Hi there,

I just ordered a brand new Firchie roto-snare, online from Ivan Firchie in NY. Does anyone know if this guy is for real? There's quite a bit of money involved, so i'd like to know if anyone has anything to say about that. He does have a real enough website (firchie.com) and he seems a real nice guy from the emails, but with online identities you never know. I'm a bit far away to go get my money back if needed, since i'm in Amsterdam.

Furthermore, I have a spare piccolo for sessions and so on, so i thought to sell my old Rogers. However, i don't have a notion what it's worth. Who has a clue? It's a 15"x6", 10-lug full-chrome metal drum, with the independant snare-bridge that Rogers is known for. It has a adjustable muffler inside the kettle and is equipped with pinstripe drumhead and ambassador clear snarehead. I bought it new at the former Professional Percussion Center in Manhattan, about 25 years ago. The serial number is D-603004 and of course it is in almost perfect condition.

After i play my new Firchie i'll let you gals know what i think of it. Possibly post some pictures or even a soundtrack..... (is that possible here?).

Grateful for any and all input, best regards from Amsterdam,

Yuri.