Sabian - Because Sound Matters

'School of Rock' Auction Winner Visits SABIAN

Apr 02, 2008

Drummer Goes Home With Choice of Cymbals

Drummer Michael Pitale recently flew from his home in Atlantic City, New Jersey, to the SABIAN Vault in eastern Canada for a day of touring the cymbal making process, selecting a set of cymbals in the Vault, and getting some insight into SABIAN marketing and how it all comes together.

Michael won this visit by making the winning E-Bay bid to the School of Rock benefit for the California Wildfire victims' relief held in Los Angeles and San Diego.

With SABIAN's Robert Mason as a guide, Michael started his tour in the original factory, which dates back to 1968. Here he saw the heating and rolling of bronze blanks into castings, as well as master artisans hand hammering HH cymbals. He tried hand hammering a cymbal and quickly realized what a skillful process that is. He then saw the various lathing and hammering techniques for the different series, noting how they contribute to the various cymbal sounds. Then it was into the Vault. Here - with the help of the Vault Team, Michael focused his attention on selecting cymbals for his own set-up.

A couple hours later, emerging from the Vault with a selection of HH, HHX and AAX models, Michael made his way to the marketing department, where he saw how cymbal information is designed to assist drummers determine what cymbals are best for their needs. Then, with goodbyes all around, he was off to the airport.

Congratulations and thanks to Michael for supporting the School of Rock's Wildfire Victims Event, and for visiting with us. We also had a great time.