From left: Meinl's Brice Foster, Willis Music's Kevin Schwallie, Amedia's Rick Snider, Mapex's Brad Canaday, Amedia's Dominick Gagliano, Dream's Andy Morris and Sabian's Greg Zeller

JUNE 14 I WILLIS MUSIC I PROMOTION
Willis Music Makes a Splash With Cymbal-Land

Willis Music's Tri-County Mall store hosted Cymbal-Land Cincinnati from April 26–28. Store manager Kevin Schwallie described the event as "1,000 cymbals, five brands, three days." It featured Zildjian, Sabian, Amedia, Meinl and Dream.

Willis hosted Cymbal-Land Cincinnati after Schwallie toured a cymbal maker's facility and selected models from its vault for his own use. He wanted to create a similar event for his local market. "We've had cymbal tastings in the past, but it has always been with individual brands," he said.

"Representatives from the brands all agreed that they had never participated in a cymbal event as large as Cymbal-Land Cincinnati. Also, they were impressed by the turnout and support from the Willis Music percussion customers."

Attendees used the event to trade in old cymbals and upgrade. Willis also hosted a friendly competition between the brands, dubbed Cymbal Olympics. Each brand submitted an entry to compete in various categories. Winners included: Best Jazz, Zildjian 22-inch K Constantinople Renaissance ride; Best Rock, Amedia 21-inch D Rock ride; Most Versatile, Dream 22-inch Contact heavy ride; and Best EFX, Amedia Dervish Stingray cymbal.

"I think between the support from the brands, the selection and having the absolute best people in the industry representing their brand, it solidified Willis Music Tri-County's reputation as being the place in the Greater Cincinnati area to buy cymbals."