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Roland Acquires Drum Workshop Inc . & All Its Brands Roland Corporation and Drum Workshop Inc . have announced a definitive agreement for Roland to acquire all outstanding shares of Drum Workshop .
Roland is widely recognized for its products in the electronic drum world under its V-Drums brand and more recently with its V-Drums Acoustic Design (“ VAD ”) series of products . Drum Workshop is widely recognized for its acoustic drums and percussion designs . It manufactures and sells a portfolio of brands , including DW Drums and Hardware , Pacific Drums and Percussion ( PDP ), Latin Percussion ( LP ), Gretsch Drums , and Slingerland .
The two companies say that the combination of their expertise and reach will enable the “ next generation of breakthrough acoustic and electronic drums and percussion products , accelerate product development , and lead to more innovation for drummers .” Drum Workshop CEO Chris Lombardi and co-founders Don Lombardi and John Good will continue to serve in their existing capacities at the company .
“ In the world of acoustic drums , Drum Workshop stands distinctly apart ,” says Gordon Raison , CEO of Roland . “ We have always been impressed and in awe of their products , their people and their craftsmanship in every dimension . Drum Workshop shares the same legacy and dedication to musical innovation that we have at Roland , and we are committed to supporting Drum Workshop in doing what they do best .”
ROLAND CEO GORDON RAISON
The NAMM Oral History Program Captures 5,000 th Interview The NAMM Oral History Program celebrated a milestone in early October : the release of the program ’ s 5,000 th interview . In this special edition , the program features Kevin McGinty , famed audio engineer , and front of house for Nashville ’ s Grand Ole Opry . Since its inception in 2000 , the NAMM Oral History Program has sought to preserve the rich history of the industry through first-person accounts from professionals in music products , pro audio , live sound , entertainment technology , artists , and more .
NAMM ’ s Music Historian Dan Del Fiorentino manages the program and has overseen each interview , including the very first that featured harmonica designer and musician Bill Walden . The collection began covering all areas of the music industry , including instrument suppliers , retailers , educators , artists , and publishers . The collection features interviews with Marilyn Bergman , Sheila E ., Arnald Gabriel , George Gruhn , Ikutaro Kakehashi , AR Rahman , and Henry Steinway . Soon , the collection expanded into pro audio and live sound with the “ Father of Festival Sound ” Bill Hanley , Albert Kahn , Karrie Keyes , and Al Schmitt .
In the 5,000 th interview , McGinty shares stories , wit , and wisdom working in live sound . He covers his early history , which began with mixing live sound in high school , later attending Belmont University and Middle Tennessee State University for a degree in Music Business . From
GRAND OLE OPRY ’ S FOH KEVIN MCGINTY there , he worked as front of house at Nashville ’ s famed Exit / In and installed many audio systems in the city ’ s clubs and concert halls . In 2003 , McGinty joined the Grand Ole Opry as an audio engineer and has never looked back .
ADAM PLANTE
Adam Plante Joins HPC as Ontario Rep HPC ( Harman Pro Canada ), a Jam / Exertis company , has announced that Adam Plante is joining its team as its new Ontario retail sales representative .
Plante earned a BA in economics from Western University in 1992 , and a diploma in audio engineering from the Ontario Institute of Audio Recording ( OIART ) in 1995 .
In addition to his three decades of sales roles , including 18 years as a sales rep at SFM from 2004 to 2022 , Plante is a live sound engineer , recording engineer , performing artist , and studio owner . He joined the industry in 1993 at Belle Air Music , a family-run music store . In his spare time Plante runs a small recording studio , Beats Working , from his home in London , ON . Plante can be reached directly at 519-636-6971 or
adam . plante @ hpc . jamindustries . com . info @ hpc . jamindustries . com , hpc . jamindustries . com .
10 CANADIAN MUSIC TRADE