An unusual groove tool.
My brand encompasses not only acoustic steel string guitars and my voice, but also a suitcase drum kit. It’s the combination of all three, that produce my live sound. The drum kit really is a unique instrument. I would like to thank my friends at Pan American Drum company for creating my drum kit. Check out their site for some really cool products and tell them Mike sent you. Let’s dig into the details on how this instrument was created.
The base component of the drum kit is of course, an American Tourister suitcase, which was manufactured in 1972. It’s the Tiara model with an Ice Blue finish. This vintage hard-side suitcase is fully intact and even includes the red, white and blue name tag. On the inside, it still has the original quilted lining. Here’s how Pan American Drums turned the suitcase into a musical instrument.
A hole was cut in the front of the suitcase for installation of a 16” floor tom. The floor tom was cut down in length to fit within the depth of the suitcase. The hardware from the floor tom was used to fasten the drum to the front of the suitcase. Next, a half moon tambourine was mounted to the front of the suitcase, next to the tom. A round sound port was added to the back corner of the suitcase, allowing the suitcase to breathe when the drum is played. The sound port also doubles as a mic port for amplification by a PA. Heavy-duty door hinges were then installed on the bottom of the suitcase for securing two drum foot pedals, which are used to play the drum kit.
I recently upgraded the drum head on my suitcase with a better unit which, provides quite a bit nicer thump. I have also experimented with using the mic port again, after placing a mic in the front of suitcase for several years. I perform with the suitcase behind me, while standing and rhythmically stepping on the foot pedals to create a groove. The tom sounds like a bass drum and the tambourine sounds like a snare.
The suitcase drum kit adds a lot to my live sound, it’s fun to play and the audience loves watching me play it during a performance. Keep making music my friends and have an amazing day.