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I was extremely shocked and saddened this afternoon when I received the news that my friend and colleague Dennis Stauffer was involved in a fatal auto accident in North Carolina this morning. Although Dennis and I had known and worked together for more than 10 years, we only occasionally spoke on the phone, but our most recent conversation took place just a few days ago—a lengthy after-business-hours chat that covered everything from industry gossip to our preparation for once again sharing a booth at this May’s Chicago Drum Show to his exciting plan to expand his business into new areas. When I first met him at the Not So Modern Drummer Nashville Drum Show in 2000, Dennis was displaying his cocktail drum kits, along with a few Phattie drum kits. I was amused by his explanation of how he had come up with his company name. “Phattie D” happened to be the good-natured nickname given to him by his friends during his many-caloried college days in Johnson City, Tennessee. Over the years, I looked forward to spending time with him at the various drum shows, particularly the last few years at the Chicago show, where we shared a booth and late-night project brainstorming sessions over Chinese food. I had the pleasure of watching Dennis’ drum making skills evolve—from his creative method of spraying Ducco fade finishes using an old turntable to his exceptionally meticulous attention to fit and finish. Simply put, his craftsmanship was among the best. Dennis will be missed by so many, and the custom drum building community will not be the same without him. My thoughts are with his wife, Brittney, and son, Roan.
Drum Supply House USA – Drummaker.com |
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| Feel free to post your memories and thoughts about Dennis in the comments below. |
[...] like to say more, but I certainly won’t be able to say anything better than Andy from Drum Supply House. Please read and send all your best to Dennis’ young family. [...]
Andy, I am still in shock and so sad, I couldn’t even sleep tonight. Here in Ohio, it’s 3:45am and I am just wishing this is all just a bad dream and soon I will wake up. Dennis not only helped me to realize my dream kit “One Ply steam Bent Top Hat & Cane, but helped me to realize that it was a real human being with passion building this set. He became like a brother to me, and I loved him so much. We jut talked last week, and I got pictures of Roan’s first birthday, and Dennis said, “man, I can’t believe that a year passed so fast” and I said, “yeah, life has a way of doing that” and we laughed. Now this??? Please Lord comfort Brittney, and keep Roan always. Heaven now has their builder and he will be thought of here on earth for the rest of my life. When Dennis came to my home last May to pick up the TopHats for the Chicago Show I knew he was the man, then on the way back home when he dropped off the set, we spent a little time together and that memory will always be with me and remembering what a stand up and beautiful human being he was. I will miss him bad. The drums he built for me are parked right now, and when I muster up the strength to play them again, I will be playing for Dennis. God Bless Brittney and Roan. TopHatJohnny
He was a great craftmans. He will live on in the drumming community and those lucky enough who acquired one of his kits. Remember him with pride and don’t forget to tell funny and good times yall had together. He was one that has inspired me to try and take on the task of building my own kit. Godspeed to his friends and family.
My 10 year-old cocktail kit still looks and sounds like absolute gold. Farewell to you, Dennis. God bless your family.
Dennis I will think of you everytime I play my new kit. God Bless Charles P
I met Dennis in 2003. I’d bought a set of Keller maple shells off ebay and the edges were junk, so I asked Dennis to recut them. While he was cutting the edges I asked if he’d teach me to build this set of shells out. I drove to his place over several weekends and he patiently taught me the ins and outs of building. It was like I’d know him for years. I ended up with a 6pc JellyBean glass glitter kit! Totally top shelf! I’d email building questions and he’d always answer them. I’d drive over and buy parts and shells from him on occasion. He’d always show me his designs for lugs, other drum parts, or digital modeling of drum kits. And every time we met, he was like an old friend, and every time he’d talk about how the next year would be even better for his company. And he was right, it just kept getting better and better! And I’ll end with a funny quote from Dennis, “Pearl, the best reason to play Phattie drums”. ha ha My thoughts are with his family!!!!
My interaction with Dennis was brief, which in itself is a testament to his high-quality work, as once I got my Black Labels, they were so perfect that I never had a need to contact him with any issues.
My thoughts and positive vibes go out to the Stauffer family.