The Zendrum is …

…a Midi instrument, meaning it can play ANY sound that is accessible through Midi...piano, organ, bagpipes, birds chirping, guns firing, synthesizers, samples, sequences, ANYTHING.  Although it can play any sound, it is generally used as a programmable electronic drum that is worn like a guitar and played with the hands and fingers.

The evolution of the Zendrum began in 1986.  Billy Cobham, Mick Fleetwood, and Earth, Wind and Fire were some of the first artists to adopt the Zendrum for its visual possibilities on the concert stage as well as for the unlimited array of sounds it made available to drummers and percussionists.

David Haney created the modern Zendrum in 1991. He was inspired by Futureman's Synthaxe Drumitar. Haney used a triangular piece of wood and piezoelectric sensors as triggers. He refined the shape of the instrument with his friend and co-inventor Kim Daniel. 

To embrace the Zendrum requires a spirit of adventure, exploration, and taking things a step further. There are no "For Dummies" books about it and there is no “standard” way to play it. These factors alone make it a daunting task to decide to use it as your main "axe".

EVERYONE plays it so differently, right down to the way that the instruments are arranged on the pads, so in essence, every Zendrummer invents his/her own INSTRUMENT while learning to play it! 

Through the years I have developed my own style, layouts and methods for playing and singing with this fascinating instrument.  But then again, that is what makes this an expression of my own individuality!

The Zendrum, combined with additional advanced technologies (I spent over 40 years in the Information Technology field) and the strength of our vocals, allows Kathi and I to customize our sound and style to fit whatever combination is needed for any occasion, up to and including the experience of a much larger band. 

…Rod & Kathi Simpson