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Jasper Keller and the like

Posts: 1918 Threads: 60

Oddly enough, I've not been able to locate a thread dedicated to these companies and the specialized layups they created for the Vintage American Drum Companies.

There are tons of myths and bad info out there on the "furniture" and "wood supplier" companies building drum shells for different drum manufacturers. We know their names, but obviously do not have all the facts.

I am starting this thread to allow the forum to add pertinent historical information to this site.

Please key in your bit of specialized information pertaining to Keller, Jasper, and the like. Specify the American drum company they built for. These drum shell builders have supplied shells to the great Vintage Drum companies for more than fifty years. They have built specific layups for certain companies that are not to be repeated for any other company. These company layups would make for some fascinating reading.

So, jump on in with what you got and add some valuable information to this Vintage Drum History site.

What Would You Do
Posted on 12 years ago
#1
Posts: 1 Threads: 0

I am a drummer from good ol' Jasper Indiana. And as both a resident and a drummer I have a somewhat unique prospective. The shells were mainly produced by a company called Jasper Wood Products.

JWP closed its doors in 2003 but stopped all shell production from the facility in 2001 from what my research has found. They made a great product for many famous companies through out there history with the most well know being Gretsch

JWP faced the same fate as many of the wood industry in southern IN. When you make labor intensive products the trend is to off shore manufacturing to more labor friendly areas. In the late 80's and early 90's many drum company's started outsourcing as a way to cut costs and increase profit.

I have been researching "Jasper" made drums since I was in my teens. I actually still have a stash of virgin tubes from the plant when they closed. I had a friend that worked there and called me and asked if I wanted them and like any good drum nerd I said "hell yes"!

I am in the process of putting my research all together, dates, times, interviews with actual employees on the company ect. When I get it together I will let you know.

Restorer of drums....why buy new when there are so many drums with out good homes?
Posted on 12 years ago
#2
Posts: 348 Threads: 41

Welcome! Looking forward to hear more about Jasper.

Posted on 12 years ago
#3
Posts: 1427 Threads: 66

Me too!

I don't have an Jasper shells (I don't think they did shells for Rogers did they?) but it is still facinating to learn about the "old fashioned" way they did things.

Cobalt Blue Yamaha Recording Custom 20b-22b-8-10-12-13-15-16f-18f
Red Ripple '70's Yamaha D-20 20b-12-14f
Piano Black Yamaha Recording Custom Be-Bop kit 18b-10-14f
Snares:
Yamaha COS SDM5; Yamaha Cobalt Blue RC 5-1/2x14; Gretsch round badge WMP; 1972 Ludwig Acrolite; 1978 Ludwig Super Sensitive; Cobalt Blue one-off Montineri; Yamaha Musashi 6.5X13 Oak; cheap 3.5X13 brass piccolo
Posted on 12 years ago
#4
Posts: 351 Threads: 22

Who was shell supplier for Ludwig in 60's?

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In case of deal with johnnyringo:
http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/show...80&postcount=1
Posted on 12 years ago
#5
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

From snurf

Who was shell supplier for Ludwig in 60's?

Ludwig made their own shells, as they still do today.

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 12 years ago
#6
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

From J!m

Me too!I don't have an Jasper shells (I don't think they did shells for Rogers did they?) but it is still facinating to learn about the "old fashioned" way they did things.

Jasper was Rogers shell supplier.

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 12 years ago
#7
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