 Gene Okamoto has left the building! Tomorrow will start his retirement from a monumental career as Product Specialist for Pearl Corporation. Starting in Sales at Drum World in CA, Gene would become a global figure in the drum industry.
standard noun \ˈstan-dərd\ 1. a level of quality or attainment. 2. an idea or thing used as a measure or model in comparative evaluations. This is the word that comes to mind when I think of Gene Okamoto. Over the last 18 years, I’ve witnessed Gene’s constant endeavor to make things better. There’s a reason his knowledge of drum history is revered throughout the industry (and is amazing to witness in person). I’m eternally grateful for everything I’ve gained from simply being in his presence. His retirement is greatly deserved and I wish him a long and adventurous life.
It would be really difficult for me to choose one story that encompasses Gene setting the standard… it’s just something he did every day.
4 Comments
Eddy Joseph Dishart
11/2/2020 06:42:35 pm
Drum World in San Francisco was like Willy Wonka's to me when I was a kid. Mesmerizing. Gene was always there.. no nonsense but really helpful. I was probably 12 when I brought my snare drum in for an overhaul (new bottom top & chain) I did the 'work' putting the bottom and chain on (of course he was monitoring me from afar)..after i finger tightened the top on... Gene stopped me..took the drum.. put it on the floor, and i watched in shock (and admittedly, horror) as he stepped right onto the top head and put his full weight into the center of the drum. It crackled n popped..he picked it up, put it on the counter and finished tuning it. It sounded AWESOME. I was bummed when he left Drum World, but as I understood it, he had gone to Pearl.. I felt like he got '1st round draft picked' to the 49ers... He was my hero.
Norman Larsen
2/24/2023 12:39:17 pm
In late 70s I contacted Gene at drum world I was wanting to remove the wmp covering on my 60s rogers kit thinking I could Mello then out they are a Brite ringy unlike Ludwig warm thuddy woody sounding gene strongly advised me not to do that wouldn't alter the sound at all well if gene would have said norman and we are talking on phone read my lips lol please don't do it guys and dolls please listen to gene if you want a less ringy sound just buy a damn Ludwig kit no I mean a pearl kit lol 9/10/2023 12:17:00 pm
Gene was one of my private teachers in the Sherman Clay Bldg. in Oakland in the late 70's and really helped my playing. Later I was a customer of his at Leo's Music Drum Dept. and at Drum World and I remember when he went to Pearl. It's been great following his career. Gene, enjoy your well-deserved retirement! Thanks for everything!
Aaron N
4/17/2024 04:53:07 pm
I remember Gene from the Drum World days. Long before the web, Gene was just a voice over the phone who I seemingly called daily as a kid in my early teems from Oakland asking about the price of this or that. Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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