Drum Manufacturers and Companies

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Pearl Drums – Pearl is one of the most popular drum companies in the world. They carry a full line of drumset, marching drums and accessories. Pearl is currently the leading drum company in the world.

Tama Drums – Full line of tama drumsets and drum accessories. Tama is a close second in popularity.

Premier Drums – Based out of the UK. Drumsets, Popular in Marching Percussion. Known for their slotted tension lugs.

Gretsch Drums – Older, respected drum company known for their superb tonal quality.

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Yamaha Drums – Full line of drums including drumset and marching percussion. Yamaha started their drum line in the mid 70’s.

DW Drums (Drum Workshop) – DW Drums are known for superb quality in construction and detail. First to popularize individual shell tone and match matching.

Sonor Drums – German drum company. Legendary for unique design, attention to detail and incredible tone.

Ludwig Drums – Who hasn’t heard of Ludwig Drums? This household name is still alive and kicking. Terrific drumsets and marching drums. Big resale value in vintage Ludwig drumsets.

LP (Latin Percussion) – LP set the standard brand for Latin percussion instruments. Known for high quality and full line of Latin drums, percussion and accessories.

Taye Drums – A newer drum company known for quality and affordability.

Slingerland Drums – Another legendary drum company. Famous artist endorsements through the years have made vintage Slingerland drums very valuable.

Remo Drums – Originally a drumhead manufacturer, Remo came out with a “pressed paper” manufacturing process for drum that took everyone by surprise. Although they make drumsets, their kid’s percussion line has really taken first chair.

GMS Drums – High quality drums with lots of projection.

Ayotte Drums – High quality drumsets popular with those that are extremely particular about their drum sound. This drum brand also popularized wooden hoops.

Pacific Drums – A division of DW drums. Not as high quality or customizable as DW but more affordable.

Mapex Drums – An alternative to the others, Mapex drums offer an affordable choice without sacrificing quality and practicality.

Fibes Drums – Largely American made! A company spanning 30 years with an emphasis on attack and dynamic projection.

Premier Drums – Originating in London, England, Premier drums have become known for their drumsets and marching percussion.

Orange County Drums (OCD) – More recently getting noticed due to unique and colorful designs and popular artist endorsement.

Brady Drums – This Australian company specializes in handcrafted made from Western Australian hardwoods such as Jarrah and Wandoo. Their claim to fame was the solid, one piece drum carved directly from the same tree.

Noble and Cooley – Originally known for their masterfully engineered snare drums. Customized designs with maple shells. A very respected company in the industry.

RocketShells – This manufacturer creates slick looking drums that sound terrific. Unique manufacturing process utilizing carbon fiber.

Rogers Drums – Another legendary drum company that has been around for years. More popular in the 70’s, these drums have recently made a resurgence.

Arbiter – Developed by pioneer Ivor Arbiter, these innovative drums (Arbiter AT’s and Arbiter Flats) are tuned using one lug instead of 10. Apparently they still carry a surprising amount of tone and resonance (less so in the flats).

Monolith Drums – Another fine drum manufacturer based out of Canada that specializes in carbon fiber composite drums.

Baltimore Drum – High quality drum company specializing in custom orders. Very unique designs.

Peavey Drums – A few years back, Peavey got into the drum picture. Their drums looked bulky and impractical. Surprisingly they sounded great!

D’amico Drums – Snare drums, drum sets, hand painted finishes.

Arbiter Drums – Makers of the shell-less drums, the Arbiter Flats. Traps drums came from the idea these drum manufacturers produced.

Hohner Drums – Hohner now distributes Sonor Drums and Drumsets. Hohner also is known for kid’s percussion instruments.

Thumper Drums – Specializing in high quality custom drumsets for the working drummer.

Zickos Drums – Drums and drumsets made from clear, transparent, plexiglass shells and chrome hardware.

Sunlite Drums – This brand manufactures beginner to pro, entry-level drumsets.

Remo Drums – Makers of hand drums, drumheads, and drumsets. Remo is most known for their drum heads and kids percussion products.

HB Drums – Factory direct drums and percussion.

Lee Custom Drums – Drum shells, drum hardware, snare drums, and custom drum building supplies.

Traps Drums – The newest maker of shell-less drumkits. Traps drums have a newer, unique design that allows the drums to resonate better and have a deeper tone. Traps also makes electronic drums.


Smaller drum companies often get a bum wrap because they don’t always get seen like the major ones. We’ve linked to others like Maryland Drums, Spaun, Zildjian, Allegro, Craviotto, Dunnett, C&C, Kent, Camco, RMV, and Dixon.

*If you know other drum companies or drum manufacturers that should be considered for this list, please let us know.

“Reaction was mixed… I’ve always been a little too jazz for rock and a little too rock for jazz, and that’s kind of the area I like. If you’re always asking ‘what is it?’…I’m very happy.” – Bill Bruford
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