The next company I'm recommending is Cerwin-Vega. If I had to rate this company I would give it 10 STARS, and put them at the top of my list for several reasons,--product cost, --quality of product, --reliability of product, --and the fact that the entire staff at the factory stands behind every product they sell, in both service and all kinds of tech help.There is no competition for this Great company anywhere in the world, and I'm going to tell you why I think that way.

. . . . . . If it concerns the reproduction of music, and its going to involve a speaker system that sounds better than anything else on the market, you will soon become aware, that its not only the production of outstanding products that make a company great, but what is as important, is the ability to find someone there you can talk to, if you have a real problem. Remember what I said, previously? I have had this experience with several other companies, and more than once. Once you buy the product, if you have a problem a year or two down the road, these companies either outright deny you the service you would expect an honest company to offer, and keep putting you off with all kinds of excuses.

. . . . . . I once had a company whose hard drive I bought at $800.00 tell me,"you didn't know about this, well --everyone else in the industry knows,-- you have to expect to REPLACE it every year or so. So what do you want us to do, you got almost 12 months of use out of it, didn't you?". I would expect a company to tell me that in the beginning, and at least I could be aware of the problem BEFORE I bought it. That way I could make an appraisal of my situation, but some companies are not honest enough to do that.

. . . . . .Then I had completely the opposite dealings with a guy I only met, on the phone, from Cerwin-Vega, by the name of Rich Mandella, although it could have been almost anyone there in service. When I told him I had a problem with a Cerwin-Vega speaker I had bought 2 years ago, and it wasn't working at all. He told me who to take it to, I brought it to them, and upon inspection and with one phone call, it was taken care of for me. Try that with any other company, I dare you. With Cerwin-Vega the policy is, there is "always" someone there to listen to any problem, and then to try to help out in ANY way they can.

. . . . . . . I realise that a lot of people connect the name of CERWIN-VEGA to the D.J. industry which they have always dominated. What I didn't realise was, what a great reputation they also have in home audio and theatre systems, and all of this is led by their complete dominance of their standard setting PRO-AUDIO DIVISION which spearheads the development of all of the products at Cerwin-Vega. I have met people who would not own anything but Cerwin-Vega speakers, and have been enjoying them in their house, club, or a restaurant they said they owned for years.

. . . . . . . Do you know why they have such a great reputation, not only by the public at large, but especially among DJ's who make their living playing music? The one criteria for all D.J.s is that the MUSIC must sound great, and that the sound system can be turned up without distortion. That's what Cerwin-Vega does best of all,-- reproduce live or recorded music, at full volume that is positively super-clean. The Cerwin-Vega name on your speakers, means, that you demand the very best in music reproduction. CERWIN-VEGA speakers are known for their absolute clarity, which can be listened to, (if desired) at great volume. This fact puts their Pro-Audio Systems in great demand in outdoor venues as well.


They also build custom systems to fit specific venues, and specialised configurations on an ongoing basis. Building sound systems to fit particular venues, takes years of experience, and this is something else that this company excels at, led by its research and development division. The division of Pro-Audio is piloted by the owner of this great company Gene Czerwinski, who for over five decades, has gained worldwide RESPECT for his advanced theories, in articles that he's written and published about the design and the engineering of speakers. I find his explanations about sound displacement, and distortion to be, both astounding, and innovative, to say the least.

. . . . . The leader of this great company owns over 200 patents, most of which are concerning new discoveries about the correlation between the reproduction of sound, and its reacting distortion, in relationship to the design of speaker systems. I've never heard him mention anything about what other companies might be doing that is of any noteworthiness. He marches to the beat of his own drummer. Gene, and his family owned company, are always "leading the way", with new ideas about the design for entire speaker systems, and the cabinets that house them. Through some very hard work, in conjunction with the guidance I have received from Gene Czerwinski in the last 8 years, I have had conferred on me, the honorary position of "Artist in Residence" so to speak, and consider this to be a position of distinction, and very high responsibility. At N.A.M.M., which I've been to, and performed at, for the last 8 years, I noticed, that everybody usually comes through the Cerwin-Vega encampment to see what new and innovative speaker design he's showing at this particular show, or to pick up his latest written text, on his current "findings". The interest by other companies about CERWIN-VEGA, and what this leader in the industry is doing, that's new, always amazes me.

. . . . . . . I am aware that CERWIN-VEGA speakers have always sounded better than anything else that I could find. Believe me I am always listening with deep interest. Every year, in the four days that the show runs, I always go around to the other companies booths to listen, and see, if, I might by some slim chance, be missing anything. You see I'm always conscious of how I sound.

. . . . . I'm always listening to other speaker systems that other people are using, but, in over 8 years I've never found anything that sounds nearly as good,- ANYWHERE! Most important, ALL of the CERWIN-VEGA products are backed by a lasting reputation, that has been built up with over 50 years of product reliability, and unsurpassed customer service. Think about how important that could be to you, too.

. . . . . . If you are thinking about speakers, or have a problem and don't know who in the industry you can get to give you straight advice, call CERWIN-VEGA today, (805-584-9332) if you have any problems regarding speakers,ask them, and see. They will use all of their resources, from the people in customer service, to the great staff in RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT to help resolve the problem, and give you the answers you need, and more than likely supply the exact products, to do the job.

. . . . . . As far as CERWIN-VEGA is concerned, I feel, there is NO competition. Go to your nearest store, and, ask for a demonstration of their speaker systems. Then play through any of their speakers, and if you'd like to, --call the factory and ask some questions. You'll SEE, you WILL get someone on the phone to help. These are just some of the reasons, why I can honestly say that, "I'm going to play CERWIN-VEGA - until I die.

. . . . . . .Mr. Czerwinski once said to me "You know this company was started a long time ago because I couldn't find any speakers that could reproduce live music with any kind of quality, so I decided to build some." When he was younger he devoted himself to aerospace electro-acoustics in the daytime, and on his own time at night, he pursued his audio research.

. . . . . . .He founded Vega associates in 1954. In 1955, Gene Czerwinski developed a 10,000 watt transistorised power amplifier for the U.S. NAVY, which was used for Sonar applications. A little later he introduced the first solid state hi-fi amplifier, with a 125 watt RMS rating that made it a powerhouse by the standards of its time. By the early 70's, -- 80% of the good electrified bass performed in concert, or used in studios, were emanating from Cerwin-Vega speaker systems.

. . . . . . .In 1974 with the introduction of the motion picture "Earthquake", the sound system (SENSURROUND) was developed as part of a joint venture between Cerwin-Vega and MCA (Universal Studios), and the system won an ACADEMY AWARD for special technical achievement. He invented and patented the THERMO-VAPOR Suspension system, utilising a soft, compressible gas in the loudspeaker enclosure--- resulting in greater output and lower distortion in compact speaker formats.

. . . . . . Cerwin-Vega also developed the much heralded SUFT-FET driver system, (for spiral uniform force thin film electromagnetic transducer), it is one of the most sophisticated speaker systems ever developed for use in the home. To bring us full circle, Cerwin-Vega's engineering efforts paralleled the development of digital audio technology. Cerwin-Vega's Digital Series of speakers are another example of innovation, foresight, and design excellence, and will serve as yet, another landmark in the history of this great company.

. . . . . . Gene and I developed a close relationship from the very first day we met over 8 years ago, and his far-seeing vision, and obsessive hard work attitude, has become a model for me to follow for the rest of my life. I also found, that along with being a very private person, he has a fun loving attitude about life, that is led by a lifelong desire to build the best speaker systems that can be built anywhere in the world. He has spent a lot of time telling me about his theories on sound, and all of the advanced ideas he has about the problems that have arisen over the years to produce it at the level and quality his company has acquired.

. . . . . . He brings into complete focus, the whole concept of what it is to have a dream, and then spend the rest of your life, bringing your dream to reality, through some very hard work, and perseverance. I consider Gene Czerwinski to be one of the closest friends I have ever had in my life. The reason I have grown to love him so much, is that he really loves great music (we have the same "mistress"), and throughout his life, his fervor to reproduce it with absolute clarity has never faltered.

. . . . . Everyone, that knows him, admires him, not only for his technical knowledge pertaining to audio and engineering, but most people realise that he really is a genius. Just look at the patents that he has produced, and --that are still coming from him, year after year. What is even more astounding to me is, no matter what is going on in his life, according to everyone that knows him, he is a living example, of the meaning of the words " Ultimate HUMANITARIAN".

. . . . . . I consider him to be the one person in my life, other than my Dad, that has touched and effected my life, in a real personal and musical sense. I found him to be a "unique individualist", who has gained a well earned reputation for taking that persona to the extreme. I could tell you several hilarious stories that would have everyone falling on the floor and dying from laughter, but I cant repeat any of them, because then he would stop, ( of course he wouldn't), and this laughter is a part of the friendship between only the two of us, and comes from two guys being joined at the heart, and in love with the same "woman" called,-- JAZZ.

. . . . . . .I play his speaker systems, because they are the very best sounding speakers I could find. As God would have it, after introducing us to each other, and I got to know him personally, I couldn't believe how much we had in common regarding our real love and respect, just for good music itself. Our friendship flourished, as our respect for each other has grown, and the realisation that we both feel the same way, about a whole lot of things concerning life, in general. This has brought us as close as two individuals could ever be.

. . . . . . In conclusion I realise, as far as the company is concerned, here he is, some 50 years later after first starting this great company, with innumerable patents and inventions, he, and his family are still building great speaker systems. Furthermore, he's producing new systems, year after year, that have the kind of efficiency, which is unparalleled, and certainly leads the entire industry. CERWIN-VEGA has always been at the fore-front for leading the way with exciting new products and innovative ideas.

. . . . . . The products they produce are always superior when compared to anything else because of their super clean sound. God bless "CERWIN-VEGA", "Gene", the entire "CZERWINSKI" family, and all of the personnel. People always say "I sound GREAT". ---- "I KNOW I do". -- The reason you see, is that Gene Czerwinski and the Cerwin-Vega company stand alone in their belief, that the development of speakers and their related sound systems are driven by the capability of reproducing very complex music.

. . . . . . This philosophy ties Cerwin-Vega directly in to the quality of the performance of musicians, the complexity of the music, and its very clean and high-powered, reproduction. Both Gene Czerwinski, his family, and his company Cerwin-Vega, have also been very influential in their development of MAMA, which is a non-profit organization devoted to the preservation of music of culturally significant artists. This Recording Company, founded in the loving memory of his wife, is also dedicated to the preservation of good music for time immemorial. In its support for jazz education, MAMA Records furnishes CD's, free of charge to qualified school libraries nationwide. These recordings are also available for sale to the general public. This company has as its goal the production of state-of-the-art digital recordings of the finest jazz and big band musicians that the commercial labels are passing up.

. . . . . . In an ongoing basis, and over a long period of time, a close relationship has been developed between Cerwin-Vega and some great world class musicians. There is a common respect and bond between this company, and the people who create this music. This is the reason that I feel such a strong affinity, not only to a friend, but to what he and his family deeply believe in, the development of "good music", and its reproduction. Please support a company that supports musicians, your ears will never be sorry! If you can find "Gene" tell him I said "HELLO"

When you want to play drums that are manufactured for industrial strength performances, and not worry, whether or not they'll take a real pounding, that is the ultimate question in the back of your mind. "Can they stand up under the test of time, of constantly setting the drum kit up, and then breaking the drum kit down, time after time, month after month?" Then, can this electronic drum kit take all the physical pounding that assorted different styles of drummers will exert, without ever malfunctioning? If you are playing DAUZ ,as I have been for the last 7 years, then the answer is, ---YES! ---Definitely.

. . . . . . That's why when I recommend DAUZ electronic drums, I know I am giving the best advice I can, to help someone else, that may not have the info I've got. I defy anyone to find a finer, more reliable electronic drum-kit anywhere in the world. It's DAUZ and only DAUZ for me. If you cant find them, just go to the top of this article, and click on the DAUZ logo, and presto---you will be talking to the president of the company. ----------- Tell Dan Dauz I said "HELLO"

Rated absolutely #1, by me and other critical people in the industry, for sound quality and creativity. Lexicon sound processors are insisted on, by most of the great stars in the recording industry, and are carried as standards, in all of the top name studios they use. They are also my first call. The effects are amazing, and the same time, very transparent. Their processing gives a track, voice, or any particular drum and percussion sound, a whole new perspective, and sound of its own. Nobody's products, are in as much demand worldwide, as "LEXICON".

. . . . . . . They are the one company, whose effects, for me, are essential. After listening to their new MPX-1 processor, I decide to buy one, and use it exclusively for my first Sampling CD. This great sound processor allowed me complete flexibility in the modifications of both individual sounds, and completed rhythm tracks. This special single rack space processor is loaded with all kinds of performance modifying possibilities. It is interactive from the front panel, allowing the user to set tap-tempo's for delays timings etc., and instantly access all other parameters. I have recently added the PCM-81 Sound Processor to my bag of tricks, along with its PCM-80 Dual FX Card, and feel the music I am about to produce for my next series of Sampling CD's will surpass anything I have heard yet, from anyone. You can do it too, listen to these great devices at your nearest store, or read about them on the LEXICON web site, by just clicking on the LEXICON logo at the top of this info.

. . . . . . . This was, for me, the exact weapon of choice. This first CD has already won national recognition because of some of the unique and distinctive ways I was able to modify my percussion tracks with this MPX-1. How's that for bang for the buck? My first CD, and only one product from LEXICON= 1 AWARD. For years since first owning one of the old 'Echo-plex' units, I have been entrenched in the idea, that great drum tracks, are only the the primary step to the beginning of an experiment, and that great sound processing is the next logical step for further creativity.

. . . . . . . I have built over 2,000 complex rhythm tracks in many different formats, and I always think in terms of sound processing manipulation as another doorway, that leads to another part of a creative rhythmic conception. If you have never taken the time to go in to your nearest music store, and ask one of the sales people, to test drive the newest product from LEXICON for you, you don't know what a great treat you are missing. In fact I would consider it a spiritual awakening, and you may, also. Listen to the MPX-1, and the PCM-81, and see what great images it will create for you, and I know you will really be surprised!

Customer service is their number one asset, backed by the very best products they can produce, this puts them, also on my A list. Please always say, --I said "hello".

  Absolutely the VERY BEST way to connect any, and all electronic equipment, and I don't care what other companies adds say. This companies products have proven it to me. Monster Cable makes the best connectors that I could find, after searching for over 6 years. I have used cables from almost any other company that anyone else could think of, ( all sold through national music stores). I have also had a lot of cables given to me. Of all of the prior mentioned unnamed products (which I can name), there were a multitude of problems encountered.

. . . . . . . . Sometime some of the problems were with the end jacks. Other times the problems were with the wiring itself, even when it was handled rather carefully. The worst part of the problem though, is one that concerns all of us, involved in professional recording. There were problems that effected the sound quality, but to me it wasn't evident until the old wiring had been replaced by "Monster Cable"connectors.

. . . . . . .After this happened, I decided it was time to completely outfit the entire recording rig with "Monster Cable",and my music has never sounded as full, clean, clear, or as transparent as it does now. Since the first installation I found out that Monster Cable is used by Engineers, Musicians, and Producers who are very fussy about their recordings, to say the least. All of these professionals recognise how important the high quality of the cables they use for their recordings are, to produce the very best records possible. My personal experience is, that I can hear a much wider range in frequency response, and a lot more of the harmonic qualities that I need to be able to transmit to my recordings. This is critical for all of the Trance/Dance Hip-Hop/Bass n Drum, records I am now involved with. Getting crystal clear Drum tracks, and wide imaging analogue synth tacks, onto my recordings is imperative, as their clarity is really essential for transmitting the excitement that I need to hear, that will make my records successful. All of this has happened since putting "Monster Cable" to work for me. My live performance rig is next. Try it, and you will see too why I'm recommending only "Monster Cable" for all your music too.

This is the only product I trust to move heavy, expensive,musical equipment, day after day without a problem. It is built with real QUALITY. The kind of engineering that goes into INDIANAPOLIS race cars, and with the same kind of RELIABILITY and DEPENDABILITY. An unbeatable combination.I have moved my entire rig on one Kart, in one trip. (83 Rack Spaces) About 3 years after I originally got the cart, I had a problem moving something in my daytime business. I repair Antiques and Art of all kinds. I had to move a 7 ft. baby grand piano, from one place to another. We sat the Baby Grand Yamaha piano on the kart, and moved it so easy it was a crime. Hopefully, your piano won't weigh what this one did, but if it does, NOT TO WORRY--Kart-a-Bag is hard at work, and is up to any task, even beyond reason.

. . . . . I have been playing a synthetic drumstick for over 9 years now. DURATECH sticks are without a doubt the best thing NEW to come along in the last 10 years.The closest thing I ever found, to the older bullet tipped 7A's that used to be available throughout the 50's, 60's, and 70's, but on these, the tips DON'T chip or break, they are virtually indestructible. These sticks are perfectly balanced, and any two sticks, (even though they may have been bought two years apart), are exactly the same weight, have exactly the same feel, and SOUND exactly the same. Another fact I couldn't believe until I saw it for myself was that every stick was True. No more rolling a stick on glass to make sure it isn't warped, not a problem with Duratech.

. . . . . The only time I get a call from someone I've given some sticks to, is about 4 years later, when a lot of the color has come off from all of the pounding, and they'd like some new ones. I've never heard of a pair breaking in over 7 years. That's some standard for anyone else's products to have to live up to, especially when you consider these Duratech sticks are perfectly balanced, feel, and sound great, on either drums or cymbals. Everyone loves them, I know a lot of people that are actually looking for them, they just cant find them. GUESS WHAT. Click on this web site address, and you can order them direct. And tell "Tony", Dick Gail" said --- HELLO!

Numerical Sound is a sampling, recording company, owned by a friend named Ernest Cholakis, who stands head and shoulders above all of the rest of the people that I've met, in the sampling industry, (as far as I'm concerned), especially for his unique individuality, complete thoroughness, and his dedication to the study, and analyzation of Great DRUMMERS. He is the only person I ever met that did a complete, comprehensive analysis of some of the very best drummers in the world, and what made their performances really stand out, technically as well as emotionally.

. . . . . . . After some brief conversations it was easy to see we both were on exactly the "SAME PAGE". We decided to join forces big time, in what was to finally become a 10 CD Sample Recording Project. I have never met anyone like Ernest. He loves the exact same style of rhythmic things, that I have been immersed in all my life. As time has passed, and we have worked together to create some really unique rhythm concepts, we have found that our interest in odd metallic tones of all types, have been a focus for us both.

. . . . . . At this time we have decided because of the uniqueness of tracks that are now coming from the union of the two of us, to also produce several other styles of recordings for other venues. Because of our union, friendship, and deep respect for each others abilities, we both now feel it has become a "World Class" Project, which over a long period of time, and because of our union, the music that will be produced, will be unparalleled. Numerical Sound is a company owned by a Sound Architect, like myself, who is also applying his unique technology to further enhance all my original material in some unparalleledd ways. Look for my "PERCUSSION WALL CD" Dick Gail

"Iridescent neon" colored cymbal controllers, that are unlike anything else anywhere in the world, and are absolutely true on every hit. These are the cymbals pictured on my business card, at the top of my intro page for my web-site, and I have been playing them for over 6 years and have never had a problem of any kind. Not only are they unbreakable, but in my minds eye, I knew that they would really light up under "Black light", and they sure DOES, along with being some of the best triggers I could find.




My fans know how much I brag about Anvil cases being 'solid' and stand up to anything. Anvil is now owned by the Calzone Case Co., who have been manufacturing cases since the mid 1970's. With roots in the Rock & Roll business, the company and product line have branched out into virtually everywhere you could imagine. Drummer and entrepreneur Joe Calzone and his brother Vin founded his family organization with the one goal to build the highest quality custom case in the world, at a fair price with on time delivery. The same care and consistency is placed on each product manufactured. No matter the application, be it for the local musician traveling to his gig or the tactical deployment of military equipment in a life-threatening environment, Calzone builds a product you can depend upon, they really have achieved the goal they set out to do: 'To build the highest quality custom case in the world, at a fair price with on-time delivery.'



E-MU the leader in quality of sound,and ease of use, backed by the best Tech Help and Repair Dept. in the WORLD E-mu is always coming around the corner with something really different, I feel, especially for use by drummers. I decided a long time ago that I would use E-mu products because of the ease of use, and their great reputation for their quality, and clarity of sound. I know I wouldn't be in the position I'm in, or at this level, if it wasn't for E-MU, their fine tech. staff., and a repair dept.

. . . . . . I have never owned anything but E-mu sound modules, and Samplers, and have never felt that any piece of gear from them had to be replaced, for any reason, by any other companies product. That is the one mistake, I think a lot of musicians make, they dont get the maximum use from the products they buy. If you chose right, the first time, you wont have to replace anything. I have made use of both of the reasons that I chose E-mu, in the first place, and when I say E-MU truly stands alone in quality of product, and service, I really mean it. 10 stars for E-mu, and their entire staff. I owe a lot of my success to you.




The best products, manuals, and service in the world - I've been using MACKIE products from the very beginning, as have many other drummers. Its the real critical part of my rig, not only for performance, but indispensable for recording at the very highest level. I'm indebted to Greg Mackie, who's company is the leading company producing high quality mixers at a price the average musician can afford. MACKIE has actually built products with drummers specifically in mind. UNHEARD OF! Straight ahead Mackie. No competition in sight.

Worth a look is CAD microphones - at www.cadmics.com - Their TSM 411 incorporates an all new "duo-point" suspension. This technology provides remarkable shock isolation and ballistic stability. The transformerless design of their ICM417 cardioid condenser provides optimum low frequency response and low distortion, and their KBM412 is a large diameter, Neodymium dynamic microphone, specifically designed for bass drum and other low frequency sources. They package it in a rugged die-cast body with a hardened external screen, which provides additional protection from incidental striking. Affordable and reliable, CAD offers some of the best percussion microphones money can buy.

Line6 studio modelers at www.line6.com - The Line 6 products I am now using are: "The Filter Pro", "The Mod Pro", and "The Echo Pro"., these products are the most advanced digital, real time, live performance editing and sound processing equipment, ever made. These products fit into the whole new idea of the manipulation of tracks, both melodically, and rhythmically, in real time, by all types of Electronic Musicians and DJ's during a performance. These processors may have been made originally for other purposes but, because they have both stereo inputs, and stereo outputs, it now opens these great products to the whole new world of  live performance for both the DJ and Electronic minded Musician. The fact that they can be controlled by the use of an expression pedal, and when using more than one device, they can be daisy-chained together using  MIDI,  and then all manipulated simultaneously with one pedal, is almost unbelievable, and a dream come true! What unbelievable firepower!

RANE Corporation This mighty company is pulling out all the stops and has become the premier DJ mixer company in the world, because of its quality of sound, and the durability and design of the product itself. It is enjoying a tidal wave of popularity among the upper echelon of world class DJ's. Many of the leaders of this class of professional DJ's are demanding the finest quality mixer they can put their hands on, and that means they are demanding RANE.

. . . . . . .When you're performing in front of thousands of people, that is the last place you want to have a problem with a product because of poor quality. Also there are certain things a mixer must be capable of doing, and at a certain level,-RANE does ALL of the above. Rane's Mojo Series Club and Performance Mixers, and the TTM 54 Professional Performance Mixer are some of the hottest new DJ Mixers on the market, for just that reason! I am using one, for all of my sampling of records, the clarity and quality of the recordings are utterly amazing. I think RANE is setting new standards in the recording industry, (not only among DJ's), but because of the quality of their products, and the vision of the people that represent their values, and ideals, like Dean Standing. Working with them is a real pleasure. Whenever you do call, always say "Hi!" for me.

FELLOWES Using Fellowes and NEATO's experience and quality standards, the Fellowes /NEATO 2000 CD Labeler Kit contains everything you need to label CDs and make Jewel Case tray liners and book covers. In minutes... from your desktop! ..everthing your need at a great price! CD Labels, the NEATO 2000 applicator, MediaFACE design software with templates and background art. Plus the quality, support and more.

Use the frame to the left for navigation (or click here if there is none)

Entire content Copyright 1999 R.Gail, Worldwide Rights Reserved.
Use of or links to site content without authorization strictly forbidden.

Use the left frame for site navigation, 1024x760 16-bit color recommended.