PhoenixPercussionLtd.com

Testimonials


stevie kilbridIn March 2007, I met Chris and Sandy from Phoenix Percussion Ltd. They wanted me to look at the “Talon” snare and tenor drum harness. I looked at it, liked its weight but was a wee bit skeptical. Something new! They asked me to try it on for comfort and yes, it was very comfortable. I put a drum on and went for a walk around the McCallum’s showroom. I put it through its paces, quick turns and counter marches. The drum remained stable throughout. For a non-rigid carrier this is Great, for tenor drummers this is Amazing. The adjustable plates allow you to control the position of the drum to maximize sound projection. Also the soft shoulder straps allow you the comfort and freedom of movement to do your flourishes. I have used this harness ever since and it didn’t take much to convince the tenor section of Scottish Power to adopt it. My new band, ‘Bagad Brieg’ in France, are changing to the Phoenix ‘Talon’ because I think it is the best on the market.
Stevie Kilbride
I wanted to tell you about my experience with the Talon Harness. To begin, I have been trying to learn to play the drums for numerous years and have had a variety of teachers. When I decided to pursue just the side snare drum instead the entire set I looked to one of the drummers in the Shining Thistle Pipe Band (STPB). But during this time he was having numerous physical problems, including his back and so the drummers in the band started playing rope tension drums instead of the snares. The rope tension drums are much lighter and easier on the back when walking in parades but they do not have the sound quality that the High Tension Snare (HTS) drums do with pipes. So deciding that the band needed to change the sound quality they voted to require the HTS drums to the rope tension drums, as long as there was a solution to the weight distribution on the body. This is when we found the Talon Harness.

It was then that my mom being the Pipe Major that she is bought me my first snare drum for Christmas to go along with the harness that we already had. We soon heard about a drummer from a nearby band that had moved to our town. I got a hold of him and we started working on drum lessons. He helped me get the drum tuned and taught me how to take it apart and put on the leg rest that came with the harness. He had never heard of the Talon Harness and was quite interested. I was finally able to play my first St. Patrick’s Day, I walked up and down hills for the parade and to numerous establishments with the band. We performed for two days and I was surprised to find that my back wasn’t hurting, which was quite amazing knowing the fact that I had Scoliosis when I was younger. My back still hurts during strenuous situations but it did not on St. Patrick’s Day. It was also quite easy to take on and off the snare drum; it wasn’t to long before the other drummers in the band had “Talon Envy”.

The Talon Harness can be described in the three C’s. The first C being comfort, the weight distribution puts less stress on your body and it is much easier to perform. The second C is convenience, the harness allows you to just take off the drum and not both drum and harness. The third C is connect, because the way the harness fits your body you are playing as one with the drum, unlike the stiff harnesses were its you, the harness, and the drum. But the Talon harness allows the drum to lean comfortably on your leg. This way it’s just me and my drum playing as one, I can feel the vibration that my drum gives off and the sound quality it makes.

I love the Talon Harness! I had not marched with the drum until 2007 St. Patrick’s Day and not being sore after two days carrying it was amazing. I am 5’3” with normal body build and seventeen years old. I would highly recommend this harness to anyone, especially those with back problems and to younger drummers that have been discouraged or were not able to march because of the weight with the HTS drums.
Jill ‘Talon Girl’ from Montana
I’ve had my Talon harness for a couple of months now and I like the feel and the lack of back strain. I’ve been able to carry the drum for the duration of our shows and practices without having to put it down to rest.
The other drummers in my band are constantly putting on and taking their drums off to rest their lower backs, and this tends to slow things down when we start and stop.
Marc Servant
I have been enjoying my talon harness for some time now and am considering purchasing 3 more to outfit the rest of our snare drummers. The talon is the most comfortable harness I have ever worn and is perfect for standstill performances as well as competition. I also enjoy how the drum naturally tilts forward. Thanks,
George Pittman Naples, Florida
Sorry for taking so long to get in touch! Off the plane from Scotland and straight back to work!! I had intended to write and thank you for helping out my daughter, Lauren. she would have been shattered if she hadn't been able to play and missed being part of the big win! As her Dad, I would have had to deal with a very sad young lady. I know Lauren plans on having the other tenors try the carrier to see how they like it. Thanks again ever so much for stepping up and helping us out!
Bill Baines - SL78th
I just wanted you to know that tonight was the first opportunity I really had to put the harness and tenor drum through the paces. I absolutely LOVE it! What a difference it makes!! I will definately be spreading the word on your Talon Harness and the excellent customer service YOU have provided. Thanks for all your help,
Fran Bowman
Talon Drum Harness Testimonial: As an aspiring drummer, I found my enthusiasm marred by back pain and discomfort, brought on by the way I was carrying my drum. Close to quitting, I discovered the Talon Drum Harness. WOW!!! I was back and have marched in many parades since. I would highly recommend the Talon Drum Harness to anyone who carries a drum, and is looking for a high level of comfort.
Louise Brooking-McDow, Nova Scotia
I had an opportunity to talk with the designer and actually try on the Talon Drum Harness this past weekend at the NB Highland Games. One thing that impressed me was that the harness, aside from being light, distributed the weight of the drum equally - this will undoubtedly eliminated back and hip pain/strain.

There were a number of bands there from the US as well as from Canada whose snares are already using the harness. I talked with a number of them and they all enthusiastically recommended it. The ladies commented on the front strap which fits, well, very comfortable. Another nice feature is the harness will fit easily under the jacket.

I wear, like many others, an over the shoulder harness. This Talon drum harness has a tenor attachment (prototype stage) allowing it to be worn to the side not in front of the chest. The design eliminates the drum from either bouncing when you march and/or sliding to the rear. It is fully stabilised.

There are other features I noted, like a small carrying bag, that can only be appreciated by contacting the manufacturers, by email, phone or visiting their web site. As you can see, I'm impressed and plan on getting one.
Doug Cottrell
Chris and crew, It's been a month and I am finally getting around to emailing you to say thanks! The day of the World's was crazy and I did not have the chance then. The sling you rushed over for Lauren Baines saved the day! Words can not express the gratitude I feel towards your company.

She was able to play pain free after being in severe pain the day before. Keep up the great customer service! Looking forward to using your products in the future!
Ryan Barr Scottish Lion
78th Fraser Highlanders

 


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The lightweight "TALON" harness configures around the body offering comfortable weight distribution. Visit our Photo Gallery >>