Pearl 18/12/13/14/6.5x14" Maple Drum Set - Used by Mel Lewis w/ Vanguard Big Band

Mel Lewis's Pearl 80's Maple Shell drum set - sized 14x18", 8x12", 9x13" and 14x14" with a matching 6.5x14" Professional MLX series snare drum.

Heads: Pearl logo heads on the resonant side of the 12 and 13" as well as the batter of the 14" floor tom, which has a vintage Gretsch Permatone on its resonant side. The rest of the set is outfitted with calf heads.
Steve’s notes: This is a very cool item. Mel Lewis was an incredibly musical drummer and the foundation for the Thad Jones/ Mel Lewis big band for years, and after Thad’s passing, Mel continued on with the Vanguard Big Band. The Village Vanguard in NYC was home to the Vanguard Big Band, and they performed every week. This set was used by Mel in NYC. At one point the set was given to Mel’s accountant. As part of the authentication process, Paul Wells, noted NYC drummer and educator, participated in authenticating this set. Paul was also a contributor to a book about Mel titled, “View From The Back Of The Band”. The set is mentioned in this book, a copy of which will be provided with the set. Very cool piece and one with great historic significance in the world of jazz drumming.

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