drums, had a great looking booth with plenty of eye candy. Those snares (recently reviewed in DRUM! Magazine) were designed and built by Chris Brady of Brady drums. It shows!

Check out this shot from the Drums of War booth. Remarkable history.

The inimitable Dunnett Custom Drums entered this incredible Magnesium model into the Snare Drum Olympics. Dang.

Jon Cross Custom Drums – never a let down. Block and stave builds in with jaw dropping aesthetics. Another Olympics entry.

This new addition to Mapex‘ MyDentity line got a lot of attention from show attendees.

Based in Greenville, SC, Palmetto Drum Company is doing some excellent stuff with classic and modern design elements.

Pearl‘s booth was packed to the hilt with mouth-watering gear, including the subtly stunning Reference Pure you see up front. The next photos are of the company’s beautiful Philharmonic snare. Tuxedo not included.

These next two photos show a nice selection of the contests in the Snare Drum Olympics. I’ve got a close up of every single snare in the competition coming soon, so check back!

Tama had lots of great looking gear, but this limited edition Birch/Bubinga kit and their array of snare drums were impossible to ignore. Drool away.

Need more snares to start selling blood for? Taye‘s got you covered.

The show had no shortage of unbelievable vintage gear, including this knockout from Ludwig.

These Yamaha Club Customs just keep getting better and better. They haven’t changed a bit since their release, but they keep getting better.

Of course, Zildjian had plenty of exciting new models to show off. Lots super thin, low-profile rides. Hmmm.

Finally, the show finished on Sunday with an astounding performance by Keith Carlock with Wayne Krantz and Nate Wood.

The photos here really only cover about half of the show. There’s still a ton of stuff to see, so check back soon for more Nashville Drum Show coverage. Another big thanks to Damian Figures for sharing these great photos. Much appreciated!