History of Drum Pedals Goes on Display

The Museum of Making Music has assembled a broad range of vintage and modern drum pedals, allowing visitors to trace the evolution of this often overlooked yet vital musical instrument innovation.

This evolution began in 1909, with the creation of the modern foot-operated bass drum pedal. Developed by a Chicago percussionist named William F. Ludwig, the bass drum pedal freed the drummer's hands to play other percussion instruments mounted nearby and made playing the increasingly fast tempos of ragtime and jazz less tiring. After this crucial innovation, forward-thinking drummers began to develop techniques where all four limbs were used to play different rhythms at the same time, ushering in a polyrhythmic approach, and thus creating a whole new instrument.

The drum pedal exhibit combines the Stephen Joseph Collection and the Don Lombardi Collection. The late Mr. Joseph, who passed away in 1995, was a well-known collector that specialized in vintage drum parts and devoted his collecting and restoration to the relatively obscure wing of pedals. John Aldridge of Not So Modern Drummer magazine curated this portion of the exhibit, complete with detailed descriptions for each pedal.

The Don Lombardi Collection comes from Drum Workshop founder Don Lombardi, who began his company in 1972 in a small backyard workshop where he also sold drum accessories. Originally a teaching workshop, Lombardi's passion soon turned to innovation when, in 1974, he designed a height-adjustable seat for drummers. In 1977, Lombardi purchased the Camco Drum Company's molds and dies used in producing the popular "Camco 5000." Refining the Camco's mechanical operation, the improved "DW 5000" pedal signaled the change in Lombardi's career from that of teacher to innovator and manufacturer. Today, Drum Workshop is a leading producer of quality drums and drum hardware.

Everyone is invited to come to the Museum at 5790 Armada Drive in Carlsbad, CA to view this collection as well as try out the modern "DW 5000" bass drum pedal for themselves. This exhibit will be on display through the end of February 2005.