how & why I built my own custom drumkit

MY GOAL: After years of wear and tear, it was time to replace my old faithful, hybrid kit. After comparing the prices for decent stock maple drumsets vs. the raw elements of my choosing, I found that building my own kit would provide me with a new drumset, built to my exact specifications, at a more affordable price.

MY DESIGN: I chose my sizes based on a combination of influence from some of my favorite drummers, and what I would improve about my existing configuration. I chose 7x10, 9x12 and 12x14 toms, since the depths were inbetween standard toms and my existing power toms; I figured they would give me sufficient volume but slightly faster response. I chose a 16x20 kick to give me faster response than my 14x22 Tama and more volume and depth than my 14x20 Gretsch. I chose thin shells with low-mass hardware, and stuck with my trusty RIMS suspension mounts, for as much resonance and sustain as possible.

THE COMPONENTS: I ordered the shells (Keller maple) and hardware from American Music Drumparts because when I purchased the shells and hardware together, they cut the edges and drilled all necessary holes at no extra charge! They also had some of the nicest lugs I found anywhere.

THE FINISH: I wanted a deep green stain that would let the woodgrain show through. After speaking with Mark Ross of MRP Drums, we decided to go with their Emerald Satin Candy finish. Mark gave me a great deal, did beautiful work, and was one of the nicest guys I've ever dealt with.

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER: Since I was using my existing tom hoops and RIMS mounts, I polished them with 0000 grade steel wool to shine like new. Rubber gaskets (to prevent metal-to-shell contact) had come with all hardware except the bass drum claws, so I made them myself. Then I installed the hardware, Evans heads, and tuned 'em up!

VOILA!
A beautiful new drumkit built to my personal specs, for a lot less $ than a new off-the-shelf kit.
Feel free to email me with any questions or comments!