Business Details
18 Years
experience
Custom Drum Building and Restoration Services
Established in 2008, Tiki Drums has built a reputation as a specialist in handcrafted custom drums and restoration services. Our expertise combines traditional drum-building techniques with contemporary design, reflecting a deep appreciation for vintage instruments. With over 15 years of teaching experience, our founder Preston Prince guides students through practical drum-building courses while delivering bespoke instruments to professional musicians worldwide.Our commitment to quality is demonstrated through the use of premium materials like American maple and mahogany, alongside traditional veneering methods. We maintain strong industry connections through partnerships with music institutions and endorsements from professional artists. Our dual focus on education and craftsmanship ensures clients receive both tangible products and valuable skills, supported by transparent communication and personalized service.
Services
Custom drum building
Drum restoration
Snare drum courses
Vintage instrument repair
Drum finishing services
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- Founder with 15+ years teaching experience at Brighton Institute of Modern Music
- Specialists in restoring vintage drum sound characteristics
- Only UK provider of comprehensive snare drum building courses
- Traditional veneering techniques applied to modern drum designs
- Endorsed by professional musicians including British Sea Power's Woody
What people say
Excellent customer service
Flawlessly finished drums
Perfect snare construction
Knowledgeable instruction
Stunning visual results
Services
Custom drum building
Create personalized drum kits using premium materials like American maple and mahogany. Choose from traditional veneers or modern finishes while learning sound engineering principles. Each instrument combines vintage tonal qualities with contemporary playability. Musicians receive instruments tailored to their specific sound requirements through collaborative design consultations.
Drum restoration
Specialist restoration of classic drums maintaining original character while improving functionality. Services include bearing edge repair, hardware upgrades, and finish refinishing. Techniques preserve historical integrity while enhancing sound quality. Clients receive fully restored instruments ready for professional performance or collection display.
Drum-building courses
Hands-on weekend courses teaching snare drum construction from raw materials to finished instrument. Students learn wood shaping, hardware installation, and sound optimization techniques. No prior experience required as expert tuition guides participants through each construction stage. Graduates take home both their handmade drum and technical knowledge.
People
Preston Prince
Founder & Master Drum Builder
Professional drummer since age 18 with restoration expertise, teaching at Brighton Institute of Modern Music. Combines vintage drum knowledge with contemporary techniques to create high-end instruments for international clients.
Questions
What drum-building experience is required for your courses?
No prior experience needed. Our weekend courses guide complete beginners through constructing professional-grade snare drums with expert tuition.
Do you restore all types of vintage drums?
We specialize in restoring Ludwig Super Classics, 1960s Gretsch models, and similar vintage instruments. Our techniques preserve original character while improving playability and sound quality.
What materials can I choose for custom drums?
Options include American maple, mahogany/poplar blends, and bubinga. Choose from traditional veneers, modern wraps, or custom lacquer finishes for unique visual and acoustic properties.
Which professional musicians use Tiki Drums?
Our instruments are used by artists including British Sea Power's Woody, session drummer Dave Mattacks, and jazz performer Camille O'Sullivan across studio and live performance settings.
How do I get drums restored at Tiki Drums?
Contact us via phone or email to discuss your restoration requirements. We'll assess your instrument's needs and provide a detailed quotation before commencing any work.
