History of Rogers Drums
Rogers has a long history of producing high-quality musical instruments. Founded by Joseph Rogers, an Irish immigrant, Rogers has been crafting fine drums for decades. Its drums and drumheads are sought after by collectors, amateur musicians and professional drummers alike.
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Early Years
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Rogers wasn't always a drum manufacturer. When Joseph H. Rogers founded the company in 1849, the Rogers Company exclusively made animal-skin heads for banjos. Rogers was the first company of its kind in the United States and quickly gained a reputation as the front-running calfskin head producer, worldwide. By the Great Depression, the popularity of the banjo was dwindling, and the Rogers Company expanded its business to include drums.
Covington Era
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The Covington era began in 1954, when the Rogers Company was purchased by Henry Grossman. The business was moved to Covington, Ohio, a small town where Rogers was the biggest employer. Joe Thompson, a Covington local, was chosen to run the company, and the factory was placed on Joe's land. Joe had a strong influence on the direction of the company and oversaw the development of important innovations in drum hardware, such as the Dynasonic snare and Swiv-o-Matic hardware.
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1960s
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In the late winter of 1967, a part of the Rogers factory caught fire. Toxic fumes made it difficult for firefighters to deal with fire. A small explosion knocked out a wall, and firefighters were finally able to contain the blaze. The damages cost around $100,000. Two weeks later, the factory was back in operation. Joe Thompson passed away a year later, ending the Covington era.
Legendary Talent
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Plenty of skilled and famous drummers have played Rogers drums over the years. People such as Roy Burns, David Garibaldi, Harvey Mason, Ginger Baker, Mickey Hart, Louie Bellson and the legendary Buddy Rich have all endorsed Rogers. Endorsements such as these, and the fine quality of Rogers drums, have made its instruments collectors' items over the years. If you happen to come across a wooden Dynasonic snare drum, don't hesitate to pick it up--it could be worth thousands of dollars.
Rogers Drums Today
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In 2006, Yamaha purchased Rogers Drums, adding to Yamaha's already staggering lineup of percussion brands. Most Rogers fans were unhappy about this. Rogers currently has two lines of drum sets: the Trailblazer and the Prospector. The look and feel of each kit are intended to replicate the classic Rogers style.
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