Renovation and Recovering

1960’s Gretsch Kit

Recovered in silver glass glitter.

18″ x 14″ bass drum
14″ x 14″ and 12″ x 8″ tom toms
Fitted with ER custom tom tom holder and spurs.

Proud owner matt holland, top british drummer.

1957 Ajax kit

This is a 1957 Ajax kit, 20 x 14 BD, 16 x 18 Floor Tom, 12 x 8 Rack Tom and snare drum 14 x 5 and snare drum 14 x 4.5. All re finished in white pearl, new TT holder and spurs. Ajax Kit 1957 After Refurbishment


Bearing edges re done and all new heads.

Hi Eddie,

Just a quick note the say thank you once again, I got home in time to have a quick play before the baby went to bed, and it sounds awesome it really does. I’m still blown away by the bass drum and that very special surprise you had for me sounds extremely good. That drum in particular is special to me as it was my first drum, the rest of the kit followed a few days later, so it is lovely to hear what it can really do and looking forward to giving them all a good bashing in the next few days.

Thank you once again, you are a true craftsman.

Kind Regards

Dave

Customised Hayman Kit

Ludwig Kit Refinished And Customised

Mike Kenworthy drummer with premier north east rock band ‘Straight Shooter’.

Bill Whalley

Hi Eddie,
The kit is superb.
Best regards,
Bill Whalley

Gretch RB’s

Hi Eddie,
Thought I’d just drop you a line to say ‘hello’. It’s been nearly 18 months since you renovated the 24″ bass drum for me. I thought I’d send you a picture of all my lovely drums (thanks to you). I very rarely set them all up at the same time as I like to have different options and configurations when I play. For the record you’ll see:
24×14 BD
20×14 BD
18×14 BD
16×16 FT
14×14 FT
13×9 TT
12×8 TT
You have no idea how many people comment on the drums, both looks and sound. I genuinely think I’ve got one of the best kits anywhere. Thanks to you. I sent this picture to Gretsch and they posted it on their facebook page with the title ‘heaven on earth’. That’s quite an accolade for you. If you’d like any more pics, then please just let me know. Thanks for helping me into ‘heaven’ Take care sir. All the best, keep in touch. Allan

Trixon Starfire

Chris Wood picking up his Trixon Starfire early 60’s drums, recovered in turquoise sparkle, new Remo heads and BD transfer, and lots of repairs !
Kit is now as good as new.

1960’s George Hayman kit

Dave Taylor, experienced big band drummer collecting his 1960’s George Hayman kit which he has had from new. Refinished in blue glitter, new heads, BD logo and lots of repairs, bearing edges re done. As new once again !

Slingerland Kit

James Coote – Collecting his Slingerland kit. Re finished in Chicago Charcoal Pearl
18 x 14 Bass Drum, with ER Tom Tom Holder and Spurs.
12 x 8, 14 x14 Toms.
Custom built ER 14 x 5 snare drum with 1940’s Gene Kruper lugs and calf head.

Orchestral Bass Drum

Jeremy Cornes one of the leading orchestral players in Europe with his 36 inch orchestral bass drum. A complete renovation with new calf heads etc.

Gareth Glynn

Eddie

Very good to see you last Friday.

I’m over the moon with the recovered Slingerland modern jazz kit; Judith loves it too!

You always do a great job, but this time words fail me — so here are a couple of pictures (don’t we look happy!)

The original kit was a bit of a wreck but I’m so glad I took the chance. You saw its potential and fixed the bearing edges, the sheared threads on the spurs and found a period tom bracket.

Then after recovering it and finding regular heads were too small you recommended and sourced those fabulous Aquarian vintage heads; they sound awesome.

Having known you for more than 40 years I can say confidently that your work just get better and better. In my opinion there’s no-one in the UK, probably Europe, who comes close to your craftsmanship, skill, inventiveness, encyclopaedic knowledge, dedication and love of what you do (did I miss anything?)

I’ll shut up now…

Take care and see you before too long.

Your mate

Gareth

Mark Taylor

From New York USA, world famous jazz drummer with his 1960’s Ludwig Jazzette Kit, re-sprayed in original Ludwig blue.

Mick Underwood – Rock Drummer

Hi Eddie, 

It was great to have a chat with you this morning regarding my old kit and other things. Here is the picture we discussed. This is from 79 and was about three years after you had worked on it and shows the chrome covering you had used.

I’ll give you a call later in the week and maybe we can arrange when it would be convenient for you to have me bring it over for you to see what can be done.
Cheers Eddie,

Mick Underwood
www.mickunderwood.com
www.mickunderwoodsgloryroad.com

Luke Goddard

A Northampton-based instrumentalist, songwriter, and sound engineer with a weakness for vintage Ludwig kits…

 “When I brought in my 1982 SL series for some TLC from Eddie he took particular trouble to listen to my requirements and to suggest the best course of action. I had toured the kit heavily with various acts including various telly and festival dates in The On Offs, and I think it deserved the magic treatment.

Five weeks later I am the owner of surely one of the finest non-Classic kits on the planet! It sounds incredible and looks truly breathtaking. Thank you Eddie- you are a true artisan”

Phil Taylor

1960 Jazzette restored by Eddie Ryan previously owned by Bobby Worth.

Ajax Kit

Hi Eddie,

Just a quick note the say thank you once again, I got home in time to have a quick play before the baby went to bed, and it sounds awesome it really does. I’m still blown away by the bass drum and that very special surprise you had for me sounds extremely good. That drum in particular is special to me as it was my first drum, the rest of the kit followed a few days later, so it is lovely to hear what it can really do and looking forward to giving them all a good bashing in the next few days.
Thank you once again, you are a true craftsman.

Kind Regards
Dave

Dave Prince

Here are my Trixon Speedfire late 50’s in red pearl with its new calfskin and refinished hoops from Eddie Ryan…
Next to it is my Trixon Telstar 1962/63 also in red pearl after a refurbish from Eddie Ryan…
Now together we have the unique Trixon Show Star as seen in a picture attached…
Once again massive thanks for an outstanding job and perfect workmanship…

60’s Premier Kit

An early 60’s Premier kit refinished in Ludwig silver glitter, fitted with new tom tom holder, spurs , bearing edges re-done, new heads and complete overhaul. Great drums, great sound.

Tim

Watcha Eddie!

How are you? Hope you’re tiptop! I’m sorry for being so shit, but this is just to say a massive thanks for our two bass drums. The little Premier that you reconditioned for us is knockout. Very punchy, and not to be messed with!! The lovely heads that you put on our big Ludwig drum are perfect. Thanks very much!

Here’s a couple of pictures of both drums and me and Owen about to give ’em a bloody good hiding on stage at the Barbican in Grand Pianola Music by John Adams.

All the best Eddie. Can I pop round for a cuppa soon? We need to chat about the new Hancocks……….

Cheers!!

Tim

Andrew Fullerton

Late 60’s Gretsch kit. re finished in Charcoal Pearl, new heads and bearing edges, new bass drum hoops.

Justin’s Edward Ajax Kit

I took my old worn out Edward AJAX to Eddie Ryan and asked him to restore them in all their glory.

This was the first real kit I ever owned and it had huge sentimental value. It was important I found someone I could trust to restore them.

Restoring these drums, I knew would help put a smile on my face and to help me find my Mojo again.

I wasn’t wrong!!

When I saw the result I was so impressed but when I set them up and played them I was blown away.

Eddie is a master of his craft, a star and lovely guy to boot!

I can’t stop smiling right now.

Eddie, I can’t thank you enough, just incredible.

Be lucky 🙂
Justin