The Drum Shuffle

John Aldridge is truly an artisan in the drumming world.  John resurrected the artform of hand-engraving drums for many major drum manufacturers.  He learned engraving techniques during his search for a vintage engraved snare drum.  Since essentially teaching himself how to engrave metal drums, he has performed work for Ludwig, Slingerland, Gretsch, Drum Workshop, Joyful Noise, A&F and others.  He is also the founder of Not So Modern Drummer magazine, wrote the must-have book, Guide to Vintage Drums, runs a successful drum technical services business and manages to also tour the world as the drum technician for Bryan Hitt of REO Speedwagon.  On episode 037, John took some time to talk shop with Jamie about the art of engraving, getting his start as a drummer, the quest for an engraved snare that led him to become a master engraver and a day in the life of a world-class drum tech.  John's work is simply stunning.  This is an episode that is highly educational and motivational as well.