Making and drumming have consistently grabbed my attention for decades. The desire to build drums has tapped at me for nearly as long. This project started last year immediately after my friend Tom Schrunk and I casually kicked around the idea. Together, we developed a reliable process that conserves much more of the briliant veneer than with traditional cutting methods. We also collaborated with local artisan drum shell maker Nordic Shells to produce the raw shells for this kit. These sound amazing. The 8-ply maple shells have an added outer layer of mahogany veneer that has been integrated into the shell during pressing. I have given these a traditional 45-degree bearing edge. The one-piece lugs are crafted from solid aluminum.
I play them and I am excited to build more.
The Team:
Shell Builder – Michael Helsinger at Nordic Shells
Lug Maker – Greg at Champagne Drums
Finish Artist – Patrick Armstrong
Veneer Artist – Tom Schrunk
Drum Builder and Veneer Technician – Greg Flanagan