The Sleishman Drum Co. is the creation of its namesake Don Sleishman. Don began drumming at a young age and soon developed a reputation as an excellent musician and sought-after player in the Sydney, and wider Australian music scene.

Sleishman Twin Pedal
Don's move into design and manufacture was prompted by various events. His first invention in 1964 was influenced by the great Louis Bellson and a one-armed drummer friend, Evan Biddle. Don wanted to help Evan's dexterity around the kit by allowing him to play the bass drum simultaneously with both feet. Having seen Louis Bellson play with two bass drums, Don set about designing a way that two pedals could play the one bass drum. This became the world's first "Twin Pedal" and it was patented in 1971.

Louis came to Australia in 1970 and met Don. He was delighted with Don's invention. So much so that he then went on to use the "Twin Pedals" in his drum quartet.

Various international drummers soon made a point of meeting Don and playing his new pedals. One such player was Alan Dawson who tried the pedals while on tour with the Dave Brubeck group. After being amazed by Don's invention he stated "I think you have hit on something that's going to revolutionise the standard drum set-up".

One of the biggest advantages of the pedal is that allows the player to sit directly in front of the bass drum with the snare drum between their legs. The feet are then only about shoulder distance apart.