Product Specifications

Sizes

10 inch through to 20 inch shells are available as standard and on request.
Depth - Depths from 4.5 through to 18 inches are currently manufactured.

Thicknesses

Vary from 12mm up to 25mm with the average thickness being around 14mm for the majority of the snares. The toms and bass drums are accoustically at their best when between 10mm and 12mm. At these thicknesses the toms and bass drums provide adequate volume without being overbearing. They also bring out the full tonl properties of the timber which is essential with the toms.

Bearing Edges

Our custom drums come standard with a 45 degree inside edge followed by a rounded over outside edge. This is an industry standard for handcrafted and other high quality drums that achieves a well rounded tone and allows the resonant head to seat positively against the bearing edge.

On toms and kick drums we utilise a double 45 degree edge where the outer edge is more prominent. This allows the bearing edge to sit on the flatter part of the drumhead which allows for more accuraate tuning at lower tuning levels. It also stops the bellowing effect on floor toms when tuned at a lower tension.

Wood Joints And Epoxy

For increased strength a birds-mouth glue joint is used on each stave edge which increases the glue contact area and creates an interlocking joint. This combined with specific epoxy resins results in a glue joint and shell of superior strength as opposed to the use of traditional woodworking glues and butt joints used by other stave builders.

Strainer

All Zenzian custom drums feature a gold anodised trick strainer which is the benchmark for custom drum companies.

Snare wires

The snare wires used are either puresound or a high quality German wire with dull brass end plates.

Finishes

Every drum comes finished in a wax/oil combination that dries to a hard finish unlike regular waxes. The product used is relatively new to the market and is based on a blend of specialty oils and waxes. This type of product was chosen for several reasons. For one it is it is maintenance free and does not require reapplications like regular wax or oil finishes. It is also easy to repair as opposed to other finishes typically used on drums today. It does not yellow or craze and is environmentally friendly. The finish is as hard and as durable as other clear lacquers used by other drum companies. The other benefit is that the wood is still able to breathe and age which is beneficial as it allows the tonal qualities to improve over time. Other nitrocellulose finishes and polyurethane finishes seal the wood and ignore the importance of finish on tonal characteristics. Our drums are handcrafted and are treated like a fine violin or double bass and are finished in a similar manner for tone and ageing abilities of the wood. A choice of Satin and Gloss for the final finish is available.

Stamped Insignia

Final finishing involves stamping the inside of each shell which identifies the type of wood used and the completed build date. This information is also recorded for identification purposes relevant to the drum's serial number.