Veneered Drum Shells - We Know 'em and Love 'em
Drum Foundry veneered shells will set you apart both visually and sonically. We apply our AAA grade veneers with a vacuum system that keeps the glue layer as thin as possible and tightly adheres the veneer to the shell. Vacuum gluing exerts nearly a ton of clamping pressure per square foot. We have tested different veneer adhesion systems, and vacuum veneering retains the resonance of the shell better than any other method. Prices include a Keller VSS Maple shell.
-
The samples below are just that - samples. The actual veneer that is on your shell will not look exactly like this.
-
Figuring: Generally speaking the more wild and varied a veneer is, like the burls/crotches/stumps, the more variability there is. The more straight grained veneers like quartercuts are more consistent in look and appearance.
-
Quartercut: the grain is in a linear pattern
-
Figured: a very generic term that refers to highlights or interesting grain patterns produced by the way a log is sliced.
-
Quartercut & Figured: the grain is in a linear pattern, but there is also figuring that will be greatly enhanced when finish is applied. You can see these as the darker areas of the wood that do not match up with the actual grain of the wood.
-
Curly: usually highlights or wavy patterns that run perpendicular to the grain direction.
-
Quilted: a pillowy and extreme 3D figuring.
-
Fiddleback: similar to curly, but more consistent and defined as stripes.
-
Pommele: varies in look from species to species, but typically a mottled figuring.
-
Burl: widely varying grain and highlight patterns. Often has small voids in the veneer piece that need to be filled in with filler or epoxy.
-
Crotch: has "plumes" of figuring and is highly contrasting in its shading.
-
Color: Color may vary from the samples too. The samples are unfinished and pretty much any finish is going to make any of the shades a little darker and richer looking.
-
If you are ordering a shell pack, plan ahead and get ALL the drums you are going to need. For a multi-shell order, the veneer pieces used will be from a sequentially cut group of veneer. This means that the slices of veneer are all from the same portion of the log. Matching the figure and color precisely at a later date will be very difficult. Don't say I didn't warn you. Save your pennies and do it right the first time. If you want to hedge your bets, you can purchase the raw, extra veneer sheets from us and save them for the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
"I'm very particular and need to know exactly what the veneer looks like. Can you send me pictures of the veneer before you do it? Can you send me actual samples of the veneer type?"
Ehhh, not really unless we have the veneer already in stock, which is rare. Veneer is a natural product, however we work closely with our veneer suppliers to find great specimens for your shell(s). We suggest doing some Google searches for your veneer choice to get a better idea of the general character of the veneer. Sorry, we cannot send physical samples of veneer.
"How long will it take?"
It's very important to understand that each veneer job is different and can take from weeks to months to complete. We need to source the right veneer in the right sizes and this takes time. Veneering drum shells takes large pieces of veneer, and the right veneer is not always immediately available. Custom work like this takes time to do it right. Some veneers, once sourced, have to go through secondary processes at other suppliers before we can apply them. Please be patient!
"What kind of seam is on the shell?"
All seams are butt seams (no overlap).
"How can I finish the veneer?"
Using any type of water based product directly onto the veneer will void the warranty. We use different types of glues (depending on the veneer) which may adversely react to the finish you put on. Do not direct stain the veneer with water based dye or stain. The water in these products can cause certain veneer glues to dissolve and release the veneer. Sometimes people get overzealous with water based products, apply too much, and the veneer can swell and bubble. You will not have these issues with solvent base finishes. Before you put any type of finish on the veneer, we strongly suggest you put on a barrier coat of Zinsser Sealcoat or dewaxed blonde shellac. Then, put a tint product like Transtint into a clearcoat layer to achieve color.
"Can you do vertical veneering? What about 45 degree (twisted) like the DW drums?"
We can apply the veneer either horizontally or vertically. The 45 degree style is not being offered at this time.
"Can you do more than one type of veneer per shell? For example stripes?"
Yes, please contact us for a quote.
"Can you veneer the inside of the shell?"
We can veneer the inside of 14" shells only. Add 50% to the cost.
"Why is there a 20% surcharge for finishing the burl veneers?"
Burls have many grain irregularities that make them especially difficult to finish.
"Will you veneer a shell I already have with some veneer I send to you? "
We do not use customer provided veneer or veneer on customer provided shells.
Domestic US Veneers - Price Group 1
click on image to enlarge
Exotic Veneers - Price Group 2
click on image to enlarge
Burl, Crotch, and Stump Veneers - Price Group 3
click on image to enlarge
Premium Designer Veneers - Price Group 4
click on image to enlarge
DF on Facebook 
Follow us on Twitter 
