Drums are one of the most significant components of any musical arrangements. A drummer’s sound is rooted in the drums they use, so it’s vital to choose the right one. However, when it comes to selecting a drum, there are many options to choose from. The primary choice is between bespoke or handmade drums and factory made drums. In this article we’ll discuss the advantages of purchasing a bespoke drum rather than an off the shelf factory made drum.
The most significant benefit of buying a bespoke drum is the quality of sound it produces. Bespoke drum makers hand craft every piece, ensuring the highest quality and attention to detail. Features such as snare beds and bearing edges are created with great care. Handmade drums, particularly stave snare drums, are known to produce a much fuller, warmer and nuanced sound as opposed to the generic and mass produced sound produced by factory made drums. Furthermore, bespoke drum builders strive to create a specific tone which is not feasible factory made drums that require mass production.
When purchasing a bespoke snare drum you have the ultimate say in almost every aspect of the drum’s design. You can dictate the thickness of the wood staves, type of wood, depth of shell and the type of hardware you want on your drum. This customization process is not possible with factory made drums where you get what is available in the store. With bespoke drum making you get a unique and personalized drum.
Stave drums are known for their superior sound quality compared to other drums due to the staves, which are interlocked wooden boards that make up the shell of the drum. The staves allow for better tone, longer sustain, and a higher quality resonance. Additionally, stave drums are typically made from higher quality materials than other drums, resulting in a better sounding instrument. Stave snare drums offer a unique sound over other types of snare drums.