The MakeDrums.com Custom Drum Building Suite
No matter if you are a first-time drum builder or an experienced drum builder, every custom drum builder will benefit from this drum building suite.
With 26 minutes of HD footage (like the clip below), and over 80 pages of detailed drum building how-to tutorials, this should be the first item on each drum builder’s list.
Click here for more information on the Drum Building Suite.
Paua Shell Veneer
Paul Shell is a very brittle shell that can be cut into thin sheets that can then be used to cover a drum set. It’s very difficult to work with, but the payoff or your patience is worth it.
Click here to view prices for Paua Shell Veneer on Amazon.
A Router
A good router is one of the key ingredients to building the custom drum set of your dreams.
This model that I currently have and love: Hitachi M12VC 2-1/4-Horsepower Variable-Speed Router
Of course, I also built a custom router table for it that allows me to cut bearing edges on drum shells up to 26″ in diameter. (as seen in the drum building suite)
A Drill Press
I admit this isn’t entirely necessary. You can easily build an entire drum set with just a screwdriver, but if you want to take your shop to the next level, you’ll need this.
Click here to see the drill press that I recommend.
A Shop Vac
I sold my shop vac a while back and replaced it with a broom…and what a mistake that was. Not only is having a powerful shop great for sucking up sawdust in the shop, but it’s also great to have around for odd jobs around the house…like vacuuming out your car!
Check out the #1 selling shop vac on Amazon: Shop-Vac 5986000 5-Gallon 4.5 Peak HP Stainless Steel Wet Dry Vacuum
A Steam Bent Drum Shell
Steam bent drum shells sound amazing. I would be lying if I told you exactly why…but there is a difference between steam bent (think Craviotto) and ply (think Keller) drum shells.
Perhaps the steam bent shells have something to do with the $10,000 price tag on a Craviotto Drum set?
Click here to view the steam bent drum shells available from Ego Drum Supply.
A High Volume Low-Pressure Spray Rig (HVLP)
Only for the serious custom drum builders. If you plan on morphing your drum building hobby into a business, you may want to get something like this. Although they can be a pain to clean, they sure do make painting your custom drums easy.
The Earlex HV5500 Spray Station
A Drum Key Drill Bit
This is a must-have for drum builders and drummers. Change drum heads faster than you ever could with a standard drum key.
My Evans Drill Bit Key
A Wood Burning Kit (Pyrography Kit)
Bring out the inner artist in you. Create stunning 3-D effects and designs using a wood burning pen. Learning the art of wood burning takes lots of patience. I would suggest buying a book about wood burning if you get one of these kits.
Check out the kit: Walnut Hollow Creative Versa Tool with Versa-Temp Temperature Control
Check out the guide-book: Pyrography Basics: Techniques and Exercises for Beginners
Subscription To Magazine
Stay current in the drum world by subscribing to Modern Drummer or !Drum Magazine. Get creative ideas from a woodworking magazine like Popular Woodworking.
A Bluetooth Stereo For The Drum Shop
To play the music from all the bands that you are making drums for! I recently got one of these, and it has changed my life. Since it’s portable I take it everywhere, so I have great sounding music in the shop, at my house, and in the office!
This is the Bluetooth stereo that I have: JBL Charge Portable Indoor/Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker | Black
GoPro Video Camera
I love my GoPro. I’ve shot several demo videos and drum cover videos (here) using my GoPro. I hope I get the GoPro Hero 4 for Christmas this year (hint if you are a family member reading this)
Check it out on Amazon: GoPro HERO4 BLACK
I hope that your Christmas this year is full of family, food, and fun! I’ll leave you with my drum cover of “Joy To The World” that I shot on my GoPro Hero2!
Comments
You forgot this – every drummer needs a mobile drum set!