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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

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

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!).

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:

• Using a coated Remo Ambassador Coated head on the top and a Remo Ambassador Clear on, place a 3" felt strip offset from the center of bottom head by about 2" - 3". Also, place a Remo Bass Drum impact pad at dead center of the bottom head.
• Tune the bottom "Bass Drum" head until the wrinkles are just taken out (semi-loose), and stretch the felt strip snug (but not tight) against the bottom head. Position the "Upbeat" Pedal so that the beater hits the center of the impact pad. Tighten all the tension rods about 1/4 turn and check the head for equal tension at all the lugs. The bottom head, when struck - will have more "thud" than "boom" (right now).
• Make sure that the top head muffler is fully off, then tune the top head about a 3rd HIGHER than the bottom head, and check the head for equal tension at all the lugs. Hit the top head reasonably hard while listening for the bottom heads sympathetic overtones. What we want to achieve is the inverse of tuning for a Tom Tom... that is, to "unbalance" the natural resonance of the two heads in the 16" air-column between the heads; and it's purely subjective.
• Tune the bottom head UP, until you hear a clear Bass Drum "boom". The impact pad helps to give the bottom head some "punch" when struck. The 3" felt strip helps to minimize the effect of the top head causing the bottom head to resonate.
• Now tune the top head until you hear that typical "boing" sound for a Tom Tom, while maintaining the "boom" of the bottom head... one 1/4 turn of the tension screws on the top head can make all the difference in de-tuning the whole drum (but thats what we want!).
• Now adjust the top head muffler to remove any undesired wringing, and your done!

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!).

There are many advantages to the Rogers Astoria Cocktail Drumset:

• There is no plywood baffle that seperates the "upper snare drum" from the "lower bass drum" as in other Cocktail drumsets... You have a true snare drum that is independent of the "Bass Drum/Tom Tom", with a true snare drum sound, while retaining two (somewhat) independent bass and tom tom sounds.

• Those "other" Cocktail drums suffer greatly from a true snare drum sound by attempting to use a snare-wire "whisk-broom" under the top "tom tom" head... It's not a snare sound and it's not a tom tom sound.

• The whole setup fit's in the back of Volkswagon, still leaving room for four cases of beer.

• Your the first one to leave the gig, with the drums in one hand and a girl in the other (and by now, you still have two cases of beer)!

Best regards,

Kelly Smith