Our Process
At TRS Custom Drums, we craft exceptional drums with passion and precision. Our deep knowledge of drum history and wordwork, combined with a love for vintage drums, informs every step of our process.
Whether refinishing a classic or building a custom kit, we create drums that look and sound extraordinary.
More than builders, we’re drummers, collectors, and historians dedicated to providing discerning drummers with the very best.
1. Shells:
At TRS Custom Drums, exceptional sound starts with the shell. We offer a range of premium options tailored to deliver unique tones and aesthetics:
- Classic Maple Shells: Warm, resonant tones in 5-, 6-, 7-, and 8-ply configurations. Choose from the versatile Studio Series, powerful Savant Series, or vintage-inspired Vintage Series with classic edges and finishes.
- Custom Craft Shells: 7- or 9-ply shells featuring Canadian maple exteriors and African mahogany interiors for rich, pre-EQ’d warmth and complexity. Optional sound rings and edges allow for tonal customization.
- Elite Shells: Vintage-inspired 5-ply mahogany/poplar shells with maple re-rings for timeless warmth and character.
- Exotic Shells: Steam-bent, stave, or segmented designs in rare woods, or add exotic veneers to other shell types for stunning visuals.
With options for custom finishes, hardware, and inlays, every TRS drum is crafted to deliver extraordinary sound and style.
2. Finish:
The quality of our finishes is a perfect match for the exceptional craftsmanship of our shells.
From high-gloss lacquers and satin stains to natural and exotic veneers or elegant hand-laid inlays, our finishes are as varied as they are stunning. Every drum is meticulously hand-sanded, stained, sealed, finished, and polished in-house by our expert drum-smiths, ensuring a look and feel that’s truly one of a kind.
4-Step Inner Shell Sealing Process
Our original sealing process not only protects shells from moisture but also enhances their beauty and contributes to their warm, resonant tones, creating a sound as flawless as their appearance.
3. Hardware:
We use only the highest quality hardware and parts on all our varied drum designs.
We have designed specific lugs to use for our specific kit lines, but you can pick and choose the lugs of your choice for a truly unique and custom kit. Attention to detail is foremost as we drill and mount lugs and parts onto any new or vintage shell.
Parts can also be customized, plated and/or powder coated.
4. Bearing Edges:
Probably one of the most important aspects of a drum’s tone, sustain and feel. Each line has a specific cut edge to bring out the best quality and enhanced tone of the shell and wood structure. Each edge is then hand checked, cut, sanded, oiled, sealed and waxed.
Our bearing edges are crafted to transform and bring the best tones out of each drum.
Specifics are laid out in the product descriptions.
4. Quality Control:
After all the drilling and assembly of the components, we will check and tune each drum to assure quality control and that no drums leaves the shop untested.
TRS Custom Drum specs have been designed with years of testing and knowledge to provide the best combination of tone, attack, warmth , and sustain.
We’ve listened and learned from our players over the last 30 years and moved with the styles and sounds our players require. We’ve pretty much tried, built, and tested just about everything and every possible combinations of shells, parts, finishes, and heads. We’ve let our players and endorsers be the judge and help in designing and redesigning the edges and shells to get the best of each shell construction.
All TRS Custom Drums must meet our highest standards before we send out the final finished products to their destination – you!
