rudiments and rope

Mission

The purpose of this website is to provide educational information about historical drums and their makers. This is not meant to be a comprehensive study, but a platform to provide research and images to share with all who are interested. The information provided was gathered from many sources and is cited if not my own. Images were obtained from auctions, museums, historical societies, the National Archives, and private collections. My hope is for people to have a deeper understanding and appreciation for these instruments, their makers, and all who have carried them through history.

Restoration services, museum quality reproduction drums, and museum quality reproduction musician related items are also available for purchase. Use the navigation tools on the top of the page to access my "Restorations and Reproductions" page, my "Drum Makers" page to learn about specific drum makers by state, and my "Supplies" page for musician related equipment.

Restorations

Restoration is a broad term that may vary from one individual to the next. My goal when restoring an antique drum is to make use of all original components first and foremost, then create exact replicas of other pieces that are not usable. Removing original varnish or painting over original paint is not my idea of restoration.

Performance

Presentations about historical drums and drumming are available. Clinics on rudimental drumming and the use of the drum through history is a topic that can be easily applied to many modern day applications. Don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or ideas.