Drum Building

I'm a hobbyist, not a pro, and this book is a bit advanced for me. The projects are detailed, but I found some steps require tools I don't have (like a vacuum bag). The troubleshooting section is helpful, but I wish there was more on using simpler tools. It's a good book, but I'd recommend it for someone with a more equipped workshop.

This book is a game-changer. I've built three stave snares before, but always had issues with gaps and uneven edges. The lug spacing templates alone are worth the price—they made drilling perfect holes a breeze. The wood selection table helped me pick the right maple for my build, and the glue-up procedure was foolproof. My latest snare is the best I've ever made. If you're serious about drum building, get this.

I bought this because I wanted to try ply construction after doing stave. The ply bending chapter is excellent—the vacuum bag method was explained clearly with exact pressures and times. I did have to read a few sections a couple times, but the tables and diagrams really help. The troubleshooting section saved me when my first shell had a slight warp. Solid reference, just not for absolute beginners.

It's a decent book, but I was expecting more on different finishes. The finishing chapter is okay, but I wanted more options beyond oil and lacquer. The stave math chapter is great, though—the tables made cutting staves simple. I wish there were more photos, but the diagrams are clear. It's a good reference, but not the only book you'll need.

I've been building drums for a few years, and this book didn't teach me much new. However, the lug spacing templates are handy, and the troubleshooting chapter is well-organized. The projects are detailed, but I found the tone a bit dry. It's a good reference to have on the bench, but not a page-turner. If you're already experienced, you might find it redundant.

I've been looking for a book like this for ages. The stave assembly chapter is worth the price alone—my first stave shell came out perfectly round with no gaps. The tables for stave angles and wood properties are exactly what I needed. The projects are step-by-step, and I built a 14x6 snare that sounds amazing. This is my go-to gift for any drum-building friend.

As a woodworker who's new to drum building, this book was perfect. It assumes you know how to use tools but doesn't assume you know drum specifics. The ply bending instructions were clear, and I successfully built a bass drum for my kit. The safety callouts are appreciated, and the troubleshooting guide helped me fix a small issue with my bearing edge. Highly recommend.

The book is well-structured and the tables are excellent. I especially liked the quick reference chapter for dimensions and tolerances. The only reason I'm giving four stars is that I wanted more on snare beds—it's covered, but I felt it could be deeper. Overall, a solid bench reference that I'll keep using for future builds.