Scoop on Drumcraft Drums?

[RobertM]

Does anyone know the scoop on Drumcraft Series 8 drums? The Series 8 is supposed to be their flagship, professional line. The company is German, but I believe the kits are mad in China.

I found them listed via Drummersuperstore and, surprisingly, the Series 8 kits go for $1K to $1300--basically just a little more than Mapex Meridian Maple and a bit or so under a Mapex Saturn.

An October 2011 Modern Drummer review gave the kit mostly good marks, but said the toms were hard to tune in the middle range (tuned fine in lower and higher/jazzier ranges).

Just curious if folks know anything about these drums--are they just on par with Meridians, for example?

[DrumEatDrum]

Until the drummer from the Sweedish band Katatonia became an endorser, I hadn't heard of Drumcraft.

I did see them at NAMM, and one one hand they looked nice, but on the other hand, I shells seemed just like shells anyone else would use. If they are indeed made in China, then I suspect they are the same shells every other maple kit made in china uses.

[RobertM]

Some added information I found on DrumCraft Drums, which is not available via their website (interestingly):

• These drums are engineered in Germany and produced under licence in China at a facilty that also makes drums for Pdp and Ludwig. Is this a good thing, given that PDP is crap and overseas Ludwig kits tend to be crap too? I wonder how good the quality control is at this factory.
• The quality of the shells is superior, all drums come out of the box with Remo U.S. heads (toms Ambassador clear, bassdrum Powerstroke 3, snare C.S. Black Dot). Well, Remo USA heads = good.
• The hardware is from one Taiwan's largest suppliers (Series 8 made In Taiwan compared to DrumCraft Series 4 & 6 with Chinese-made hardware). From what I have learned about the drumming industry, tons of companies source hardware (lugs, stands, you name it) from Taiwan, including the likes of Pork Pie, I believe. So, Taiwanese-made hardware not such a bad thing, but stay away from Series 4 and 6!
• The series 8 kits are also available with shells made from Siberian birch. These shells are slightly thicker compared to the ones made from maple. At least the wood source appears to be good: Siberian birch is same as used by high-end Sonor, I believe (e.g., S-Classix).

For some reason, this information dampens my mood about DrumCraft. However, they are racking up big-name endorsers: Gergo Borlai, Mike Terrana, Danny Gottlieb, Brian Frasier-Moore. One would hope pros wouldn't use crap.

[Vintagefade]

I just played a festival in Florida last weekend and one of the drummers from another band is a DrumCraft endorser. He let me dink around on his kit (which was a series 8 in birch) for a bit, and I have to say I was completely impressed. I thought it sounded terrific and I know looks are subjective, but I thought it was beautiful. In every way it seemed like a well made, professional level drumset. He has nothing but good things to say about the kit as well as the company. He said they've had some issues with American distribution, but believes they have that resolved and are on the right track. I'm actually considering picking up a DrumCraft kit now. I absolutely loved it, and I'm kind of hard to please. They're definitely worth a look in my opinion.

[uniongoon]

One of the members here, from Italy I think, is an endorser. Marco somebody??? I am sure he will chime in to this thread. His kit looks and sounds great. A shame they have to source the chinese labour, but probably sound business sense if money is to be made is the goal and not just artistic statement.

[GRUNTERSDAD]

Try this thread right below yours.

http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=90495

[Mirkko]

Yep DrumCraft never kept secret the fact that they make they'r shells and stuff in their fabrics in China...i guess the results matter at the end of days. the first time i saw their drums on the web and magazines i wasn't so impressed,i'm honest. Once i had the chance to try some of their stuff,i realized how good they were...so i don't care where they are from-i like em a lot. and their prices are very good.

Marco somebody ahahahaha

Mirkko DeMaio

[Mirkko]

Anyway...the shells are well made, the shell's hardware too- stands are really heavy duty (i'm a fanatic about hardware's consistency) and the drums sound really good and full of power.
I use Evans EC2 clear on my toms ant they have still a huge amount of sound.
The snares are great too!
And i would to spend another thought on their series 8 pedals...i own a personal dw 9002,but since i have my DrumCraft double pedal from series 8, i replaced the dw in his case..i don't wanna compare them too much,but at least i've the same feel and comfort with the DrumCraft.But DrumCraft one costs 1/3 of the dw one!
A real surprise to me.
I've tried the Acrylic kit too....men HUGE HUGE HUGE sound! i want one!

[RobertM]

So, Drum Craft is still in business?

I was interested in their Series 8 birch kits, but one USA drum shop told me that they were going out of business. However, a different USA drum shop told me that they are still in business but just having distribution problems (that is, I think they are no longer with Conn-Selmar).

Just concerned about the reliability of the company/drums.

[uniongoon]

Originally Posted by Mirkko

Marco somebody ahahahaha

Mirkko DeMaio

Mirkko////Marco, Whats one vowel between friends eh?

[Mirkko]

Originally Posted by uniongoon

Mirkko////Marco, Whats one vowel between friends eh?

Mirkko i guess :D
Don't worry!

[Mirkko]

Originally Posted by RobertM

So, Drum Craft is still in business?

I was interested in their Series 8 birch kits, but one USA drum shop told me that they were going out of business. However, a different USA drum shop told me that they are still in business but just having distribution problems (that is, I think they are no longer with Conn-Selmar).

Just concerned about the reliability of the company/drums.

Really? i didn't know about that.i let u know---anyway in general DrumCaft is rocking now more than ever! but i'll try to learn more about the distribution thing.

[RobertM]

For anyone interested, here is a recent (July 2012) review of Drumcraft Series 8 kits:

http://beta.musicradar.com/gear/all/...-551637/review

Favorable review, though DC still seems to be struggling to make a name in the U.S.

[Artstar]

Originally Posted by RobertM

Favorable review, though DC still seems to be struggling to make a name in the U.S.

These days.. I think it is just a pain in the butt to make a name for ones self as a mid to top tier drum.

[Dre25]

I've played the cheaper 6 series birch a few times and I like them. The snare is really crisp, 10" Tom sounds great and I also like the pedals. I tried getting more power from the 14x12 with some tuning but it either has the wrong heads or I'm comparing it to my square 14 (maybe its not fair).

I was actually looking at these on YouTube the other night after playing them and I found this video of the 8 series sounding nice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyXXlhoJ6J0

[lildrummer89]

German engineered, produced in Asia.

Got a sweet deal on a 6x14 Beech snare, sounds out of this world for the price. Even has pure-sound designed snares.

Comparable to the Sonor Newport SD or even the Greb Signature at almost double the price.

The only qualm I have with it is the throw, however, that can be replaced with one that is built like a Tank.

Will post with performance results as available.

Andy

[scorch whammin]

Originally Posted by RobertM

Siberian birch is same as used by high-end Sonor, I believe (e.g., S-Classix).

Actually, I believe Sonor uses Scandinavian birch on the S-Classix..but I could be wrong...

[ohiodrummer1964]

Originally Posted by RobertM

Some added information I found on DrumCraft Drums, which is not available via their website (interestingly):

• These drums are engineered in Germany and produced under licence in China at a facilty that also makes drums for Pdp and Ludwig. Is this a good thing, given that PDP is crap and overseas Ludwig kits tend to be crap too? I wonder how good the quality control is at this factory.
• The quality of the shells is superior, all drums come out of the box with Remo U.S. heads (toms Ambassador clear, bassdrum Powerstroke 3, snare C.S. Black Dot). Well, Remo USA heads = good.
• The hardware is from one Taiwan's largest suppliers (Series 8 made In Taiwan compared to DrumCraft Series 4 & 6 with Chinese-made hardware). From what I have learned about the drumming industry, tons of companies source hardware (lugs, stands, you name it) from Taiwan, including the likes of Pork Pie, I believe. So, Taiwanese-made hardware not such a bad thing, but stay away from Series 4 and 6!
• The series 8 kits are also available with shells made from Siberian birch. These shells are slightly thicker compared to the ones made from maple. At least the wood source appears to be good: Siberian birch is same as used by high-end Sonor, I believe (e.g., S-Classix).

For some reason, this information dampens my mood about DrumCraft. However, they are racking up big-name endorsers: Gergo Borlai, Mike Terrana, Danny Gottlieb, Brian Frasier-Moore. One would hope pros wouldn't use crap.

I thought PDP's QC had improved over the last 3-4 years. I also thought that there was a variance in quality between the different Ludwig outsourced lines. Specifically that the Epic and Element series were considered decent intermediate level kits, and the Accents were iffy, especially in the hardware department.

Hopefully, given the artists you've listed endorsing them, they are good sets. I know they're starting to gain some popularity among Contemporary Christian drummers.

[braincramp]

Dont know much about them but would like to get one of there bell bronze or solid aluminum 5mm thick snare drums..great prices..in comparison that is.

[PeteN]

I study with Scott Pellegrom and he endorses Drumcraft. I have played his birch kits and they are excellent quality drums and sound sweet.

Scott is a clinician and an incredibly gifted drummer and a nice guy. Below is a fairly recent vid of him playing on his drumcraft kit.

http://youtu.be/ZsX-BC_sOeg

[keep it simple]

Originally Posted by PeteN

I study with Scott Pellegrom and he endorses Drumcraft. I have played his birch kits and they are excellent quality drums and sound sweet.

Scott is a clinician and an incredibly gifted drummer and a nice guy. Below is a fairly recent vid of him playing on his drumcraft kit.

http://youtu.be/ZsX-BC_sOeg

Lovely playing! Although there was some processing in the recording, it was quite mild = I like that :)

[Midnite Zephyr]

I know where to find them at cymbalismmusic dot com. Definitely had a look at them. Nice looking drums I might add. Glad to see this thread for more detailed analysis.

[Mirkko]

Originally Posted by PeteN

I study with Scott Pellegrom and he endorses Drumcraft. I have played his birch kits and they are excellent quality drums and sound sweet.

Scott is a clinician and an incredibly gifted drummer and a nice guy. Below is a fairly recent vid of him playing on his drumcraft kit.

http://youtu.be/ZsX-BC_sOeg

You'r lucky!Scott is an hell of musician! lately he got an acrylic kit too from DrumCraft-
ANYWAY-my kit during recording sessions of last week end

[PeteN]

Originally Posted by keep it simple

Lovely playing! Although there was some processing in the recording, it was quite mild = I like that :)

I've witnessed Scott make every non drum related surface sound musical but I know he's very happy with his Drumcraft kits and always is motivated to talk about the the company. The shells look very professional looking and i like how beefy the hardware is. I have too many drum kits currently, otherwise I'd love to own a Drumcraft kit.

If money were not an issue I'd love a shell pack from Guru ;-)

Originally Posted by Mirkko

You'r lucky!Scott is an hell of musician! lately he got an acrylic kit too from DrumCraft-
ANYWAY-my kit during recording sessions of last week end

I am lucky! Nice setup you have :)

[ohiodrummer1964]

Originally Posted by Mirkko

You'r lucky!Scott is an hell of musician! lately he got an acrylic kit too from DrumCraft-
ANYWAY-my kit during recording sessions of last week end

That's a really pretty fade. Its subtlety gives is a classy look. Congratulations.

Nice cymbals too.

[Mirkko]

Originally Posted by ohiodrummer1964

That's a really pretty fade. Its subtlety gives is a classy look. Congratulations.

Nice cymbals too.

Thank you-yep it's a nice finish and it looks great even in a jazz or metal gig

[HMNY]

I heard recently that Drumcraft will not be distributing in the US any more, so the remaining stock, if you can find it may be being sold off at very reduced prices,

Happy hunting!.

[Artstar]

Originally Posted by HMNY

I heard recently that Drumcraft will not be distributing in the US any more, so the remaining stock, if you can find it may be being sold off at very reduced prices,

Happy hunting!.

eh.. I knew this was coming.. Next prediction.. CRUSH DRUMS. Watch.

[Bo Eder]

Actually, I went into my local Sam Ash last week and they had a bunch of DrumCraft kits on the floor, and some orphans too, and they were blowing them out at unbelievable prices. I could get a 16x18 bass drum for $89 and a matching 14x14 floor tom for $69. They had some full kits for $299, $399....

Call your Sam Ash store to see if they're all getting them, you might be able to score another kit for really cheap!

[leokatero]

I heard recently that Drumcraft will not be distributing in the US any more, so the remaining stock

[barryabko]

I purchased a set of Drumcraft roto toms (6", 8" & 10") a number of years ago. The drums themselves were quite good and pretty much equal to the Remo roto toms I also had. The stand that came with the Drumcraft roto toms was VERY good and much better designed and better made than the Remo stand.

Barry

[Axe]

My first kit was A Drumcraft back in 83..horrid, horrid entry level kit my parents paid $500 for! (though I was at the time of course grateful and thankful to them for the gift!)

Is this the same company?

[Artstar]

Originally Posted by Axe

Is this the same company?

LOL.......... no. They are fairly recent... but will be gone soon I think.