GPI, Gauger Percussion Incorporated, was formed in 1980 as a means of bringing the RIMS® concept to the attention of drummers everywhere. After developing RIMS®, Gauger made contact with Russ Kunkel who tried the product and encouraged Gauger to move ahead. Although the difference RIMS® made to a drum's resonance was nothing short of astounding, the major drum companies were disinterested. It has always amazed Gauger that a problem as fundamental as this was not dealt with or even recognized by the biggest drum companies in the world. Even after demonstrations of RIMS® at the 1980 NAMM show, only one company, Drum Workshop, incorporated its use on their drum sets. It wasn't until approximately 1990 that any of the major drum companies began to even think of offering RIMS® or any type of suspension to their line of drums.

For ten years, RIMS® was an after market item that only professional drummers used. Today it is considered to be one of the most significant inventions in drum set development since the synthetic drum head. The many copies or attempts at some form of suspension is clear evidence that suspension works. RIMS® is a registered trademark of Gauger Percussion.

Since the beginning of GPI, it has become obvious that the best ideas come from the people who know best; namely, the drummers themselves. As Gary Gauger himself states,

"As a professional drummer first and foremost, any product that I invent, design, and develop for GPI will be a needed improvement for the player - not a gimmick or cosmetic, but a product of innovation that improves the drummer's performance and the art of drumming."