Professional Drum Shop MIGHT have to relocate!!!

[TK-421]

FYI, this is down the street from where I live in LA, and every single one of these buildings is residential. And this is just one of many places in the city where you'll find them. Considering how expensive land is here, OF COURSE there are high-rise condos, which maximize sellable real estate on a plot of land.

As for Pro Drums, I agree that particular neighborhood is a bit too old and janky for a modern high-rise to be built in that spot. But I could see something else getting built there. Hopefully not though.

 

[Drumming dog]

There's also Nakatomi Plaza . . .

No, Bruce blew that one up

 

[Myetkt]

I remember getting a job playing at the Beverly Wilshire hotel. A big deal for a kid just getting started. Only catch was I needed to join the musician’s union. Turned out the union was just down the street from the pro shop. I went in that day and many times after. Hate to see them have to move.

 

[Nubs]

I visited the shop for the first and only time back in December. What a wonderful place! The owner was very welcoming and showed me around the whole place. There is definitely no shortage of history there!

I bought my beloved Rebel brass from their shop. I'm sorry to hear they have to move!

 

[hsosdrum]

I remember getting a job playing at the Beverly Wilshire hotel. A big deal for a kid just getting started. Only catch was I needed to join the musician’s union. Turned out the union was just down the street from the pro shop. I went in that day and many times after. Hate to see them have to move.

Local 47 was just across the street from Pro Drum Shop*. In fact, that's why Bob Yeager decided to open the store at that location.

*Local 47 has since moved their office to a location right near Burbank Airport.

 

[Slingwig26]

Local 47 was just across the street from Pro Drum Shop*. In fact, that's why Bob Yeager decided to open the store at that location.

*Local 47 has since moved their office to a location right near Burbank Airport.

New location for all new Airport Drum Shop- Burbank!

 

[sjrcass]

I was there about a week ago and no news…it’s still a “might.”

I agree that it would be well nigh impossible to capture the vibe in a new location…and also that this isn’t the most attractive location for a big residential project, so hopefully Stan and Co. will continue to prosper on Vine. Nicest, most welcoming bunch of guys you could ever hope to meet.

 

[retroplate]

One of the things which may figure in is that Local 47 moved from across the street out to Pasadena, from what I understand. I always try to drop in when I'm in the area. Crusty, dusty and musty - yes - but the kind of hang that can't be replicated easily!

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[John DeChristopher]

40 years ago, in July of 1985, at the wise age of 24, I made the pilgrimage from Boston to Los Angeles to seek fame and fortune as a drummer. It didn’t quite turnout that way, but more on that later…

The first music store I visited was Pro Drum Shop in Hollywood. With my trustee Thomas Guide in-hand, I made the voyage allllll the way from Canoga Park in the West Valley, to Hollywood. And thanks to said Thomas Guide, it was a cinch.

I vaguely remember seeing Stan Keyawa, and his dad the legendary Bob Yeager, but really I was there to take it all in and don’t recall much of that first visit. Staring at the photos and history in that shop is like nowhere else. I vaguely remember someone who looked like Jerry Keyawa trying to sell me a watch and a Hollywood Star Map in the parking lot behind the shop! And come to think of it, an oil well in Griffith Park!

Pro Drum wasn’t a Simmons dealer (who I was working for when I moved to LA) but a year or so later when working at DW, I began my friendship with Stan, and spoke with Bob on a few occasions. And I’ve visited the shop dozens and dozens of times since then.

All this is to say, 40 years later, I couldn’t feel any more honored than seeing Stan and Jerry wearing my swag! What a trip. It turned out ok after all.

And that oil well in Griffith Park that Jerry sold me in 1985 finally struck oil in 2013, which allowed me to retire from the music industry

Love these guys.

 

[wflkurt]

I was able to visit there in 1998. I had always wanted to go as I had heard so many stories about the place. It was more than cool and I certainly hope they don't have to move as that would be a real shame. I remember there was an upright bass store pretty much next door and I went in to have a peak. I wouldn't even know where to begin with an upright bass but I'm a fan of all musical instruments. It was a little cramped in there and I think the cheapest bass I saw was probably around $20,000 with the prices going up over $100,000. Didn't stay in there long. I was afraid to breathe in that place. Lol. Still cool though.

 

[three dots]

The pro drumshop:
I remember a big wooden crate in front of the desk where one could look for random spare parts.
Simmons and LA:
And around 85 i remember attenting a simmons event somewhere in LA held by Simmons, they had Vinnie demonstrate Simmon Drums and they had free finger food and drinks - the place was filled with working drummers in and around from LA.

A friend of mine took me there as he was one of the earlies Linn 900 users and heavy into hybride studio recording.
So John de Christopher might have been there as well when working for Simmons ?

I also remember the Union and a huge big regestry book with all the Union members with their adress and phone number- .
Also in that time they had a few musicians contact services who just manged players - also a special agent just for boat gigs and harbour bars casuals.

Most working guys had there own telephon services to make appointments for gigs and all.

A vibrant time.
Anybody who could kind of hold a pair of sticks had work, chewed on juicy steaks and had a decent car.

 

[dingaling]

40 years ago, in July of 1985, at the wise age of 24, I made the pilgrimage from Boston to Los Angeles to seek fame and fortune as a drummer. It didn’t quite turnout that way, but more on that later…

The first music store I visited was Pro Drum Shop in Hollywood. With my trustee Thomas Guide in-hand, I made the voyage allllll the way from Canoga Park in the West Valley, to Hollywood. And thanks to said Thomas Guide, it was a cinch.

I vaguely remember seeing Stan Keyawa, and his dad the legendary Bob Yeager, but really I was there to take it all in and don’t recall much of that first visit. Staring at the photos and history in that shop is like nowhere else. I vaguely remember someone who looked like Jerry Keyawa trying to sell me a watch and a Hollywood Star Map in the parking lot behind the shop! And come to think of it, an oil well in Griffith Park!

Pro Drum wasn’t a Simmons dealer (who I was working for when I moved to LA) but a year or so later when working at DW, I began my friendship with Stan, and spoke with Bob on a few occasions. And I’ve visited the shop dozens and dozens of times since then.

All this is to say, 40 years later, I couldn’t feel any more honored than seeing Stan and Jerry wearing my swag! What a trip. It turned out ok after all.

And that oil well in Griffith Park that Jerry sold me in 1985 finally struck oil in 2013, which allowed me to retire from the music industry

Love these guys. View attachment 738569

I wanted to move to LA after college 20 years ago. My midwestern mother was 100% convinced it was going to fall in the ocean soon and basically forbid me to move there. So I ended up in nyc. Still wonder how things would have turned out if my mom wasn’t so nuts and I made that pilgrimage. I guess it’s not too late but every time I start to consider it something happens that puts it off.