Cube Drums custom set finally arrived...

[Drummer Karl]

Hello friends!

Today DHL Express finally brought my Cube custom drum kit! Some of you may have read about this earlier in another thread. Well, it took some time to arrive but now it`s finally there.

As I said earlier, it`s made from German beech wood. It was made by www.cube-drums.de ...great work by Lars who created this beauty.

The specs:

18x14" bass
12x08" tom
14x14" floor tom
14x6.5" snare drum

The drums are oiled with a high-gloss oil and finished with an amber kind of stain. It occurs to be black nickel hardware, tube lugs, 2.3mm rims, RIM floor tom system.
I`ve got two coated Ambassadors on the bass, not dampened (yet). Coated Ambassadors on the toms, clear ones as reso. Controlled sound (which is similar to an Ambassador) on my snare drum and a Remo Ambassador snare as reso.

When I opened the two packages I was simply impressed by the look. I didn`t expect such a beautiful finish, nor so beautiful hardware. I tuned the drums and noticed that it reacts on every little turn I do, the bearing edges are brilliant, flawless. I chose some 45 degree ones, quite sharp. Tomorrow I`ll play a piano trio gig with it, I`m really looking forward to that. We plan to record the gig so hopefully I`ll be able to share some stuff with you!

Again, awesome kit with an awesome sound and feel. Especially that bass drum is something else. Undampened it sounds incredibly open, I love that boooiim kind of sound.

I`ve recorded a little video with my Samsung (not the best image quality this time):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyWi8cB_VpY

And here are the photos:

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/Drummer_Karl/SDC11704.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/Drummer_Karl/SDC11707.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/Drummer_Karl/SDC11708.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/Drummer_Karl/SDC11709.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/Drummer_Karl/SDC11710.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/Drummer_Karl/SDC11711.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/Drummer_Karl/SDC11712.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/Drummer_Karl/SDC11713.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/Drummer_Karl/SDC11715.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/Drummer_Karl/SDC11716.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/Drummer_Karl/SDC11718.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/Drummer_Karl/SDC11719.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/Drummer_Karl/SDC11720.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/Drummer_Karl/SDC11721.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/Drummer_Karl/SDC11723.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/Drummer_Karl/SDC11724.jpg

Comments are welcome!

Karl

[tw33k2514]

Those look stunning, I absolutely love the finish.

[GRUNTERSDAD]

Karl, Very nice Sir. Those are gorgeous. Let me the first to ask for sound bytes then no one else will bother you.

Edit: I missed the link for the video...It's just old age. Very nice sound Karl. Now be sure to show us those in 30 years when they will be vintage.

[TenPastTen]

Gorgeous Karl!!! It must be incredible to have drums built to every part of your specifications. The finish looks great, the hardware contrasts well with the stain for a very simple, yet dramatic appearance.

I especially like the Cube badge proclaiming "Personal Drums." So true in general, but even moreso in your case. The only thing better is if it read "Karl Drums." Enjoy Karl, and congrats!!!

[Latin Groover]

Karl, they look absolutely amazing! The black nickel hardware looks stunning too! Well worth the wait, congratulations.

[75sling]

WOW!!! Just stunning!! Very cool drums. Love the finish and the hardware......

Congrats!!

How long did you have to wait from the time you placed the order?

75sling

[Khaine88]

wow Karl a very nice kit you have there. and damn that bass is 18? look waaaaay smaller than that lol, may just be my eyes. anyways congratulations are in order

[Tom Sawyer]

Finally, huh? Or "Na endlich!", haha. They look absolutely gorgeous, really. Congratulations, enjoy those beauties, Karl.

[dom]

dang, those are beautiful. Karl it is about time you got a set that fit your playing style. For a jazz guy like you the 18" bass was a must.

I will eagerly be waiting for some soundfiles of that work of art

[mind_drummer]

Good choice of size for such a lovely kit.

Congrats Karl, it's a beauty, that's for sure ;-)

[harryconway]

Beautiful kit, Karl. Love the close up shot showing off the rain pattern in the wood grain. Pure class. You've hit the "lifetime keeper" drum kit mark with this one.

[Tuxido]

Very nice, I like the sound.
How does it feel to finally have an instrument that doesn't limit you musically ?

Were you too excited to remove the rim mount ? :P

And how do you like the cradle on the floor tom, I have the same thing and like it, but its heavier than normal brackets.

[drumhead61]

Karl, WOW absolutely stunning to say the least. The hardware and wood look amazing together and I loved the sound. CONGRATS on such a beautiful kit in all regards...truly is a keeper to say the least. That finish is NICE.

ENJOY

JIM

[SOGdrummer]

Beautiful kit Karl. I love the finish and the black nickel hardware!.

Looks like a great kit to play our smaller "jazzier" gigs...congratulations on your purchase and I hope they serve you well for a very long time!

Jack

[bojangleman]

wow..Karl, those look amazing!

and they sound amazing too..

congrats man! the wait was long, but from the looks, it was well worth it!!

Alex

[baz]

...a beautifull classy looking kit

and it's a four.

We are going to have to start a show us your 18,14, 12 set up. I vote for your kit.

very very nice.

barry

[drumbum11]

wow that kit is very nice looking, looks comfortable

[rmandelbaum]

Pure Class!! http://robertmdrums.com/emocons/clap1.gifhttp://robertmdrums.com/emocons/clap1.gif

[stasz]

Glad to see those babies finally arrived. Congratulations on such a fantastic kit. The close up on the wood grain looks pretty tasty. I can't wait to listen to your playing with the combo, should be great as always.

[Aggressivec]

Wow Karl, those look nice! I think that bass drum is the smallest I have ever seen lol! Have fun!

[oops]

Beautiful.

Hardware is terrific, lugs are sleek. Black is a great choice, and the drum finish is magnificent.

Your floor tom looks really deep for some reason. You sure it's 14"? Lol.

[Crusto 62]

Hey Karl, beautiful kit , nice finish , cool hardware, love the sizes. The kit sounds great on your video,. Great playing too, don't muffle the bass drum it sounds great as is. Congrats

[Drummer Karl]

WOW, thanks for the replies!! I wouldn`t have expected so many!
I`m so happy with this kit, the gig yesterday felt great with this set. It got compliments, many people said they were impressed by the kit in general...especially by the snare drum. So I am, this 14x6.5" is the best decision I could make. It has a fat crack in the middle which gets ringier on the side. Beautiful, I`ve never felt so much volume (it feels bold and tiny and the same time), it has much body. I couldn`t be happier! :-)

The bass drum stays unmuffled, sounds very open, even timpani-esque. The toms are incredible but have to be played like the rest of the kit. The sound will improve through playing, everything is very new now.



How long did you have to wait from the time you placed the order?

75sling

I told him to build it...well, about August or September and had to wait till yesterday. I guess that`s quite a long time. :-D Though it was worth the wait!

Very nice, I like the sound.
How does it feel to finally have an instrument that doesn't limit you musically ?

Were you too excited to remove the rim mount ? :P

And how do you like the cradle on the floor tom, I have the same thing and like it, but its heavier than normal brackets.

It feels great Etienne. Especially the bass drum is a huge improvement. I finally have this open boom sound, I love it!
Regarding the tom mount, I wasn`t sure whether I should leave the tom like this but had to put it off yesterday to get it into my 12" case. Same problem with my 14", it would hardly fit in that 14" case with the supension system. Though I love this, neither is it more expencive than drilling nor is it bad looking! =)

...a beautifull classy looking kit

and it's a four.

We are going to have to start a show us your 18,14, 12 set up. I vote for your kit.

very very nice.

barry

Haha, thanks! You would vote for my kit?? Hey, look at Etienne`s!!



Your floor tom looks really deep for some reason. You sure it's 14"? Lol.

Yeah, I think it looks really bold because of that suspension system on the floor tom. I`m sure that it`s a 14x14" but the first time I saw the kit I wasn`t sure whether it really is a 12x8" and not 12x9" tom!

Thanks again for the nice comments everyone!

Karl

[jimtyler]

That is an absolutely perfect looking jazz kit! I can't imagine how much fun it would have been to open up those boxes with those drums waiting inside. Enjoy!

[Drummer Karl]

Okay, here are some photos I and my dad have taken yesterday before and while having this piano trio gig:

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/Drummer_Karl/SDC11730.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/Drummer_Karl/SDC11729.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/Drummer_Karl/SDC11731.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/Drummer_Karl/203-0397_IMG.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/Drummer_Karl/203-0399_IMG.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/Drummer_Karl/203-0391_IMG.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/Drummer_Karl/203-0392_IMG.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/Drummer_Karl/203-0393_IMG.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/Drummer_Karl/204-0401_IMG.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/Drummer_Karl/204-0403_IMG.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/Drummer_Karl/204-0404_img_redeye.jpg

I`ll try to get the sound files as soon as I can!

Karl

[eddiehimself]

Ich liebe es :D

[zambizzi]

Ha! When I saw the title of the thread I expected to see some strange, new-wave, square-shaped drums. I need more sleep.

Karl, that's a really sweet kit. The builder obviously did a great job. I love the gig pics! Enjoy!

[EDrums]

NICE!!!! Looking forward to hearing some sound bytes.

[Ainulindale]

nice lil' jazz kit there Karl, an incredible natural finish - just a little darker and that looks great with the black nickel hardware! must be a good feeling getting a kit just the way you always wanted :-) and nice gig pics!
good drumming!

[Tuxido]

I think you need to make more videos of you drumming :)



...and are your cases hard or soft ? mine are soft and the craddle fits well in it

[RHD03]

Those look amazing man! Congrats!

[Drummer Karl]

Thanks a lot!
I`ve got hardcases (those which look like hat cases)...so I really have to stretch them to get my 14" tom in there with the craddle. Not so great for the hardware and the drum itself. I think I`ll get a bigger one soon. At least I hope so... :-)

Btw Etienne, why more videos of myself playing?

Karl

[Tuxido]

Thanks a lot!
I`ve got hardcases (those which look like hat cases)...so I really have to stretch them to get my 14" tom in there with the craddle. Not so great for the hardware and the drum itself. I think I`ll get a bigger one soon. At least I hope so... :-)

Btw Etienne, why more videos of myself playing?

Karl

Because its fun to listen to !

[konaboy]

Ha! When I saw the title of the thread I expected to see some strange, new-wave, square-shaped drums. I need more sleep.

Karl, that's a really sweet kit. The builder obviously did a great job. I love the gig pics! Enjoy!


Don't feel bad I thought the same thing.

Karl those are incredible looking! I love the tube lugs black nickel hardware, drum finish. Excellent choices and great job by the builder !!

[Drummer Karl]

Because its fun to listen to !

Oh thanks! It is?
Mhh, some audio clips of the gig (I could synchronise them with the video) should be up eventually. =)
The gig itself was okay, I think it improves after some more...luckily more is on the way.

And maybe I can get the mics soon so that I can record with some sound files...

Thanks!!

Karl

[Steamer]

Simply lovely looking kit Karl and nice collection of gig photos too.

Quite the Christmas present Karl and Happy New Year!

[Drummer Karl]

Simply lovely looking kit Karl and nice collection of gig photos too.

Quite the Christmas present Karl and Happy New Year!

Thanks Stan!!
Indeed that`s kind of a christmas present....actually it`s a very very nice one!

I love its sound and I`l love it even more when it`s older. When those heads get brown and the drums are used the sound will be a lot better, more authentic.

Karl

[lewisn27]

Really nice drums, the hardware really sets off the finish.

[KCDrummer]

Beautiful kit Karl! A great kit and a great drummer deserve each other, congrats.

[frank0072]

Hey Karl, great drums man. I have a little dream of my own custom set somewhere in my head too, and maybe Cube will be something. It's closer to Holland then Kumu and Unix, so that's a pro, and now that you've got a great set of Cubes maybe that might be an option too...

I love the hardware on your set and I like the finish. Have a great time discovering all it possibilities and getting used to it.

[Glum]

A stunning set of drums man, they've must have cost you alot =)

[remoking]

Nice looking kit you have there, Karl. Congrats!

[henhog]

I'm sure you've heard this 42 times already but what a grand kit!
Sounds great - looks stunning! Can't wait to get some gunk on those skins eh? have you thought about fiber-skins on them? (don't know what they sound like - they are kinda rare out here in Australia)

[Tuxido]

have you thought about fiber-skins on them?
I'd advise against fiberskyns... Unless you have the money to change them often.
They sound very good (horrible for brushes) but after a while they bubble up and then you get a tick sound if you hit the bubbles.

They sound good, but don't age well. Ambassadors age better.

[Drummer Karl]

Thanks everyone!!!
No, honestly I havn`t thought about other heads yet. I`m really impressed by the Ambassadors I have to admit. Fyberskins would be heads to think about but I would prefer the (a bit) brighter sound of my Ambassadors. Moreover I can`t wait to see them age, they get better and better when they start to get dirty. =)
Even on the bass drum I wouldn`t change the head choice for now.

Other than that a Fyberskin could be nice experiment! I`ll keep this option in mind.

And for anyone who would like to listen to me playing the kit, I`ve uploaded some live recordings of the piano trio gig on December 30th:

http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45777

Comments are welcome! :-)

Thanks so much!

Karl

[diosdude]

Beautiful honey amber finish! The black chrome goes well with that kit too.

[Drummer Karl]

Beautiful honey amber finish! The black chrome goes well with that kit too.

Thanks! Indeed this black chrome hardware looks magnific with this particular finish, I seriously didn`t expect such a beautiful contrast. Since I couldn`t check the kit personally while the building process I had to rely on Lars totally.
He surely has a great eye for aesthetics!

Karl

[bojangleman]

man Karl. those trio pics look awesome..

looks like you had a good time..specially since you were on your new kit! =)

how do you like those Samson mics?

Alex

[Drummer Karl]

man Karl. those trio pics look awesome..

looks like you had a good time..specially since you were on your new kit! =)

how do you like those Samson mics?

Alex

Yes, it was huge fun for us! I finally had the new kit, our piano player had a nice grand piano and when our bass player`s amp broke an hour before playing she got an even nicer one. Now that we got the recordings we hear what to work on.

The Samson mics are amazing, especially for the price. They record in a very authentic way, don`t leave many sound details alone. Of course if you pay more you can get some magnific Audix for example but with a limited budget these are worth a try.

Thank you!

Karl

[drumbandit]

Seriously mate nice drums ! that hardware is brilliant.

Tom

[Rezn8]

Awesome kit Karl!!! Sounds and looks great! Should serve you well for many many years to come! Cheers, Rez

[Drummer Karl]

Thanks so much!

Here are some more photos I`ve taken today, wanted to take some for Lars` website:

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/Drummer_Karl/KopievonSDC11750.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/Drummer_Karl/KopievonSDC11759.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/Drummer_Karl/KopievonSDC11760.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/Drummer_Karl/KopievonSDC11756.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/Drummer_Karl/KopievonSDC11748.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/Drummer_Karl/KopievonSDC11753.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/Drummer_Karl/KopievonSDC11751.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/Drummer_Karl/KopievonSDC11758.jpg

Karl

[bojangleman]

wow Karl..

pick your profession....photography or drumming!

=P just kiddin man!

they are both amazing! haha

Alex

[hateplow]

Yeahhhh dude!
I can't believe they finally arrived. I'm very happy for you.
I know how it feels to wait a looong time for that one perfect kit.
Congrats!

[Mr. Pasquini]

Hey Karl, just wanted to get bye and congratulate you on these beautiful drums! Great choice! They look wonderful and I bet they sound even better. I ended up getting a set of superstars myself, so new drums for everyone! YAY!

[Drummer Karl]

Thanks so much!!

Alex: Haha, indeed I love photography and film. Though I`d always pick drumming of course! :-)

Thanks for your nice comments! I really appreciate it!

Karl

[max77]

That's a really really beautiful kit Karl. I envy you a lot. Your lucky to have a custom drums at your age. Plus you looks like really happy with your band and it's the most important. Have fun with that beauty.

Max

[somedrummer]

Very Nice Karl! I'm just starting to assemble the parts to build my next set in those exact sizes. I'm also planning on doing the Floor tom suspension mounting just like yours. The finish and hardware choices go great together. That is just altogether a beautiful set of drums.

[Drummer Karl]

It`s so much fun to play with the trio...hehe, especially with this kit. =)
We`re really looking forward to this year since we may get some great gigs. We thought to have the gigs (if possible) within one or two weeks in our summer holidays, something like a little tour. Of course that would be awesome!

By the way Sir Pasquini, have you got some photos of your new kit? Great news mate, congrats!!

And somedrummer: I wish you all the best for the new kit you`re gonna build. The suspension system for the floor tom is great but take care that you use a big case for it, when I had to press it into my 14" case it almost made me cry. :-D

Let us know when yours it`s finished!

Karl

[Mr. Pasquini]

By the way Sir Pasquini, have you got some photos of your new kit? Great news mate, congrats!!

Karl

Click the link in my signature, Karl!

[Drummer Karl]

Ian, great kit! You can`t go wrong with a Superstar!
I`m glad about this update!

Karl

[Drummer Karl]

Okay, here`re some bad news:

Today my drum teacher stopped by to check out my kit and the first thing he said was that the 12" tom must be deeper than 8". I also wondered about the deep looking tom but thought I`d be wrong because I played a 12"x6" before.

So we measured it and....wow...it`s a 12x9". Well and I ordered a 8" deep one.
I told Lars about this so I hope that we can find a solution for this. Since it wouldn`t make a sound difference my disappointment is just caused by an "every drummer`s" idealogy.

Other than that the kit sounds so great! =)

Karl

[frank0072]

Okay, here`re some bad news:

Today my drum teacher stopped by to check out my kit and the first thing he said was that the 12" tom must be deeper than 8". I also wondered about the deep looking tom but thought I`d be wrong because I played a 12"x6" before.

So we measured it and....wow...it`s a 12x9". Well and I ordered a 8" deep one.
I told Lars about this so I hope that we can find a solution for this. Since it wouldn`t make a sound difference my disappointment is just caused by an "every drummer`s" idealogy.

Other than that the kit sounds so great! =)

Karl

but if you would want what you've paid for Lars has to make an all new tom for you, he can't just cut down the 12" that you have now, does he?

And if the sound isn't effected that much, is there an actual problem except you haven't got what you've paid for?

[Drummer Karl]

but if you would want what you've paid for Lars has to make an all new tom for you, he can't just cut down the 12" that you have now, does he?

And if the sound isn't effected that much, is there an actual problem except you haven't got what you've paid for?

Yes, that`s no problem. Lars already ordered another shell for me, he`s gonna make a new tom.
There`s not a sound effect at all but you know, naturally I wanna have what I ordered. Still, a lovely kit of course! I`d never regret this decision! :-)

Karl

[frank0072]

Great that you get a replacement, but don't you have chance on color difference now, since the 'new' tom is laquered with another can of paint then the other drums, under slighty different conditions probably.. ?

[Big_Philly]

That is a wonderful kit, it must be super to have a kit taylor made for you. You seem to be the kind of drummer who knows exactly what he wants, and now you have it.
Too bad about the tom depth issue.

Enjoy!

[Drumsword]

Oh thanks! It is?




It's a lot of fun hearing you play man, I told you, you're one of my favorite drummers here and I really expect to see you in Modern Drummer one day.

I've downloaded all the songs you've sent me, burned em to a cd and play them in my car often. I love your work man, good job. And give my congrats to your bad as well, you all sound great.

[PlaysforFun]

I have to ask what the cost is for the kit. Are the shells Keller?

[Drummer Karl]

Hi,

Thanks very much! The shells are German beech, made by a German shell manufacturer called "Sindelfinger Holzringe". Beautiful wood, great quality!

I`m sure that Lars has got a rest of this stain. He mixed it for me, individually...I think he has got something of this left.

Karl

[Drummer Karl]

Here is another photo I`ve taken of my kit while filming some material for this Cube Drums video.

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/Drummer_Karl/KopievonSDC11819.jpg

I`ll also see whether I can get a new Agop pie. I`m keeping my eye on the new 23" Matt Chamberlain ride at the moment.

Karl

[trkdrmr]

That is an excellent looking kit! Very nice craftsmanship!

..Did anyone else notice the logo for "CUBE" is in a TRIANGLE? ;)

[TTNW]

Hi Karl,

Congratulations on the new kit. I love the finish, sizes and sound.

I hope it inspires you every time you play it.

[Drummer Karl]

That is an excellent looking kit! Very nice craftsmanship!

..Did anyone else notice the logo for "CUBE" is in a TRIANGLE? ;)

Thanks a lot!
Yes, I always wondered about that...and when you mention Cube drums many people think about Cube-formed drums. :-D
The brand name and logo is obviously playing with geometric figures.

I still don`t know what Lars inspired to call his brand "Cube" but I like it a lot. Very recognisable in my opinion.

Hi Karl,

Congratulations on the new kit. I love the finish, sizes and sound.

I hope it inspires you every time you play it.

Yes, it surely inspires me a lot. The kit sounds better every day, I hope that I can get some mics soon so I can record something.

Thank you!

Karl

[henhog]

Damn everytime I come back to this thread that kit looks more and more impressive!