Austin-based A&F Drum Company has made waves in the drumming community with their stunning line of highly distinctive drums, hardware, and accessories. There is something deeply Emersonian about A&F’s approach to drum building, which gives primacy to the power of individual musical expression. A&F Drum Company caters to the curious and intrepid drummer. They don’t look or sound like other contemporary drums, and that’s the point. A&F drums are designed and built for drummers who revel in the unfamiliar and who seek out instruments that inspire convention-defying creativity. So, let’s take a look at four of the qualities that make A&F drums so unique.
Based on Old-world Designs and Manufacturing Techniques
The primary design inspiration for A&F Drum Company’s drums comes from founder Ramy Antoun’s enthusiasm for vintage pieces. And, when we say vintage, we’re not just talking about kits from the 1950s, ’60s, or ’70s. Ramy’s taste for the old and esoteric runs even deeper. As a studio musician with over 25 years of professional experience, Ramy developed an idiosyncratic sound that made him a favorite with recording artists as varied as the Black Eyed Peas, Paul Simon, and Seal. A big part of that sound comes from Ramy’s undeniable chops and groove-based playing style. But another critical component is Ramy’s drum selection, which always veers toward the antique and eccentric. In fact, the first drum that Ramy developed along with his partner and drum builder, Steve Furcinitti, was based on his two favorite snares: a nickel-over-bronze Ludwig 4″ x 14″ snare made in the 1920s and an unmarked raw brass-shell marching snare that Ramy affectionately refers to as the “German Drum.”
Tones Unlike Anything Else on the Contemporary Market
As you explore A&F’s ever-expanding lineup of drums, you’ll be met with a host of materials, sizes, hardware, and finishes that are unique, both aesthetically and tonally. One of A&F Drum Company’s signatures is their use of raw metals, such as raw brass, raw copper, and raw steel — and not just for snare drums. They’re used on full kits, including the A&F Drum Company Royal kit and the A&F Drum Company Copper kit — both available from Sweetwater. They produce sonorous, intensely musical tones, which are evocative and emotive and have a tendency to pull performances from drummers that are as raw as the metals from which they are made.
Lovingly Handcrafted by a Small Crew of Artisans
Boutique in the truest sense of the word, A&F Drum Company is a small shop in Austin, Texas, with a tight-knit team of artisans. This dedicated crew lives and breathes drums, and, when speaking to them, it is clear they pour every ounce of themselves into their craft. Shells, hoops, lugs, and badges are all handmade to exacting standards with an admirable attention to detail. For the components not made in-house, A&F carefully selects partners who share their passion and who are steadfast in their mission to serve drummers by delivering products of exceptional quality. When sourcing materials, A&F spent an inordinate amount of time vetting suppliers and distributors until they found the products that would fulfill the company’s vision. A&F prioritized local partnerships when possible to support their community and build close connections with their suppliers. For A&F, the emphasis is always on the personal connection that is vital to generating great music.
Every Drum Is an Individual Work of Art
Another distinguishing feature of A&F Drum Company is their sumptuous finishes. For instance, the A&F Drum Company Field kit, is an all-maple shell pack enriched with a hand-rubbed, scotch whisky-infused dark oil stain. And, the aforementioned raw-metal drums boast an eye-catching patina achieved through an innovative chemical process, which lends them a comfortable, lived-in look with the reliability one would expect from a modern luxury drum set. Since each drum is handmade, no two are exactly the same. When you purchase an A&F drum, yours is like no other in the world, and, on its badge, you will find a hand-stamped serial number symbolizing its unique, individual identity. Yet, despite their museum-quality appearance, A&F drums are made to played, and their looks will continue to mature with deepening patinas and elegant weathering that reflect the passage of time — time that Antoun and Furcinitti plus the rest of the crew at A&F Drum Company would encourage you to spend pursuing beauty in music, art, and life.
Want to learn more about A&F Drum Company and their exceptional instruments? Give us a call at (800) 222-4700, and our Sales Engineers will be happy to tell you more.
