HANDMADE IN ENGLAND
Handmade drums, built around the player.
We build bespoke kits and snares, signature instruments and original products for players, studios and engineers who value sound, finish and detail.
Every instrument is finished, assembled, tuned and tested with a clear purpose: dependable performance, a distinctive voice and a result that feels right to play.
What are you looking for?
Ask us to build a custom instrument, choose one of our products with a set specification or see which Ex-Demo instruments are available now.
Custom Orders
Tell us about the sound, sizes, finish and playing context you need. We will help shape your ideas into a clear specification and quotation.
Products
Browse our instruments and original products, with set specifications, clear prices and straightforward ordering information.
Ex-Demo
See instruments previously used for demonstrations, touring or professional work, each listed with its exact condition and specification.
Built with purpose, finished by hand.
BAY Custom Drums was founded in 2014 by Ian Bowman and his family, drawing on decades of woodworking experience to create distinctive handmade drums.
From shell construction and finishing to final assembly, tuning and testing, we stay closely involved with the details that affect appearance, response and reliability.
Our approach to sound
Precision, depth and presence, balanced by the warmth and musicality expected from a carefully made instrument.
Our approach to shell construction, finishing and quality control is designed to reduce unwanted overtones and harsh harmonics without removing the character, sensitivity or tuning range that make a drum musical.
The result is a drum that feels responsive to the player and gives engineers a controlled, workable sound in the studio or on stage.
Featured Products
Set specifications, distinct voices and the same hands-on approach we use throughout our workshop.
'The One'
14"×6" VERTICAL-GRAIN BIRCH SNARE
Precise, responsive and versatile, with focused articulation at higher tunings and full warmth when tuned low.
'Phat Lad'
14"×8" VERTICAL-GRAIN BIRCH SNARE
Depth, warmth and low-end weight, with enough definition and control to remain musical across tunings.
'The Sovereign'
LACQUERED BRASS SNARE — TWO DEPTHS
Classic brass crack and clarity, refined with warmth, body and a controlled response across studio and live work.
Built for stages, studios and players
Take a look at some of the custom kits, snares, artist instruments and hand-finished details we have produced.
Trusted by artists in the studio and on stage
Our instruments are used by drummers for live performance, touring, recording and independent creative work.
Meet the artists, hear their work and see the instruments they currently use.
Not sure where to start?
Tell us what you are looking for and we will help you decide whether a custom build, one of our fixed products or an available Ex-Demo instrument is the right route.