A website devoted to Boston's early 20th century drum makers
Nokes & Nicolai Thumbscrew Rod Orchestra Drum
Description goes here . . .
Nokes & Nicolai Double Tension Rod Orchestra Drum
The so called 'Double Tension Rod' model is in fact a single tension drum. Both heads are tensioned at the same time by turning the tension rods using a small wrench. It does however provide for a true free floating shell with only one hole being drilled in the shell serving as an air vent. The snare throw-off attaches to the bottom hoop and can fully engage or disengage the snares from the bottom head.
Nokes & Nicolai Separate Tension Orchestra Drum
The Nokes & Nicolai Separate Tension Orchestra Drum was their premier wooden shelled snare drum offering. Bird's-eye maple, seen here, was an available option at an added cost.
The separate tension models employed a unique lug design allowing each head to be tuned independently by adjusting the tension rods with a wrench near the center posts. Stamped metal hooks attach over the wooden rims and house swivel nuts into which the tension rods feed. The posts are formed from milled brass and allow the rods to turn freely. Tight fitting metal caps cover the posts giving a more complete appearance while keeping the tension rods in place when not under tension.
Nokes & Nicolai "No-Nic All Metal Drum"
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Nokes & Nicolai Trap Door Bass Drum
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The "New Dodge Folding, Piano-Action Pedal Bass Drum and Cymbal Beater"
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1. E. J. Nokes & Company. Advertisement. Program Booklet from the Seventh Annual Grand Concert, Benefit of the Boston Musicians' Relief Society. February 19, 1911.
2. Christine Merrick Ayars, Contributions to the Art of Music in America by the Music Industries of Boston 1640 to 1936. (New York: The H. W. Wilson Company, 1937), 272.
3. "Cole Business Sold." Music Trade Review April 8, 1922: p. 37.
4. "With Novak Drum Co." Music Trade Review June 11, 1927: p. 33.
5. "Nokes Again Making Drums." Music Trade Review February 11, 1928: p. 17.
6. Christine Merrick Ayars, Contributions to the Art of Music in America by the Music Industries of Boston 1640 to 1936. (New York: The H. W. Wilson Company, 1937), 271.
7. F. E. Dodge Co. Catalog. (Boston, F. E. Dodge Co., 1907)
8. Nokes & Nicolai, The American Drummer, No. 6. (Boston: Nokes & Nicolai, ca. 1918)