We are proud to present a truly remarkable piece of drumming history: an original 1990/1991 Noble & Cooley Horizon drum set from the personal collection of designer Bob Gatzen. During the late '80s and early '90s, Bob worked closely with Jay Jones at Noble & Cooley, pioneering some of the most innovative drum designs that have influenced the industry to this day.

The Horizon series, first introduced in the late '80s, quickly became legendary for its groundbreaking hybrid shell design, combining maple and mahogany. At the time, this was a novel approach. The horizontally constructed shells allow for a more uniform resonance, similar to N&C's renowned steam-bent shells. The inner mahogany layer adds a deep, rich tone, making these drums exceptional for both live performances and studio recordings. Features like single nodal point brass lugs, hybrid shells, RIMS mounts, and die-cast hoops were cutting-edge innovations that set the Horizon kits far ahead of their time—and they still hold their own among today’s finest offerings.

This particular kit, from Bob Gatzen’s personal collection, features toms made in 1991 and a bass drum from 1990, all crafted under the same consignment serial number. The bass drum is an uncommon 22x15 size with a single nodal point—unlike most Horizon bass drums from that era, which had double nodal point lugs. This unique feature suggests the bass drum may have been a prototype Bob was testing during his R&D work. The tom sizes (10x9, 12x9, 13x10, and 16x14) also deviate from the standard configurations of the time, further adding to the kit’s individuality. Each tom is equipped with original N&C die-cast hoops and hex-style detailing, a signature feature of N&C Solid Shell snares.

The stunning finish on this kit is a transparent Yellow Gloss, showcasing the beautiful maple grain beneath. While other companies have tried to replicate this finish, none have matched the artistry of N&C's execution. A similar Yellow Horizon kit was famously made for and still owned by Chris Whitten, who ordered it for the Dire Straits world tour. Due to a last-minute change in tour aesthetics, the yellow kit was replaced with a black one, but it has since become a staple of Chris’s recording sessions.

This kit represents a golden era in Noble & Cooley’s history, a time when Bob and Jay were redefining drum design with innovations that are now industry standards. Not only does it hold historical and collectible value, but it also stands as a testament to Bob Gatzen's legacy as a designer committed to producing exceptional-sounding, durable drums. Though this set is a collector's dream, it’s also built to perform and will continue delivering top-tier sound for generations.

Drum Kit Specifications:

• Model: Noble & Cooley Horizon Kit, Made in 1990/1991  
• Provenance & Origin: From Bob Gatzen's Private Collection
• Toms Sizes: 10x9, 12x9, 13x10 with Purecussion RIMS systems and upgraded N&C Cool Mount Brackets
• Floor Tom: 16x14 with DSS floor tom mount  
• Bass Drum: 22x15, single nodal point with Yamaha Mount 
• Finish: Hand-finished Yellow Gloss Lacquer 
• Shells: Hybrid Maple/Mahogany, horizontally constructed  
• Heads: Brand new Evans tom heads, Original Prototype EQ style bass drum heads
• Hoops: Original N&C die-cast hoops  
• Lugs: Chrome over brass nodal point lugs  
• Badges: Silver Horizon badges  
• Bass Drum Hardware: Original N&C bass drum claw hooks, Pearl SP30 bass drum spurs
• Serial Codes: Toms: H/0096-91; Bass Drum: H/0064-90
• Condition: Pre-loved, Rated 9.5/10, meticulously maintained in Bob’s studio throughout its life  

About Bob Gatzen

Bob Gatzen was an accomplished drummer—having studied under renowned mentors like Joe Porcaro, Al Lepak, and Gary Burton, and having performed with top New York and Boston musicians in groups such as Moto and Spiral—he was perhaps best known for his visionary contributions as a producer, inventor, and a true Renaissance man of the drumming world. His guiding philosophy, "explore—discover—create," perfectly encapsulates his approach to both music and innovation.

In 1972, Bob and his wife, Jo-Ann, founded Creative Music, Inc., a pioneering educational and retail hub where workshops, clinics, and live performances were a regular occurrence. Over the next thirty years, Creative Music became a breeding ground for new ideas, placing Bob at the forefront of drumming innovation. During this time, he accumulated numerous U.S. and international patents for groundbreaking designs with leading drum companies such as Evans, Noble & Cooley, Puresound, Regal Tip, Drum Workshop, Zildjian, and DrumFrame, Ltd. His work has been recognised globally, including several prestigious Music Industry Press Awards, and in 2005, he was honoured with Modern Drummer's Editor's Achievement Award.

Among Bob’s many contributions to drumming education are instructional DVDs like Drum Tuning, Sound, and Design, and the Inspiring Drummers series for Warner Bros., where he collaborated with iconic drummers such as Dennis Chambers, Tony Royster Jr., and Will Kennedy. His passion for fostering creativity extends to his work with START With The Arts, a non-profit organisation dedicated to nurturing artistic expression and original thinking in children. Gatzen had also shared his vast knowledge through numerous popular instructional videos on YouTube, inspiring countless drummers around the world.

Bob sadly passed away at the end of 2023, making this drum kit even more significant. As one of the last remaining kits from his personal collection, this Horizon set now carries a deeper legacy. Beyond its incredible craftsmanship and unique features, it stands as a tribute to Bob’s lifelong dedication to pushing the boundaries of drum design and sound. This kit not only represents a pivotal era in Noble & Cooley’s history but also serves as a lasting reminder of Bob’s profound impact on the drumming community.

His visionary work has shaped the industry in countless ways, and owning a piece from his personal collection is akin to owning a piece of drumming history. This kit, which Bob carefully curated and kept throughout his life, is a testament to his unrelenting passion for innovation, quality, and craftsmanship. Now, with his passing, it holds an even more profound value—not just as an instrument but as a symbol of Bob Gatzen's enduring influence on music and drum design.

Please note: The kit is shown with stands and cymbals for illustration purposes only. These items are not included in the listed sale price. If you require additional components, feel free to contact us, and we’ll be happy to create a personalised quote tailored to your needs.