Chad Smith and Vater Celebrate
25 Years Together!
Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith joined the Vater roster 25 years ago. Here is what the drummer has to say about this longstanding and fruitful relationship with the company:
“My own rule has always been that I would never endorse any product that I wouldn’t buy myself, if endorsements weren’t an option. That’s exactly how I ended up with Vater in 1992.
They had an early reputation among players as making great sticks. I checked out their sticks on my own, got used to them, and then began what would become a now 25 year relationship with the company. Their quality control is great, the sticks always feel good, and each pair is consistent.
I just love how it’s still a family business, starting with grandpa Jack [Jack Adams], then going to Clarry [Clarence Vater], and down to Alan and Ron [Alan and Ron Vater]. No corporate sell-outs here, folks. These guys live, sleep, breathe, eat, and dream of drumsticks. They get good wood about good wood, and are totally obsessed with making the best sticks possible.
Over the years we’ve had some pretty outrageous fun and the Vater’s have always treated me like their brother. Together, we have celebrated life milestones like birthdays, weddings and the births of our children. They have always made me feel like a member of their family.
Together we developed the Funk Blaster model, which today is still my stick of choice. Vater combines both kick-ass production techniques with a “work hard, play hard” attitude. It’s always been an easy decision on who to stick with (pun intended!). They never let me down.
The Vater staff enjoy their work and I enjoy hanging with them whenever I can. They better keep it up, ‘cause I plan to keep playing until the wheels fall off!!!”
Congratulations both to Vater and Chad Smith on this occasion. See what Chad says about his 25th anniversary with the company.
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