On the Stand — Noble and Cooley #collection-587e56131b631b751db49566 .blog-basic-grid .blog-title {     display: none; }

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John Keane

Come Geek-Out with us

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Come Geek-Out with us

When I was growing up, if someone called you a geek, it was definitely an insult. It meant you were a pocket protector, eyeglass wearing, socially inept loser who was ostracized for the unpardonable sin of being smart.  The movies at the time used these poor souls as routine, comic butt ends of jokes.  Fortunately, these days, the association with these terms have changed.  Now, people frequently refer to themselves as “photography nerds” or “fitness geeks”.  It seems like self-derision but really has become a source of pride that they have expertise in a particular topic or, at a minimum, are proud of their hobby. 

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So, what does this have to do with Noble and Cooley?  Well, certainly drums and drum gear fall squarely into the category or specialty talk and there are fewer of us than there are car nuts and guitar players.  And our instrument is different than the rest of the band’s string-based gear which focuses on melody, whatever that is.  So, yeah, we can definitely claim to be drum nerds. 

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Which brings me to a conversation I had with our new General Manager, Luke Garro, the other day.  Although Luke has been involved with Noble and Cooley on some level for a few years, he really started full time in toward the end of 2020.  In his role, he has taken on responding to the many inbound emails and phone calls we get from drummers deciding on a snare or kit purchase.  He said, “You know for many of the drummers deciding on a kit or snare, it is the most important thing in their lives.   Like literally the most important thing.  More than their jobs, houses, cars, family, whatever, this decision is at the top of the list.   I realize that obviously won’t always be the case, but in the moment, it is.” 

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I had never thought about it on this level, but I think this is really cool.  I realize some people might think this is an incorrect focus or an obsession and family should come first and all that.  But I don’t think that’s what’s going on here.  I think that, for the most part, we have people with full lives who do value all of those other things but who take music and their craft very seriously.   A drum kit is a big purchase and most drummers will have their kit for a long time.  That will be that player’s voice for a long time.  They should take it seriously.   So, my feeling is, geek out all you want.  You should.

In fact, geek out with us.  For those of you out there who have not thought about contacting us directly, please do.   Luke, Lou, Rob, Ryan and I are all drummers.  Nick is a bass player and will likely be making your drums.  Jay is not a drummer but is an expert craftsmen.   We are all available, via phone or email.  You can get to any of us indirectly by calling the factory.  We will gladly nerd out with you, get you to a dealer and give you a contact if you don’t have one and we will all give you whatever time you need.   We have no problems with indecision, analysis paralysis, or waffling on your way to a final result.  It’s part of the process and part of what we can offer you.  But in truth, it’s not difficult because we enjoy it.  I know in speaking with drummers directly from inbound calls or meeting up at shows, they are all glad to be speaking to musicians when talking to us.  So please, give us a call.  Become part of the extended Noble and Cooley Family.  Geek out with us.

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BTW, if you call me, we can also talk about my radio controlled, model airplane collection.  Wait, that actually is nerdy.

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People, Practice Spaces & Live Music

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People, Practice Spaces & Live Music

One of the more peculiar developments in my life that was a direct result of the social distancing mandates of COVID-19 was a really strong desire to go to a rehearsal space, anywhere, anytime to rehearse. This is admit.tedly a really small thing compared to all of the major changes that have taken place since it all started, but it kind of changed my understanding of the role rehearsal spaces have played in my life and I think others may feel the same way, so I thought I would share my thoughts.

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Neil Peart, Vapor Trails and the Need for Drum Heroes

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Neil Peart, Vapor Trails and the Need for Drum Heroes

In the wake of Neil Peart’s shocking and tragic death, it has been heartwarming to see the outpouring of love and respect he is being shown, seemingly everywhere. Even Linkedin was awash in tributes. While I was reading the many homages paid to him it occurred to me that if everyone lived their lives the way Neil lived his, the only problem in the world would be an overabundance of experts, all of whom would be humble and constantly looking to improve.

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Support Local Music

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Support Local Music

I went to see my brother’s band, Wrought Iron Hex, the other day at a local club in Providence Rhode Island called Dusk. I am really glad I did, on multiple levels. Number one, they are really good and really enjoyable to watch. Catchy songs, great tones, tight, and clearly into it. Number two, it is so fun seeing bands up close in small clubs and number three, now more than any time in history, we need to support local bands and local clubs.

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New Copper Snare, Fresh Sound

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New Copper Snare, Fresh Sound

One of the first shops I visited when I started working with Noble & Cooley was SoundPure in Raleigh, NC. Those of you who have ordered through there know that Barry is extremely well versed in everything drum related and is particularly knowledgeable about drum construction. He knew so much more about Noble & Cooley products than I did that it was downright embarrassing and made me realize I needed to get better educated.

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Why Buy Expensive Gear

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Why Buy Expensive Gear

As musicians, we spend an incredible amount of time with our instruments. They are our primary means of getting our particular voice communicated. Well-crafted instruments are essentially better tools for helping us do that. I bought my CD Maples kit 25 years ago and they still sound and look terrific. I have decades of music memories with them and have never stopped being blown away at how awesome they sound. And they made playing more enjoyable the entire time.

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Electronic Drums, Phineas Gage and The Golden Spike

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Electronic Drums, Phineas Gage and The Golden Spike

So, the other day, I read this article that’s been circulating online about the iPhone and all of the products it has killed – maps, watches, cameras, newspapers, etc. You have probably seen this.

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Getting Real

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Getting Real

“That’s the common thread. Everyone I like strikes me as genuine. I don’t care if they agree or disagree with me, what their personal, social or political views are. I just want them to be their own person and not care what anyone else thinks, including me.”

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The E-Harmony of Drums

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The E-Harmony of Drums

I looked over at my daughter, smiled and said, “Do you have ANY interest in this at all?” “Well, the drums themselves, no,” she replied, “but it is interesting how all of the drums are different and you can describe the specific qualities of each of them. You are like E-Harmony for the drums.”

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