Drums, Hardware and Accessories for Gigging Drummers
Initial Thought..
I have dreamed of a custom kit forever, but just haven’t been able to pull the trigger. To me, they are all very similar in nature, especially when it comes to shell and hardware design. Yes, finishes can vary, lug designs can vary, but it seems like all other components that make up a custom set are very much the same to one another i.e.: bass drum spurs, floor tom brackets/legs and tom mounts. These “universally utilized” components have prevented me from going ahead to have a set created for me, because they just seem too “off the shelf generic.”
Enter INDe...
So with this being said, I “shelved” the idea of a custom set and continued to search for something unique that truly spoke to me. Enter Independent Drum Lab. Josh had made their debut at the Chicago Drum Show back in May of this year, and I was immediately blown away. Everything from the proprietary shell design, the lugs, the tom/floor tom mounts to snare strainers are very unique and unlike everything else. Every component has been well thought out and compliments each other flawlessly. The designs are simple, elegant, work and are truly custom! Immediately sitting down at one of the sets on display, I was blown away. The resonance, the hardware and the overall feel sold me on INDe. The experience immediately pushed me to have Josh and INDe construct the set of my dreams-which they did. I couldn’t be happier. Josh was there every step of the way through the process and ensured I was kept up to date on everything that was happening.
Final Thought...
The arrival of my new set came very well packed to ensure of its safe arrival. INDe foam and bubble wraps everything!!! Unwrapping my new babies unveiled everything I had hoped for and more. Their attention to detail is second to none. Great pride was taken with every step of my drum set’s creation. The finish is flawless, the hardware is flawless, and the sound is unbelievable. Josh and Independent Drum Lab have invested serious time in designing a true custom drum. I cannot thank Josh enough for such a positive, enjoyable experience. Thank you!!
Review for my INDe “Club” Drum kit.
I am basing this on a 5 star rating review.
Starting with tone. The tone on these shells is fabulous right out of the box. I have tuned the shells up a slight bit from what they were out of the box. Out of the box they had a low tuning that was punchy with great attack and still good sustain. Tuning them a little higher opened up the drums and they have a great “booming” tone. Warm, yet open and still have great attack. These drums sing like the wind. 5 stars on tone.
The hardware is fabulous. Barely touching any of the shell and is very light. All the wing nuts are smooth and I haven’t had any issues making any adjustments. The throw off on the snare is also very smooth and just the right size not being overly large. The look of the hardware IMO is very modern yet going with the center style lugs, they still give these drums a nice vintage look. I did toy around with the suspension hardware on the floor tom and was able to open the floor tom up even more providing some great sustain. I didn’t touch the bass drum as it is a cannon as it is. I also give the hardware a 5 star.
The round over bearing edges are also a work of art. Very clean and precise. Again these drums just sing. Killer tone and just as good as it gets for the price point. Also a 5 star rating.
The snare bed is a work of art and straight as an arrow. Every snare touches the reso perfectly and provides a really fat tone on the 15x5.5 maple snare drum. Very snappy with a nice warm tone to it. I also give the snare work a 5 star rating.
I really like the fact INDe provided good heads out of the box. I went with the Aquarian modern vintage heads on all the shells batter and reso. They sound great. I’ve never used Aquarians and I must say I am pleased with them out of the box. The customer service was impeccable. Josh was very informative, and very quick with responses. Very much a pleasure to work with. Josh threw in a matching drum key and a free INDe t shirt which was a plus. I give the all around service a 6 star by a long shot. You just don’t get this from larger companies.
The finish is stunning. I went with the beet it finish and its nice and dark with a richness to it. Opening the windows and shedding some light brings the purple out of the satin finish and they’re beautiful. The contrasting white wash snare came out perfect. I went over every single inch on all four shells and there is not a blemish, ding, or scratch anywhere. Definitely a five star rating on the finish.
Packing and shipping was excellent. Between the production time and the shipping I had my kit in a month. I would’ve had them in 3 weeks, but I was waiting on some funds. The shells were packed very well assuring no damage through shipping. Also a 5 star rating.
All in all I am quite impressed and sincerely pleased with my purchase and would like to thank poppies for sending me in the right direction and Josh with INDe labs for the very smooth purchase.
I highly recommend anyone to purchase a kit through this company you certainly will not be disappointed. Such a pleasure. Not playing for two years this was a treat for me. INDe Drum Labs is by far the nicest kit I’ve owned and am very pleased with this purchase. Thanks Josh!!!
I've lived with my INDe kit for a while now, and the thing that strikes me most about it is that it's truly a "musical instrument." It goes beyond just a collection of drums, all the voices are so rich and musical. The attention-driven appointments are elegant and perfectly functional. In short, simply the best drums I've ever played.
From Fred:
I bought a 70's set of Gretsch that included a 5x14 snare drum that had a strainer that was a generic replacement. It fell apart as I was tuning the drum, so I started looking for another. I wanted to used the original holes and couldn't find anything that I knew would work, until I came across the INDe throwoff with mounting screws adjustable for hole spacings 1" - 2.5". Was hesitant to order as I'd not heard of this company, but after reading several positive reviews and an interview with Josh I took the plunge. Received it quickly and upon examining it the quality appeared to be excellent. Installed it without issue, connected the snares and worked the action. Very smooth, great adjustability, and it looks great on the drum. Highly recommended for new builds or replacements.
From Leo:
I installed the throw off on a Brass Snare with a bead and it is the BEST throw off I have ever used!! Replacing all the generic and boutique heavy die cast throw offs on all my favorite snare drums!!
I bought my INDE Drum Lab kit at the Chicago Drum Show. Brought them home and set them up in my drum room with 2 other kits. I was so impressed with my INDE kit up against 2 big brand name kits that i put my other kits up for sale. This INDE kit sings. Josh at INDE Drum Lab knows what he's doing. Very pleased and love every time i get behind them.
