The Terminology Problem (Section 2)
© JamminSam. All rights reserved.
If we could actually get the terminology down correctly, a good part of the
confusion would be cleared (it would make our sales people’s lives easier.)
We find three areas of terminology confusion:
Terminology Problem #1:
Lets stop calling all wraps "pearls."
We have found several individuals who still call all wraps "pearls."
This is because 3 out of the 4 US drums companies for several years did the
very same thing (up until about 1980- refer to prior history section
connected to this article). One might ask, "Why can't the term 'pearls' be associated with all drum wraps?"
The answers:
- All the drum companies left behind that labeling.
- It is an incorrect use of the term. Below are the definitions of
the word "pearl" as they appear in any common dictionary:
- pearl-
- something resembling
a pearl or
mother-of-pearl
- pearlescent-
- having an appearance/luster of pearl or
mother-of-pearl
- pearlized-
- resembling
pearl or mother-of-pearl; iridescent
I don’t know about you, but I don’t see anything in the definition that relates
to Sparkles, Satin
Flames, Solids, or any other appearance that is different from
a pearlized/pearlescent appearance. My personal belief is that years ago, somebody
should have checked their dictionary. However, that is now "water under
the bridge". The main purpose of this article is to educate us on the
correct terms for drum wrap (and the different types) so we can clearly understand what each party is referring
to. The first level of correction is to stop calling all drum finishes
"pearls".
Terminology Problem #2:
Lets use the term "marine" correctly.
To resolve this problem, we need to be clear on two points:
- All pearl finishes are not referred to
"marines." The term "marine" mainly refers to
color, so lets stop calling all pearl finishes "marine."
- The correct use of the term "marine" refers to a
color- very light blue (almost resembles white), combined with a
pearlized appearance. There has been two different pearl patterns
associated with this color, but the term in the past did not distinguish
pattern. So the term "marine" refers to a very light blue
color combined with a pearl appearance- used correctly.
History of the Term "Marine" as it
Relates to Color &
Pattern
Since we are discussing what "marine" means here, some history
and information about the term may be helpful:
Three of the "big four"
drum companies (started by Ludwig and Slingerland) used the term "marine"
to refer primarily to color, and secondarily to a mother of pearl appearance,
but not a distinct pattern. When considering most drum companies'
"black
[diamond] pearl" drum finish, the pattern was usually the same pattern as the "marine"
pattern. The same pearl was used for both – if one wanted black pearl, one
had the finish made with a black back; if one wanted "marine"
pearl, a white back (actually a very light blue tint). The term "marine" or
"diamond" never referred exclusively to the pattern but to a dark
or light pearl appearance. The point is that the pattern of
each color was never address by the drum companies. To
understand where the term "marine" came from, we need to go to the
dictionary. The closest definition that would have anything to
do with the color or pattern, would be – seascape. We could say that "seascape"
could refer to "color of the sea", which could mean "light blue",
and the appearance of shallow water slightly moving does have a
"pearlized" look to it. And this is probably why the
"drum companies" chose this term for the white pearl wrap –
having a slight, light blue tint. Even though the term
"marine" does not refer to a distinct pattern (and not even a clear
description of color), it did evolve, over the years in the drum industry, to mean
a white (actually very light blue), "mother of pearl" appearance.
Because the finish did look more white than blue, some added the word
"white" to the name – "white marine".
Note: Even in some vintage drum catalogs, you
will find photographs of the marine sets that look pure white.
From the years we have been in business, we get calls all the time from customers
that ask for "marine pearl", believing they are referring to more
pure "white pearl"
(and vice-versa- asking for "white pearl" when they want the
marine – w/ a light blue tint).
Not only is their a color issue here, but a pattern issue as well. The Ludwig
drum company, in their 1960 catalog, was the first to sell the now famous
"Marine Pearl" (triangular directional chip pattern). They had
another pearl pattern before this (a large random pattern – called by the same
name). This finish had a slight light blue tint (as described above – same as the
wrap before), but with a triangular directional pattern that ran around the drum.
The Gretsch Drum Company, on the other hand (around the same time), was the first
to sell a true white pearl wrap (no light blue tint), combined with the early large
random pattern, which they accurately called "White Pearl". We sell both
pearls which are accurate to color and pattern, both being very popular finishes
of the 1960s and thereafter. To our knowledge, we are the only company that offer
these wraps that are accurate in appearance to the earlier times. We refer to
Ludwig’s finish as "Vintage
White Marine Pearl" (a slight light blue tint in color with a directional pattern),
and Gretsch’s alternative wrap as "Vintage
White Pearl" (a truly white appearance with a large random pattern). Because
theses wraps were originally made with a nitrate base, if they were not white, they
would often turn white over time. Our "Vintage White Pearl" is
considered a period correct match to Roger’s and Slingerland’s "Marine Pearl"
– and Ludwig’s "Marine Pearl" before they changed pattern in 1960.
Note: Because pearl wraps before 1980 were
made with a nitrate base, they could easily turn yellow if exposed to the
elements. Some today have tried to mimic the yellow appearance, but
the results to date have been less than favorable. Actually, choosing
a wrap of this type for resale value is less than wise, because the
original looking finishes (re-wrapped for that time period) is more sought
after and brings more money.
Terminology Problem #3:
Lets understand the use of "catch" and
"trigger" words – and use them correctly.
In the naming of colors by the drum companies, a series of "catch words"
evolved. These catch words, over time, left a powerful impression on the drum
public, that the drum companies early realized, that for some reason triggered spending habits.
Today, the retro market is very popular, and obviously retailers want to
cash in on the interest. That is one reason the catch words are used (and have been used), even if used
incorrectly. Here is a list of the primary catch words that developed early,
and some over time:
| pearl | sixties |
| oyster | seventies |
| diamond | vintage |
| onyx | retro |
| marine | |
There has also evolved "trigger color words" that not only describe a color,
but combined with the impact words above, also promoted spending. The three
most popular color words are:
In the above color words notice that light blue, off white, red, green,
etc. are not included. The reason – they don't trigger a sale like
the three trigger color words above. Also notice in the "catch
words" above, that words like forties, fifties, eighties are not
there. The reason – again they do not promote spending like the catch
words above – especially by those seeking a vintage/retro appearance. And the more the catch words are combined with themselves and with the
trigger color words, the more attention and sales. For example, if we combine
the two words "white pearl", that promotes interest in drummers – especially
those that were present in the vintage era. But when we combine more catch
words and impact color words, "vintage black diamond pearl", drummers tend to
get more excited – those who are interested in vintage pearl
wraps. Lets face it, we in the industry are all out to pay our bills and make
some money – there is nothing wrong with that, it’s the American way –
it's one reason
why this country is so great financially. But occasionally what happens, someone
departs from a standard category and "cross names" a finish. Calling a
finish an "oyster" when it is not, or an
"onyx" when it is not, a "pearl"
when it is not, and even using the term "marine"
to mean all pearls, or even all wraps.
The Drum Companies are of course free to cross name (or assign any name),
but cross naming is often used for deceptive marketing purposes (or in pure
ignorance) – that will eventually hurt their sales and hurt the creditably
of the drum company.
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