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2015 C&C Player Date I - 'Big Beat' Satin Olive Kit
22x14" Bass Drum
16x15 FloorTom
12x8" Tom
14x6.5" Snare

If you have any questions about the kit, please contact me.

BACKGROUND
I had been without a modern era kit for a number of years since I let the great Natal kit go whilst I was away on a long tour.

With a specific sound and plan in mind, I decided to finally bit the bullet and go for a modern vintage hand built kit. It would come down to two companies in the end and perhaps the only deciding factor was that I could test one range but not the other.

I tried a number of C&C kits back to back, but the second that I heard this bass drum, I new this was going to be something special.

The drums were developed by C&C in conjunction with Joey Waronker (Beck, Atoms for Peace), and the Player Date I has a round, dark tone with body; an enhanced low end; and a clear, defined note. Its 7-Ply (5-mil) Luan Mahogany shell has a wide tuning range and controlled decay due to the full contact bearing edges, 2.3mm and triple flanged metal hoops.

It also features the wonderful C&C centered, double-ended Deco lug design. Overall, the set is naturally a tip of the cap to Slingerland's early 1960's 'Stage Band' 74N drum set which also featured the centre lug.

The 'Stage Band' 22x14" Bass Drum, 15x12 Floor Tom, 13x9" Tom, 14x5.5" Six lug Snare set was a cracking set in its time and still to this day, but a rare one at that, so a smart move by C&C.

The finish was not one that struck me in first light, but I soon realised it was actually very special in that the appearance changes dramatically from the olive green to the brown that you can clearly see in these photos. I will do more when the sun finally returns to these shores!

These wonderful drums will form the heart of my drumming now with a selection of snares, including a C&C which is being built as I type.

Initially it paired very well with my Pearl 'Steve Ferrone' signature 14x6.5" black nickel over brass beaded shell, 10 brass tube lugs (tubes are chrome over brass, ends are brass finished) with Pearl brass SuperHoops, a great 'go to ' drum.

This snare is a highly regarded Black Beauty clone, a bit heavier due to the welded (not spun) brass shell, this is a really musical and muscular snare that can be tuned up or down and sit well in any mix in just about any style of music that requires a great snare sound. Perfect for this kit.

A few months later, the special build matching 14x6.5" Olive snare arrived from Gladstone, Missouri and is naturally a wonderful fit in the set.

At the time of the photos, I am using my wonderfully versatile vintage (hollow logo) Avedis Zildjian 14" New Beat Hi-Hats and a more recent 2011 Bosphorus 20" Traditional Original Ride Cymbal. An incredible cymbal with great stick definition and wash, a stunning all rounder to crash and ride.

The first image above, is of the kit was taken the day it was finished by C&C Drums at their factory in Gladstone, Missouri, USA, September 21st, 2015
The next two were taken by Mark Jeffs at Rusty Drums where I purchased the kit.

Over many months, I had explored endless options looking for a sound and a kit that would inspire and develop my playing and give me modern vintage drums that would eventually define me.

These C&C Player Date I drums allow me to do just that!
This kit is all about less is more for me with it's incredible tuning range from the Luan Mahogany shells, it now forms the heart of my drumming plans going forward.

I would like to very publicly thank Mark Jeffs from Rusty Drums for helping me to achieve this. He went above and beyond the call of duty to help me find the right kit for me. Nothing was too much trouble, trying multiple kits and options to make sure these drums fit me like a glove.

If you are looking for a specialist vintage kit or snare or perhaps just a sound that can define you, look no further. Hugely knowledgeable and highly respected in the industry, Mark is your man.

Much respect and thanks to Rusty Drums and also to all of the team at the C&C Drum Company in Gladstone, Missouri for these incredible drums.

If you have any questions about the kit, please contact me.