Max on Swing PDF

[DrumGerry]

This is the Swing drummers' bible in terms of learning the basics. First published in 1934, this is a third edition print (my copy). No later than 1939 because one of the ads mentions Chick Webb in the present tense. Oh, and there's some vintage drum porn on the back pages (I'd shake those maracas!)

Enjoy!

https://ia601501.us.archive.org/33/items/MaxOnSwing/Max%20on%20Swing.pdf

 

[rondrums51]

Very cool.

 

[CSR]

Great stuff! Thank you for posting.

 

[LFBarfe]

Spoiling us as ever, Gerry. Thanks.

 

[DrumGerry]

Spoiling us as ever, Gerry. Thanks.

Prepare to be sick! At least 3 more to come. Some I'm reluctant to upload due to possible copyright infringement. Even though my particular copy of Gene Krupa's method is out of copyright, it's still in print and can be bought easily. I wouldn't feel right about scanning that. And I'm sure the publishers would have something to say (definite UK infringement according to our rules).

Having said that, Krupa's 'Science of Drumming' is fair game (not in print and doubt there was ever a UK copyright). It's a bit of a disappointing book, having said that. Not to worry, the next one I'll be posting is a corker.

 

[bonefamily]

Excellent - thanks Gerry!!

 

[Stone Wilcoxon]

Thanks! Keep it coming!

 

[Drumstickdude]

Thanks for posting very interesting, the only trouble is I haven't got a printer to copy it. There was another famous teacher called Max Abrams, he was from Scotland but based himself in London, a couple of ( older than me) local drummers studied with him, I have an old book of his from 1965 'techniques for the modern drummer".vyes it would be great to see some Krupa stuff.

 

[DrumGerry]

Thanks for posting very interesting, the only trouble is I haven't got a printer to copy it. There was another famous teacher called Max Abrams, he was from Scotland but based himself in London, a couple of ( older than me) local drummers studied with him, I have an old book of his from 1965 'techniques for the modern drummer".vyes it would be great to see some Krupa stuff.

That's a new one on me. Will have to look out for it, The only other UK drum tutors I have are bill Harty's book on Swing drumming (not as good as Max's, but still some good content here and there), and Jack Parnell's (second?) book on modern jazz drumming.

 

[audiochurch]

wow!! just started reading this. thanks so much!!!!!

 

[Drums]

"To and from: to and from. That is swing" Great stuff. Thanks!

 

[David Hunter]

Thank you for preserving and sharing this. Wow!

 

[Way Out Wardell]

Oh man, this is gold. I've got some reading to do!

 

[nmrk91]

Thanks for posting very interesting, the only trouble is I haven't got a printer to copy it. There was another famous teacher called Max Abrams, he was from Scotland but based himself in London, a couple of ( older than me) local drummers studied with him, I have an old book of his from 1965 'techniques for the modern drummer".vyes it would be great to see some Krupa stuff.

I’ve been searching for years for a copy of this book.

 

[Frank Godiva]

The treasure buried in the old threads….

 

[Matched Gripper]

“Here, then, is the very minimum necessary for the work of a swing Drummer:
A bass drum, with separate tension, which should not be smaller than 26 in. by 12 in. and can with advantage be larger than this.
A pair of spurs.
A bass-drum pedal, with medium-hard beater.
A snare drum.
A snare drum stand.
At least one cymbal and a strong holder for it.
A foot-cymbal pedal with a pair of cymbals.
A pair of sticks.
A pair of wire brushes.
These are the absolute necessities of your kit. . . .”
At pg. 13.

Maybe I should rethink bass drum size.

 

[RogersLudwig]

Bass drum no smaller than 26" x 12", can be larger!....

 

[Frank Godiva]

All acoustic back in the day. You had to make your own volume; no electronic assistance

 

[hsosdrum]

All acoustic back in the day. You had to make your own volume; no electronic assistance

Don't forget, back then you carried the beat all night '4 on the floor' with the bass drum. You need a large drum to keep the BD sound more of a pulse that rides under the music, carrying everything else on top of it and less of an actual note that tangles with the rest of the music.