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From the Steve Smith Drum Collection at Donn Bennett's Drum Vault in Seattle, WA.
Steve Smith played this custom Sonor Horst Link Signature drum set with Journey circa 1981-1983. The set was initially ordered for Journey's 1981 Escape tour. At the time, Sonor Horst Link Signature drums were one of the most expensive production drums in the world. They were built around heavy 12 ply beech shells with an exotic African Bubinga veneer on the inner ply. The set was ordered with unfinished outer plys so that Steve could have the set painted red to match keyboard player, Jonathan Cain's red piano. Steve replaced the original Sonor metal bass drum hoops with wooden DW hoops and also had them painted red. In 1982 Steve had the set repainted with its current sunburst finish. Steve included a photo of the shells being repainted and documented the process in his book. (see photo). In July of 1983 Steve's drum tech at the time, Paul "Jamo" Jamieson customized the 14x8" Horst Link Signature snare with a new throw off and a "Custom built for Steve Smith by Paul Jamieson" badge. Jamo was an "A-list" drum tech at the time and did cartage and customizations for dozens of the top drummers of the era. Steve continued playing the set on Journey tours through 1983.
The set can be seen in numerous live Journey photos and videos from the period in both it's red and sunburst finish. (See attached).
Steve sold the set through a drum shop in Scottsdale, AZ in 1983. You can see a picture of the drums when they were set up in the drum shop window in the photos. We purchased the set from the original buyer in 2024.
The set remains in excellent condition. These are some minor stuffs and scratches visible in the photos but no notable damage. We received the set with it's original Sonor metal bass drum hoops. It's not clear what became of the repainted wooden hoops.
To make the set extra special we've included Steve's original RIAA 6x Platinum Record Award for Journey’s Frontiers album.
Two 24x18” bass drums, 10x10”, 12x12”, 13x13” 14x14” mounted toms, 16x18” and 18x19” floor toms. 14x8” snare. Both of Steve's Sonor bass drum pedals, two Sonor double tom mounts and six floor tom legs are included. No other hardware is included.
More photos available.
The set will ship via crated freight from Seattle, WA. Shipping cost is a good faith estimate. Buyer will pay actual shipping cost.
COA signed by Steve Smith.
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Listed | 11 days ago |
Condition | Excellent (Used) Excellent items are almost entirely free from blemishes and other visual defects and have been played or used with the utmost care.Learn more |
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