C&C Custom Drums

C&C has been making custom cocktail kits for some time now with Keller shells, but has recently upgraded its facility with new equipment and has begun making its own shells under the name Gladstone, and at a surprisingly reasonable cost.

Being a custom drum company, a plethora of options are available from C&C, but its “typical” cocktail kit includes the company’s new 7.6mm 8-ply 100 percent maple shells with 45 degree bearing edges in a configuration that includes a 14" x 24" bass drum/floor tom with either three or four legs, a 10" x 6" snare drum with either a high-end Trick or Nickel throw-off, and a 10" x 6" small tom – with both the snare and tom mounted onto the vertical bass drum. The kits come with either tube or beavertail lugs and two brackets for mounting additional cymbals and accessories, though more can be added for elaborate sets. Remo Powerstroke 3 heads are used for the bottom of the bass drum, with coated Emperors used for all batter heads (coated Ambassadors also available), and clear Ambassadors used as resonant heads. Most kits come in a variety of wraps, though lacquer finishes are also available. Note that the cymbal arms and bass drum pedal are not included. Price: $1,399.