I'm brand new here. I realized all of you guys and girls allowed me to share with an incredible group of skilled and knowledgeable drummers. I've never been in this wonderful place. You folks don't owe me anything, but you let me IN. Yesterday I had the opportunity to kick around many outstanding aspects about a chunk of bronze I've had for 40 years, but don't know how to use. The first point: I called it a chunk of brass. I've probably never been speaking to a group that would even KNOW that, to correct me. Sincere thanks, truly. We talked about many paths to consider, relevant to my issue (a very heavy ride), all good and valuable. Thanx. I didn't know there were independent cymbal smiths (I doubt I can afford one today, but I don't even know THAT). I learned from 1949 Zildjian catalogs. What an incredible resource I can access by just asking a question of the group! I've learned that I may receive so much advice that I won't have time to thank everybody, wow (and I apologize in advance. I have to get a little sleep! If I don't thank you, it's not that I don't care, I'm a very slow typist). I'd never heard of Fredy Studer. That reference alone made my night. I may say "you guys", though I'm sure there are women in your ranks that will make my experience infinitely more valuable. Something about "I can see farther because I'm standing on the shoulders of those before me....". Last, maybe most importantly, "the list". I jumped right in to a comment about the list. I didn't show any respect for the list, like it was just a list of names. I reflect that the list is an incredible labor of blood, sweat, tears, knowledge and experience. I doubt there's another list anythinglike this one. I realized that in a week or 2, I've looked up drummers I thought I knew about, but didn't, and tremendous drummers I've never heard of. I feel a bit like I walked into a really nice place, sat in the middle, put my feet on the table, and told everybody ("out loud") what I thought This is way too nice a place to act that way! Seafroggys' response was measured, respectful, and appropriate. HE didn't't say I was a bit of a turd and a jerk....upon reflection, I'M saying I was a bit of turd and a jerk. Already (in a week or 2 on DF) I've come to really respect and appreciate what a great group of people you are, and I frankly need your help (there was no internet and no forums when I started). I hope I can kinda "start over", and nobody said I need to, but I do. Both of us stand to gain more from this relationship if I listen more than I speak. I'll have opinions and sarcastic quips, but I'm going to spectate more, to get to know the members and the forum better. I owe all of you that. This is an apology, but even more, it's an acknowledgement that I'm among a fantastic group of experts and people. If you'll let me (I think you might) I want to hang with you, to share all I can, to be a better drummer. I think that's why we're all here. I'm soon to lose my wife of 25 years and best friend for 35. I'm not trolling for sympathy. Life goes on. But playing drums has always challenged me and put a smile on my face. I'll need that, and I imagine more challenge and more smiles, earning a spot with all of you. I'm a retired physical therapist. I hope to present some aspects of my somewhat informed approach to increasing ambidexterity, if there's interest. Much love (an outdated expression I'll sincerely repeat), JM