History of the Drumset: Part 1
1865 – DOUBLE DRUMMING
A CENTURY OF DRUM SET EVOLUTION WITH DANIEL GLASS
As the U.S. Civil War ends and slavery is abolished, drummers begin experimenting with ways that a single player can do the job of an entire percussion section. Within a few years, the technique known as “Double Drumming” becomes popular in theater orchestras and dance bands.
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IMAGE GALLERY
During the U.S. Civil War, marching music was the dominant popular music of the time. Marching band performances required more than one drummer.
Civil War Era Marching Band
Civil War Era Marching Band
Civil War Era Marching Band
Double drumming is born out of necessity as drummers begin trying to cover multiple parts with one player.
VIC FIRTH PRODUCTS THAT MADE HISTORY
1963 The Vic Firth Company is Founded
Vic Firth launches his company with some of the most popular sticks and mallets in production today: the T1 General Timpani Mallet and SD1 General Snare Drum Stick. Committed to producing the highest quality products, these iconic sticks and mallets are still the world’s best sellers over 60 years later!
1983 Signature Series
Vic Firth launches the Steve Gadd signature model and becomes the first company to produce signature drumsticks that reflect the true musical requirements of the artist. To this day, each model is conceived through extensive research with the world’s top players.
1994 Stone Grinding
Vic begins producing sticks in center-less stone grinders rather than traditional lathes. A first for the industry, stone grinding increases quality, consistency, and allows for more complex design elements such as unique tip shapes and tapers.
2002 Injection Molded Nylon Tips
Vic solves the age old problem of nylon tips flying off by developing an injection molding system whereby the stick and the tip become one! For the first time in drumstick history, nylon tips mirror the shape and profile of their wood counterparts!
PERFORMANCE WITHOUT LIMITATION…BY DESIGN
For nearly 60 years, we at the Vic Firth Company have focused on developing and manufacturing what has become the world’s most popular drumsticks, mallets, alternative implements, and accessories… with the best durability, feel, and sound options, across the widest variety of genres and styles.
