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What drums does Big Black use? here's a vid,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqpiGfB5t7k

They look like beuties with that floating hardware.

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The set that Big Black plays is a Valje custom made set. The size of Ashikos are larger than the traditional sizes and the hardware is unique as well. This suits his custom character as a self taught musician.

I have a set 3 Valje Ashikos (Quartersawn Oak) that have the traditional sizing and hardware. The sizes are 10", 11" and 12" (actual sizes 9 3/4", 11 1/4" and 12 1/2"). Big Black's set has caught my eye as well after I acquired this set.

Big Black's has a larger bottom end drum but I do not know what size they are. He was a huge person so keep this in mind for gauging the size of these. I am guessing the Tumba of this set is at least 13"-15".

Thanks for the responses, the crown looks like Valje you're right. What do you all think of Big Black's 'Homegrown' style? I suppose some would think it amateur, but he was extremely adaptable..

Here is a photo of my Valje Ashikos, I found these on ebay listed as "Bongo Drums" . The interior has the saw cutting of the staves that Tom Flores used to help with the stress from bending the wood for congas. I thought this was rather interesting due to the Ashiko's linear stave design and the saw cutting was unnecessary. I think that Valje must have prepared the staves in lots to speed up the production process. This set is a bit unusual because it is a nonstandard Quarter sawn Oak.



At the Ralph Flores's Resolution website, he has pictures of Big Black with his Valjes along with other photos Valje designs. Tom Flores made many interesting custom drums over the years. He was a true artist.