It’s worth the drive to Breslau!

Bang On Custom & Vintage Drums in Breslau, Ontario, Canada (Kitchener) owned and operated by Shan Bricker is an amazing drum buying experience.

Today, I visited Bang On’s store and met Shan for the first time.

From the first moment I stepped in the door, I was greeted with a friendly smile and introduction.

My intention of visiting was to investigate and purchase an immaculate example of a late 1960’s Premier 2000 chrome over aluminum snare drum. (The Premier 2000 snare drum was endorsed by Keith Moon, drummer for The Who)

Before I knew it I was invited to take a tour of the amazing vintage drum sets and shell packs that reside for sale at Bang On.

Being that I have been a drummer for more than 50 years, I relished in the history and providence of what was being described in finite detail. Most drums were of domestic origin with a few that were off shore drum kits. Not only did I get a front of house tour, I gig to tour the workshop where there was a drum on the bench aged from the 1920’s. The tour also included vintage cymbals. There was so much to take in, that I felt as if I just received an encyclopedic journey through vintage drums and the lore attached to some of the previous owners of these vintage drums.

Next, my attention was turned to the star of the show. There, amongst a bevy of vintage snare drums lied the piece de resistance. The vintage late 1960’s Premier 14×5 Chrome over Aluminum snare drum in pristine condition.

I asked if it had been re-chromed. The answer was definitely a no, this is the condition maintained since being produced in the late 1960’s.

I asked who the previous owner was. Immediately, Shan notified me of who they are and their musical background and experience. For reasons of privacy, I am not providing the previous owners name. But, I can tell you that they are at the high bar of talent in the drumming world.

Shan then asked me if I want to try the snare out on his personal drum kit. I asked if he would please demonstrate the snare first so I could hear his it sounds. Shan then gave a demonstration of the snare with several rhythms and staccato snare playing. My ears were hearing the sounds of a 55 year old drum in immaculate condition emanating a fantastic crispness of clarity and character. I recorded a video of Shan that I hope to get permission to release.

Then the moment of truth… Was this snare destined for my possession and use? Only one way to find out…

Shan allowed me the honour of sitting behind his kit and have a sample session. The kit is beautiful! There were brief videos recorded of me playing Shan’s kit outfitted with the vintage Premier 2000 snare drum.

Playing on an acoustic kit is a treat for me. Further past 4 years I have primarily played at home using a DW full practice kit with other pads and pedals too. So, this was an unexpected treat.

The Premier 2000 snare drum was tuned perfectly and had a wonderful resonance with the snare turned on and off too.

The last stroke on the snare drum cracked the sound barrier! And with that, as if it was an auctioneers gavel coming down for the third and final time, I exclaimed “SOLD!”

There was further discussion about the attributes of this snare. Lots of secrets that I appreciated learning.

Then it was on to more information exchanges and my wonderment at how amazing this experience is. I say “this experience is” because I formed a bond with a person that is passionate and knowledgeable about all things vintage drums! Shan was very patient and answered all my questions.

My recommendation on my experience today is:

Shan Bricker as the owner operator of Bang On Custom & Vintage Drums is an honest and very engaging personality that offers not only gig ready and top of the line vintage drums, but, also affords his customers a buying experience that is far superior to buying in line. There’s nothing like the personal touch when investigating an item for purchase. In a nut shell, “Bang On Custom & Vintage Drums… It’s worth the drive to Breslau!”