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1918When and where was he born?
Billy Hyde was born on the 12th of November 1918 in Carlton. As a young child he and his family moved to Moonee Ponds where he attended Moonee Ponds Primary School and then Moonee Ponds Central School. Billy remained in Melbourne for the rest of his life where he raised his family and built the Billy Hyde Music chain. He passed away on the 27th of December 1976, aged 58.
1918When and where was he born?
Billy Hyde was born on the 12th of November 1918 in Carlton. As a young child he and his family moved to Moonee Ponds where he attended Moonee Ponds Primary School and then Moonee Ponds Central School. Billy remained in Melbourne for the rest of his life where he raised his family and built the Billy Hyde Music chain. He passed away on the 27th of December 1976, aged 58. 
Early 1930'sBilly begins his drumming career
An eleven year old Billy began his drumming career during the depression in the late 20's and early 30's. He would carry his drums to and from gigs in all weather on the tram, all for the small payment of five shillings (50c). During World War 2 when it was impossible to obtain instruments from overseas, Billy manufactured his Sphinx drums with the motto 'Sphinx lasts for ages'. Having become an expert sight reader, he was capable of performing symphonic scores and swing style drumming. During his mid twenties he played at many of Melbourne's leading dance halls such as Trocadero, The Green Mill, Maison de Luxe and Earls Court. He quickly became Australia's first call drummer. Symphony's, radio, tv, recording sessions and many major international artists all benefitted from Billy's musicality and enthusiasm. 
1950'sBilly Hyde put together the first tube steel practice kit
In 1950 Billy Hyde taught his many students on a practice kit he had created with the use of a tubular steel leg table, fitted out with his practice pads. In 1963 with many practice kits already on the market he was positive he could design a better one. The design of the kit was an easy matter for a percussionist of his calibre. The first tubular steel practice kit was completely manufactured in Melbourne with components from many different suppliers. The idea of the kit was that customers could purchase practice pads one at a time and when circumstances permitted, could buy the steel frame to finish the kit. 
1960'sBilly designed and manufactured the first moulded practice pad
Billy Hyde made his first prototype practice pads in the early '40s, improving and modifying them over many years. Finding a suitable rubber formula for the head of the pad was his main concern. The pad had to have first and foremost the "rebound" of a natural drum head. The practice pad was unbreakable, super quiet and could be attached to most brands of cymbal stands plus the Billy Hyde Practice Kit. The Billy Hyde natural rebound practice pad was manufactured in two sizes 8" (20cm) and 12" (30cm). By 1962 they were being sold extensively around Australia and exported overseas where they are still being sold today. Billy always insisted that: "TODAY'S LEARNERS ARE TOMORROW'S PROFESSIONALS" 
1962Billy Hyde Music was founded
The Billy Hyde Drum Clinic began operating as a retail store in February 1962 at what is now the teaching studio's under the house in Flemington. When the drum school was established in the basement under the Hyde family home, they were faced with providing good gear at reasonable prices and so began a small scale importing business. Over the years, the importing and selling operations grew until it became obvious that the company couldn't continue operating out of the basement. In 1972 they moved to their present location in Mount Alexander Road, Flemington in Melbourne. As business expanded several trips were made overseas in search of instruments. And so it all began... |