The finish of his kit is a natural bubinga finish. What sets Simon's kit apart from others is the way the drum is built, hardware wise.

If you look closely at the drums themselves you'll see how his kit has seperate lug boxes rather then the Omni-Tune lug system on this picture. Normally the natural finish is only available the Omni-Tune kits. I read somewhere that Simon found that the Omni-Tune system actually mad it difficult to change the heads.

Some guys are grumbling about this at the Tama message board. Oh well. They haven't been endorsing Tama for as long as Simon (if at all!). When they do, maybe they'll get that perk.

J P Lapp

Thanks again JP, had never heard of this timber before.
Cheers

Bubinga would definitely be considered an exotic wood. In an article I read pertaining to DW's Bubingas, it is stated that the only trees that are harvested, are those that pose a danger of falling due to their extremely old age. As to whether this is the norm for all Bubinga, I do not know. The trees pictured in this article are gigantic in diameter. They are laying on their side and are taller the person standing next them.

(I'll stop right here.)

J P Lapp

Sounds like some rather large specimens then. Thanks once again for all the information.
Cheers

I forgot to mention that I love that picture in your I D. It always gives me a smile for some reason. There is just something about it.

J P Lapp

Yeah my avatar cracks me up too, I thinks its a classic shot, and its our national bird!

Thanks ,!1 cool nice drummer superb !!