By Mitch Rice
Whether you’re an aspiring or a seasoned drummer, the search for a top-notch drum kit and accessories never ends. Just like your skills are always improving, so can your drum kit to better fit your current preferences and technique. Thankfully, drum manufacturers all over the world have only become more innovative in the past years, and whatever aesthetic or sound you’re looking for, chances are, there’s someone out there who can make it happen.
This is why it’s important to keep up with the trends in the drum industry – it’s an opportunity to further develop your playing style and music potential. We’ve prepared an overview of the hottest new drum brands and their signature products that could be the right fit for your drumming ambitions.
Canopus Drums
It’s no secret that Japan is home to some world-renowned brands from the drum industry, like Pearl and Yamaha, and Canopus Drums follow in their footsteps. If you’re on the lookout for a relatively young brand with an original take on sound quality and manufacturing process, then these guys could be the right fit.
In the past years, Canopus Drums garnered a loyal following for their meticulous level of craftsmanship and innovative design that lets them stand out. You may have heard of their flagship product, the Yaiba II Drum Kit, in which they brought together all the perks of modern sound engineering and traditional Japanese woodworking techniques.
This is a match made in heaven that brings forth warm, rich tones and fantastic sustain. Canopus hardware parts from Drum Center of Portsmouth will help you bring all that quality and a beautiful sense of nostalgia to the sound of your kit while maintaining the perfect balance between durability and aesthetic appeal.
A&F Drum Co.
Let’s move our spotlight to the other part of the planet and talk about the wizards from the A&F Drum Co. The reason they have the spotlight in this article is their minimalist design combined with modern sound. If you’re looking for clean lines and A-game sound in your kit, these guys will deliver in spades.
A&F Drum Co. is based in Austin, TX and they’ve made waves with their raw brass and wood-shell drum kits. The best example of their approach to drum production is their Raw Brass Snare Drum, which is highly versatile and boasts warm and cutting tones that could perfectly complement your playing.
Maybe you prefer to play a wide range of genres and need an instrument that can keep up, in which case these discreet kits could do the job well. An additional bonus is the company focuses on handmade techniques for building their drums, plus they source all the necessary materials locally. This means you’ll get a drum that’s unique, eco-friendly, and a work of art in its own right.
British Drum Co.
While British Drum Co. has been on the market for almost a decade, their dedication to the quality and beautiful design of their drum kits is unprecedented. Their products will suit well drummers who are looking for A-game resonance and a punchy, fully focused sound. If you’re recognizing yourself in this description, this brand has a lot to offer you.
The product that put British Drum Co. on the map for drummers worldwide is their Lounge Series Drum Kit. For this drum kit, they joined forces with Palladium to include their hardware in the design that’s based on handcrafted birch shells that look and sound good.
These drum-makers also use cold-press molding to provide that signature resonance we mentioned, as well as the consistent shell thickness necessary for it. Similar to A&F Drum Co.,
British Drum Co. is dedicated to keeping sustainable practices in their manufacturing processes, so you know your kit and accessories are all ethically sourced.
Sakae Osaka Heritage
We’re finishing this article in the same place where we started it, in Japan. The meticulous craftsmanship that’s singular to Japanese drum makers is mirrored in the work of Sakae Osaka Heritage, where dedication to detail is everything, and putting time and attention into the drum-making process is a must.
This is why drums that come from the Sakae Osaka Heritage workshop are nothing short of exceptional. These drums are predominantly built for professionals who can get the most out of the signature balanced, dynamic sound that will do great in the studio and during live performances.
The best representative of this level of quality is the Celestial Series, made with high-end maple and birch shells. Sakae Osaka Heritage also excels in creating versatile snares, such as the Almighty Birch Snare, which will quickly become your favorite for its crisp attack and warm undertones. The brand deserves our spotlight for blending tradition with innovation and giving highly skilled players an instrument worthy of their experience.
Conclusion
The world of drumming is ever-expanding, and nowadays we have opportunities that would have been all but unimaginable only a couple of decades ago. If you’re looking to buy a new drum kit or accessories and aren’t sure where to start, we recommend listing your needs and preferences and then finding the drum brands that fit the bill.
It may take time to find the right fit, especially if you want a handmade instrument that delivers a particular type of sound. All the brands we mentioned have a lot to offer to a passionate drummer, it’s just the question of whether they check all your boxes. Dedicate a bit of time to your research – finding the right drum kit for you is well worth it!
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.