Every instrument has a story. This one means a lot to me.
Back in 2013, I asked Arnie Lang to build me a drum inspired by the legendary #Gladstone No. 1—the same drum played by the great Elden C. “Buster” Bailey on the New York Philharmonic’s 1959 recording of Scheherazade with Leonard Bernstein.
Buster Bailey, who spent 42 years (1949–1991) in the New York Philharmonic, is widely considered one of the greatest orchestral snare drummers of all time. The sound of that recording has fascinated me for years, and I wanted to own an instrument that captured the spirit of that iconic drum.
Arnie Lang (1932–2021)—legendary New York Philharmonic percussionist, Associate Timpanist for four decades, master craftsman, educator, author, and one of the most important guardians of the Gladstone tradition—made that dream possible.
The first version he built for me had a finished ply shell. Unfortunately, after some time the shell became slightly out of round. Arnie immediately decided that wasn’t acceptable. Without hesitation, he built me another one in 2014, keeping exactly the same dimensions, look, and response, but this time using a solid maple shell to ensure greater stability.
This is that drum.
More than just a beautiful instrument, it’s a piece of history, a tribute to Buster Bailey’s legendary sound, and a lasting reminder of Arnie Lang’s extraordinary generosity, craftsmanship, and pursuit of perfection.
I’m grateful to have this instrument—and the story behind it—with me every time I play.