I want to share a story from a customer named Joe — because it captures exactly what I hope every Radius drum does for the person who plays it.
Joe and I met at the 2024 Music City Drum Show in Nashville. He stopped by the booth, checked out a few drums, and spent some time with a 5″x14″ cherry snare I’d brought along. The shell was laser-engraved with cherries (because, you know… cherry wood), and it caught his eye.
We talked for a bit. He played it. He liked it. But he didn’t buy it that day.
A Week Later
About a week after the show, I got this email:
“Hi Kenny, It was nice to meet you, too, at the Nashville show! I’m basically an avid amateur drummer, who gigs occasionally in the jazz-blues-rock realm. I was very impressed by the drums you brought to the show, and am considering a purchase. My favorite on your website is the 5×14 cherry. Do you have it in stock? If so, I may order it today! Thanks, Joe”
That’s the best kind of email to get. Joe had gone home, thought about it, and decided he wanted that drum. He ordered it, and I shipped it out.
Then This Happened
A few days after the drum arrived, Joe sent me this:
“Kenny, My new Cherry drum arrived today in great shape. It’s beautiful to behold, but even more to play and listen to! It speaks so clearly, with precise articulation, delicate sensitivity and broad dynamic range – with sticks and brushes. It was smooth and easy to tune, and blended seamlessly with my Gretsch drums. This drum sounds and feels so good that it’s already made me a better drummer! Can’t wait to try it out in different band contexts! Much appreciation, Joe”
I’m not gonna lie — emails like that make all the late nights in the shop worth it.
Why This Matters
Joe’s experience is exactly what I’m trying to create with every Radius drum:
✓ A drum that sounds as good as it looks — Cherry delivers a well-balanced tone with projected highs and punchy mids. It’s sensitive, responsive, and musical.
✓ Easy to tune and integrate — Whether you’re pairing it with vintage Gretsch drums or a modern kit, a well-built snare should fit right in.
✓ A drum that inspires you to play better — That’s the ultimate compliment. When an instrument makes you want to play, that’s when you know it’s doing its job.
Joe’s an avid amateur who gigs occasionally in the jazz-blues-rock world. He’s not a touring pro or a collector with 50 snares. He’s a guy who loves drumming, appreciates craftsmanship, and wanted something special.
And that’s exactly who I build these drums for.
The Drum
Here’s what Joe’s cherry snare looked like:
•5″x14″ cherry stave shell
•Chrome hardware with single-point lugs
•Trick throw-off for smooth, reliable snare control
•Evans drumheads
•Clear lacquer finish to let the natural wood shine
•Laser-engraved cherries for a playful, custom touch
It’s a drum that looks great on stage, sounds incredible in the studio, and blends seamlessly into any setup.
Ready for Your Own?
If Joe’s story resonates with you — if you’ve been thinking about upgrading your snare to something handcrafted, musical, and built specifically for you — let’s make it happen.
You can browse what’s currently available in the shop, or reach out to start a custom build. Either way, I’m here to help you find (or build) the drum that makes you want to play more.
Thanks for being part of the Radius family.
— Kenny
Radius Drums
www.radiusdrums.com
P.S. — If you’ve ordered a Radius snare and want to share your experience, hit reply and let me know. I’d love to hear how your drum is treating you.