Snarebuild and $$$

[jazzkat]

what's the deal? Did the prices of drum hardware go up?
I have been trying to price parts to build custom ceremony drums and began pricing at 600 bucks!
with some effort i was able to get the pricing down to 400, but that is sacrificing design and durability.

there are companies that make 8x14 snares with thick shells for decent pricing, but i would still have to strip all the finish off to fit the needs of the ceremonial drum.

Anybody have any advice?
Anywhere for inexpensive hardware?
Ideas?

[Russ]

Well, it all depends on what you put on the drum. Generally to get above the 400 dollar range you'll be using stuff like wood or cast hoops, custom finish, tube lugs, maybe a trick strainer, etc. Also, certain types of shells cost more than others - such as mahogany or bubinga so that will drive costs up as well. I wouldn't say that passing on any of these options produces a less durable drum by any means, just a different sounding one. It'll still sound really good, because of the grade of wood that is used with custom drums. It's the price you pay to get what no one else has.

[jazzkat]

It's the price you pay to get what no one else has.

true. this defeats the purpose of the building i was planning on doing. who knows maybe ill just do a couple and see what happens