Who We Are
Celebrating 40 years!
Canada’s Longest-Running Drum Builder
We specialize in custom drum manufacturing and vintage drum restoration, combining 40 years of expertise with a passion for percussion. As full-time artisans and professional drummers, we craft drums that look, sound, and feel exceptional.
We’re also Canada’s trusted drum service center for Gretsch, Yamaha, Pearl, Sonor, and Ludwig. We work extremely hard to handcraft and/or restore the kit of your dreams. Quality, Service, Reputation, and Experience says it all.
Handcrafted Drums Made in Canada
Our Mission
TRS aims to set the standard for quality and artistry in the drumming community as Canada’s longest-running drum builder. Our mission is simple: to inspire drummers with instruments that are as stunning as they are sonically outstanding. We are the ‘go-to’ guys with a vast knowledge of vintage drums, edges, and woods, making us first-hand historians. As builders, we know the sounds and tones of pretty much any and all the drums out there. From sourcing premium materials to offering expert guidance, we design timeless and professional drums that perform as desired in all playing situations.
We’ve created a place where drummers can go not only to get all their repairs done but also to have complete custom drum kits designed and crafted, putting quality, service, reputation, and experience first.
Go where the Pros go!
The Team
Seppo Salminen
Owner & Operator
Jari Salminen
Drum Smith
Jeramy Burton
Drum Smith
A little history…
Nearly 40 years ago, in a small drum shop north of Toronto, Seppo Salminen found his calling. What began as simple drum repairs soon evolved into crafting custom snares, toms, and bass drums for local artists. With nothing more than a file and determination, Seppo laid the groundwork for The Rhythm Section (TRS Custom Drums), a name now synonymous with precision and craftsmanship.
Driven by a passion for vintage drums and the drumming community, Seppo built TRS as a place where artistry and functionality come together. Since 1985, TRS Custom Drums has served drummers worldwide with exceptional custom builds, restoration, and expert service for musicians who demand the best.
Seppo’s journey began even earlier. Inspired by his Finnish heritage and a family steeped in music and woodworking, he started drumming at 12 and gigging by 15. Over his career, he has combined artistry, teaching, and innovation, with over 35 CD credits, a JUNO Award nomination, and collaborations with legends like Charlie Watts (The Rolling Stones), Johnny Fay (The Tragically Hip), and Robin Mark.
A dedicated educator and clinician, Seppo’s outreach includes teaching music in Geita, Tanzania, as part of the Bridging Worlds Through Music initiative. His efforts have inspired drummers of all ages, whether through mentoring, clinics, or building instruments that connect musicians to their craft.
Today, Seppo continues to innovate and perform. After 12 years touring with The Penny Merchants, he now records with The Roaming Coyotes and develops his next solo project, Joe’s Conscience.
Using TRS Custom Drums, Sabian cymbals, Tycoon Percussion, Promark drumsticks, Evans drumheads, and ZenDrum MIDI controllers, Seppo’s expertise spans playing, teaching, recording, and building—always pushing the boundaries of what drums can be.
For more about Seppo’s work and music, visit rnmproductions.com.
Seppo Salminen
Drummer | Artisan | Producer | Engineer
Seppo is an award-winning producer, drummer, and engineer based in Toronto, Canada. With a multifaceted career spanning decades, Seppo has contributed his talents as a drummer, multi-percussionist, engineer, producer, custom drum set builder, and teacher/clinician.
