Dixon began in 1979 as a hardware company. You've probably seen a lot of their stuff, but under different major brand names. They entered the USA drum market a few years ago, distributed by Kaman, who confessed it was difficult to launch another drum line. End result = a blowout of Outlaw & Demon kits at bargain-basement prices. The Outlaw kits were made in the same overseas factory as Gretsch and featured 7-ply thin maple shells, 2.3mm hoops, suspension mounts & gaskets on the toms, plus Evans heads. Actually, a fairly top-of-the-line series -- 5-pc kits retailed over $2500. I have an Outlaw kit and it sounds just great. I also have a 24-ply Bubinga snare from them and a 6x13 Australian Rose Gum snare, made in conjunction with Brady -- both are great quality drums.St. Louis Music got Dixon and re-launched the name in the USA at NAMM last month.Their website (http://usa.playdixon.com) shows their latest series of gear, due to hit shops sometime between April and August. Check out the Artisan kit series, plus their various snare drums. With the right marketing push, Dixon could make a mark in the US Market this year.