"Best" Custom Drum Shop?

[KlarkKent]

Which custom drum company do you all think is the "best" in terms of quality and sound?

So many custom shops have sprung up lately, and many of them do little more than cool paint jobs on Keller shells once the dust settles. With that in mind and after blowing away the dust, as it were, which custom companies do you think still stand as reliable, high-quality options for drums and provide a sound palette for just about any style of music (from rock to blues to bebop jazz)?

The main players for consideration in my mind are Pork Pie, GMS, and Noble & Cooley (20+ years in the business), with perhaps Spaun Drums (1997-present) thrown in the mix given their track record of good reviews in professional venues.

I purposefully exclude custom companies like Brady because, even though they make fantastic kits, their price range is above and beyond the companies listed above.

[Artstar]

Klark, why don't you just start reading this thread below.... and maybe you won't call a "Custom Drum Company" to do the work..

http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=67323

[KlarkKent]

Klark, why don't you just start reading this thread below.... and maybe you won't call a "Custom Drum Company" to do the work..

http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=67323

Precisely because places like Precision do not do any kind of lacquer or satin oil/stain finishes; all they offer is a clean shell or a wrap or a custom wrap. Places like Pork Pie and GMS and Noble have stood the test of time for a reason (and not just for their paint jobs).

[Artstar]

Precisely because places like Precision do not do any kind of lacquer or satin oil/stain finishes; all they offer is a clean shell or a wrap or a custom wrap. Places like Pork Pie and GMS and Noble have stood the test of time for a reason (and not just for their paint jobs).

Yeah, I hear what you are saying about a paint finish. That is one difficult step, and one that some of those "Companies" don't even do themselves.

[KlarkKent]

Yeah, I hear what you are saying about a paint finish. That is one difficult step, and one that some of those "Companies" don't even do themselves.

Yes--I think, or at least I've heard, that GMS outsources their paint jobs. I believe Pork Pie and Spaun do their paint jobs in house. I think Noble does their paint finishes, but I'm not sure. Noble is very limited, though: from what I've seen of their sparkle lacquers, for example, it is more like a "mist"--they do not seem to have the really exotic or photoesque exactness of a PP or Spaun.

[zambizzi]

If I were to go custom, I'd undoubtedly go with GMS. Their edges and machined hardware, all done in house, is their magical recipe. Yes, they're Kellers, but so almost every "custom shop" out there.

However, all of the talk I've read on here (for years) about custom drums, has led me to the conclusion that I can build them every bit as good, myself, for much, MUCH less money. I'm going to buy the shells, stain and lacquer them, cut my own edges, and drill for the hardware. I have all the tools for this and it'll be fun. I'll have drums that I, to a great degree, built with my own hands.

The only hard part is choosing amongst the massive array of hardware options, and choosing the finish that I'll apply. If I don't like the edges, I'll re-cut them and try something new. At least I'll be gaining the knowledge to create exactly what I want.

Overall, it'll come in just under $2000 for TWO kits (no snare.)

[RickP]

My vote would be for GMS with Noble & Cooley a very close second . GMS have beautiful finishes , much more selection than N & C and their fittings are extremely well made.They have great bearing edges and their bass drums just sing.

[Zalloy]

my vote goes to Pork Pie.

unlimited finish options, excellent fit and finish, excellent bearing edge design and execution, and I like the look of their lugs(simple, functional, and plenty road worthy).

have yet to hear a bad drum(US made) from PP. every single one sounded phenomenal to my ears.

GMS and N&C makes nice kits too though.

[Artstar]

C&C Drums who is Gladstone Drum Shells. Now why would they do such a thing ??? :)

http://gladstoneshells.com/Gladstone_Drum_Shells/Shells_files/shapeimage_2.png

By the way... Have you ever seen anything more badasss than that kit on the top right of the page below ?? At least not me ! http://gladstoneshells.com/Gladstone_Drum_Shells/Shells.html

[Basswood]

http://www.metrodrums.com/welcome.aspx

Excellent alternative to brady. They make their own shells too.

[KlarkKent]

my vote goes to Pork Pie.

unlimited finish options, excellent fit and finish, excellent bearing edge design and execution, and I like the look of their lugs(simple, functional, and plenty road worthy).

have yet to hear a bad drum(US made) from PP. every single one sounded phenomenal to my ears.

GMS and N&C makes nice kits too though.

I agree that Pork Pie makes some sweet drums--the U.S.-made ones--but I don't think their lugs are that sturdy. They used to use a simple, solid mass lug from Precision (up until 2000 or 2001, I think), but their current hour-glass lug is hollow bodied--it is not a solid lug like GMS, Spaun, Sonor, N&C, Brady, etc., and solid lugs usually do a better job of holding tuning. Plus, I think PP has higher prices than N&C, GMS, and Spaun, which is weird because GMS and Spaun at least can compete with PP's finishes--and they have better quality lugs to boot!

Although I like PP kits, I think GMS and N&C have the edge in terms of quality of design and parts and the research that goes into their kits (N&C particularly in this latter category).

Metro, Brady, Odery--those lads are on a different level, I think--just a higher level of options, woods, etc. The Odery kits from this year's NAMM were incredible.

FYI: I just found this clip of Jim Rupp jazzing it up on a bebop set of N&C's!:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sICPfmCKmd8

[Zalloy]

I agree that Pork Pie makes some sweet drums--the U.S.-made ones--but I don't think their lugs are that sturdy. They used to use a simple, solid mass lug from Precision (up until 2000 or 2001, I think), but their current hour-glass lug is hollow bodied--it is not a solid lug like GMS, Spaun, Sonor, N&C, Brady, etc., and solid lugs usually do a better job of holding tuning. Plus, I think PP has higher prices than N&C, GMS, and Spaun, which is weird because GMS and Spaun at least can compete with PP's finishes--and they have better quality lugs to boot!

Although I like PP kits, I think GMS and N&C have the edge in terms of quality of design and parts and the research that goes into their kits (N&C particularly in this latter category).

odd... PPs are priced lower then GMS or N&C in my area.

you can, I think, still order PPs with solid brass lugs.

go for what you want though. I like how PPs sound over GMS or N&C, but that's me.
GMS and N&C make great kits.

speaking of bop kits...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5n6fQbRMczM

[KlarkKent]

odd... PPs are priced lower then GMS or N&C in my area.

you can, I think, still order PPs with solid brass lugs.

go for what you want though. I like how PPs sound over GMS or N&C, but that's me.
GMS and N&C make great kits.

speaking of bop kits...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5n6fQbRMczM

Hmmm--I'll have to look into that, about PP offering solid lugs. If that's true, I fear there would be a significant upcharge in the price. But, yes, I do love the way PP's sound too!

[KlarkKent]

Zalloy,

That's a sweet-sounding PP bop kit!! I've heard some PP bop kits via Acustica Napoli's site on YouTube--all sound great.

It really is a tough call....And you're right--I just double checked my notes, and PP is slightly less expensive than N&C (bebop) and a good $200 or more cheaper than GMS.

Only difference now, though, are the shells: since 2007-ish, Pork Pie stopped using Keller shells and switched to DW shells (the CA facility for DW closer than East Coast Keller). Keller has more experience with shell making, and some feel that DW's shells can be very spotty. For example, forum member Wy Yung works with drums in Australia, I believe, and he's noticed on many occasions DW's high-end drums having shotty quality issues.

But now we're being picky and dealing with varying experiences...still both kits sound great.

[KlarkKent]

Zalloy's mentioning of Pork Pie suddenly raises a new issue: does Pork Pie's use of DW (drum workshop) shells problematize their consideration for this list? All DW shells are 7 or 8 plies, usually thin, but Pork Pie still has DW make them to their specs: thin 5 mm or so 6-ply toms, 7-ply floors, and 8-ply bass drums.

Some complain about DW's quality control in a way that I don't hear about Keller's shells for GMS or N&C or Spaun, etc.

This is probably nothing, but if we are going to be picky, it is worth noting (especially since some folks on this forum have noted issues with DW kits).

I have a friend who works in the drum industry and who's also very critical of DW kits but loves Pork Pie kits, and his problem isn't with the DW shell making--it's with the DW lugs: too big, not solid, takes up too much shell space, etc.

Anyway...

[Savior Custom Drums]

Peep Savior Custom Drums. Insane quality, sound, and experience. Almost every Drum is $400 cheaper than the leading competitors (Truth, Sjc, etc.). Saviorcustomdrums.com

[Crazy8s]

Virtually every single drum company listed in this thread is going to make drums that all pretty much sound the same as any other Keller shelled drum.

If a drummer is even half concerned about custom sounding drums, then none of these are what you are looking for, and none of them are the 'best'. How can one be the best if their stuff is the same as everyone elses?

Anybody can paint a drum or wrap sheets of plastic on them then drill some holes and bolt the same hardware on them that that every single other 'custom drum assembler' does. When all the 'custom' builders are doing the exact same thing as all the other ones, it is hardly considered 'custom'.

Nearly every single modern drummer has atleast one Keller shelled drum in their arsenal, meaning the market is saturated with them...also meaning there is nothing unique or special about them.

[zambizzi]

Virtually every single drum company listed in this thread is going to make drums that all pretty much sound the same as any other Keller shelled drum.

If a drummer is even half concerned about custom sounding drums, then none of these are what you are looking for, and none of them are the 'best'. How can one be the best if their stuff is the same as everyone elses?

Anybody can paint a drum or wrap sheets of plastic on them then drill some holes and bolt the same hardware on them that that every single other 'custom drum assembler' does. When all the 'custom' builders are doing the exact same thing as all the other ones, it is hardly considered 'custom'.

Nearly every single modern drummer has atleast one Keller shelled drum in their arsenal, meaning the market is saturated with them...also meaning there is nothing unique or special about them.

If 90%+ of the sound is in the head and edges, aren't you placing too much emphasis on the shell itself?

[KlarkKent]

I stand corrected about Precision Drums not staining drums. Despite their Web site's statement that they only wrap kits, I was told that PD can indeed satin oil your drums in a reasonable color.

However, an 18/14/12 kit from them costs just under $2K!! I thought Precision would be a more affordable option than a big company or custom shop, but they are actually on par with them! Spaun, GMS, Pork Pie, Pearl Masterworks, Gretsch all range between $1950-$2400 for a small 3pc. configuration bop.

Ugh. If Precision costs that much, perhaps it is better to go with one of the custom shops like GMS? At least you are getting personally crafted lugs, not just run-of-the-mill stuff manufactured in Taiwan (where most lugs and hardware are made).

[Phattie Drums]

However, an 18/14/12 kit from them costs just under $2K!! I thought Precision would be a more affordable option than a big company or custom shop, but they are actually on par with them! Spaun, GMS, Pork Pie, Pearl Masterworks, Gretsch all range between $1950-$2400 for a small 3pc. configuration bop.


Ought to check out Black Label for a quote, just for comparison. Most three-piece bop kits are floating around the $1300-$1600 mark. Ludwig Classic prices for high end work.

[mattappenheimerdrums]

Hey guys, i know there are a ton of custom companies, and there cant really be a best, but I have done business with a local company from the Vancouver, BC, Canada area that is growing very fast. By far the best customer service. you really feel at home and the drums are handmade, amazing attention to detail, it puts so many other companies to shame.
some of their artists include Josh Mitchinson of These Kids Wear Crowns, Jay McDonald of Hey Bombshell and Colin Trask of the popular christian group, Starfield.

Check them out,

http://caseydrums.com/

[jofizzm]

Off the list you mentioned, I'd go Pork Pie myself. They posted a maple/poplar/maple kit on here a while ago, very nice.

But if I could throw another hat in the ring, Allegra Drum Crafters. (http://www.allegradrums.com/) Played on a few of them, love them. Have one of my own, love it. The owner Dave is the coolest guy to boot, called me up a few times a few weeks after I got my kit to make sure that I loved it. Quality drums, and quality service. Just for the hell of it...

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8293/7723333824_f7e196dcd5_b.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7133/7723342968_5176ce0271_b.jpg