"Kosaka" Bamboo Block Snare Drum

Brady Drums of Australia marked their return to the NAMM show in January with the launch of a bamboo block snare drum and the appearance of company founder Chris Brady, who had not been in the U.S. for 10 years.

The new drum, dubbed the "Kosaka model", was created to honour the memory of Tat Kosaka, longtime president of Pro-Mark Japan and a special friend of Chris Brady. It is made of bamboo in block (stave) construction, a methodology pioneered by Brady 30 years ago and which is still the company's most popular design. Available in 14" diameter in depths of 4.5", 5.5" and 6.5", the drum has an oil finish that is hand-rubbed with an application of high-grade carnuba wax and then buffed.

Chris Brady describes the Kosaka snare drums as "very loud and cutting, without being too abrasive. The bamboo offers a much higher note than our traditional Australian timbers, allowing for a powerful, yet sensitive sound."

The NAMM show was very rewarding for Brady, as dealers showed their commitment to the company's unique instruments by placing orders that far-exceeded expectations. There was also a constant stream of artists who visited the booth to play the drums, talk about how great they recorded and meet Chris Brady.

Brady is an Australian manufacturer of handcrafted drums that uses indigenous woods such as Jarrah, Sheoak, Wandoo and Spotted Gum in block and ply configurations. The designs, manufacturing philosophy and procedures are the results of Chris Brady's 30 years of experience in turning unique Australian hardwoods into percussive gems. A vision that began in one man's garage has become one of the most desired instruments of players throughout the world, including a client list of more than 400 internationally-known drummers who have purchased one or more Brady drums for their personal collections.