04/01

Top LA area custom drum builder and drum technician Lee Smith has officially announced his purchase of the name and assets of Drum Paradise, Inc., the leading Los Angeles and Nashville-based professional drum cartage and service provider. Smith, who has worked closely with LA’s elite studio drummers and record producers for nearly 15 years, will now own and manage the day-to-day operations of Drum Paradise’s Los Angeles office— working with a list of world-renowned clients that includes Sheila E, Dave Weckl, John "JR" Robinson, Luis Conté, Ringo Starr, Kenny Aronoff, Vinnie Colaiuta, Curt Bisquera and more.

According to Drum Paradise’s co-founder and former owner, Jeff Chonis, Smith’s expertise in maintaining, repairing and customizing a variety of vintage and modern drums adds a new dimension to the company’s growing reputation for providing the finest drum tech services to world-class studio and touring drummers. "Under Lee’s management Drum Paradise will immediately expand and elevate its drum cartage, rental and teching services," says Chonis. "In addition, the company will now also be able to offer general repair and maintenance options such as edging and finishing as well as Lee’s spectacular, custom-crafted snare drums and drumsets to current clients and new customers through its recently established custom shop."

Smith further indicated that Chonis will maintain close contact with DP’s current client roster during a brief transitional period and then be available for consultation while current general manager Jimmy Robison and foreman Mike Rose will remain the nucleus of the Drum Paradise-LA team. Harry McCarthy continues to own and operate the Drum Paradise’s affiliated office in Nashville. For further information please contact Drum Paradise, Inc. at 5428 Cleon St., North Hollywood, CA 91601, tel: 818-762-7878, fax: 818-762-8284