Here is a letter from Hal D, the Grand Prize winner of our Modern Drummer Contest. Hey y’all, I’m the Grand Prize winner of the Modern Drummer Dixon Drums/Sabian Cymbals June ’09 giveaway! Wow, am I BLOWN AWAY! I’ve played drums/percussion for almost 50 years….school bands and orchestras, cover bands, jazz bands, Riverside, CA Symphony Orchestra while still in high school, (*** years ago), the Air Force Bands of the West and Midwest…studied music education in college….full time professional musician at times, and part time at other times. These days I’m retired from my ‘day job’, am the principal percussionist with our local community/professional symphony orchestra, (for the last 22 years), play in various rock, blues, jazz combos, big bands, and teach private drum lessons. When I first learned that I’d won this awesome prize package, I wasn’t exactly sure what I’d end up with. Dixon drums have just recently entered the drum market, and like probably many of you, I was unfamiliar with them. But once they arrived?….my expectations were definitely exceeded! This Outlaw Series set, in the Rock Configuration, is certainly a pro quality set of drums! The ‘build’ is top notch….solid, true 100% maple shells….clean and flawless bearing edges….quality low-mass lugs….quality/solid Dixon stands and pedals….the 24” bass drum is a CANON!….the ten lug snare is sensitive AND powerful, (very nice!)….and a beautiful, lustrous lacquer finish! Yeah! I also didn’t have any first hand knowledge about the Sabian XS20 cymbals. They ALSO exceeded my expectations…with their great quality sound! Probably neither the Dixon Outlaw Rock configuration drums, nor the Sabian XS20’s would fit into a jazz genre. But if you want to ROCK on a professional level, at a VERY affordable price, you should really make a point of checking these drums and cymbals out! Now, the thanks…and thanks….and THANKS! First I want to thank Modern Drummer Magazine for offering this giveaway, and OF COURSE, for drawing my name! I also want to thank the staff of Modern Drummer, (specifically, Kevin Kearns), for handling the whole process in such a wonderful, helpful way. Secondly…but CERTAINLY NOT least….many, many thanks to Jim Stanek of Dixon Drums and Sabian Cymbals for ALL of his great, professional, TIMELY effort to see to it that these awesome prizes arrived at my door quickly and safely. That effort, and his follow-up speak volumes about his professionalism and personal character. Thanks Jim!
All the best, and ROCK ON! Hal D. Southern Oregon
