Written by Lou Scalzo, Manufacturing Manager
Building custom drums is an art form that requires skill, creativity, and patience. As a drum builder, I have seen many customers come to me with unique ideas and visions for their dream drum kit. It's always exciting to bring their ideas to life, but it's not always an easy process.
These days, personalization or customization feels like it’s just one click away for any online order. Without ever picking up the phone or talking to someone live, you can buy a couch with a thousand different fabric and size configurations; make custom tee shirts for that celebration coming up; create your own sneaker designs; or put your name on just about any product.
Consumers have grown accustomed to being able to easily incorporate their unique vibes or add finishing touches to their purchases – never really having to think about what goes into it, or how that process might differ when the maker is a behemoth, factory-driven company versus a small, boutique shop, largely crafting things by hand.
Since custom is something we live and breathe, and very literally hold in our hands every day at Noble & Cooley, I wanted to share a little more about our approach to customization and how it makes us different.
We’re the Opposite of Automation.
We get very involved in translating customer visions. The process begins when customers share a vision of their dream drum. This vision is often an abstract concept – the sound, look, and feel they desire. It's a collaboration between myself and the salesman to translate this into a tangible plan. These conversations are an art in themselves, as we strive to understand and align with the customer's creative ideas. Every customer is looking for that perfect blend of great sound with a great look, and we're here to help them find that. And ultimately, every customer is going to get something unique, since nature ensures that each shell is a different slice of sound. While we make a lot of drums, we don’t do mass production.
We Favor Art over Speed, Every Time.
In the world of custom drum building, speed is often a point of contention. Customers eagerly anticipate their prized drums, and they understandably want them as quickly as possible. However, as artisans, we know that true craftsmanship cannot be rushed. Each drum is a unique piece of art, deserving the time and attention it takes to reach its full potential.
Managing this demand while maintaining the integrity of our craft is ongoing. We constantly balance artistry with efficiency, and customer expectations with the limitations of our vintage equipment. And when I say vintage, I mean it in the best way possible – because that’s a key part of building the drums our customers and fans have loved for decades.
We still prefer using our bare hands over fancy CnC machines or digital equipment for several parts of the process. It’s that personal touch that gives our shells the unique qualities they posess. And there’s just some shortcuts we’ve learned to avoid, like speed-drying shells.
We’re Constantly Balancing Old with New.
For those who haven’t visited our factory in person, the best way I can describe it is “a time capsule.” It’s filled with tools and machinery from the late 1800s and early 1900s, with well-worn wood, aged metals, and leather belts running on pulleys telling stories of countless drums crafted over the years. These tools, although aged, are a testament to the enduring craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations. They may not be the most efficient, but they hold beauty and character that newer machines can't replicate.
What also sets our factory apart is the dedication and passion of our employees. Each and every one of us is not only a craftsman but also a drummer. We understand the soul of the drum, its rhythm, and its role in music. This shared passion infuses every step of the drum-building process. We aren't just making drums; we're creating instruments that we’d love to play ourselves.
In the end, for Noble & Cooley, crafting custom drums is a journey that weaves together the past and the present. It’s a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, craftsmanship and customer service, and patience and passion. The drums that leave our factory are not just instruments; they are the embodiment of countless hours of labor, creative energy, and unwavering dedication. It's a reality we embrace, and a journey we're proud to be a part of.
About Lou Scalzo
Lou is a musician, carpenter and drum builder with 25+ years of experience in the industry. He leads all manufacturing at Noble & Cooley and is a key player in our Research & Development efforts. A skilled craftsman, Scalzo began working in carpentry in the late 90’s, honing his creativity over time to become a fine finish carpenter and furniture builder. Prior to that, he worked in the music sales and recording industry, becoming a well-rounded recording and live sound engineer.
You can follow Lou at Instagram @lou_scalzo1