The Birth of a Full Unix Stave Kit (Progress Thread!)

[fourstringdrums]

I knew I was only lying to myself when I said there would be no new drums in 2008 (I do have a Taye Pro-X coming next week too but that's another thread). But, Frank and I worked out a good deal that was too hard to pass up, so I decided to order a Unix Stave kit. On that note, my Gretsch New Classics are for sale if anyone is interested!

The set should be completed next week or the week after and I should have it shortly after that. Here are the specs with progress pics:

Shells: African Mahogany w/ Re-rings
Sizes: 14 x 20 bass, 14 x 14 floor, 8 x 12 tom, and 5 x 14 snare
Bearing Edges: Fully Rounded Over
Finish: Nothing official yet as far as the final color goes. Frank is sending me some samples but I'm thinking of a vintage brownish/amber satin finish with slightly darker contrasting bass drum hoops.

Lugs: Beavertail. Split on toms/bass, single double end on snare.
Bass Hardware: Vintage Butterfly Claws, T-Rods, and Vintage "Yamaha Style" Spurs
Floor Tom Brackets: Oval
Snare Strainer: Nickelworks

You can tell I'm going for a vintage vibe. Basically the picture in my mind when I think of the finished kit will resemble something like this:

http://www.handidrummed.com/slingerland.jpg

Here are the progress pics as of 2-27-08

100' of Mahogany (3 kits including mine were being made from this wood)

http://www.handidrummed.com/Mahogany-Boards.jpg

The Wood After Being Cut into Staves

http://www.handidrummed.com/Mahogany-Staves.jpg

The Glued, Un-Lathed Shells. Mine is the 3 Piece with the arrow pointing to it. The snare was not pictured. Our buddy Tuxido is going to be the proud owner of the Birch shells next to them.

http://www.handidrummed.com/Glued-Shells.jpg

Added 2-28-08 Glued, Un-Lathed Shells, This Time with My Snare

http://www.handidrummed.com/Glued-Shells2.jpg

Added 03-11-08 The Floor Tom and Bass Drum are Stained.

http://www.handidrummed.com/stainedshells1.jpg
http://www.handidrummed.com/stainedshells2.jpg
http://www.handidrummed.com/stainedshells3.jpg

Added 03-17-08 Stained Shells

http://www.handidrummed.com/stainedshells4.jpg
http://www.handidrummed.com/stainedshell5.jpg

Added 03-17-08 8x12 Tom with Mounted Lugs

http://www.handidrummed.com/812outside.jpg
http://www.handidrummed.com/812inside.jpg

Added 03-18-08

http://www.handidrummed.com/noheads.jpg

Added 04-01-08. When i have my other stands and can fully set the kit up there will be a new thread with pics and audio!

http://www.handidrummed.com/u1.jpg
http://www.handidrummed.com/u2.jpg
http://www.handidrummed.com/u3.jpg
http://www.handidrummed.com/u4.jpg

Finally! 04-03-08

Official completed kit thread with pics, audio, and a review

http://drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?p=426309

[Drummer Karl]

Great news Rob!!
Looks great so far...I´m looking forward to new pics!

PS: I`d love to get your New Classics...but the shipping and taxes...you know.

Anyway, good luck and congrats Rob!

Karl

[Tuxido]

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t172/Tuxido9/slide13.gif

;)

[fourstringdrums]

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t172/Tuxido9/slide13.gif

;)

What's your point? :-)

[Steady Freddy]

Looks great. It will be fun watching this turn into a work of art. I bet you can't wait huh?

[fourstringdrums]

SteadyFreddy - I'm anxious but being patient :)

My snare is now completed and added to the pile of shells that Frank has to lathe.

http://www.handidrummed.com/Glued-Shells2.jpg

[Tuxido]

wow!
the nicest kit is in the front :)

[Deathmetalconga]

Very cool! Nice to see something like this in the making.

[Ironcobra]

That is going to be something to brag about, can't wait to see the completed kit. Rounded BE's plus the Mahogany will have amazing sound, dieing to hear sound clips when they arrive.

[shuffle]

I think I saw this Ford set, or a similar one in a magazine recently. A dream kit.

One great thing about dealing with Unix is that you'll have as much pleasure defining what you want as you'll have when you'll actually get the thing.

This will be a unique set, and this might be the set that will put an end to your addiction :)

I'll watch this thread, but not too much. François's shop is about 90 minutes from where I live.

[GRUNTERSDAD]

Come on Rob. Just once keep a set of drums until the warranty runs out.

[fourstringdrums]

Come on Rob. Just once keep a set of drums until the warranty runs out.

I know.. But I don't see myself getting rid of the Unix. Honestly the big reason why I went for it was because of the deal he gave me.

My Taye Pro-X came in but I haven't opened it yet. That I bought as a backup/gig kit.

[metal overlord]

Sweet! Good luck surviving the wait for them, haha.

[fourstringdrums]

Sweet! Good luck surviving the wait for them, haha.

Well, I've been waiting a month today and I have about two weeks left. They should be finished up next week and then about 5-6 days to ship.

[burnthehero]

When you say the bearing edges are fully rounded over, are you referring to the 35 degree bearing edges?

[fourstringdrums]

When you say the bearing edges are fully rounded over, are you referring to the 35 degree bearing edges?

Fully Rounded, as far as I know, are just that, fully rounded. No angle. But I could be wrong :)

[Deathmetalconga]

I know.. But I don't see myself getting rid of the Unix. Honestly the big reason why I went for it was because of the deal he gave me.

My Taye Pro-X came in but I haven't opened it yet. That I bought as a backup/gig kit.

Dude, I've had showers that have lasted longer than some of your sets! I hope you're going to keep the Unix for a while.

[fourstringdrums]

Dude, I've had showers that have lasted longer than some of your sets! I hope you're going to keep the Unix for a while.

I plan on keeping it period.

Don't you have a Unix snare on order?

[Deathmetalconga]

I plan on keeping it period.

Don't you have a Unix snare on order?

I cancelled the snare order. I am going for a cocktail set - the first stave cocktail set I have ever heard of. I have wanted a cocktail set for a long time and I like any kind of non-ply construction, so it's a fit. Unix had to research some technical issues (he apparently can't make a shell that is deeper than its width due to instability during lathing) so he will have to make two shells and glue them together for the main shell. I really want to show off the stave construction and have it made of alternating light and dark woods. It will be a 14 by 24 to 28 main drum, an 8 by 4 snare and a 10 by 6 tom. I have researched a modified Gauger suspension mounting system for the tom and snare. I plan to order just the drilled shells and I will finish with lugs and hardware. I am saving my coin for this.

[fourstringdrums]

I cancelled the snare order. I am going for a cocktail set - the first stave cocktail set I have ever heard of. I have wanted a cocktail set for a long time and I like any kind of non-ply construction, so it's a fit. Unix had to research some technical issues (he apparently can't make a shell that is deeper than its width due to instability during lathing) so he will have to make two shells and glue them together for the main shell. I really want to show off the stave construction and have it made of alternating light and dark woods. It will be a 14 by 24 to 28 main drum, an 8 by 4 snare and a 10 by 6 tom. I have researched a modified Gauger suspension mounting system for the tom and snare. I plan to order just the drilled shells and I will finish with lugs and hardware. I am saving my coin for this.

Sounds nice. Does he plan on maybe putting a pinstripe or something around where the shells join so you don't have a plain visible seam?

[Deathmetalconga]

Sounds nice. Does he plan on maybe putting a pinstripe or something around where the shells join so you don't have a plain visible seam?

I hadn't thought of that. I assume the seam will be hard to notice. He does very precise work. It's hard to see the stave seams on his drums. But I will ask him about that.

[fourstringdrums]

I hadn't thought of that. I assume the seam will be hard to notice. He does very precise work. It's hard to see the stave seams on his drums. But I will ask him about that.

Oh yes that's true. I'm sure he'd be able to make it match up very well. But it might add a certain classiness to it anyway.

What are you going to have it made out of?

[Deathmetalconga]

Oh yes that's true. I'm sure he'd be able to make it match up very well. But it might add a certain classiness to it anyway.

What are you going to have it made out of?

I have thought of having the top and bottom sections of the main drum offset one stave. What do you think of that?

As for the woods, I'm not sure. Maybe some light maple against something naturally dark. I don't know too much about woods. What is a common dark wood that would look good with this? I'm sure any good hardwood would sound nice and stave construction gives the sound I'm looking for. So at this point it's more about the esthetics of the contrasting stave colors. Due to the lathing process, there can be no staining. It will have to be completely natural colors.

[fourstringdrums]

I have thought of having the top and bottom sections of the main drum offset one stave. What do you think of that?

As for the woods, I'm not sure. Maybe some light maple against something naturally dark. I don't know too much about woods. What is a common dark wood that would look good with this? I'm sure any good hardwood would sound nice and stave construction gives the sound I'm looking for. So at this point it's more about the esthetics of the contrasting stave colors. Due to the lathing process, there can be no staining. It will have to be completely natural colors.

Offset staves would be interesting.

Why wouldn't Frank be able to stain this?

Maple and walnut would look nice I think.

[Deathmetalconga]

Offset staves would be interesting.

Why wouldn't Frank be able to stain this?

Maple and walnut would look nice I think.

I think the stain just penetrates into the top layer of wood and this layer is removed in the lathing process. Trying to mask off individual staves after lathing and sanding would be very time-consuming. I think it would be easier to have naturally dark and light wood, although that obviously limits the color options.

[fourstringdrums]

I think the stain just penetrates into the top layer of wood and this layer is removed in the lathing process. Trying to mask off individual staves after lathing and sanding would be very time-consuming. I think it would be easier to have naturally dark and light wood, although that obviously limits the color options.

He does do stains though. Both Tuxido and myself are having stain. But, if you can I personally like the natural wood look better anyway. Having perhaps walnut/maple would be very nice.

[Mendozart]

I'm officially calling first dibs on this set when you decide to sell it. Just kidding FSD, lol . This is going to be a sweet set and I wish you many,many, many years of enjoyment in the years ahead.

[fourstringdrums]

I'm officially calling first dibs on this set when you decide to sell it. Just kidding FSD, lol .

You know deep down you're not entirely kidding :) It's going to take a while to gain some trust here that I'll keep it :)

[Deathmetalconga]

He does do stains though. Both Tuxido and myself are having stain. But, if you can I personally like the natural wood look better anyway. Having perhaps walnut/maple would be very nice.

Yes, he does do stains, but doesn't he stain the shells after he lathes them? What I'm looking for is an alternating dark-light pattern on the staves. If he stained the appropriate staves before assembly, wouldn't the stained layer get removed in the lathing process? It seems like the only alternative would be to stain every other stave a dark color after assembly, which would involve a lot of masking. Do you see what I'm saying?

[fourstringdrums]

Yes, he does do stains, but doesn't he stain the shells after he lathes them? What I'm looking for is an alternating dark-light pattern on the staves. If he stained the appropriate staves before assembly, wouldn't the stained layer get removed in the lathing process? It seems like the only alternative would be to stain every other stave a dark color after assembly, which would involve a lot of masking. Do you see what I'm saying?

Yeah he stains after lathing, and it would involve masking, but knowing Frank there is no doubt that he'd be up for the challenge.

[Unix]

I think I nailed it first shot Robert. Look the second pieces from left.
Do you want rering or not my friend.

As for keeping the kit, I am not affraid of that, the only reson you would not keep it is not because the quality would not be good but only because you want a different sound. As far as I'm concern I trusth completely my work.

And if you get rid of it, I'll kick your ass... lol...

Oh and by the way your kit is on the lathe.

[fourstringdrums]

I think I nailed it first shot Robert. Look the second pieces from left.
Do you want rering or not my friend.

As for keeping the kit, I am not affraid of that, the only reson you would not keep it is not because the quality would not be good but only because you want a different sound. As far as I'm concern I trusth completely my work.

And if you get rid of it, I'll kick your ass... lol...

Oh and by the way your kit is on the lathe.

Perfect!

I think we had discussed no re-rings, so we'll go with that.
Sent you an IM.

[fourstringdrums]

On second thought I'm having Frank go with Reinforcement rings, which I believe will be lathed into the shell, so the shells will be pretty thin. Warmer tone, lower pitch, a bit more sustain, and not as much volume.

[Ironcobra]

On second thought I'm having Frank go with Reinforcement rings, which I believe will be lathed into the shell, so the shells will be pretty thin. Warmer tone, lower pitch, a bit more sustain, and not as much volume.

good idea, I would take sound or volume any day. what thickness will it be down to now?

[fourstringdrums]

good idea, I would take sound or volume any day. what thickness will it be down to now?

I don't know, I'll have to ask or maybe he'll chime in.

[fourstringdrums]

On second thought I'm having Frank go with Reinforcement rings, which I believe will be lathed into the shell, so the shells will be pretty thin. Warmer tone, lower pitch, a bit more sustain, and not as much volume.

Ok scratch this idea. It's going to add $150 - $200 to the price which I just can't swing, so I told Frank to leave the rings out. The kit will sound great either way.

[Deathmetalconga]

Ok scratch this idea. It's going to add $150 - $200 to the price which I just can't swing, so I told Frank to leave the rings out. The kit will sound great either way.

Because of the nature of stave construction, a thicker stave shell will sound as resonant as a thinner ply shell. Staves are the next best thing to natural whole wood and therefore conduct sound much more efficiently than a ply shell, which has glue and cross-lamination to muffle the tone.

The physics of the shell vibration in a stave is much different than ply. A thick stave shell will give you the warmth and tone of a thinner ply shell, with the attack and volume of a thick ply shell, and of course you can adjust these factors around with head type and tuning. So I wouldn't worry much about the shell being too thick.

[frank0072]

Ok scratch this idea. It's going to add $150 - $200 to the price which I just can't swing, so I told Frank to leave the rings out. The kit will sound great either way.

Well that's the first time I see you talking about buying stuff and actually not having the money. I was asking myself this afternoon what job you would have that you could switch drums so often. You've got this great kit coming and you've recently bought the Taye.

Totally offtopic by the way: I listened to all your funk-jam-tracks and I really loved them. Made my sunday even funkier yesterday :-).

[fourstringdrums]

Well that's the first time I see you talking about buying stuff and actually not having the money. I was asking myself this afternoon what job you would have that you could switch drums so often. You've got this great kit coming and you've recently bought the Taye.

Totally offtopic by the way: I listened to all your funk-jam-tracks and I really loved them. Made my sunday even funkier yesterday :-).

Well I'm just nearing the point where I really can't spend any more so I'm holding back :) I may need an extra hardware set so that money could go to that.

I actually don't work. Due to my disability and other things I'm on government social security. With my wife's job we've just been fortunate, but that's over now. She's on the verge of killing me :)

[fourstringdrums]

The floor tom and bass drum have been stained. The whole kit should be "finished" tomorrow 3-11-08, and assembled on Thursday 03-12-08.

I did decide to go with re-rings. You only live once :) Only on the toms and bass though. The snare will not have re-rings.

http://www.handidrummed.com/stainedshells1.jpg
http://www.handidrummed.com/stainedshells2.jpg
http://www.handidrummed.com/stainedshells3.jpg

[shuffle]

Stunning.

Will you have the new Unix lugs ? Sorry if that has been mentionned in earlier posts, I'm trying not to look at these pictures too often.

Edit : Forget about the lugs, I just looked up your first post. This will be an amazing set.

[fourstringdrums]

Stunning.

Will you have the new Unix lugs ? Sorry if that has been mentionned in earlier posts, I'm trying not to look at these pictures too often.

Edit : Forget about the lugs, I just looked up your first post. This will be an amazing set.

I actually didn't know he had his lugs finished. Are they done?

[Unix]

For your eyes only. Final coat tomorrow morning.

[Tuxido]

woooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooow !

[frank0072]

Woooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooow indeed! That wood looks so sexy! It's a shame there has to be hardware mounted on them to be able to play them...

[Mendozart]

Oh yeah baby! Remember FSD, I got first dibs, lol.

[fourstringdrums]

For your eyes only. Final coat tomorrow morning.

*faints*

WOW....I'm speechless.

Nothing like coming home from a great band practice to see this; that's the highlight of my day :)

Frank and I discussed it and I'm actually getting maple bass drum hoops with a Mahogany inlay as opposed to darker contrasting hoops. It was Franks idea and I agree :-)

[fourstringdrums]

Update on the snare...it's actually going to be 6x14 now instead of 5x14.

[Mendozart]

It sounds like your making all the right decisions.

[katman]

Those shells look amazing.

[fourstringdrums]

Update on the snare...it's actually going to be 6x14 now instead of 5x14.

Scratch that. It's a 5x14. I saw on GhostNote that it was a 6x14 and I told Frank to just leave it, but by the time he got my message he already cut it down to the right size.

6x14, 5x14, it's still going to be an amazing snare :-)

[shuffle]

I had the chance to see many samples of François's work, and in all cases, the real drums were always even more amazing than whatever picture of them I had seen before.

You'll be thrilled when you'll open these boxes.

[drumr0]

Those are absolutely stunning!! I can't wait to see the finished product!! I hope you waste no time and put sound clips up as soon as you get them!! I have been wanting to hear a Unix kit for awhile!

FSD, I know you were pretty down a few weeks ago, but now with a new band and one of the nicest drum kits I have seen, you should be extremely proud!!

[fourstringdrums]

FSD, I know you were pretty down a few weeks ago, but now with a new band and one of the nicest drum kits I have seen, you should be extremely proud!!

Yeah I'm feeling a little better. Still a little bummed and unsure about how my teaching is going (not lack of students, just how I'm doing), but yes things are looking up :)

[Deathmetalconga]

Amazing shells. I'm like one of the R. Crumb characters with eyes sticking out by the optic nerve, tongue rolled out three feet on the ground, knees shaking.

[Drummer Karl]

Thanks for the new pics Rob and Frank...wow, that stain looks beautiful!! It`s a very pleasing brown, reminds me a lot of fine furniture!

Rob, that`s definitly a keeper! :-)

Karl

[fourstringdrums]

The kit should be shipping this week. Frank is just waiting on the bass drum spurs and maple bass hoops from Drum Foundry.

Here is a teaser of the 8x12 with the mounted beavertail lugs. Unfortunately because he's shipping the kit without heads (I bought them myself), you guys will have to wait to see it completed when I finally get it :-D

http://www.handidrummed.com/812outside.jpg
http://www.handidrummed.com/812inside.jpg

[Mendozart]

I'm really interested to hear how they will sound with those roundover edges.

[fourstringdrums]

I'm really interested to hear how they will sound with those roundover edges.

Warm and fat according to Frank.

[mind_drummer]

Cant wait to see it in all its glory and furthermore, cant wait for you to post audio clip of them :-)

[Deathmetalconga]

Well I'm just nearing the point where I really can't spend any more so I'm holding back :) I may need an extra hardware set so that money could go to that.

I actually don't work. Due to my disability and other things I'm on government social security. With my wife's job we've just been fortunate, but that's over now. She's on the verge of killing me :)

I thought you did like Web sites and stuff? Isn't that an option?

[cavica]

What a finish, I cant keep my eyes off of it...wow. Cant wait to see set up.

[fourstringdrums]

I thought you did like Web sites and stuff? Isn't that an option?

Well I just do my own site. I don't know enough to actually work as a web designer at this point. I almost went into it, but it's just not where my heart is.

[Tuxido]

eww they look horrible !


















WOOOWWW !!!!!

[drummerstix_au]

wow rob, thats an awesome looking kit... cant wait to see it together.

I can see why you got the Taye too.. I wouldnt want to be lugging that around from gig to gig either.

Cheers,

[Big_Philly]

That is one sexy piece of work! You're a lucky man for being able to get a kit like that, Rob!

[aydee]

Holy Moly, Rob, thats beautiful! Is that the final finish?

[fourstringdrums]

Holy Moly, Rob, thats beautiful! Is that the final finish?

Yup, Satin Polyurethane.

[fourstringdrums]

wow rob, thats an awesome looking kit... cant wait to see it together.

I can see why you got the Taye too.. I wouldnt want to be lugging that around from gig to gig either.

Cheers,

Well as my band is out of state and so are the Tayes (where we rehearse), I'll use the Unix kit on in-state gigs. That way I don't have to either drive the 40 minutes to get them in the opposite direction before an in-state gig or bring them home after a rehearsal before that gig. It wouldn't make a whole lot of sense when I have a kit at my house I could use. Of course it depends on where we're playing.

But the majority of gigs are out of state (well my state anyway) so they'll only be taken out a small amount of times.

[Deathmetalconga]

Well I just do my own site. I don't know enough to actually work as a web designer at this point. I almost went into it, but it's just not where my heart is.

Your skills are better than you think. I pull in a few extra grand a year doing simple Web sites for small businesses. Your site looks and functions better than what I do. There's probably a bunch of small businesses in your town that would give you a few hundred bucks to set up a basic Web site for them and some amount monthly to maintain it. A lot of them can't afford large Web firms, which have high overhead and capabilities they don't need anyway.

I'm probably stepping outside the bounds here, but your life (and relations with the wife) would improve if you brought home some bacon, even if it's not where your heart is. Sometimes your stomach has to overrule your heart, at least for a while. You have enough tech skills to work at least part-time from home, still leaving some of the day to pursue music. You don't have any kids and that opens up free time as well. I know a lot of people who have kids and hustle a living doing two or three different things.

[hateplow]

What a kit!!!
Frank's craftsmanship seems to be improving with every kit. I really love the new logo inside the shells.

[fourstringdrums]

Your skills are better than you think. I pull in a few extra grand a year doing simple Web sites for small businesses. Your site looks and functions better than what I do. There's probably a bunch of small businesses in your town that would give you a few hundred bucks to set up a basic Web site for them and some amount monthly to maintain it. A lot of them can't afford large Web firms, which have high overhead and capabilities they don't need anyway.

I'm probably stepping outside the bounds here, but your life (and relations with the wife) would improve if you brought home some bacon, even if it's not where your heart is. Sometimes your stomach has to overrule your heart, at least for a while. You have enough tech skills to work at least part-time from home, still leaving some of the day to pursue music. You don't have any kids and that opens up free time as well. I know a lot of people who have kids and hustle a living doing two or three different things.

Well, I'm on Social Security Disability so I am making some money. I'm actually making more on it than you think I'd make (most people on SSA make a piddly amount) largely due to how much I made when I worked, which is what they base your monthly check on: how much you earned on average when you worked. The bigger problem is that I can only earn about $500 a month in taxed money before they start watching me. If I earn over $920 I lose my benefits because to the government the amount of money you make is equal to your ability to work, which makes no sense. So I can't take that chance of losing my benefits.

But now you might say that I can possibly make more money doing web design than on what I get for SSDA, which might be true depending on how much work I have, but the SSDA is consistent, the web design might not be, and that's ultimately what I need is consistency. We're actually doing better financially now than when I had a job because when I was working, I was always getting time off due to my being in pain from the job, which equaled less money coming in per week.

Another thing too is that web design would require more time on the computer and more typing than I can physically do, which is why I'm on SSA. I can only type for maybe 15 minutes or so before my hands start hurting and I need to take a break. If I'm on a deadline with a client, that won't always work, hence why it takes me so long to update my website these days.

[rmandelbaum]

We must have pics of the completed kit!

[fourstringdrums]

We must have pics of the completed kit!

Definitely :-)

................

[fourstringdrums]

*semi drum roll*

http://www.handidrummed.com/noheads.jpg

They will be shipped this week! Just waiting for the bass hoops to be finished (satin polyurethane with mahogany inlay)

[jking]

Very nice. That is some beautiful wood. I have a nightstand I made in high school from the same type of mahogany; I absolutely love the striping in the wood. Of course, the finish on your drums is much better than my nightstand.

It looks like the reinforcing rings are pretty subtle. How much difference is there in thickness?

[PinkZepplin]

imma steal yo drums fool

jk

nice set man. I like how your holding them cause you don't have hardware for them haha

[fourstringdrums]

Very nice. That is some beautiful wood. I have a nightstand I made in high school from the same type of mahogany; I absolutely love the striping in the wood. Of course, the finish on your drums is much better than my nightstand.

It looks like the reinforcing rings are pretty subtle. How much difference is there in thickness?

The bass and floor tom are 7/16" thick

The snare is 1/2" thick

The tom is 3/8" thick

I'm not exactly sure how thick each re-ring is.

[fourstringdrums]

imma steal yo drums fool

jk

nice set man. I like how your holding them cause you don't have hardware for them haha

Well Frank (Unix) is the one holding them. He's shipping them without heads. Once they come I'll put them together.

[aydee]

Wow,That IS beautiful wood. Does this mean bye bye Gretsch usa customs?

[fourstringdrums]

Wow,That IS beautiful wood. Does this mean bye bye Gretsch usa customs?

USA Customs? I had the New Classics, and yes they already sold. So I'll have this set and my Taye Pro-X for rehearsals and out of state gigs (My band is out of state and so is the rehearsal space so it makes sense). Any gigs in my state will get the Unix kit provided it's a gig where they won't get damaged.

[aydee]

USA Customs? I had the New Classics, and yes they already sold. So I'll have this set and my Taye Pro-X for rehearsals and out of state gigs (My band is out of state and so is the rehearsal space so it makes sense). Any gigs in my state will get the Unix kit provided it's a gig where they won't get damaged.

oops, my bad, I meant the new classics. Yes, the UNIX should probably be a home body.
My Yammies don't move an inch, while my battle- hardened Tamas take all the abuse. I even have separate hardware, cymbals, and pedals for the two kits.
Never the twain shall meet.

[PinkZepplin]

Well Frank (Unix) is the one holding them. He's shipping them without heads. Once they come I'll put them together.

ha word. i'll have to steal them in shipping then

[fourstringdrums]

oops, my bad, I meant the new classics. Yes, the UNIX should probably be a home body.
My Yammies don't move an inch, while my battle- hardened Tamas take all the abuse. I even have separate hardware, cymbals, and pedals for the two kits.
Never the twain shall meet.

I'd love to have separate cymbals too but at this point that would be pushing my luck :) Maybe next year.

[rmandelbaum]

I have been meaning to ask, why the name Unix?

[baz]

I have been meaning to ask, why the name Unix?

...Perhaps a play on the word Unique ?

That plus the fact that there is no word in the english language that truly describes how beautifull his work is.

barry

[PinkZepplin]

that's the name of the company lol

[burnthehero]

Curious. How do these stave kits perform in a jazz context? What styles do they really shine in?

[fourstringdrums]

Curious. How do these stave kits perform in a jazz context? What styles do they really shine in?

I would think that just like with ply drums, there is no definitive answer. The wood they're made out of, heads, tuning..all make a difference. This is supposed to be a very warm sounding kit so it will suit my funk/blues/jazz style well.

[hawk9290]

Rob, you are very lucky that I don't work at UPS or FedEx, because it might just be too tempting if i saw those come through ;)
that is an amazing kit, complements to you and Frank for piecing together something so classy!

[GRUNTERSDAD]

I think I would have to buy and send to Frank a set of cases to put them in before they were packed to ship. The day they get their first scratch I would cry like a baby, then sell them to me.

[Deathmetalconga]

I would think that just like with ply drums, there is no definitive answer. The wood they're made out of, heads, tuning..all make a difference. This is supposed to be a very warm sounding kit so it will suit my funk/blues/jazz style well.

Heads and tuning will make a huge difference, but stave drums do have a particular character. Because they use little glue, they conduct sound more like natural wood, with each grain serving as a micro-resonator. Staves sound more "drummy," with a bigger, richer, fuller sound, yet they are louder because the shells are denser.

Jazz evolved with ply construction. To get staves suited to jazz, where a thinner sound is customary, you may need to muffle or otherwise subdue the Unix's sound. My Spirits work great with smooth jazz, as that's a more contemporary sound, but they wouldn't produce a traditional jazz sound unless I really took some effort to tune and head them that way.

At any rate, you will have fun exploring the possibilities of your one-of-a-kind set. Amazing to think people pay more than you did for a run-of-the-mill high-end ply set. For a very reasonable price, you can buy directly from the craftsman and get something very exotic.

[Ironcobra]

It's not even my kit and I'm getting excited...

[fourstringdrums]

The kit is getting shipped on Monday I believe, so I should have it Thursday :)

[fourstringdrums]

They'll be here on Thursday I believe! Frank shipped them on Monday, and according to UPS that's a 3 day trip from Massachusetts.

Lots of pics, audio, and maybe video when they come in.

[Michael G]

With all the hype surrounding this set it better be the greatest drum set eva

[Tuxido]

They'll be here on Thursday I believe! Frank shipped them on Monday, and according to UPS that's a 3 day trip from Massachusetts.

Lots of pics, audio, and maybe video when they come in.

What!!!! your not supposed to actually play those drums !

[razorx]

With all the hype surrounding this set it better be the greatest drum set eva

yea really jk im sure its going to be beautiful.

[baz]

...this thread has been like one of those books that you can't wait to finish, but you don't want to end.

I think that I have been more impatient to see this kit than I was for mine.

Barry

[aydee]

It's not even my kit and I'm getting excited.....my sentiments exactly. Of course, It'll be Rob's......for at least 5 months or so..........

[fourstringdrums]

Scratch that. It'll be here Friday as it went out Tuesday morning.

[Deathmetalconga]

With all the hype surrounding this set it better be the greatest drum set eva

Word.

Eight posts today just to discuss the shipping update!

[Drummer Karl]

*semi drum roll*

http://www.handidrummed.com/noheads.jpg

They will be shipped this week! Just waiting for the bass hoops to be finished (satin polyurethane with mahogany inlay)



*Semi Heart Attack*


Like ironcobra said...not even my drums but I get excited. I can`t wait to see the finished beauty with hoops, heads and a happy smiling face in front of it!!!

I`m very excited really...

Karl

[frank0072]

I can't imagine how you are feeling, waiting for those drums to come in... I am curious as hell about how they will look and sound when you've tuned them

[fourstringdrums]

Ok, the kit is on its way and will be here Friday, but the bass hoops weren't shipped until today. They weren't dry yet and Frank needed a bit to do the inlay cut. So those will be here Monday.

[bojangleman]

i demand you not to post untill you get them!
just kidden! im soo syched and like others have said...its not even my kit!..haha


Alex

[Unix]

Yeah they where suppose to be standard hoops. But the real truth why they didn't left in time is because Robert is a gentlement and didn't told the truth, because I mess up the first pair when I did try to make the inlay.

So I had to order another pair, and Robert waited long enough. I decided to ship the kit and the hoops will be there 2 days later then the kit.

[frank0072]

so that means that the kit arrives on friday but can't be played yet, since there are no hoops on the BD?

The waiting.. the horror...

[aydee]

so that means that the kit arrives on friday but can't be played yet, since there are no hoops on the BD?


.........Yup, kit arrives Friday, hoops on Sunday, set up by about tues ,play the kit on Wed, pics on thursday, sound-bites by next Sat.........

Hows thats work for you, Rob? ( ; )

[fourstringdrums]

Yeah they where suppose to be standard hoops. But the real truth why they didn't left in time is because Robert is a gentlement and didn't told the truth, because I mess up the first pair when I did try to make the inlay.

So I had to order another pair, and Robert waited long enough. I decided to ship the kit and the hoops will be there 2 days later then the kit.

Frank, you do an amazingly quick job as it is. I don't think anyone would fault you for that. I don't :-)

Actually I just checked and the drums are out for delivery today, a day early :)

[fourstringdrums]

Well I did get the drums on Thursday, but no hoops for the bass, however I should have them tomorrow.

Rest assured once they come in I'll post a fresh thread with pics, audio, and maybe a video :-)

[frank0072]

Well I did get the drums on Thursday, but no hoops for the bass, however I should have them tomorrow.

Rest assured once they come in I'll post a fresh thread with pics, audio, and maybe a video :-)

I was already thinking this weekend when you would get them, it's been a week now, so the wait is almost over.

And maybe posting a video? You are going to make a video for sure offcourse, and we all know it ;-)

[fourstringdrums]

There was a mix up and I didn't receive the hoops today...I don't know when I will have them so any pics/audio will have to wait until ?

[jking]

More waiting. You're doing this on purpose. I think you have everything & you're just trying to torture us. :)

Seriously, I'm excited because I want to hear how it sounds. I doubt my ears are good enough to notice anything distinctive. I'm also excited to see how the final set looks. I'll bet this waiting for the final parts is bugging you more than us, though.

[bojangleman]

just put the hoops from the Taye kit on there dangit...we want to hear it!!!..haha
or is the Taye a 22"?

Alex

[Latin Groover]

116 posts and the kit hasn't even arrived yet!

[metal overlord]

So, what exactly happen to those hoops? The sipping tag was ripped off?
Well, at least it's not Frank's fault. It's the jackasses at UPS who can't get a shipment straight fault.

But in all siriousness, I hope you get your hoops soon. You have a beautiful kit and I can't wait to see it.

[fourstringdrums]

So, what exactly happen to those hoops? The sipping tag was ripped off?
Well, at least it's not Frank's fault. It's the jackasses at UPS who can't get a shipment straight fault.

But in all siriousness, I hope you get your hoops soon. You have a beautiful kit and I can't wait to see it.

Don't know yet. Even though the package (albeit the wrong one) was "delivered", the tracking information keeps updating. First it said leaving departure point in New York, then it said something about a damage inspection being scheduled at my local office, and then now it says that it just arrived somewhere in New York.

Frank talked to them and gave me a number to call which is too late for now, but I called it and it says it's the damaged shipments department. So it sounds like my hoops were damaged. BUT, if that's true, how in the hell did I get a package that I didn't order with my original shipping label on it?

So, Frank is generously going to order some hoops from Drum Foundry for me to use while he gets a second pair and redoes them for me. Then when I get the new hoops, I send the first pair that he bought for me back.

What a guy :)

[burnthehero]

Sorry to hear about the shipping mixup, man. That happens to us all the time at work and it really sucks because it's completely out of our hands and we're pretty much at the mercy of UPS. Hope it all works itself out.

[fourstringdrums]

The hoops arrived! I had no idea to expect them but they showed up. Unfortunately now all my hardware is at my band's rehearsal spot because we have rehearsal tomorrow and I didn't think I'd have the hoops before then at this point.

I'll get some pics tonight but audio and fully setup pics will have to wait a few days. I'll probably post an official presentation thread :-)

[frank0072]

The hoops arrived! I had no idea to expect them but they showed up. Unfortunately now all my hardware is at my band's rehearsal spot because we have rehearsal tomorrow and I didn't think I'd have the hoops before then at this point.

I'll get some pics tonight but audio and fully setup pics will have to wait a few days. I'll probably post an official presentation thread :-)

don't post any pics untill you have the whole set assembled, that would spoil the fun :-P.

Great that you got those hoops man, now everything is safe :)

[Rogue Elephant]

don't post any pics untill you have the whole set assembled, that would spoil the fun :-P.

Great that you got those hoops man, now everything is safe :)

I agree. That would spoil all the fun. Although, now we have to wait in anticipation even longer now. Haha. I hope everything turns out okay, and you end up happy.

[razorx]

The hoops arrived! I had no idea to expect them but they showed up. Unfortunately now all my hardware is at my band's rehearsal spot because we have rehearsal tomorrow and I didn't think I'd have the hoops before then at this point.

I'll get some pics tonight but audio and fully setup pics will have to wait a few days. I'll probably post an official presentation thread :-)

OMG Is this some kind of april fools joke?

[fourstringdrums]

OMG Is this some kind of april fools joke?

Haha, no. I had rehearsal Monday night and I didn't expect the hoops to show up because they were missing so I didn't see any sense in lugging my hardware home if I was just going to have another rehearsal on Wednesday.

[fourstringdrums]

I won't have the kit fully set up until Thursday when I have my hardware again. But when I do I'll post a thread with more pics and audio.

Until then...

http://www.handidrummed.com/u1.jpg
http://www.handidrummed.com/u2.jpg
http://www.handidrummed.com/u3.jpg
http://www.handidrummed.com/u4.jpg

and while I was there, I took a picture of my McKenzie Steambent Myrtle Snare with new lugs from www.champagnedrum.com (http://www.champagnedrum.com)

http://www.handidrummed.com/m1.jpg

[aydee]

The eagle has landed?!!

Wow, they look even better than I imagined. The 2 tone classic hoops are mind- blowing. Rob, somewhere along the line, I'd like you to describe the difference in sound & feel between stave & your Gretsch New Classics. I dont think sound bytes on the comp will do it justice.

I really want to know how different sounding staves are to Hi-end plys.

( My Yammies are feeling very insecure right now.. )

[TamaDrummer101]

You know, I've never understood how shells were made. I mean you take the wood and curve it like that and it's gonna break! Shows you how much I know. I'm a n00b... but could someone be so kind as to briefly explain how they are made?

[aydee]

Its not curved. Its a series of rectangular pieces very carefully melded together.

17981

[crlujan]

Wow... Like was said above, better than I imagined. Big difference with heads and hoops. Alot different than the pic taken with Unix holding the drums in his hands. Wow.

[fourstringdrums]

You know, I've never understood how shells were made. I mean you take the wood and curve it like that and it's gonna break! Shows you how much I know. I'm a n00b... but could someone be so kind as to briefly explain how they are made?

Stave hoops are made out of multiple pieces of wood, each cut at a specific angle so that when they're put together they form the shell. The shell is then lathed on the inside and outside to take off the corners and make it round. Sometimes you can notice the individual pieces even on a completed shell but Frank did a great job on my kit, you can't even tell.

[fourstringdrums]

The eagle has landed?!!

Wow, they look even better than I imagined. The 2 tone classic hoops are mind- blowing. Rob, somewhere along the line, I'd like you to describe the difference in sound & feel between stave & your Gretsch New Classics. I dont think sound bytes on the comp will do it justice.

I really want to know how different sounding staves are to Hi-end plys.

( My Yammies are feeling very insecure right now.. )

Yeah I'll post a new thread with the pics and audio and talk about that and review them in more detail.

[TamaDrummer101]

I see now! Yeah, cause when I looked at my shell, I was like... yeah you get the idea. Thanks for the explanation.

[fourstringdrums]

I see now! Yeah, cause when I looked at my shell, I was like... yeah you get the idea. Thanks for the explanation.

The second snare pictured, the amber one with tube lugs, is a Steambent snare which is one piece of wood bent into shape. It doesn't break because the wood is softened before it's bent into shape which makes it pliable.

[Rogue Elephant]

Wow amazing job Frank. And congrats to you too Rob on making some great choices.. I agree with Aydee, the two-tone hoops look awesome. I've never played a Unix kit, but I've heard some good things here on the forums..I'm sure you'll get what you paid for. Not to mention having a blast while playing them. haha

[Tuxido]

Reeaally nice!!!


+1,2,3

[frank0072]

@ Aydee: you should not feel insecure about your Yammies. If you really do feel like you have to let them go I am going to be the best foster-dad there is for those drums :-). Custom drums and high-end 'normal' kits are two whole different ball games if you ask me (except maybe the Reference Series).

@ FSD: Those pictures don't do your set justice I think... They look stunning so far, but I am still eager to see the whole set together with cymbals and everything...

[aydee]

You know how it is..thy shall not covet thy neighbor's kit, but thy does ; ) ( check out the views on this thread!!! )

Btw, Frank, I'm hanging with a brilliant Dutch jazz drummer tonight ( Joost Liebaart), and helping him out with my Yammie brass piccollo snare for tonight's gig. Boy, does it sound different when he plays it.

[drummerstix_au]

Rob.. that kit looks awesome... sold it yet? :P Just kidding!!! hahaha Cant wait to hear it.

[Drummer Karl]

Rob, thanks so much for the pics!!! That looks so beautiful, a really nice brown indeed.
I`m really looking forward to the audio clips, must sound warm, "round" and simply great...and when did you get the Iron Cobra??

And can you get any close-up pics of the bearing edge?

Thanks a lot...

Karl

[Big_Philly]

Wow!
twenty characters

[GRUNTERSDAD]

Rob can you PM me with the model number of those new lugs on your steambent. Me likes.

[fourstringdrums]

when did you get the Iron Cobra??

And can you get any close-up pics of the bearing edge?

Thanks a lot...

Karl

I got the IC about 6 years ago. It's just been hanging around here as a practice pedal. I need to take it apart and clean it though. The hoop clamp is a bit oxidized and messy after the years and the hoop clamp height adjustment (the little wheel on top) is stuck.

There is this picture of a bearing edge close-up. It's probably as good as any picture I could get:

http://drummerworld.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=17621&stc=1&d=1205359512

[mind_drummer]

Rob can you PM me with the model number of those new lugs on your steambent. Me likes.


Proudly Canadian made -> http://www.champagnedrum.com/lugs.htm

[cavica]

Man those drums look good. Can't wait to see full set up pictures and hear them. I really like the lugs on both of the snares. Thanks for the link mind_drummer, there lugs are certainly unique.

[fourstringdrums]

there lugs are certainly unique.

The lugs are VERY light as well.

[Der Februar]

Wow dude, that looks super awesome.

[Der Februar]

The lugs are VERY light as well.
Does the weight of lugs actually matter? (I realize that that looks kind of sarcastic but I don't mean it to be at all.)

[fourstringdrums]

Does the weight of lugs actually matter? (I realize that that looks kind of sarcastic but I don't mean it to be at all.)

Well besides reducing the weight of the drum, the heavier the lug, the more mass is added to the shell so the less it resonates.

[Drummer Karl]

There is this picture of a bearing edge close-up. It's probably as good as any picture I could get:

http://drummerworld.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=17621&stc=1&d=1205359512

Thanks for the pic. Now I really see how round it actually is. So those bearing edges were supposed to be rounded 30°? Or did you choose fully-rounded ones?

I`m really excited to listen to a sound clip of them. Since there`re round bearing edges and totally laquered shells the sound should be pretty focused and warm.

Delicious for sure!! =)

Karl

[fourstringdrums]

Thanks for the pic. Now I really see how round it actually is. So those bearing edges were supposed to be rounded 30°? Or did you choose fully-rounded ones?

I`m really excited to listen to a sound clip of them. Since there`re round bearing edges and totally laquered shells the sound should be pretty focused and warm.

Delicious for sure!! =)

Karl

They are fully rounded edges, no angle.

I'll try and get some more pics and audio this afternoon :)

[MikeyOdrums]

beautiful drums I bet they sound JUSt as nice as they look if not better! congrats
mikeo

[Steady Freddy]

Really, really, nice Rob. A long time coming, but now the long wait is over. I like the T handles on the kick. Real classy. The kit looks amazing.

I'm excited for you. Enjoy!!

[burnthehero]

They are fully rounded edges, no angle.

I'll try and get some more pics and audio this afternoon :)

Cool. I'm really curious to see how that sounds, as I've never heard a kit without the typical 45 or 30 degree edges.

[zambizzi]

Absolutely beautiful Rob, I'm happy you got yourself such a nice kit. Let's hear it!

[Der Februar]

Well besides reducing the weight of the drum, the heavier the lug, the more mass is added to the shell so the less it resonates.
Oh; I never thought anything of the lugs other than aesthetics.

[fourstringdrums]

PICS & AUDIO!

http://drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?p=426309