The foundation for Big Bang Distribution was set when Bob Kasha, the founder, received his first drum kit in 1971, sparking a lifelong passion. His early commitment led him to study under more than 15 drum teachers, diversifying his skill set. Besides excelling in music, Bob achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and played baseball with the Dodgers of Huntsville, Alabama. These experiences cultivated discipline and perseverance, traits that would later guide his business philosophy and help him navigate the challenges of building a career that merged his love for drumming with entrepreneurship.
At just 18, Bob's teaching journey began, initially under the mentorship of his original drum instructor. Within a year and a half, his student base grew to over 80, indicating his natural talent for teaching and connecting with young drummers. He also performed regularly with several musical groups during this period, including The Groupe Harrahs in Lake Tahoe and The Play at Madame Wong's West. His performances not only refined his skills but also allowed him to stay connected to the music scene. The combination of teaching, performing, and pursuing a degree at Cal State Northridge helped Bob develop a balanced approach to music and business, laying the groundwork for future endeavors.
Opening his first music store, ABK Rocks, marked Bob’s first major entrepreneurial venture. The store became a gathering place for local musicians, allowing him to build relationships with renowned drummers and expand into multiple locations. He added guitar and other music lessons, quickly positioning ABK Rocks as a comprehensive resource for aspiring musicians. These early ventures provided Bob with deep insights into the music retail business, which later informed his approach to distribution. The connections made during this period would also prove beneficial in the 1990s, as he transitioned to distributing AHEAD products and working closely with artists.
The collaboration with Rick Grossman and Easton Sporting Company marked a turning point for Bob and the drumming world. The development of AHEAD drumsticks represented a radical departure from traditional wooden drumsticks. The engineering approach applied to the drumsticks, using a hi-tech aluminum core with replaceable nylon sleeves and tips, was influenced by aerospace technology, making the sticks more durable and providing a unique playing experience. The product's innovative design quickly garnered attention, especially among professional drummers who sought performance improvements, laying the foundation for Big Bang’s future distribution efforts.
Bob recognized the potential for AHEAD drumsticks to revolutionize drumming. This insight led him to launch Big Bang Distribution, not only to distribute the AHEAD brand but also to introduce other innovative products to drummers. The transition from music store owner to distributor allowed Bob to focus on a new vision—creating a company that would not just sell products but support drummers' needs. The AHEAD brand’s rapid growth was fueled by endorsements from top drummers, including Lars Ulrich of Metallica, who was one of the earliest adopters. Such endorsements provided the brand with credibility, helping to establish Big Bang Distribution as a major force in the percussion industry.
The 1994 earthquake devastated Bob's Los Angeles music stores, forcing a decision that changed the course of his career. Rather than rebuild, he pivoted entirely to distribution, selling his stores to fully focus on expanding Big Bang. This period marked the company’s transition from a small, specialized distributor to a major player in the industry, expanding its network of retail partners and adding new product lines. Bob’s firsthand experience as a store owner allowed him to understand the needs of retailers, shaping Big Bang’s customer-centric approach. He also embraced a more hands-on role in mentoring store owners, sharing strategies to help them thrive as the retail landscape evolved.
By purchasing the AHEAD brand outright, Bob was able to fully control product development and expand the lineup beyond drumsticks. New products such as AHEAD drum cases, thrones, and practice pads were introduced, addressing drummers' needs with the same innovative approach that had made the drumsticks successful. The acquisition also allowed for deeper artist collaborations, leading to the development of custom models and specialized gear that catered to the unique requirements of touring professionals. This move further solidified Big Bang's position as a leader in drumming innovation.
The 2000s saw Big Bang expand its offerings to include over 50 brands, from established names like Latin Percussion and Aquarian Drumheads to niche products like DRUMnBASE and Trick Drums. The company began working closely with international distributors, forming partnerships that brought its products to markets worldwide. The focus was not just on expanding the catalog, but on curating products that aligned with Big Bang’s commitment to quality and innovation. This period also included product line diversification, with the introduction of drum hardware, hearing protection, and other accessories that met the growing demands of drummers and percussionists globally.
Big Bang's emphasis on innovation extended to materials and manufacturing. By utilizing aerospace-grade aluminum and proprietary manufacturing processes, the company enhanced the durability and performance of its products. The development of the Vibration Reduction System (VRS) for AHEAD drumsticks and the introduction of lightweight, high-performance snare drums and cases demonstrated the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what drumming gear could achieve. These advancements positioned Big Bang as a forward-thinking brand, appealing to drummers who valued both innovation and reliability.
Big Bang recognized the challenges facing local drum shops due to increasing online competition. The company developed programs to support these shops, such as exclusive dealer discounts, product training, and co-branded marketing initiatives that encouraged musicians to shop locally. Expanding artist relations was also a key focus during this time, with more artists being brought on board to endorse AHEAD products. Drummers were not only brand ambassadors but also collaborators in product development, providing feedback that shaped new offerings and drove continuous improvement.
With AHEAD Armor Cases, Big Bang introduced a line of drum and hardware cases that incorporated high-performance materials and innovative designs. The unique teardrop shape and TruForm padding provided a snug fit for drums, while the DX-Core material offered unmatched protection. The cases gained popularity among professional drummers who needed reliable gear for touring and were quickly adopted as industry-leading drum protection solutions.
Recognizing the value of education, Big Bang increased its investment in creating content that helped drummers improve their skills. The company organized clinics, workshops, and online masterclasses with top artists, and developed resources such as product usage guides and tutorial videos. Community events like the "Big Bang Drum Day" drew drummers together for learning and networking, fostering a sense of belonging within the drumming community. These efforts strengthened Big Bang’s role as a company that not only sold products but also invested in the growth and development of its customers.
During the pandemic, Big Bang Distribution adapted to the challenging circumstances by prioritizing support for local drum shops. The company provided flexible solutions, such as extended payment terms and tailored marketing assistance to help promote local dealers online. To maintain engagement with the drumming community, Big Bang accelerated the development of digital resources and shifted many events to virtual formats, ensuring drummers could still access valuable content. These strategic adaptations underscored the company’s commitment to putting people and community first, even during unprecedented times.
Building on decisions made during the pandemic to enhance Big Bang’s online presence, the company launched a significantly upgraded website in 2022. The new platform featured extensive product information, interactive dealer maps, artist showcases, and brand insights, providing drummers with a comprehensive online experience. To blend e-commerce with community support, the site integrated Quivers technology, enabling local drum shops to claim and fulfill online orders. This approach allowed customers to enjoy the convenience of online shopping while still supporting their local drum shops. The overhaul marked a major step forward in modernizing Big Bang’s digital identity while staying true to its core values of fostering community-driven relationships in the drumming industry.
Today, Big Bang Distribution is more than a distributor; it is a company that empowers musicians, nurtures relationships with retailers, and listens to drummers' feedback to continuously improve. The focus remains on quality, customer service, and innovation as the company prepares for the next generation of musicians. The family-run nature of the business, with Bob Kasha and his team leading the way, ensures that Big Bang continues to reflect its founder’s dedication to doing "the next right thing" at every step.
