Craviotto Diamond Series Copper

Craviotto Diamond Series Copper Snare Drums

This isn’t so much of a review rather more of a report as these drums are a tad on the expensive side and therefore not for everyone. In addition, just like the brass models which preceded them (my thoughts on which can be found here) - these newest models are only available in 14x5 ½” and 14x6 ½” sizes and in limited runs of 50 for each size.

First, a quick run-down of the drums:

Both of the drums in question here are number 6 in their respective runs, the identifying stamp of which is located on the inside of the shell. Once again, they’ve been made predominately (ie. the shell and strainer) by Adrian Kirchler of AK Drums in Italy. They are hand crafted, solid copper shelled drums which have a newly designed Craviotto/AK Three Point Diamond strainer (based on a vintage type design), Craviotto Signature nickel plated Diamond badge and double-ended Diamond brass tube lugs, butt-plate and triple-flanged 2.3mm steel hoops. Also included on the drums are custom Craviotto high carbon snare wires and Craviotto branded Remo coated Ambassador batters and clear Ambassador snare-side heads.

The colour of the shells is a deep copper and they have an antique, brushed look to the outside of them which is offset against the shine of the hardware. The inside of the shells are the basic raw copper colour. Unlike the brass run of drums, the shells on the copper model are not engraved; the only thing which is engraved this time around is the badge. The aforementioned snare mechanism is elegant in design and looked exactly the part for the vintage look and feel of the drum, and worked nicely too.

Adrian Kirchler with some of the copper shells

Sound-wise, as you’ll hear from the links below, these drums are darker than the brass run, somewhat unsurprisingly, but are still crisp. There’s a mass of sensitivity across the head and a very ‘vibey’ ring when played out near the edge. Check out the clips.

Now, as much as I loved the first run of Diamond Series drums, I initially had my reservations about the cost of these drums against what you actually get for your hard earned cash. This was simply because, somewhat obviously, a drum which is hand engraved like those in the brass run is going to cost more than a non-engraved one and you can see where the cost is. Therefore, I couldn’t see at that point why the Copper Diamond drums were more or less the same price as the Brass Diamond models were when they came out.

However, after having taken in exactly what these drums actually are, I finally ‘got it’ and it then became fairly clear that they weren’t meant to be copies of the original run but something just as special albeit different. If you take a look at these drums you can see straightaway that they have a vibe to them and are, in my view, for all intents and purposes modern vintage (and classic) drums.

Just like the brass run of drums which Adrian Kirchler made for Craviotto, these drums are also stunning both visually and sonically. While there will always be debate about expensive instruments and whether they’re worth it or not, you cannot argue with a quality instrument and that’s exactly what these are.

6.5" copper

While I think it’s not going to be disputed these drums are collector’s pieces, they are players as well, however, I doubt you’ll see many in the hands of heavy hitters, rather maybe a few jazz players or studio guys. I personally found a preference for the larger size, but that’s just because I like the extra depth in sound.

Despite the huge price tag - in the UK you can buy one for £2,150, they are fantastic drums and will, I have no doubt, increase in value very quickly just like the brass model which are now going for a little under £3,000.

Lots of links today…

Here’s a quick video demonstrating the 5 ½” drum -

http://memphisdrumshop.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_30&products_id=10421

The 6 ½” drum -

http://memphisdrumshop.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_30&products_id=10422

5.5

And here’s an audio sample of the 6 ½” version -

http://www.maxwelldrums.com/copper-2009-65x14-craviotto-diamond-series-snare-drum-p-1396.html

In addition, so you have an idea of what the brass version sounds like -

http://memphisdrumshop.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_30&products_id=9617

If you’re interested and you’re in the UK or Europe, try - http://www.drumshop.co.uk/productlist.php?id=200&page=4

www.craviottodrums.com and www.ak-drums.com

David Bateman
September 2009