On the heels of the announcement of entering an exclusive U.S. distribution deal with Dixon Drums, St. Louis Music has hired Jim Uding as its brand director. Uding will also serve as product manager for SLM’s drums and percussion products. Uding owned Drum Headquarters, a five-star drum store, and has been in the industry for nearly 30 years.

“It was thrilling for SLM to get a line like Dixon Drums, and now we have a talented and experienced industry professional like Jim to manage it,” says CEO Mark Ragin. “He’s respected and admired by drum dealers all over the country, and we feel fortunate that he’s able to join the team. His knowledge of all things drums is fantastic.”

Uding joined Drum Headquarters in 1983 when Rob Birenbaum owned it. When Birenbaum started HQ Percussion products, Uding was its operations manager for 15 years assisting in the growth of a wholesale and manufacturing division that resulted in the creation of many best-selling percussion accessories. Birenbaum later sold HQ Percussion to D’Addario, and the store to Uding, in 2004 and 2006 respectively.

“Joining the St. Louis Music management team has been an exciting and comfortable transition for me,” Uding says. “I’m eager to apply the same hands-on and personal approach to my new role as I did with Drum Headquarters for over 28 years. I look forward to bringing the best in percussion products and service to dealers nationwide.”

For more information on placing an order or becoming a Dixon Drum dealer, please email info@usbandsupplies.com or call 1-800-727-4512. To reach Uding, email jimuding@stlouismusic.com. His extension is 250.

Jim Uding joins SLM