Custom drum builders in Europe

[Thunderstix]

I'm looking for custom drum builders in Europe who build affordable drum kits out of solid shells, steambent single ply or stave. If prices in Eastern Europe are much lower than in the West, I'm willing to order a drum kit there. Let's start off with the Benelux countries and Poland because I frequently visit these. Does anybody know of quality drum builders there?

I don't need anything fancy, just a no nonsense 4 piece with medium-thick non-laminated shells. Birch or maple doesn't really matter to me. I dislike the thin laminated shells of today's top kits; they sound flimsy to me and aren't really worth the money.

Thanks in advance.

[toddy]

http://www.arcsdrums.tk/
http://www.carreradrums.com/

there are more, but those are two that come straight to my mind.

[00Schneider]

Germany:

Troyan Drums in Munich. Usally there's a kit you can test at the Music Shop (Just Music Munich) There ist the "Sign" series which is cheaper, same shell as the normal custom series, but only in natural finish available und one depth per diameter to choice. www.troyandrums.de

Relative new: Handmade Custom Drums in Hammelburg. http://www.handmadedrums.de/

Then there was Olaf Handschuh who built one ply shells, but the website is not reachable since longer time now. So I don't know if he's still in business. http://www.handschuh-solid-drums.de

Here is a walnut kit at a shop: http://www.musik-aktiv.de/product_in...alnut-5-pieces.


Austria: Aural Drums in Vienna. http://www.aural.at/


Czech Republic:

Hanus & Hert. http://www.hanushert.com/

Hallvad http://www.hallvad.cz/

But don't think just because they're in easter europe they are much cheaper or cheaper at all.

And the last: Le Soprano in Italy. http://www.lesoprano.it/drumset/prima_en.html

Not solid or stave, but different: Kumu from Finnland. http://www.kumu.fi/english/kumudrums.html

In Benelux or Poland I don't know any drum companies you're searching for.

[Thunderstix]

Thanks for the links. Keep them coming.

But don't think just because they're in easter europe they are much cheaper or cheaper at all.

You just have to know how to negotiate ;) Recently I've negotiated a 30% discount for a new cymbal set.

If a drumset is the result of material cost plus wages, it should be less expensive in countries where labour costs less. This is a niche market; the demand is low for these products, which lowers the price. Don't accept the first exorbitant price tag. Oftentimes even at half price the seller is still making profit.

PS: I know it's easter now but don't confuse it with Eastern countries ;)

[JPW]

I have heard a lot of good things about Kumu's drums.

[Swiss Matthias]

Switzerland: (Not really eastern Europe, not really cheap...)

http://www.giannini-drums.ch/

[00Schneider]

Originally Posted by Thunderstix

You just have to know how to negotiate ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3n3LL338aGA

:D

Originally Posted by Thunderstix

If a drumset is the result of material cost plus wages, it should be less expensive in countries where labour costs less. This is a niche market; the demand is low for these products, which lowers the price. Don't accept the first exorbitant price tag.

In general yes, but the list prices I remember from Hanus & Hert were not much lower than western European products, or even on same level. 30% off should be no problem, but that's still not little. My Brady Snare was cheaper... ;)

But I'm looking forward to hear from your experience. :-)

With Troyan I can say in advance that there will be no discount with direct/custom orders. Maybe for kits in stock or the kit in the showroom of Music Shop. You can also ask if they have some used kits if you consider that too.

And if you travel to munich don't forget to visit the Troyandrumshop (theres no business relationship with Troyan Drums anymore, since a few years only the name is common).
http://www.troyandrumshop.de/

E.g. there is a Troyan set from the 80ies on their page, 22",10",12",13",14",16", natural finish for just € 750.-

Doesn't look like the ones today, in the 80ies they used hardware from other companies, I've often seen Tama lugs.
Should look like this:
http://www.forunkel.de/tr1.JPG
http://www.forunkel.de/tr2.JPG
I've played this particular one, belongs a friend of mine. Sounds really good.

[Rascul]

Don't forget

http://www.lignumdrums.com

Belgian company, best stave shells in Europe if you ask me. Not cheap though, but worth it.

[Thunderstix]

http://www.lignumdrums.com

Belgian company, best stave shells in Europe if you ask me. Not cheap though, but worth it.

I know but I'm not paying 5K for a 4 piece. Sorry but that's insane. For that amount you can amplify any kit and get studio quality. Or you can buy a decent car 2nd hand.

In general yes, but the list prices I remember from Hanus & Hert were not much lower than western European products, or even on same level. 30% off should be no problem, but that's still not little. My Brady Snare was cheaper... ;)

So I should get a Brady... :)

Seriously, Czech citizens would have to work for months to earn that amount. Those drums are priced for Western customers. I'm sure Czechs will not pay so much. The trick is to act like a native. I don't speak Czech, but I know Polish. Who's making drums in Poland?

Actually, wouldn't any experienced carpenter be able to make perfectly round shells, cut bearing edges and drill holes? The assembly I can do myself.