This past Tuesday we at Drummer Connection decided to take a trip from Orlando out to Tampa Bay Florida to scout out some of the area drum stores. We also needed to purchase some more gear and possibly another set for the studio, so our entire day was focused on the shopping experience. While on our road trip, we did not reveal ourselves as Drummer Connection until we had a chance to get an unbiased opinion of what it would be like go shop at these places.

More.................

All Pro Percussion, Tampa, FL

Damian, Keith and Myself arrived at All Pro Percussion. We found out about this shop through several advertisements, as well as some pictures on the Pearl Drummers Forum. It was the pictures on that site perked my interests which made that our first stop for the day. Upon arriving at All Pro Percussion, the first thing I noticed was the store's outside appearance was very nice, despite the fact its buried in a shopping center that is pretty complicated to navigate if you've never been there. Once you find it though, you'll know for sure (hint: look around for a Bar-B-Q place that has a line a mile long out the door and you'll probably find All Pro Percussion). The store front is very well distinguished with a nicely designed Logo.

(All Pro Percussion - Tampa, Fl)

Upon entering the store you can't help but notice the outstanding showroom of exotic and popular drumsets that were on display. There was no doubt in my mind that we were in the right place. Typically when you walk into a drum store, you're scouted out a little before being greeted (commission thing?), not here. We were greeted by Manager Bill Mink in a friendly manner which set the tone for an easy shopping experience. I think the treatment is special at All Pro Percussion because of Bill's 20+ years experience in Retail for music equipment and he's an experienced drummer as well. It's that kind of combination in store management that really makes this store above the usual national chains and definitely sets them apart from standard family or "Mom and Pop" style music stores. This place is classy for sure.

Despite the fact we were prepared to buy some stuff today, this amazing DW Exotic Koa Collector's Edition set with Gold Plated Hardware, we had to pass it up as we were on a mission for recording gear. The store price for this kit was around $4,000 which is pretty nice considering the kit lists at almost $8,000. If I keep thinking about it, we may own it before long, so check it out while its still there! This kit is virtually unplayed because the crew at All Pro Percussion realize that it's important to preserve the stock heads and hardware as much as possible while still displaying the kit fashionably. When asked if we could play it, there was some hesitation to let us do so, but we were granted permission if we were serious about a purchase (which was/is the case). However... we opted not to play this kit in order to preserve its virgin integrity. Thanks anyways Dave! Maybe soon...

After looking around for a few, the Owner David Robinson introduced himself to us and we began some very interesting conversations. It turns out that All Pro Percussion has been in business only four months. Comparing their current stock with the time in business, we have to say that this store is impressive. Currently the store stocks primarily Zildjian based cymbals, but we were assured that Meinl line is coming very soon and the display is set to occupy a nice part of the store.

Overall this store has very strong points for being the ultimate place for your percussion needs. I highly encourage you to check them out and purchase from them if possible. These are the stores that drummers should unite behind because they are willing to take the chances and offer you a wide variety of products you cannot get in a major chain. We wish All Pro Percussion great success and we'll be shopping their when we visit Tampa, Fl.

Guitar Center - Tampa, FL

About a 30 minute drive across town and we arrived at Guitar Center. Tampa's Guitar Center is typically located in a strip mall. It has almost a "Bouncer-Like" feel as you walk in and are instantly greeted with the security booth. Beyond the cattle chute you are spit out into a mass array of drums,guitar, and pro-audio equipment. As usual these stores are like mazes,once you get sucked in its fun to try to find your way out. We visited the Drum Department and no greetings were offered as the two guys behind the counter were doing their daily unpacking of the mass produced drum gear. They were talking about something that happened last night, so we just browsed around for about 5 - 10 minutes then on our way out of the department we were asked by someone else if we needed anything. Upon later return, the sales guys insisted that we purchase the Neil Peart DW Snare Drum for around ($800?) but we kindly passed this time around.

Unfortunately, there were some awesome kits in this store but they were stacked up in the middle of a drum forest of unassembled drum kits, so we couldn't really see much. Some nice DW, Pearl, Gretsch, PDP and DDrum kits, but all were tucked away and unable to easily be seen. However, one kit caught the eye of our young Keith. He was very interested in the 4 piece DW Birdseye Maple and when he started playing on the kit, he was asked to stop by the employees who worked there. Kind of sad, as we were hoping to get to hear that kit out, but we had another agenda at this store.

I have been in hunt for a Studio Desk on this trip and Guitar Center ironically is one of the only major chains that actually stocks them with rack-mount capabilities. So, we found a nice desk there by KK Audio and we purchased it along with some used JBL studio monitors for a few hundred bucks off, so we accomplished something there. Thanks to Jason Torres who helped us out and even loaded the desk in the truck for us. This is one of the Pro Audio Departments that did well. Usually I shop at our Guitar Center's Pro Audio and end up getting sold the wrong cable (Female or Male? It does matter when you live 30 miles away from Guitar Center!) so I have found restored faith in Guitar Center's overall Pro Audio departments.

Overall, it's a Guitar Center. Not quite a replica chain like Wal-Mart where you're lucky to walk into one that was flipped backwards on the floor plan, but it is Guitar Center and they are known for typically having what you need. If you're in Tampa and need the usual plug, cord or a set of sticks, you *can* get them here.

Sam Ash - Tampa, FL

We were hoping to go to Sam Ash in Clearwater FL, but we ended up here due to time limitations. This Sam Ash was definitely hidden away in a shopping center, in fact if we didn't have GPS we would have more than likely missed it. Regardless, their Drum Department is impressive. We noticed some rare drum kits on display in a stage like setup. Sam Ash typically finds creative ways to display their kits without allowing people to play on them, and this store had a nice arrangement. What I really liked was the fact they carried Drum Tuning System (DTS) and even Beatnik Rythm Pads. These are two revolutionary products that I think every drummer should investigate and they are carried right there in Sam Ash for immediate purchase. The three of us also tested our fastest single stroke rolls on the Drumometer, the only place I have ever seen one on display.

The staff members in the Drum Department were occupied unloading some stock and greeted us right as we walked in just to let us know they would be up front if we needed anything. That's pretty cool, and nothing makes it easier for you to hang out in the drum department than not having someone who's aching for commissions hanging on your back, so the quick greeting was very adequate, better than not being greeted at all, and definitely better than being stalked in the store by a sales person. So we poked around and unfortunately, didn't need to purchase anything here. But if you need some nice Roland V-Drums or any Roland, Gretsch, DW, Pearl and etc products, this place has them.The Pro Audio department here was pretty big, but they didn't stock any studio desks, so we went back to Guitar Center to pick ours up.

Sam Ash in Tampa is a typical music store who samples in all of the varieties of musical instruments. They've got just about anything you need, so it's right in there with Guitar Center.

Overall, this visit to Tampa yielded some good results. We discovered a new place to call home with All Pro Percussion. We look forward to working with them should we be in the Tampa, FL area again.