Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Chuck Levin

Comments

Tom Kontos - December 8, 2024

I bought my first NEW snare drum and drumset (I had used ones first) at Chuck Levin’s. The snare was a Rogers Dynasonic and the drumset was a Rogers Londoner 5 with the butcher block wrap just like this picture from Rogers’ catalog that year: https://www.vintagedrumguide.com/images/rogers_sets/1973-74_rogers_drumsets4.jpg
I still have it, and it’s in excellent condition. Moreover, I recently bought a new Rogers USA Dynasonic snare from Chuck Levin’s and reminisced with the salesman about my years growing up in Wheaton, MD and taking drum lessons at Smith’s Drum Shop near the Chuck Levin’s store.
I have been away from the area since the early 80s, but I’m playing drums and gigging more than ever now that I’ve recently retired from my business career. And, I still buy drum gear from Chuck Levin’s. Thank you Chuck and family for the positive impact you’ve had on me from my lifelong love of drums!

Ron Ruedi - December 7, 2024

1970’s Chuck Levins was like going to Disneyland. First visit to basement and saw all the cases of Fender guitars, basses, amplifiers, Thought I was in Fantasy/Tomorrowland. 1973 bought 1st Strat. 1975 purchased Shure PA. 1975 & 1978 purchased 12 String Fireglo and ice white Ric’s.

2/3/4 Dec 1976 set music Guinness World Record in Columbia MD w/equip purchased from Chuck Levins. (Longest non-stop playing by a one-man band (bass, lead, kick, snare, ride/hi-hat and vocals (300+ songs) 29 hours 1 minute ).

Every visit to Chuck Levins was like visiting Disneyland. Recall salesperson Ronnie Wilson constantly receiving phone calls from every big name or their equip mgr in the music biz needing equip or Ronnie’s expertise & advice when performing in the DC / MD / VA area.

Thank you Mr. Levins for providing outstanding breadth of product, pricing and service. Thank you for all your hard & complex work, dedicated commitment to servicing your clientele, and sacrifices you and your family endure in operating such a successful business.

Equipment purchased from Chuck Levins outstanding salesperson Ronnie Wilson. Does anyone know of Ronnie’s whereabouts at this time. Would enjoy making contact w/him again.

Moved to Portland Oregon Oct 1977. Retired law enforcement / veteran.

Still performing weekly as both Ron Ruedi One Man Band and w/full band Ron Ruedi & the Hurricanes in Portland / Vancouver nightclubs.

Paul Pederson - December 7, 2024

Back in the early 80’s as a 19 year old kid from south Texas, I had saved up what I thought was enough money to buy my dream kit, a dbl bass TAMA Superstar in beautiful cherry wine. Dick Bardt (rip) was my salesman and when it came down to it I was short by about $225 and I guess Dick could hear the disappointment in my voice over the phone and he said, “hold on a minute”. Shortly, Dick got back on the line and said, “ok, let’s confirm your shipping address” and I said, “but I’m short and what about freight costs”, and Dick said, “you just got a deal from the man himself”. That was around 42 years ago and I’m still a loyal WMC customer. Thank you Mr Levin (rip)for being so generous to a Texas kid so many years ago and to Dick Bardt (rip) for so many years of top notch service and most of all for becoming a long distance friend and currently, thank you Darren for your expertise and excellent service! Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center rocks!

Steve Longo - December 7, 2024

Chuck Levin was truly a gentleman in helping my dad purchase a Rickenbacker guitar for me during my first year in college in 1971 when I just started a band Then, we purchased a Ludwig drumset there, and more.

Thank you, Chuck, for all you did for us; we will never forget you and the store!