Yeager had been repairing fellow drummers equipment on the road for years. With their encouragement and financial support, he decided the time was right to get off the road and open the “Shop".
Drawing on his years of playing experience with more than 200 different bands, and from his experiences working in various music stores, Yeager enlisted the aid of friend Chuck Molinari. Chuck has invaluable insight into the music business and later went on to found Spectrasound Percussion Products.
Looking to display and sell new music equipment, Yeager traveled to Chicago and met with Frank Gault, then the owner of Frank's Drum Shop. Frank opened doors for Bob and helped the shop immensely in regard to dealing with manufacturers.
Throughout the years, the Shop has been promoted on the road by many of Yeager's friends. Names like Art Blakey, Louie Bellson, Buddy Rich, Joe Morello, Shelly Manne, Elvin Jones, Gene Krupa, Ray Bauduc, Max Roach, and others.
Pro Drum is firmly committed to meeting the special needs of its customers. Everyone is treated alike here, no matter if you're a top name drummer or just someone who plays for fun. We are still one family owned and believe in service, integrity, and quality.
Located across Vine Street in Hollywood from the Musicians Union, where the sounds on big bands practicing for the Hollywood Bowl often filter through the air. Once in side the ambiance of the history that has taken place there, the famous drum sets of Krupa, Buddy Rich and others becomes like a drum museum.
Exciting rubbing elbows with the talent big name drummers on the road, preparing for a headling bowl or club date that evening or a studio session, who rush in to adjust their kits.
I hung out with a young stylish Paul McCartney the day before the Beatles played the Hollywood Bowl for the first time, rummaging through the stacks of Zildjian cymbals. They made arrangements to stay open after hours to allow George Harrison to drop in to buy Ringo a birthday percussion.
The Professional Drum Shop is an institution.
Ah,Showbiz!
Professional Drum Shop, Inc
854 Vine Street,
Hollywood, CA USA 90038
Phone: (323) 469-6285
Fax: (323) 469-0440
email: [email protected]
Store Hours: 9:30 to 5:00 Mon to Sat
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For more information contact All About Jazz.
