Ronn Dunnett Interview-The George Way Drum Company

[@jkdrummer9585]

Thanks for this! Ronn is a true master drum builder!

[@eddieavakian]

Thanks man. Ronn has undoubtedly earned his place on the list of the masters and it was a fascinating sit down and to hear his story. I am grateful to have had this opportunity.

[@scottprebys9692]

Excellent…my first drum set was a George Way drum set…I met the man at his Elkhart factory and I was given the opportunity to pick a set from his stock…a green sparkle Aristocrat 22” bd/9x13” Tom/14” floor Tom, and 5” snare…I think I was in 8th grade at the time…I grew up 13 miles away in South Bend and studies with Eddie Knight, a Geo Way endorser (later w/Camco). Kudos…excellent interview👏👏

[@eddieavakian]

What an experience! That’s an amazing story Scott. Please tell that you still have that drum kit! Or at least know where it is.

[@tuknchuk]

My Goodness… that’s so amazing to hear. What an experience. I’ve definitely lived a charmed life… but I can’t touch that one. You’re blessed, for sure😊

[@AlvaroCordova-c7r]

The current state of drum & hardware manufacturing wouldn't be as it is without the contribution of Mr. George Way.

[@JoshuaCarson-pi1xb]

Ronn Dunnett has brought the innovation, respect, and excellence that was George Way BACK to drummers and the drumming community. The new Aristocrat Series of Geo.Way under the Dunnett umbrella are SUPERB instruments, at once classic and yet completely contemporary, in terms of quality and features. I have a "classic" setup of an Aristocrat Walnut kit in 12/14/20 and matching snare. It looks and sounds amazing, and is a joy to play. Ronn, my friend, you have once again shown your true colors of superior craftsmanship and dedication to all things drums.

[@StreetsOfVancouverChannel]

Ronn is a fab human being. I saw him give his first public presentation at a Long & McQuade in Langley, BC around ten or eleven years ago. It was a fantastic talk and his Instagram feed the past years is always filled with humour and killer drum photos.

[@eddieavakian]

He’s both super cool and an incredible artist and craftsman.

[@christiancea6]

Excellent interview!

[@eddieavakian]

Thank you Christian. I appreciate it!

[@vintagedrumrestorationgara91]

E.X.C.E.L.L.E.N.T!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Eddie this is a great interview man! I have profound respect for RD and have checked out his drums through and through.... All I can say is George would be proud! The hoops even have the tell tale rounded over tall design. In this day and age, where everything is made cheap, that is not the case with Geo Way drums. Worth every penny. Cheers mate!

[@eddieavakian]

Thanks Bruce. The interview was last minute and spontaneous but Ronn is a great explainer. We had a great afternoon and it was a fantastic experience for me to hear his insights on the drum business. I don’t have a Geo Way kit myself but I hear they’re fantastic and I have no doubt. Ronn is so passionate about his drums and it’s next on my list.

[@davidcurtis4478]

Wow, very interesting story! Cool Ronn! 👍👍

[@kimbye1]

Very interesting. Thanks for the upload.

[@eddieavakian]

Thank you for checking it out!

[@rhythmista7707]

One of my local drum shops here in Canada, has a used George Way aristocrat bop kit in natural maple gloss. The sound of the 18x14 blew me away at how huge it sounded, and can easily be tuned to sound like a 20x14 and possibly even tightly muffled 22x14. Beautiful looking and sounding drums..

[@destination_percussion]

Thanks for putting this together, Eddie! I really enjoyed hearing about how Ronn acquired the I.P. to George Way. Great Stuff!

[@eddieavakian]

Thank you so much! It’s a great story and nobody would have been better to take this on than Ronn. He’s been meticulous with his recreation of the brand.

[@DZNTZ]

I’ve had a lot of drums over the years, I’ve been fortunate enough to play some amazing instruments. The set I’ll never part with, my favorite, desert island set is a George Way bop kit in walnut. Amazing sound, amazing quality. The hardware, hoops, edges, seams, all are unsurpassed. Modern build quality, fit and finish while staying true to the original design. Awesome snare drums as well, some of the best values in drumming (love the beer-tap!). Ronn is such a good guy, and the most approachable CEO you’ll ever talk to - he’s built an iconic brand but he’ll still answer your emails. Thanks, Ronn, for keeping GHW alive and better than ever.

[@eddieavakian]

I love hearing this! Thanks for sharing!

[@rickjones507]

I have a few kits now that I slowly acquired over the last decade or so. A Broadkaster kit, Ludwig Classic maple, and a little Sonor gigging kit. But none of them have the mojo that my Geo. H Way Tuxedo walnut kit has. Luds come in second, but man that GW kit i'll never part with. its a gorgeous kit that looks like it should be in an art gallery...

[@eddieavakian]

Love it! That kit is beating out some tough competition in your arsenal. And that Walnut finish is gorgeous for sure.

[@rickjones507]

it's about as close as I'm ever likely get to a Camco kit. It has the vintage charm without the vintage problems. Thanks for posting vid. @@eddieavakian

[@pospercussion8401]

Great interview! I was hoping to hear more about Way’s time at Rogers. I drove through Pleasant Hill this morning where he and Elsie lived while he worked at Rogers.

[@eddieavakian]

Thanks Po! I appreciate it. All I know about that period is what’s in Rob’s book. It was immediately after Georges emotionally jolting exit from Camco (1961) and it only lasted about 8 months or so.

[@pospercussion8401]

@@eddieavakian We are starting to put more of the pieces together of his time there. But wonderful job with Ronn. It made my day.

[@eddieavakian]

@@pospercussion8401 i look forward to your research! Thanks again for your positive and supportive comments!

[@davidsuprenant2782]

Love the drums and hardware ron has brought to the table.I think hes one of the few who has his chrome parts triple chrome plated.If i ever buy another kit it will be GW.they look and sound amazing.!!!

[@steverichdrummr]

Man, what a great interview. Thanks men. Great job with this company Ron.I've heard the drums showcase at DCP, and they sound FABULOUS!

[@Rogersdrumvideos]

So well done brother. Ronn is a great dude. Always takes time to answer my questions when I reach out.

[@eddieavakian]

Thanks man! A cool dude he is, and I love his passion for well made drums. It was a truly an inspiring meeting for me.

[@JohnJohnson-rc6ci]

Thanks Eddie. Another very interesting lot of information in the loop. Keep up the good work. Shalom. ❤

[@eddieavakian]

Thank you!! 🙏

[@sticksstrings1714]

I have a few Dunnett snares and a couple George Way and they're all absolutely amazing. I was lucky to get a George Way snare in that million dollar blue. It's stunning but also a killer sounding snare. I haven't bought a kit yet because the virgin bass drum thing is not practical for working drummer. I'd love to see a kit with a tom mount!

[@eddieavakian]

Very nice! Sounds like you may be in business soon w the tom mount.

[@toddcapiton6285]

Add one FFS.

[@eddieavakian]

@@toddcapiton6285 😁

[@JohnSpencersHeavySounds]

Can’t wait for that double Tom holder like seriously I might have to buy another kit lol !! Awesome video great interview 🎉❤

[@eddieavakian]

Thanks Simon! And Yeah I know how you feel about having to buy another drum set! I’ve felt that way many times 😁. Thanks again man!

[@gadymarcus2362]

Bello/magnifico.🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🌡️

[@earldrum]

Another great episode Eddie! I really enjoyed this history lesson! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻😊🥁🥁🥁

[@eddieavakian]

Thanks Earl. I appreciate you!

[@xenprovence6126]

Innovative and pioneering are the last words I would use to describe the drum industry as it stands today. There is absolutely nothing new that hasn’t been done before.

[@NateGfit]

I have a camco and would love to get the double tom mount system he is thinking of making! I actually have the original tom arm but don't have the bass drum and tom mounts.

[@eddieavakian]

@@NateGfit you should hit him up and see where he’s at on it.

[@NateGfit]

@@eddieavakian I sent him an email. I hope he gets back to me soon about it. Would love to have something he has made for these.

[@matthewpaluch777]

😎👍♥️🇺🇸🇨🇦🥁🔊🎼RONN ROCKS!!!

[@charlesavino8826]

I already have and play/record with four different drum sets from four different manufacturers. I did NOT need to see this video! 😂 Thanks! (for nothin') I know DCP has some of these...

[@toddcapiton6285]

This guy is a genius. These kits and his snares all sound unreal. Please, 1 request, new lug design!!! Not nearly as bad DW turret turdy lugs. Amazing kits otherwise, but GW’s only bad idea

[@Heavyperro]

I have a broken Dunnett lug on one of my drums. I’ve been trying to contact the company. Anyone know how to get ahold of them? Or maybe what other brand replacement parts might fit a titanium snare? Thanks

[@eddieavakian]

Hi Rob. Have you sent a message thru the website contact page? Also what about the dealer thru who you purchased it? You can also contact any dealer who sells Dunnett drums and ask them if they sell or can order a replacement lug.

[@Pericles777]

I’d say he’s……”DUNNET” again?

[@eddieavakian]

😂😂. Nice!