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View Full Version : Die-Nasty and Blue Devils getting divorced

Jazzycat1
10-09-2009, 10:39 AM
Dynasty USA / Blue Devils
Dynasty announces the end of an era with the Blue Devils organization. “The Blue Devils have been an amazing partner over the last 10 years. The organizations competition record has set new standards in the drum corps activity and Dynasty was proud to provide the equipment to make them a force over the last decade. The Blue Devils have been a huge part in helping us produce the finest Brass and Percussion instruments on the market. The Blue Devils have pursued many avenues over the last couple of years to create a stronger identity for their organization. The business endeavors of the organization are not in line with maintaining Dynasty’s current market plan. We wish the best for the Blue Devils and look forward to pursuing exciting new avenues for the growth of Dynasty USA." said Mark Schafer President of Dynasty USA.

Wonder if they are jumping on the Jupiter bandwagon, moving up to Yamaha drums and horns, or what?
You don't suppose they'd be moving to Pearl drums do you? (Actually heard a rumor they were going wih Pearl and King horns)...
PureRockFury
10-09-2009, 02:21 PM
Dynasty USA / Blue Devils
Dynasty announces the end of an era with the Blue Devils organization. “The Blue Devils have been an amazing partner over the last 10 years. The organizations competition record has set new standards in the drum corps activity and Dynasty was proud to provide the equipment to make them a force over the last decade. The Blue Devils have been a huge part in helping us produce the finest Brass and Percussion instruments on the market. The Blue Devils have pursued many avenues over the last couple of years to create a stronger identity for their organization. The business endeavors of the organization are not in line with maintaining Dynasty’s current market plan. We wish the best for the Blue Devils and look forward to pursuing exciting new avenues for the growth of Dynasty USA." said Mark Schafer President of Dynasty USA.

Wonder if they are jumping on the Jupiter bandwagon, moving up to Yamaha drums and horns, or what?
You don't suppose they'd be moving to Pearl drums do you? (Actually heard a rumor they were going wih Pearl and King horns)...

I knew this was coming. I also heard the rumour about Pearl drums. While Pearl's marching products are great no doubt, I would love to see them back on Yamaha. Considering the custom finish options are endless from Yamaha, I think they could get some fantastic drums. We all know BD sounded brilliant on Yamaha.
devildrums555
10-09-2009, 02:49 PM
Dude. Pearl and King is where it's at.
AL PERCIVAL
10-09-2009, 03:16 PM
October 9, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HEADLINE: PEARL WELCOMES THE CONCORD BLUE DEVILS

Nashville, TN- The Pearl Corporation is pleased to announce the addition of The Blue Devils Organization as the newest member of their elite Drum Corps International (DCI) roster. The Blue Devils have won a total of 13 DCI World Championships and 11 High Percussion Awards, and are the 2009 DCI World Champions and High Percussion Award recipients. As a perennial powerhouse in DCI, The Blue Devils have finished in DCI’s top 5 for the last 28 consecutive years.

Also joining Pearl’s roster of world-renowned artists and educators is The Blue Devils Percussion Director, Scott Johnson. Johnson is one of the most sought after percussion arrangers and marching percussion clinicians in the world today, with personal awards including 13 DCI championships, 12 DCI High Percussion Awards, 2 WGI Championships and the 1977 DCI Individual Snare Championship. The addition of both the Blue Devils and Scott Johnson fortifies an already impressive DCI roster that includes the Santa Clara Vanguard, Boston Crusaders, Blue Stars, Blue Knights, The Troopers and Spirit.

“We at the Pearl Corporation are very proud to have the Blue Devils and Scott Johnson as part of the Pearl family of artists,” said Rudy Gowern, Marketing and Product Manager for Pearl Marching Percussion. “We believe we manufacture the very best drums and percussion instruments available in the world today, along with distributing the amazing Adams family of instruments, and part of that confidence includes having the very best organizations stand behind your product.”
The Dreaming Tree
10-09-2009, 06:09 PM
NO WAY!!! Aghhh!!! :D

If only they'd go back to Vic Firth or with Innovative! That'd be a match made in heaven. But, no, the must stick with their ProMarks. Bleh.
Mr. Intensity
10-09-2009, 06:40 PM
This is going to be a fantastic move on the Blue Devils part. Not that I hate Dynasty, I do own one of their drums and I do love it to death, but I think they're going to sound so much better with the Pearl products.

Tree- If only they'd go back to Yamaha and Vic...those lines of the 90's were EPIC
PureRockFury
10-09-2009, 07:27 PM
This means all those Dynasty fanboys have to go buy Pearl drums. C'mon, no one actually likes the sound of Die-nasty drums.
ChiaPet
10-09-2009, 08:32 PM
My heart just shattered into a million pieces.


:(
Talon
10-09-2009, 08:49 PM
This means all those Dynasty fanboys have to go buy Pearl drums. C'mon, no one actually likes the sound of Die-nasty drums.

Unless they like countertops.
The Dreaming Tree
10-10-2009, 04:21 AM
This means all those Dynasty fanboys have to go buy Pearl drums. C'mon, no one actually likes the sound of Die-nasty drums.

Unless they like countertops.

Come on, you can't hate the Dynasty now that a certain Mr. Rennick has made them sound so amazing. I used to think they were okay, but after I heard PR's, I realized that BD's suck.
The Dreaming Tree
10-10-2009, 04:26 AM
Tree- If only they'd go back to Yamaha and Vic...those lines of the 90's were EPIC

Totally, but at least the Pearl's are a step in the right direction. And ProMark must've given BD one hell of a deal, because all of the System Blue crap is exactly what they had with Vic Firth, just with they're own full line of stuff, instead of of it being Scott Johnson's.

Personally, I think ProMark sticks don't sound nice nor last. And, their marching stick bags look terrible. I'm running VF right now, but am talking to an IP rep about an endorsement. Love both.
44Ronin
10-10-2009, 04:43 AM
Unless they like countertops.

Sounds like any typical modern drumline.
PureRockFury
10-10-2009, 07:00 AM
Come on, you can't hate the Dynasty now that a certain Mr. Rennick has made them sound so amazing. I used to think they were okay, but after I heard PR's, I realized that BD's suck.

Which were prototype drums that weren't available to all lines. I have had experience with old Dynasty drums when the only finish you could get was the red/black combination. They were always a tad boxy and dry. The modern drums don't sound much different.

I just hope BD takes advantage of that awesome bottom end Pearl bass drums have.
Mr. Intensity
10-10-2009, 10:22 AM
Which were prototype drums that weren't available to all lines. I have had experience with old Dynasty drums when the only finish you could get was the red/black combination. They were always a tad boxy and dry. The modern drums don't sound much different.

I just hope BD takes advantage of that awesome bottom end Pearl bass drums have.

If they were prototypes then they were no different than the drums they gave the Blue Devils as well; ChiaPet has one of the 2008 Phantom drums and other than the finish, he couldn't tell any difference between that drum, and say, my drum.

I get a good sound out of my drum, but I also know how to tune. Maybe the older drums spoiled your ears and now you never look at them the same, but I like my drum and I like the sound I get from it.

I do agree with you on the low end from the basses; Pearls basses make some noise and finally I'll be able to feel those lower drums.
The Dreaming Tree
10-10-2009, 02:03 PM
I do agree with you on the low end from the basses; Pearls basses make some noise and finally I'll be able to feel those lower drums.

I do want to feel them in my b*lls. It would complete BD's powerhouse brass... even though still can't compare with PR's. :D
ChiaPet
10-10-2009, 06:54 PM
Did anyone not realize what I just said earlier?

MY HEART JUST BROKE IN A MILLION PIECES!!
ChiaPet
10-10-2009, 06:56 PM
On a serious note..


I think BD is starting to get really full of themselves or at least the Directors, Owners, etc are. I mean look at it this way, Blue Devils are only leaving their current endorsements because they want their own line of products.

Seriously.


Yeh?
PureRockFury
10-10-2009, 08:23 PM
On a serious note..


I think BD is starting to get really full of themselves or at least the Directors, Owners, etc are. I mean look at it this way, Blue Devils are only leaving their current endorsements because they want their own line of products.

Seriously.


Yeh?

I'm not too keen on them jumping from company to company. Where does the loyalty and relationships lie? I have a feeling they have burned some serious bridges over the last decade switching brands like underwear.

Where can they go from here? Mapex? Ludwig? Back to Yamaha to start the cycle over again.

Certainly they will sound great on Pearl Drums, but don't expect it to last very long.
ChiaPet
10-10-2009, 08:38 PM
I'm not too keen on them jumping from company to company. Where does the loyalty and relationships lie? I have a feeling they have burned some serious bridges over the last decade switching brands like underwear.

Where can they go from here? Mapex? Ludwig? Back to Yamaha to start the cycle over again.

Certainly they will sound great on Pearl Drums, but don't expect it to last very long.

And I know for a fact that Pearl wouldn't give Blue Devils their own line of "System Blue Pearl Drums" since SCV has been with Pearl for DECADES.

I know that Vic Firth and Blue Devils really burned the relationship of the two. Sure, BD might say "We love VF and we hope they are successful in the future" but that's a damn lie. They only switched because of what's his name to caught up in the rear behind to realize that VF has been supporting Blue Devils ever since Scott Johnson joined BD.

Same thing with Dynasty, Dynasty gave them FREE HORNS every single year for the past 10 years? to use only if JUST the Percussion would field their drums. How much more support can you give a corps?

Blue Devils are starting to rot away with their "corporate" deals and "AMAZING SYSTEM BLUE!"
drumcorpbc
10-11-2009, 05:05 AM
It's all about the $$$ people. In this day and age of limited or no bingo support you've got to go where the money is. If someone is going to outfit my group with free horns, drums and pit equipment AND give me cash on top of that, you better believe that I'll do it. Whatever it takes to keep a group afloat.
PureRockFury
10-11-2009, 06:37 AM
It's all about the $$$ people. In this day and age of limited or no bingo support you've got to go where the money is. If someone is going to outfit my group with free horns, drums and pit equipment AND give me cash on top of that, you better believe that I'll do it. Whatever it takes to keep a group afloat.

Are people really that naive to think drum companies, are giving artists money to use their product. Not even close. They aren't handing them cash, or any form of electronic payment. Contracts are usually heavily discounted drums, access to parts, and support. Lots of it. Well someone companies have lots of support anyway...

Return of product is also usually in a contact. This allows you to return drums to be refinished or reconditioned for the next season.

BD could be getting equipment heavily discounted or possibly free, but I highly doubt the Pearl Corporation is giving them any kind of money to play Pearl drums.
drummer111
10-11-2009, 10:21 AM
my brother is in high school and they play dynasty percussion. they were going to purchase the BD drums this year and they didnt go thru with it. When they announced this on friday i texted my brother about the change all of his drumline couldnt believe it. i was lol all the way home
Jazzycat1
10-11-2009, 10:41 AM
Did anyone not realize what I just said earlier?

MY HEART JUST BROKE IN A MILLION PIECES!!

Look on the bright side: They may still be boring next year but they will sound a whole lot better! :eek:
ChiaPet
10-11-2009, 12:20 PM
Look on the bright side: They may still be boring next year but they will sound a whole lot better! :eek:

HULK..SMASH! :p
The Dreaming Tree
10-11-2009, 05:46 PM
Look on the bright side: They may still be boring next year but they will sound a whole lot better! :eek:

Yeah, but if this were the Cavies or Vanguard we were talking about, that would suck.

As for the Blue Devils, I have always felt that they care more for the look than the sound. Take their drum breaks, for example. They always seem to overplay, and while impressive, it comes across sloppy (for DCI standards). I know ScoJo and whoever else writes some amazing books, but still, they haven't had a truly earth-shatteringly solid battery in years.
DrumYoda
10-12-2009, 01:52 AM
Yeah, but if this were the Cavies or Vanguard we were talking about, that would suck.

... They always seem to overplay, and while impressive, it comes across sloppy (for DCI standards)...

That is an interesting , if possibly erroneous notion, to use the terms "standards" and "DCI" in the same sentence. The so called standards for judging the drum corps activity began to fade into the ether years ago. One has only to view the performances from the so called "Top Corps in the World" from this year's finals to see, and in some cases, hear things that would never have passed muster in the past.
The Dreaming Tree
10-13-2009, 02:49 PM
That is an interesting , if possibly erroneous notion, to use the terms "standards" and "DCI" in the same sentence. The so called standards for judging the drum corps activity began to fade into the ether years ago. One has only to view the performances from the so called "Top Corps in the World" from this year's finals to see, and in some cases, hear things that would never have passed muster in the past.

Oh, I completely understand. A lot of DCI books are written with flashy parts: flams and the like all over the place, not a whole lot of substance any more. Kind of sad.
ChiaPet
10-14-2009, 08:46 PM
Oh, I completely understand. A lot of DCI books are written with flashy parts: flams and the like all over the place, not a whole lot of substance any more. Kind of sad.

That's probably because we're into a new decade of drumming.

Hardly anything is simple and musical anymore.

Most of the notes played now are usually fast, auighiwyuaghiwagh type of notes.


:p
44Ronin
10-15-2009, 07:08 PM
Go back to steambents and slings
Jazzycat1
10-19-2009, 02:24 PM
Go back to steambents and slings

Now you're talking! :D
The Dreaming Tree
10-20-2009, 01:05 AM
Now you're talking! :D

Cooperman? Mylar? Straight lines on the 50? Can we add them too?!?!? Oh, please, oh, please?!? :D
devildrums555
10-20-2009, 07:01 AM
Cooperman? Mylar? Straight lines on the 50? Can we add them too?!?!? Oh, please, oh, please?!? :D

And company fronts and 2 valves!
Jazzycat1
10-20-2009, 08:13 AM
This thread keeps getting better!:D
The Dreaming Tree
10-20-2009, 03:21 PM
And company fronts and 2 valves!

Mmmm... tasty. Shall we hire a Mr. Float to teach this line?
DrumYoda
10-20-2009, 11:26 PM
Mmmm... tasty. Shall we hire a Mr. Float to teach this line?

Having worked with Tom in the past, I believe that he is fully capable of turning out a top notch line regardless of the equipment used.
The Dreaming Tree
10-21-2009, 02:44 AM
Having worked with Tom in the past, I believe that he is fully capable of turning out a top notch line regardless of the equipment used.

Totally agreed. He churned out some of the best lines during his time.
ChiaPet
10-21-2009, 11:19 PM
I just talked to one of my friends who marched Blue Devils last season (he marched trumpet) and he said King Horns gave Blue Devils a deal UNMATCHED to Dynasty's.


Or I think it's King Horns...isn't it?

:confused:
devildrums555
10-22-2009, 10:10 AM
I just talked to one of my friends who marched Blue Devils last season (he marched trumpet) and he said King Horns gave Blue Devils a deal UNMATCHED to Dynasty's.


Or I think it's King Horns...isn't it?

:confused:

Unmatched as in unequal? Because that can go both ways. And is probably the case anyway. But do you mean as in a lot better?

Because King horns blow. In the best way. :D
The Dreaming Tree
10-22-2009, 02:26 PM
Because King horns blow. In the best way. :D

Oh, I see what you did there. :cool:
ChiaPet
10-22-2009, 10:40 PM
Unmatched as in unequal? Because that can go both ways. And is probably the case anyway. But do you mean as in a lot better?

Because King horns blow. In the best way. :D

Like King Horns gave Blue Devils a deal they couldn't pass up.
Jazzycat1
10-23-2009, 08:09 AM
Like King Horns gave Blue Devils a deal they couldn't pass up.


So maybe they will be loud this year? :D
The Dreaming Tree
10-23-2009, 03:12 PM
So maybe they will be loud this year? :D

And the drums will sound nice. BD might be a full-fledged Corps-sounding Corps one day soon!
Ehrin
10-23-2009, 06:54 PM
BD switching to Pearl will be a similar sound to the '90s era Yamaha lines. The Yamahas they were using 11 years ago were custom maple shelled. While I'm excited about the improved tone they should have, I too am pretty much over the flashy displays of muscle memory that have replaces musicality and actual technical ability.
Jazzycat1
10-26-2009, 07:06 AM
BD switching to Pearl will be a similar sound to the '90s era Yamaha lines. The Yamahas they were using 11 years ago were custom maple shelled. While I'm excited about the improved tone they should have, I too am pretty much over the flashy displays of muscle memory that have replaces musicality and actual technical ability.

I agree they will sound better in both drums and horns. All world class DCI Yamaha lines are custom made with maple shells. At least until a corps decides they like the sound of birch again. That's straight from the Yamaha Sales Rep. After I bought my Madison snare I asked him what was up because I could tell the shell was maple and he confirmed that.
The Dreaming Tree
10-27-2009, 05:33 PM
I agree they will sound better in both drums and horns. All world class DCI Yamaha lines are custom made with maple shells. At least until a corps decides they like the sound of birch again. That's straight from the Yamaha Sales Rep. After I bought my Madison snare I asked him what was up because I could tell the shell was maple and he confirmed that.

Doug said the same. And I didn't get the Cavies snare, by the way. Too tight on money, and it just wasn't the right timing.
Mr Johnson
11-10-2009, 07:57 PM
One of the earlier posts touched on what an organization might get "paid" to play a certain brand of drums. In nearly every corps I've been in, the deal for the horns drives the selection of the drum company. Corps spend WAY more money for their brass line then they do on the battery so from a cost stand point, the board of directors looks at how to pay the bills for the horns first and sadly the battery and front ens is usually a secondary thought.

In the lines where we were endorsed by "Brand Y" the standard deal was that the group could buy a new battery (drums, carriers, etc) roughly at cost, get a bunch of free parts every spring to get the drums in shape for the next year. Then after two years they could buy another new set (again roughly at cost) and sell the old set to a HS or university for whatever they could. If the group took good care of them, they might be lucky enough to make a few dollars on the deal. If you beat the snot out of them, you were going to be out a few dollars, but you could still sell the equipment for near cost because there is so much mark up in retails sales.

Now keep in mind, none of the groups I've played with had anywhere near the clout of BD so I can only imagine their deal would be better. Maybe horns at cost and we'll throw in a new battery for you every year or something along those lines.

Ryan J
drumer93
12-05-2009, 01:49 PM
Cooperman? Mylar? Straight lines on the 50? Can we add them too?!?!? Oh, please, oh, please?!? :D

Marching timpani?????
:eek:
drumer93
12-05-2009, 01:53 PM
And maybe BD will use .... mylar bottom heads.. :o
But this next year will definatly be interesting for the Blue devils.
Mr. Intensity
12-05-2009, 03:28 PM
And maybe BD will use .... mylar bottom heads.. :o
But this next year will definatly be interesting for the Blue devils.

They used mylar in 2006. Check out the Bluesmoke DVD, there's a few shots during the portion where the snare tech talks about the sound he gets from the drums; you can see the bottom heads are mylar with the snares taped in the center and at the edge of the guts. There's also another random shot where I swear there's a Evans MS3 on the bottom of one of the drums.
drumer93
12-05-2009, 07:06 PM
Ahh. Thanks for the insight. Last year they used MX5's, didnt they?
Mr. Intensity
12-05-2009, 09:22 PM
Ahh. Thanks for the insight. Last year they used MX5's, didnt they?

I believe so; those with the Hybrid Grey's.