Drummer Steve White launches a new Premier kit range – See the video.
Premier drums have launched of the ‘Modern Classic’ drum set, a range of three-piece kits that are very retro with nice clean tones and a top quality, up to date build quality’. The beginnings of the Modern Classic goes back to 2001, when it was launched as a snare range, inspired by old fashion drum design through the ages. The new Modern Classic drums draws on the original snare drums, redesigned for today’s player – the result of a cleaver collaboration between master drum craftsman Keith Keough and newly appointed Head of Education, legendary drummer Steve White.
“It is both an honour and a privilege to be asked to be part of the new team that are now running Premier,” said Steve. “As a musician I have always strived for progress and improvement, this new opportunity enables me to push and challenge myself in a way that has filled me with enthusiasm and excitement for the future”. Steve is to join Premier’s product development team, bringing experience and knowledge to the company.
Steve is the industry’s most respected drummers having turned professional at the age of 17. Throughout that time he is most recognised for his relationship with Paul Weller, having performed together for nearly a quarter of a century, firstly with the Style Council and then on Weller’s solo projects including the internationally acclaimed Stanley Road and Wild Wood albums. As a session musician Steve has played with numerous legends of the British music scene including The Who, Oasis, Ian Dury and Jon Lord. More recently Steve has focused on his own funk/jazz super-group trio of Damon Minchella (bass) and Justin Shearn (keys).
Steve returns to Premier having previously been involved with the brand as an artist and product consultant, leading to the development and introduction of the Modern Classic snare range and Premier Series Elite drum set range. Strategic objectives for the new position will include the implementation of a new education programme, partnering with key teachers and organisations, developing online tuition aids plus support for charitable and community projects.
Modern Classic drum kits are offered as three-piece shell packs: the Bebop 18 and Bebop 20 comprising of a 12”x8” rack tom, 14”x14 floor tom and 18”x14” or 20”x14” bass drum respectively. The Concert Master 22 is made up of a 13”x8” rack tom, 16”x14” floor tom and 22”x14” bass drum. Exclusively hand-crafted at Premier’s Custom Works in England, each model shares several key features including birch/mahogany shells; 4.5mm (8-ply) for the toms and 6mm (11-ply) for the bass drum, low-mass solid brass tube lugs, single-flange solid steel hoops, 30 degree round-over bearing edges and Remo USA Coated Ambassador heads.
All models are presented in two finishes – natural mahogany or birds-eye maple; protected by a hand-applied satin oil and complemented with contrasting wooden bass drum hoops. The Modern Classic finishes are produced as limited runs and will change seasonally in accordance with market trend. In addition there are two matching snare drums sold separately – 14”x4.5” and 14”x5.5”. These snares feature a three-position Dunnett R7C throw-off along with 7.5mm (14-ply) thick birch/mahogany shells. For an option to expand on the basic three-piece configuration, a selection of loose drums is available too. The new Modern Classic is available now, via Premier’s local authorized dealer network.
See Steve playing a Premier drum kit;