Working with this aluminium was a huge change from our usual stave and segmented shells, but years of drum building acumen transferred very well from our preferred medium in wood to this aluminum, the outcome was totally worth the work too.
This aluminum shell was made in our shop. Most companies purchase pre-made aluminum shells from the same Factory overseas. We didn't want to go that route, because we wanted something unique, that exuded class, Poise and a certain unique characteristic that can only be found in a handmade instrument.
It took a lot of time to develop the process, and to come up with a product that we were happy with. But after a lot of trial and error, and large Investments and equipment. We are now able to roll solid aluminum plate into a perfect cylinder, well the seam, and make a unique snare drum shell with character in presence.
The bearing edges are a silky smooth full baseball bat / roundover to give the drum lots of head to shell contact making for a buttery feeling drum with lots of punch and warmth. Inside and outside of the shell are hand brushed for a classy, subtle, and raw, satin finish. and it wouldn't be an HHG drum without hand-cut leather washers everywhere the hardware touches the drum shell.
We wanted to keep the hardware very simple, clean, and classic on this one, so we went with classic chrome over brass tubes, 2.3mm triple flange hoops, vintage style strainer, die cast butt-plate and air vent, and die cast antique silver HHG badge.
Here are some additional specs for this drum:
Depth: 6.75"
Diameter: 14"
Shell thickness:1/8"
Shell material: raw aluminum plate
Finish: brushed satin
Bearing edge: roundover
Snare bed: 3/32" deep and 3.625" wide
If you have any idea for a shell, snare, or kit- please feel free to contact us at or at - wwe.hhgdrums.com -custom builds are welcome, and we will do our best to build whatever it is that you can dream up!
PLEASE NOTE:
When you purchase this drum, we will be building it from scratch for you, this could make for a bit of an extended lead time, but also presents the opportunity to customize the drum further if you're interested. We can do whatever custom Design you can dream up. If you want to powder coat the shell and all of the hardware we could do that, if you want to do a natural patina on the aluminum that's possible as well! Whatever idea you can come up with feel free to let us know!