The Reason for C&C Drums

Choosing new drums can be an exacting experience. A bit like buying a car.

I had been looking for a new kit for a while and wasn't totally happy with the usual brands. I grew up in the late 60s & early 70s playing Ludwig and Gretsch.

Over the years I've played Tama, Pearl, Premier and Yamaha with DW and District Drum Company snares thrown in the mix. I would be remiss in not mentioning my endorser District Drum Company from America, who made me this stunning snare. I'm just waiting on you building entire kits Tina!

I was very close to ordering a Gretsch USA Custom when I came upon C&C Custom Drums.  

After some investigation, I knew that C&C were for me. What really sold it, besides their gorgeous drums and craftsmanship, were their videos. I love the ethos of everything they're about: a small, independent, American company, recreating new shells with modern equipment, but with a vintage approach and style. Bill Cardwell, the founder, says it best here:

Another great video with more detail on the factory and process here:

Hand-Making Drums with a Long-Lost Jazz Sound

C&C Drum Company (fantastic website)

C&C Drum Company Instagram (a must)

My beautiful new drums. C&C Player Date. Seven-ply mahogany shells with full contact bearing edges. A vintage-inspired sound, look and feel with round, dark, warm tones. Specs chosen: walnut stain finish, wood hoops with inlay, beer tap throw-off, vintage fold out spurs, double-ended lugs & butterfly claws:

The guys at the factory in Gladstone, Missouri were great about staying in touch (they even made me an unorthodox 13" snare) and liaised brilliantly with Mark Jeffs from Rusty Drums, the sole dealer for C&C in the UK. Mark was very easy to work with. I would encourage anyone to look him up for C&C and all things vintage drums. All of them gents!

I am not obsessive about gear. I can derive pleasure from making the most budget, dilapidated kit sound good. But I also love beautiful, artful design -- items that are well made with quality, care and detail by expert craftsmen.

Future classics.

Hear them here: