"Victor Salazar is one of the nicest and most knowledgeable drum guys in the industry. If you don’t know him…you will and you’ll be glad you do! His Chicago roots may be the anchor for his new store, but I am confident that his reach will soon extend nationwide and beyond."

Glen Caruba

Studio Great

"Victor Salazar is one of the true "Good guys" in the business. The personal touch that he gives his customers is second to none."

Joey Cassata

Z02, ZRock

"What can you say about a guy who knows more about you than you--more about drummers' drums than anyone else! I don't know how long I've known Victor, but I seem to remember my drumming life in two parts. Before I knew Victor, and AFTER I knew Victor."

Jimmy Chamberlin

Smashing Pumpkins, Skysaw

"My experience at your facility this weekend exceeded all my expectations. I was completely blown away - from the performance aspect and a first-class staff that went above and beyond anything I expected. I've played and toured all over the world and have yet to find a facility that can offer what I've found here in Chicago. To have a top-shelf drum shop like Vic's and a facility like this is pretty unequal to anywhere else in the world that I've found. Since I'm going to be moving to Chicago and basing my drums and music out of here, I look forward to working with your facility and staff in the future and can highly recommend them to everyone else."

Paul Collier

Nox Umbra

"I've known Victor since 2006 when he hired me to do a clinic. First of all, I had never seen anyone more prepared for a clinic than he. Every single thing that was necessary for me to do my job was taken care of - above and beyond what I'd normally expect. When I walked into the store I was just blown away by his presentation of the stock and the sheer magnitude of it. After spending a day with him I was pretty sure I'd never spoken to someone with more knowledge about drum gear than Vic. He has also reached out to me with help and advice on professional terms which I've always been very grateful for, and, perhaps most importantly, he is just such an honest and nice guy."

Dave DiCensio

Berklee College of Music Professor, Josh Groban

"Victor goes about his work in the most industrious, painstaking, earnest manner, with an extreme attention to detail. These are the qualities with which he has conducted himself for the many clinics, masterclasses, and gigs I've performed for him over the years, all while attending to the drummer's needs. Quite simply, when it comes to anything drums, Victor is the authority."

Virgil Donati

Master Clinician, Planet X

"Victor is the MAN!! I was twelve years old when I met Vic and from day one he was always so supportive and helpful! He never hesitates to lend a helping hand when you need him. Always a man of his word, he does whatever he can to help out his peers in this business and THAT is a quality we all should strive to have! I'm blessed to know Victor and call him my friend!! Good luck to you Vic and may God bless ALL of your endeavors!"

Hannah Ford

Prince, Bellevue Suite

"I don’t remember the exact moment I met Victor Salazar. Maybe he does…But I do know that I’m very thankful that moment happened. Victor is all things drums and I’m glad he is. That means I don’t have to think about them so much. Victor once told me that he had been thinking of all the drums in the world, and of all those drums which ones should I play. He decided GMS. He arranged to have a kit brought out to me to try for a show we were doing in Chicago. From the moment I hit the kick drum for the very first time, I was in love. Thanks Victor. And GMS have been wonderful to me ever since. I’m not like a lot of drummers in this world. I’ve taken a different path and I only do what I do. Victor has always encouraged me that I am special because of that very fact. Again, thank you Victor. From the bottom of my heart, good luck to you in all that you do. And always…all my love…"

Jerry Gaskill

King's X

"I've know Vic for 10 years now and I've never met anyone in the drum industry with more knowledge and understanding of the instrument than this man. Every time I come through Chicago I make a point of hooking up with him. He is THE drum equipment guy. His recommendations to me have always been perfect - and he's someone that I think of as a real friend.".

Gavin Harrison

Porcupine Tree, King Crimson

"Victor is a huge asset for us Chicago drummers. He's done so much for our community by bringing an array of legends and drumming experts in for clinics, lessons and workshops. He's my go-to guy for any questions I might have on equipment..."

Glenn Kotche

Wilco

"If I ever had to buy any drumming gear, I would shop at Vic's Drum Shop. Vic is one of the most passionate drum-lovers on the planet. He lives, breathes and loves drums and drumming, and it's hugely inspiring for me to see a person so dedicated to his work. He is -hands down- the most competent drum dealer I know and he has such a profound knowledge of "all things drum" that I can personally guarantee he will always give the best advice, information and price. He'll pass on the latest insider news and he will always be the "to go to guy" if you need "anything drum. Victor is also a very handsome man with beautiful dark flowing hair that has not a hint of grey in it. Not a hint!"

Thomas Lang

"It isn't often one gets the whole truth or the proper attention when purchasing anything these days. Victor has a consistent and documented history of helping drummers from beginners to the most successful make the right decisions with equipment. "

Mike Mangini

Dream Theater, Steve Vai, Extreme

"Since the late 80s Victor has magically appeared at almost every show ive done in Chicago. . thats a lot of shows ! with a lot of different bands from the Rembrants to King Crimson ... the music and my hairline change but Vic looks just the same... never figured it out till i took a ride in his van one day... he has a small machine in the back that extracts and multiplies all the metric subdivisions of his favorite prog and jazz players and distills it to an age rejuvenation and hair growth oil that he massages over his studlike frame . . . effective, but not a pretty site . . . and he never offers to share. . . come on buddy pass the bottle."

Pat Mastelotto

King Crimson, KTU

"Over the last decade I've gotten to know Vic rather well and I consider him a close friend. He is one of the most passionate and knowledgeable people in the drumming business. I look forward to spending time with him in his new shop, and I'm sure it will be one of the best Drum shops in the world!"

Stanton Moore

Galactic, Garage A Trois

"Life is all about finding something to be passionate about. Victor, no doubt, found his life's passion loooong ago in the world of drums and percussion. He is a walking encyclopedia of this fascinating landscape of rhythm."

Rod Morgenstein

Dixie Dregs, Winger, Associate Professor Berklee

"I first met Victor in 2010 where I was performing a Masterclass and a show that he was organizing. When my drum kit was shipped the shipping company lost a very important part of my kit - the wooden plinth that I set up on. Of course I was not too happy about this but Victor assured me he could fix this problem. When I arrived to set up the kit not only was the plinth prepared but painted and hinged just the way it should be. His attention to detail frankly I had never seen before in the retail side of the business. In my long experience of playing drum clinics around the world I have rarely seen this devotion and eagerness to get things just right. I know that his new store will flourish because he has the passion as well as the savvy to make it a success. Best of luck Victor and I'll shake the Margerita's next time!!!!"

Simon Phillips

Toto, Jeff Beck, Pete Townsend

"Victor Salazar's dedication to drummers, drums and the art of drumming in general is absolutely unparalleled. In all my years of playing, I have never met somebody as dedicated as he is to every aspect of the drum community. He has been a staple of all of my performances in the Chicago area for almost 10 years now and his support to not only myself but to drummers of every style and genre is an inspiration. He is somebody whose relationship I value greatly. This industry needs more people like Victor..."

Mike Portnoy

Adrenaline Mob, Dream Theater

"Nobody cares the way Victor does. Whether you need help building a custom project, need a weird piece of hardware, a drum repair and even a ride to the airport, Victor is the person I most trust in the industry. He stayed up with me after a clinic and showed me around downtown Chicago. After a 3 AM hang at the diner, he drove me to catch a 6 AM flight. Victor is a great friend and always goes above and beyond to take care of you. Thanks Victor. You are the best!"

Johnny Rabb

BioDiesel, U.S.S.A., DrumJockeys, Ten Finger Orchestra

"This is the best shop and environment ever. You are the best and I wish you all the success in the world."

John Riley

Stan Getz, Miles Davis, John Scofield

"Vic has always been a straight ahead guy and an outstanding person in the world of drums and percussion...I would trust him to help me in any capacity and have done so many times."

Scott Rockenfield

Queensrÿche

"Victor Salazar is the #1 shop owner in the world because he loves music, drums and drummers! His passion for music and making people happy fuels his attention to detail, which is unmatched in the music business. He has been a major supporter of my bands and clinics for the past 20 years – thank you for that Vic. All the best with your Chicago drum shop, I can’t wait for you to open the NYC branch of Vic’s Drum Shop!"

Steve Smith

Journey, Vital Information

"I've known Victor since the mid '80s, and I've watched him become a celebrated personality within the industry. His knowledge of music, musicians and gear is vast and it's always going to be a great conversation with him."

Todd Sucherman

Styx

"I've know Victor for many years. He has promoted my clinics, masterclasses, and even concerts with huge success. His attention to detail puts him in another class. His enthusiasm is contagious and he knows how to make things work."

Chad Wackerman

Frank Zappa, Allan Holdsworth, Barbara Streisand, James Taylor

"When Victor Salazar hosts a clinic, the production is always top class! A true professional and stand-up guy, Victor's outgoing and giving personality really separates him from the pack. Being near this guy is like receiving a sun tan of expertise, care and love. I suspect the word "Salazar" translates to "Sun" in some language or other!"

William (Billy) Ward

Joan Osborne, Session Great

“When I was just starting out as a young drummer, one of the greatest pleasures in my life was to visit Frank’s Drum Shop and Bill Crowden’s Drums Limited, two of Chicago’s most legendary drum stores. I know Vic’s Drum Shop will become part of that wonderful legacy of classic Chicago drums stores, and with Victor’s fantastic knowledge of all things related to drumming and his tireless dedication to the drumming community, I have no doubt that his shop will be a core location in helping to inspire a whole new generation of drummers and nurture the energetic spirit and camaraderie that are so vital to maintaining a healthy and thriving musical scene.”

Paul Wertico

Pat Metheny, Roosevelt University