Employee Review

What I Learned at NAMM Show 2009…

N.A.M.M. (National Association of Music Merchants) 2009

This year was a very interesting year at NAMM. I didn’t really know what to expect but went with open ears and eyes. Upon entering the convention center I felt a kind of buzz and excitement I had not felt in previous years.

My first appointment was at the Kaman booth. These guys distribute and manufacture many brands such as (Gretsch Drums, LP, Toca and Gibraltar) to name a few. The highlight of Gretsch drum for me was definitely the very limited Harlequin kit which there will only be 25 of world wide AND WE ARE GETTING ONE!!!

Next I walked over to the Pearl booth where I was blown away by the new Demon Drive bass drum pedals. This pedal is soooo smooth and adjustable I could not believe it. The Demon Drive does it all from lightening fast direct drive feel (Axis) to the super punchy stomp through the floor feel (Tama).

The Mienl display was a happening spot this year. There was like a “new company” kind of energy around this already established, rapidly growing company. I was greeted by my Meinl rep. Gabriel Harris then shortly after that Reinhold Meinl walks up. What? That was awesome. Then Heubeck Udo (Meinl General Manager) comes over and presents me with a narrow box. I open the box to find a very nice laser engraved pen with the Meinl logo along with my name on it. I felt like they were giving me the key to the city. What a great feeling and an awesome company. We hope to continue long fruitful relationships with companies just like this who believe in working together with dealers to get their products to the people that need them.

A little later I walked by a booth I’ve been drooling over for years…Brady Drums. This time I could not just walk by so I stopped and spoke with a very nice lady name Kelly Brady. Her dad Chris Brady is still very involved in the building process of this small but amazing drum company. By the end of this meeting I put 4 snare drums on order that will be arriving in May some time. I’m so excited.

I’ve never been so stoked after a NAMM trip before. Not only do I get to keep building long term relationships with the people in the industry I work with but I get to go see all of this new cool stuff. This year I’m optimistic about all we are doing with our new web site here a Rainbow. I really believe our site represents manufacturers’ products better then most other sites out there. Couple that with our expert staff and you got something very valuable to offer the end user. I can’t wait to help you with all of your musical endeavors.

Sincerely Clay Reed