Loyal Drums specializes inn creating historic drums that celebrate the rich traditions and craftsmanship of rope-tensioned drums throughout the ages. In fact, drum maker Dave Loyal got his start in music reenacting field music from the Civil War period and that's how he fell in love with classical rudimental drumming.
Loyal Drums specializes inn creating historic drums that celebrate the rich traditions and craftsmanship of rope-tensioned drums throughout the ages. In fact, drum maker Dave Loyal got his start in music reenacting field music from the Civil War period and that's how he fell in love with classical rudimental drumming.
Historic instruments in our collection represent almost every decade of American drum building from the 1770s through today. There's a lot to say about historic drums, their construction, and their quality. We could write a book, but something to summarize is that the majority of military drums in the American Revolution through the Civil War were often built to a level consistent with providing signals to military units, and not necessarily to the quality standard of a well-tuned instrument. That being said, we prefer to prioritize a balance of historical accuracy, with an instrument capable of a refined sound.
From museum-quality copies of historic instruments, hand-forged components, and hand-planed wood, to nailed seams, hot hide glue (HHG), and oil paints/shellac/linseed oil finish, you'll find it here. If historical accuracy is the goal, we have the infrastructure to bring it to life. Many, if not most Civil War snare drums (including several in our collection) lacked a snare strainer, and instead wedged gut between the hoop and the drumhead. We can replicate this, or use our castings from original strainers.
There is a time when the goal of teaching history doesn't involve the stitch cound of your hand-sewn button holes (6 per inch). Calfskin is king for historic drums, and it's truly wonderful to play, but comes at a cost and can be limiting. The sound of un-muffled calf can be closely replicated with our stained Quantum* drumhead, and may be the right choice for some players. Calfskin or synthetic, players find their balance of history and practicality. Our instruments will be at home in historic ensembles of any type.
Give Dave Loyal a shout to talk about the level of historical accuracy that is right for your build!
*patent pending
Calfskin heads are suggested for historical accuracy, but since we are a custom shop, we can adapt the drum to fit your needs. Synthetic stained Quantum* drum heads are a much better replication of the look, sound, and feel of calf than Fiberskyn. Although not period-correct, Quantum heads are commonly used in schools and educational programs, and we recommend calfskin drums to serious living historians and progressive reenactors. Muffles and dampeners can be provided, but are not standard, nor historically accurate. Goat skin is not recommended due to its limited longevity.
These drums are designed with the look and feel of period-correct instruments but offer a higher standard than most original instruments. Our Civil War drums have a refined bearing edge and stronger adhesives with more durable paints as options to your preferences as the performer. Custom art is available, including hand-painting on the shell or a replica tack pattern.
16X12" CONTRACT EAGLE CIVIL WAR SNARE DRUM WITH CALFSKIN (LEFT) QUANTUM HEAD (RIGHT)
16X12" CONTRACT EAGLE CIVIL WAR SNARE DRUM WITH CALFSKIN (LEFT) QUANTUM HEAD (RIGHT)
Our French hemp is the finest on the market, and is a virtually exact replica of historic drum ropes in our collection. Together with our friend Will Chappelle, we import this high quality hemp rope from France.
Our French hemp is the finest on the market, and is a virtually exact replica of historic drum ropes in our collection. Together with our friend Will Chappelle, we import this high quality hemp rope from France.
Our brass ring carry is a simple, yet very effective non-destructive addition to the drum that allows better control with a sling.
These drums are designed with the look and feel of period-correct instruments but offer an unseen higher build quality than most original instruments: a refined bearing edge, stronger adhesives, and more durable paints as options to meet your preferences as the performer. We can use the original recipes, but it comes at a cost of durability and sound quality. Civil War contract drums were generally most importantly signaling devices, not instruments, and were often cobbled together by the lowest bidder.
Custom art is available, including hand-painting on the shell or a replica tack pattern. Loyal Drums' commitment to preserving musical heritage allows field musicians to connect with the past while performing to their best levels.
These drums are designed with the look and feel of period-correct instruments but offer an unseen higher build quality than most original instruments: a refined bearing edge, stronger adhesives, and more durable paints as options to meet your preferences as the performer. We can use the original recipes, but it comes at a cost of durability and sound quality. Civil War contract drums were generally most importantly signaling devices, not instruments, and were often cobbled together by the lowest bidder.
Custom art is available, including hand-painting on the shell or a replica tack pattern. Loyal Drums' commitment to preserving musical heritage allows field musicians to connect with the past while performing to their best levels.
We do perform a limited number of historic restorations per year. Our methodology is that of sympathetic restoration, with minimal modification. If you want it to look brand new, we will politely decline.
