SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Cymbal Sox
By Andrew King
Photo : Courtesy of Kamloops This Week
While sound is of course the top priority for pretty much every drummer when it comes to the components of their setups , there ’ s just something special about the look and shape of a cymbal – sleek , smooth , some would even say sexy .
The team at Cymbal Sox knows full well about the special relationship that exists between drummers and their cymbals , and the Kamloops , BC-based company has created a light , lasting product that protects the instruments from dirt , dust , grease , and other contaminants while still highlighting their unmistakable shape .
“ Cymbal Sox was invented as ‘ hands-off-protection ’ for drummers to keep their cymbals looking and sounding factory new all of the time ,” says company co-founder Cory Evans . “ We tried many different designs and prototypes based on that idea , but kept focused on something that was easy to put on and take off and made from a very durable material .”
The initial idea was born in the fall of 2014 , and by January 2015 the first prototype was manufactured . Over the ensuing 12 months , the company was incorporated , had found its overseas manufacturing facility , and began marketing the product
and sharing it with a small circle of collaborators and working drummers . By February 2016 , Cymbal Sox was officially open for business .
The covers are aimed at players across the board , from novices to touring pros . They can be applied while the cymbal is still on its stand and fit over the instrument “ like a shower cap ,” tightening to a snug fit with a drawstring and slider clip underneath . They can also be placed on cymbals for transportation in hard or soft shell cases , and stack easily with a protective barrier between the instruments . They come in sizes from 10-22 in . in standard black with burnt orange branding , though drummers can also
Cymbal Sox founders Maria & Cory Evans
customize the covers with personalized logos or branding .
The company has already made impressive inroads into the Canadian MI marketplace considering its relative youth and is actively looking to both strengthen its existing retail relationships and forge new ones . More recently , though , the company has set its sights on the mammoth American market , having exhibited at The NAMM Show for the first time in January 2017 .
“ Going to NAMM helped us attract interest from all kinds of dealers as well as many international distributors ,”
Evans shares . “ We are also in talks at the moment with some cymbal companies wanting to use our products to ship their cymbals and offer a protective , reusable cover to customers rather than plastic wrap .”
He admits that , being a new company that specializes in accessories , gaining traction with individual drummers and retailers can be challenging and that promoting the products and brand is an ongoing work in progress ; however , he adds that showcasing at The NAMM Show earlier this year was a big help in making connections with a broad spectrum of the marketplace and getting people talking .
On that front , the company is very active with artist sponsorships and committed to working closely with working drummers to build momentum in the marketplace . Current endorsers include Great White ’ s Audie Desbrow , Hurricane ’ s Mike Hansen , Lejoe B . Young of Travis Tritt ’ s band , Y & T ’ s Mike Vanderhule , and Clem Burke of Blondie and The Empty Hearts . “ We ’ ve had great reviews from these artists and their drum techs about ease of use and the durability of the products ,” Evans boasts . “ Having touring drummers on the road for extended periods of time saying how well the products hold up speaks volumes to our focus on design and durability .”
After beginning the year on a high note with a very successful showing at NAMM , Evans says 2017 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Cymbal Sox . “ Getting our products into more retail stores throughout North America is high on our list for the year forward , as is working directly with more cymbal manufacturers worldwide .”
Evans is very clear about his ultimate goal with Cymbal Sox : to offer drummers “ the best in individual cymbal protection .” Considering the product ’ s attributes – easy to use , inexpensive , lightweight , and attractive – not to mention the impression they ’ ve made on the Canadian and international marketplace to date , as far as a lot of drummers are concerned , Cymbal Sox has already achieved it .
Andrew King is the Editor-in-Chief of Canadian Music Trade .
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CANADIAN MUSIC TRADE