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ABOUT THE RHYTHM TRADERS COMPANY:The Drummer's Toy Store!! We have spent the last 15 years building our drum and percussion products into the best available...and we're continually expanding our business to carry the best drums that we can find. We have 4 websites devoted to continually working to find the best products, at the best price, to drummers all over the world.Whether you are looking for a professional djembe drum, or are a student needing a snare kit, or a drummer needing some great timbales, we have what you need! In addition to being your full-line drum store, our store front features an on-site repair facility, a studio for our drum classes, and offices for our wholesale and mail order sales. Our dedication to bringing you the finest drums, drum building supplies, and percussion will continue to grow, whether you visit us in person at our shop or online. If you are coming to visit us at the shop, we also have FREE off street parking. Read on for the history of how our company began, about our staff, product information, and the "almost-famous" Rhythm Traders' Promise! | 
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The idea for African Rhythm
Traders was born in 1990 during a nine month trip to West Africa. While there, Brad
Boynton was an apprentice to a master drum carver, Boat, who taught him
the entire process of carving a drum, from cutting the tree to repairing and
maintaining the drum. | ||||
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When the apprenticeship was finished,
there was a ceremony with all the village carvers and Brad was presented with his
own set of tools. "Are you going to carve drums in America?", asked the head carver. Brad answered
that although he wanted to, it would be very hard to make a living in America, where
value is placed on time and use of technology. | ||||
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All of the carvers discussed it and decided to ask Brad if he would help market their drums in the US. The carvers advanced him a few dozen drums to be paid for when they sold, and African Rhythm Traders was born. | ||||
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After finding funding and a store front, Brad returned to West Africa to hand select
the drums and other percussion. After several months, a container was full and
on its way to the US. In the summer of 1992, African Rhythm Traders
opened its doors on West Burnside in Portland, Oregon. | ||||
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Word quickly spread that "The Traders" was packed floor to ceiling with a great
diversity of drums, with classes, repairs, drum supplies and good conversation.
Months turned into years, and with that many changes. Brad has traveled alone
or with members of the staff to Cuba, Guinea, Senegal, Ghana, Egypt, Israel,
Turkey, and beyond, to look for higher quality and better value in drums. As always, they sought to learn about
the cultures and the people who produced the drums. | ||||
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Professional quality drums were in demand, and our focus continued to shift to
meet that need. Djembes, dununs, sabar, Ewe drums, congas, brazilian percussion,
darbukas, and more, made up the growing world of drums that we stocked. The consistent quality and our knowledge
earned African Rhythm Traders the respect of local, and increasingly, national
musicians.
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By 1994, African Rhythm Traders had grown to carry latin percussion, manufactured
lines such as Gon Bops, Del Cielo, LP, Meinl, JCR, Skin On Skin, and Remo;
as well as instructional videos, books, CDs, and many other hand
percussion products. | ||||
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Several classes began at the Traders and extensive requests for drum repair/supplies
led to the beginning of carrying drum shells, skins, rope and rings. | ||||
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As Brad took more trips to Africa, the quality and range of drums we carried expanded and
improved. Care was taken to pay above market value for all products and to develop his business relationships with reciprocity
in mind. With every subsequent trip to Africa, Brad took bulging suitcases full
of things for the Africans...a way of giving something back. We've brought toys and
clothes to preschool children in Conakry, textbooks to students, funded costumes
for a performing group in Dakar, and brought tools and money to build a top-flight
workshop for the carvers in Abidjian. Many carvers work exclusively for our business and we
want them to feel a part of the company. | ||||
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By 1997, we decided to build a web site to reach customers beyond Portland. We had
a mail order catalog that we sent out periodically, but so many customers were
begging for a web site that we decided to try it. Like the rest of our business,
we began with a few sections and products and it has continually grown. We now have
customers all over the world...from Japan to Finland to Puerto Rico, not to mention
all over the US and Europe. | ||||
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Before we knew it, 2001 rolled around...it had been 10 years since the vision
and dream were born....and once again, we had outgrown our store. By a stroke of
luck, we found a space just 4 blocks away. | ||||
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We now finally had a space big enough to fulfill another dream....to carry drum
sets, cymbals, and other drum hardware and accessories. The "new" Traders would
become the full-service drum shop. In May 2001, we opened our new store! We decided to call it
"Rhythm Traders", to better reflect that we carried instruments from all over the world. | ||||
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While the majority of our percussion and drums are still from Africa, we have the largest selection of congas and other
latin percussion in the Pacific Northwest. Our store is filled floor to ceiling with incredible
drums, bells, cymbals, accessories, all drum building supplies, CDs, books and DVDs. With our new practice
and class studio, we were able to build on our dedication to education that we've always had.
We assembled some of Portland's finest teachers to teach Afro-Cuban, Djembe, Brazilian Percussion,
Timbales and Drumset in our own studio here at the shop. As we looked around the shop, we realized
that we had come full circle. Brad, who started playing a snare drum at 8, playing drum set with nationally recognized bands
in high school, discovered African drumming in college, and who has traveled the globe in search of rhythm, finally had it all
under one roof. It was a customer who first used the phrase, "Rhythm Traders is a Drummer's Toy Store"
and she was right. | ||||
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About this time, we realized that our website, African Rhythm Traders, was not only bursting at the seams, but also
much more than just African drums and percussion. It made sense that we ought to consider breaking our site into the 3 areas
that our company was growing: Latin, African, and Drum Set. We completely revamped our African Rhythm Traders site and launched
this site first. Of course, Brad had to do more research before building up our
Latin site. In 2002 and again in 2003, Brad traveled to Cuba to learn more about instrument designs and names, as well as the
musicians who played them. It seems simple, but he always wondered, "How can you sell something you don't know anything
about?" Well, surprisingly many stores do and it's the customer who suffers. | ||||
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In 2003, we began to have our own line of Latin instruments manufactured for us (Congas, Bongos, Timbales, Small Percussion).
Not just the staples, but we also pioneered industry firsts such as "Build-Your-Own" Conga kits, and the 14" Tumbadora we
named "El Monstruo" (The Monster). We also paid attention to the things that only a "musician's musician" would care about,
like carrying steer skins, bata drums, and bronze timbales named for our buddy in Havana (Eduardo Velazquez) who
helped design them. In November 2004, we launched our second site, Latin Rhythm Traders, with the same low pricing, attention
to detail, education, and passion that we've always had. | ||||
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In 2005, we applied that same dedication to the design of our own line of drumsets, aptly named the "Broadway Series" (our
store is on Broadway, too). We wanted a line of drum sets for all levels...from the beginner to the pro. We now
have our poplar B2 series, B1 Mahogany series, and our 100% Maple Master Series for the pro. | ||||
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Once our first container rolled in with Maple drum sets, solid aluminum Snare drums,
and all the bells-and-whistles to keep the pro drummer happy, we knew it was time for our 3rd web site. In August 2005,
we launched our latest website, Rhythm Traders' Sets & Cymbals. It's everything for the folks who like to hold
sticks. From Snare kits for beginning band, to cocktail kits, we created a line of drums designed by drummers for drummers...at
about half of the price. | ||||
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In 2006, we linked up with a tiny cymbal factory in Istanbul, Turkey, called Amedia Cymbals. Since we feel that they
make the absolute finest cymbals in the world, we became Amedia's very first American distributor. We continue to
import directly from the craftsmen who hammer the cymbals by hand to create sonic masterpieces. | ||||
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Thus far in 2007, we're celebrating over 15 years as the "Drummer's Toy Store". A beautiful mural was just painted on the
side of our shop here in Portland, Oregon, to raise awareness of the Mutare, Zimbabwe-Portland Sister City Association. The mural
was finished, and then we had a huge celebration, complete with ribbon-cutting ceremony, live bands all day, and a raffle to raise money for the
organization and their work at their HIV clinic in the village. We also split our websites again, now having a fourth site for
all of our company information. | ||||
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Welcome to the Rhythm Traders' family of websites: African Rhythm Traders, Latin Rhythm Traders, RT Drum
Sets & Cymbals, and Rhythm Traders, Inc. It's been a long, joyous ride, and we couldn't have done it without you...our
loyal customers and friends. THANK YOU!!! |
| Rhythm Traders is dedicated to providing
you, the musician, with the highest quality products available. Whether it be a
meticulously hand-carved djembe from Ivory Coast, hand-hammered Istanbul cymbal,
a vintage drum set, or a tambourine for church...we strive to know our products
and offer you the best. |
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To the African beat, we carry Ivory Coast and Guinea djembes and dununs for the beginner to professional
player in a range of sizes and quality. We have "backpacker" djembes, the perfect
size for traveling. We carry all Sabar drums from Senegal, and a full
range of Ghanaian percussion instruments. We have countless other types of bells and shakers, from all
over Africa. |
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In our Latin Quarter, we've got congas from Gon Bobs, LP, Toca, Sol, Bauer, Meinl, Timba, and Del
Cielo. Not only do we usually have all sizes (Requinto, Quinto, Conga (a.k.a Segundo), Tumba) in stock, but
we can order nearly anything. We also carry our own line of Latin Rhythm Traders instruments, including Ash Congas in
5 sizes, Brass Timbales, and bata drums. |
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We carry Brazilian and other Latin percussion by Bauer, JCR, RMV, Artcelsior,
Contemporanea, and Metalworks by Pete Engelhart. We also have great berimbaus and surdos from
Brazil. In addition, we have an extensive selection of
instructional books, DVDs, and CDs to improve your samba. |
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In the drum set department, we are authorized dealers for Pearl, Gretsch, Sonor and
Brady. We also manufacture our own "Broadway Series" kits; from the Poplar B2, Mahogany
B1, to our 100% Maple Master Series. We also carry snare kits and bell sets for the beginning drummer
in the family and have a rent-to-own program to get the kids started early. |
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Our stock drum heads, sticks, and cymbals are always
40% off (in-store only). We have screamin' deals on sets and stands. |
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We are the US distributors for Amedia Cymbals. We also carry Zildjian, Sabian, and hand-hammered Istanbul
Agop and Istanbul Mehmet cymbals. We're the only UFIP dealer in Oregon. We also manufacture our own line
of hand-crafted cast cymbals in China. |
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For sticks, we stock Promark, Vic Firth, Vater,
Johnny Rabb, Zildjian, and Swarms. |
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We also carry drum bags, from our basic, to the Master Series Bags which like to roll off airplanes
and protect your drum. We have shea butter to help your hands, straps, sticks, stands, and more.
We carry a full line of hardware, from great little companies like Roc-n-Soc to the big guys like Gibraltar
who carry everything for both the percussionist and kit player. |
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We have an extensive selection of instructional materials....from the classic books
for the beginner to the latest DVDs for pro's wanting to spice up their gigs. If you are a drummer,
you've got to come check out Northwest's most extensive drum source! |
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We've got a special kids' section for the smallest musicians...carrying great Remo Kids
drums, fun percussion, mini djembes, and CDs. We also have lots of bells,
kazoos, harmonicas, xylophones, whistles, and shakers. We have great bell sets and Snare Drum kits
for your beginning band student, too. |
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We also have a great selection of percussion from all over the world, whether it be
darbukas and dumbeks from Egypt, Turkey and Pakistan, Tablas from India, Bodhrans
from Ireland, singing bowls, Peruvian style cajons, or hand-crafted marimbas. |
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We carry a wide selection of CDs from all over the world, specializing in hard-to-find releases,
african, and latin music. We are US distributors for Mamady Keita DVDs and CDs;
for the Playa Sound series; and Buda's "Musique Du Monde" series. We have a large selection
of instructional books, DVDs, and videos, too. |
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We stock all of the drum building supplies you might need...rings, djembe rope,
drum skins (with and without hair), and shells. We have knowledgeable staff
who can give you some pointers if you are building a drum for the first time, and the same
knowledgeable staff who put together and tune each and every drum before it's sold.
Our shop also has a studio where we hold weekly classes...for the beginner to advance student of both drums and percussion...with our all-star team of teachers. |
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Brad, Owner (with "Piloto" (on right) in Cuba) Dubbed by the rest of us, "El Terifico", Brad is the man with the vision. Not only a great drummer, but his love of Rhythm Traders is what keeps our company growing and continually striving. This is not just a business to Brad, but a way of life and an integral part of the community. To him, drumming and travel are ways of sharing his passion with others. He has traveled extensively to Cuba, West Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. He has studied in Guinea with Mamady Keita, in Senegal with Leopold Lo, in Ghana with Mustapha Tetteh Addy, and in Havana, Cuba with Eduardo Velazquez. You'll catch him out on the town playing Timbales with Melao de Cana. |
| "Sarge", Store Manager "Sarge" has been a part of Rhythm Traders since 2002. Not only our Store Manager, he also heads up our drum set, cymbals, and accessories division. When asked what wisdom he would like to impart..."Start your kids drumming right away...it's great fun, expands their minds, and is a great stress reliever. I got my first pair of sticks in sixth grade, by eighth was playing rock n'roll cover tunes at high school proms and look at me now! Ok...bad example...BUT I am great fun to do business with!" "Sarge" established our lesson programs and continues to play at proms around town...he's also a rockin' M.C. |
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Bryan, Sales & Drum Repair Bryan has been with us since 1996, helping with customers and heading up our repair department. He is the "gigin-est" reggae bass player in town... and he knows lots about drums. You can also find him playing with Portland Latin bands, Afincando, Cuba Aché, and Melao de Cana. |
| Mario, Mail Order/Customer Service Mario has been with us since November 2004 and has the huge job of getting our orders out and making sure that our customers get all their questions answered. A self-taught kit drummer, he's been playing in bands for 9 years. Mario grew up in Guatemala and comes from a long legacy of Latino musicians and is grandson of Enrique Sandoval. He's also a great vocalist...singing now with Melao de Cana. Mario tambien habla espanol para todos los hermanos Latinos. Si pues! |
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James, Sales and Teacher James has worked for us over a decade. He has studied and taught drums for over 15 years. His specialties include Timba, Salsa, Funk, and Reggae. He has been in many of Portland's top bands such as; Agua Miel, Rubberneck, Black Angel, Linda Hornbuckle, Bobby Torres, and African Kings. James regularly travels to Cuba and is Portland's specialist in contemporary Afro-Cuban drumset--timbale applications. |
| Alex, Sales The newest member of our staff, Alex has been with us since 2006. He moved out here from SW Michigan for Portland's great music scene. Can be seen playing around town with Reggae Ambassadors. Influences include "El Negro" and Chris Pennie. Alex's specialty on the sales floor is drum set and percussion. He's got some pretty sweet dance moves, too. |
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Douglas, Sales Douglas is also a recent addition to the Rhythm Traders staff. He is a native Spanish speaker from El Salvador, a super sick conga player, and our new resident Latin percussion expert. Douglas can be seen playing around town with his cuban dance band, Afincando. |
| Jeff, Sales Jeff has been with us since 1994. He was with the Peace Corps in Ghana, speaks some Ewe, Twi, and Ga, and is our Ghana specialist. Jeff can be found playing hand percussion all around town in his free time. |
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Sekou Soumah, The Triple Threat We call Sekou the "triple threat" because he builds beautiful djembes, is a phenomenal djembe player, AND dances. Sekou has been building our "Master Series" Djembes for us since 2001. He has built our djembes for Giovanni Hidalgo, Mickey Hart, and LP President David McAllister. Sekou has traveled and performed in Guinea, West Africa, is a certified Tam Tam Mandingue professor, and has appeared in African Dance videos, including Tinkanyi with Moustapha Bangoura. He teaches African dance and drumming classes in Portland and is continues to apprentice under Moustapha Bangoura for dance and Mamady Keita for djembe. |
| Tobi, Drum Repair In addition to helping us with drum repairs, Tobi was the general contractor for the shop renovation in 2001. He studies Afro-cuban percussion and is a member of the Lions of Batucada. Tobi has traveled extensively in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Brazil. He studies Brazilian percussion with Jorge Alabe and is our resident Samba and Talking Drum authority. |
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Kirstin, Website Developer The woman behind the scenes (isn't there always one?)...Not only Brad's wife, but also the web designer, programmer, and mother to our "little drummer boys". Working continually to keep our website fresh, full of new products, and as fun as possible. |
| Lowest Price: |
If you find a lower price on the same item elsewhere, show us and we'll
match it or give you a free gift. We want to earn your business. (In-Store only) |
| Highest Quality: | All of our new instruments are guaranteed to be free from defects in workmanship. LP, Matador, Toca, Tama, Pearl, Meinl, Remo, Gibraltar, & Headliner are guaranteed 1 to 3 years. Unprecedented 30 day guarantee on all mounted natural drumheads. |
| Easy Exchanges: | You may return or exchange your instrument within 14 days with receipt. |
| Easy Layaway: | Just 1/3rd down. No interest, no minimum payments. |
| Free Lessons: | With the purchase of congas, djembes, Ghanaian drums, and Brazilian percussion. (In-Store only) |
We hope you'll come visit us soon! | |
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 African Rhythm Traders For all of our African drums and percussion, CDs, DVDs & instructional materials. |
 Latin Rhythm Traders For all of our Latin drums and percussion, CDs, DVDs & instructional materials. |
 RT Drum Sets & Cymbals For drum sets, cymbals, & accessories for the kit drummers. |
