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The Rogers Astoria & Parklane Cocktail Drums



A Very Brief History


The Rogers "Parklane" set was introduced on page 11 of the 1959 (60R) catalog and it's Rogers first offering using Swiv-o-matic attachments. Page 18 of the 1962 catalog shows two sets the Parklane and the introduction of the Astoria, a more compact kit. In 1964 the Parklane was gone and the Astoria makes it's final appearance on page 14 and was dropped from the line before the 67/68 catalog is printed.

- Gene Miller

A side note as to the possible demise of the "Parklane"... Unless you had enough weight from LARGE cymbals, the weight of the Tom-Tom and Snare would unbalance the 16" x 16" Floor Tom, with the result that it would fall over if you really "nailed" the Snare or Tom-Tom. Take a close look at Rob Cook's Rogers book on page 158 (lower right corner at the bottom page photo). You'll see an "extended" rod for the cymbal that went all the way to the floor to keep the cymbal from causing the drum to fall to the right when the cymbal was struck!

- Kelly Smith


The Kit


Kelly Smith's 1964 Rogers Astoria Cocktail Drumset with a very rare Black Onyx finish. As Rogers Part Number 2882, this set that includes:

  • A "Holiday" 16" x 16" Floor Tom Tom

  • A "Powertone 5" x 14" Snare Drum

  • A "Upbeat" Floor Pedal

  • " Knobby" Tom Tom Legs

  • "Swiv-o-matic" mount (for the snare),

  • Cymbal Holder

  • Cowbell Holder (w/optional Wood Block Holder),

  • Drum sticks and brushes

....went for the phenominal price of $272.00 (Federal Excise Tax included)!



Components



The Rogers16" x 16" "Holiday" Floor Tom Tom "Bass Drum". Standing about 26" high at the upper rim, it allowed for easy playing of the snare and tom tom from either a standing or seated position.



Snare Drum with the Swiv-o-matic all purpose holder. This allowed about 120 degrees of adjustment in any position. Note, that the position of the snare drum mount, cymbal mount and legs, perfectly offset any chance for unbalanced "wobble".


The Rogers "Upbeat" Pedal. Using a "Twist-Wrap" Rawhide strap that tied to a circular cam, the pedal satisfied the need for a simple method of striking the Bass Drum batter head in an upward fashion.

Another view of the Rogers "Upbeat' Pedal, showing the cam and spring adjustment, with a two point mounting to a single Tom Tom leg. Everything on the Astoria is adjustable with the use of a drum key (but be sure and take one on the gig!).

(Click on pedal images for larger pictures)

Astoria Pedal Parts List (1964)



Sound


The secret to getting a reasonable "Bass Drum" sound from a 16" x 16" Tom Tom on the bottom, while getting a Tom Tom sound on the top:

Overall, you'll have the "Bass Drum/Tom Tom" higher in pitch than you may be use to, for a "regular" drum set (don't expect this setup to sound like John Bonham's 28" Bass Drum!).


Summary


There are many advantages to the Rogers Astoria Cocktail Drumset:

Best regards,

Kelly Smith


Special Thanks!


Text and drum images:
Kelly Smith

History and catalog images:
Gene Miller

Special thanks to:
Raymond Bungay