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Roy Burns' recommendations for '74 Rogers

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I'm bringing a '74 Rogers Starlighter IV (Roy Burns model) back to gigging condition. I was thinking about what modern heads to use on a classic set and thought "why not call and ask him". So I emailed Aquarian and quickly recieved a response from his assistant with a phone number. I called and he answered, "Roy speaking..." What a nice man. We talked about the drum set and the 1971 Drum Set Artistry book and recond album.

I plan on using the drums with piano/bass/singers in a caberet show. Here were his recommendations:

Snare batter for Dynasonic or Powertone: Texture coated with power dot underneath

Snare bottom: Classic Clear Snare

Tom batter: Coated Response 2

Tom bottom: Classic Clear

Bass Drum batter: Superkick 1

Bass Drum Resonant: Regulator with small offset hole

I felt really lucky to talk with him.

1972 Sonor Custom (Swinger)
1973-74 Rogers Starlighter IV Blue Onyx
1982 Slingerland TDR-Lite Marching Snare White Gloss Pearl
Posted on 14 years ago
#1
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It's crazy isn't in this impersonable world, how dare he president of the company, celebrity drummer personality, and here he is talking shop with you, I had the same experience the first time I called, I was like ROY WHO???D' DrummerClapping Happy2

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 14 years ago
#2
Posts: 3972 Threads: 180
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Same here. I thought it was odd at first. The more I pondered it, the more I realized just how 'right' it really is. Think about it. He's a drum hero, an industry legend, and a very successful businessman. That open availability and clear channel to his customer base is brilliant. It doesn't hurt that he's a seriously nice guy.

Posted on 14 years ago
#3
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I called and spoke to Roy Burns a couple of months ago looking to find a dealer for a specific type of Aquarian head. I used to order product from him and he would call me to tell me about new products and ask for an order. But, that was many years ago. The receptionist didn't know me from Adam when I called recently. I simply asked to speak to Roy......and was connected immediately. What's more, he remembered me from over 10 years ago.

He was a great clinician and is very knowledgeable with a great understanding of the working drummer's needs. That's reflected in his excellent product line.

Posted on 14 years ago
#4
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I just wanted to add that Roy Burns personally called and wanted to speak to all the drum sales persons at the music store I was working at. I was speechless. Roy was so nice and sent us out a bunch of free Aquarian heads to try out. I did not bug Roy about Rogers, but, I did tell him that he was my uncle's favorite drummer. I guess as a kid, my uncle would sneak into jazz clubs and watch Roy play and Roy would actually give on the spot lessons to my uncle. Again, a true class act.

Rogers early Fullerton Blue Strata 22,13,16 w/brass Dynasonic
My first kit, 1983 Ludwig Rocker? (it has the classic lugs and 4ply maple shell) 22,12,13,16 ..now in black oyster pearl. I still have it
Stop Sign USA Gretsch (80's), black nitron jasper shell 22,12,13,16
1995 Fibes Austin,Texas Badge (original owner) 22,10,12,16,18 in natural wood
USA 2007 Rosewood Gretsch 22,13,16 w/12inch 70's Rosewood Gretsch tom
Posted on 14 years ago
#5
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I have heard that Roy is really a great help. Glad you were able to contact him. BTW - hate to admit that I am that old, but I also attended one of his clinics way back in the day.

Here is the ad from the 1968 catalogue for your Starlighter....

[IMG]http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll197/Luxor65/Starlighter3-1.jpg[/IMG]

Here is my Clev era Starlighter...... I love the sizes (22,13,16). A little inspiration for RadarSonor to finish the project.

[IMG]http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll197/Luxor65/StarPost12-2.jpg[/IMG]

Posted on 14 years ago
#6
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Man, those are seriously nice drums. And all of the correct parts, in exactly the right places, did you shoot the ad for them?

And now I have a name for my cheater kit. Starlighter. Cool. Now if I could find al the right parts to go in all the right places so I cna shoot a catalog shot for the MIJ no-name catalog....

"Ignorance may be overcome through education. Stupidity, however, is a lifelong endeavor." So, educate me, I don't likes bein' ignant...
"I enjoy restoring 60s Japanese "stencil" drums...I can actually afford them..."I rescue the worst of the old valueless drums for disadvantaged Children and gladly accept donations of parts, pieces and orphans, No cockroaches, please...
http://www.youtube.com/user/karstenboy
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Coffee...16613138379603
Posted on 14 years ago
#7
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Starlighter indeed! They just don't name them like they used to.

I am totally into Rogers 22" bass drums. They are monsters. I did kind of shoot for the original ad. Thought, what the heck, I have all the parts, might as well do it justice if I am taking a photo. I have several Rogers kits, but that is my main playing kit - the kit you can always count on. If you ever see a good deal for a Rogers kit with that 22 (or 24), don't let it pass you by (especially from the good ol' days). I would put it up against anything made today.

Posted on 14 years ago
#8
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Those drums look terriffic. Thanks for the inspiration.

As it's a '74 I'm going with Supreme stands as opposed to swan legs. The hi-hat pedal is a dark grey, almost atarnished look. It has no shine like yours and other Rogers pedals I've seen and had. Any idea why and if the shine can be brought back?

1972 Sonor Custom (Swinger)
1973-74 Rogers Starlighter IV Blue Onyx
1982 Slingerland TDR-Lite Marching Snare White Gloss Pearl
Posted on 14 years ago
#9
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From RadarSonor

Those drums look terriffic. Thanks for the inspiration. As it's a '74 I'm going with Supreme stands as opposed to swan legs. The hi-hat pedal is a dark grey, almost atarnished look. It has no shine like yours and other Rogers pedals I've seen and had. Any idea why and if the shine can be brought back?

I agree on the stands. My vote is to try to stay period correct. You also get a bit sturdier stand for gigging (which I believe you said was the purpose of your kit). Re the pedal...... The footboard is a cast aluminum (if we are talking about a swivo pedal) and it will tarnish. I would say leave it alone as the original look wasn't particularly shiney, or you could use some Photos would be good so I could see what's going on.

BTW - what is the finish on your project?

Posted on 14 years ago
#10
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