1973 SONOR Super Champion Rosewood 5-Piece Drum Set (with vintage Zildjian cymbals) One of only two Sonor Rosewood sets used by legendary drummer Bernard “Pretty” Purdie. Here is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to own a very rare and highly sought-after early 1970’s Sonor Super Champion (rosewood shell) 5-piece drum set – made even more desirable by it’s connection with the “World’s Most Recorded Drummer” and inventor of the legendary “Purdie Shuffle”. Throughout the 1960’s and 70’s, Bernard “Pretty” Purdie was closely associated with Sonor drums and played an important part in helping the company gain new ground in the American market. Purdie has appeared in numerous advertisements for the German-based firm and was one of their premiere artists. Purdie’s various Sonor kits were also prominently featured on his solo album covers, drumming manuals, and even the big screen during an unforgettable performance in the 1974 cult film “Lialeh” (for which Purdie also composed the soundtrack). His Sonor’s can be heard on numerous hits by James Brown, Aretha Franklin, B. King, Nina Simone, Hall & Oates, Steely Dan and The Animals – to name but a few. In the late 1970’s, Sonor provided Purdie with a new Rosewood Phonic set, which he used while on tour with Dizzy Gillespie. Aside from that particular set, (which has since disappeared), this is the only fully documented Sonor Rosewood drum set, which Purdie has used for studio recordings or live performances. In 1967, Purdie was hired to play (uncredited) on the classic debut album of soft-rock pioneering outfit, Orpheus. The band, (lead by singer / guitarist, Bruce Arnold), recorded two more albums for MGM Records before Arnold fired the group’s drummer (who still claims credit for Purdie’s work) and made Bernard a full-fledged band member for their self-titled fourth LP in 1971. The bassist on that album was a nineteen year-old by the name of Howie Hersh, who would go on to become a sought-after pop music producer & arranger. Howie Hersh and Bernard Purdie hold a signed copy of the self-titled fourth Orpheus album on Bell Records, 2016. Howie Hersh came from a musical family, which revolved around his father, David Hersh, an avid drummer who had performed with various jazz quartets and big bands dating back to the early 1940’s. After several decades away from the drums, David was looking for a new set and consulted his son’s famous bandmate. Purdie suggested the Champion Rosewood model and put David in contact with a local dealer who outfitted him with a full five-piece set as well as factory hard shell cases and premium Zildjian cymbals. The elder Hersh and Purdie stayed in contact throughout the band’s numerous reunions including a performance at the 1988 Boston Music Awards, which featured Boston lead singer, Brad Delp on backup vocals. Navy Seaman David Hersh sitting in with one of the countless USO bands that toured overseas during WWII. David Hersh with his Sonor D454 snare, Palm Beach, Florida, 2016. Hersh’s kept his prized Rosewood set in a climate controlled room – only pulling it out of it’s cases for special occasions and jam sessions with the kids. The set was lovingly cared for and beautifully maintained until his death in 2017 when it was transported from the Hersh family residence in Palm Beach, Florida to Howie’s home studio in Los Angeles. Several months later, the set was reunited with Purdie to begin sessions for a new Orpheus album. Video clips from one of the sessions are included below. Special (Code: PA) Rosewood Veneer with “Full Vibrating Sound Shell”. (1) Bass: 20″ x 14″. (1) Tom-Tom: 12″ x 8″ (T659). (1) Tom-Tom: 13″ x 9″ (T660). (1) Floor Tom: 16″ x 16″ (T652). (1) Snare: 14″ x 5″ (D454) (signed and dated by Bernard “Pretty” Purdie). (1) “Champion” Hi-Hat Stand (Z5452). (3) “Champion” Cymbal Stands with Tilters (Z5222). (1) “Champion” Double Tom-Tom Holder (Z5504B). (1) “Champion” Snare Drum Stand (Z5553). (1) “Super Champion” Bass Drum Pedal (Z5321). (1) Avedis Zildjian 20″ Ride “1960’s Stamp Pics. (1) Avedis Zildjian 14″ Hi-Hat Late 1950’s “Small Stamp Pics. Zildjian 14″ Hi-Hat 1967-77 “New Stamp Pics. Zildjian 18″ Medium Crash / Ride with Factory Rivet holes 1967-77 “New Stamp Pics. (1) Avedis Zildjian 18″ Medium Crash / Ride “1960’s Short Stamp Pics. Also included: Complete Sonor factory hard shell cases with (1) Cow Bell and attachment, (2) Zildjian brushes, assorted Evans E-Rings, Sonor tuning keys & hardware. The shells are in excellent condition with no lifting, cracks, splits or fading. The chrome hardware is still shiny with no peppering or peeling and the claws and t-rods show virtually no wear. There is chrome missing from the center stem on the throne, one of the cymbal stands is missing a memory lock and the 13″ x 9″ Tom is missing a chrome grommet for the air vent (see images below). The vintage Zildjian cymbals are in exceptional condition (see above hyperlinks for detailed images). Feel free to ask questions. Additional photos available upon request. Includes a signed letter of authenticity. Bernard “Pretty” Purdie Plays Vintage Sonor Drums – YouTube. The item “Bernard Purdie SONOR Champion Rosewood 5-piece Drum Set w / Zildjian (Signed)” is in sale since Monday, September 30, 2019. This item is in the category “Musical Instruments & Gear\Percussion\Drums\Sets & Kits”. The seller is “avenir999″ and is located in Los Angeles, California. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Size: 20 inch
- Model: Super Champion
- Country/Region of Manufacture: Germany
- Material: Rosewood
- Number of Pieces: 10
- Type: Acoustic Drum Kits
- Hardware Material: Chrome
- Brand: SONOR
- Shell Material: Rosewood
- Items Included: Cymbals, Pedals, Throne
Tags: 5-piece, bernard, champion, drum, purdie, rosewood, signed, sonor, zildjian