When SimCity—a video game that allowed players to conceptualize and build simulated metropolises—debuted to the public in 1989, it became a phenomenon. Given the massive architecture of the 1990 Super Rack System, it appears a few folks in the Yamaha R&D department might have been SimCity gamers. As the ad graphically displays, a Super Rack System can commence from humble beginnings and expand to an intimidating colossus of metal and wood. At first look, you could assume this Erector Set for drummers must have been targeted at professionals who performed in large venues and had armies of drum techs and roadies. If only that were true. But, thanks to the epic production values of heavy-metal tours and MTV videos, I would occasionally play bar and small-club shows with drummers who insisted on overtaking stages with these giant apparatuses. They were extremely proud of their metallic contraptions, to be sure, but […]

August 2021 Issue