Q&A With Unix Drums Owner: Perfecting The Art of Stave Drum Making.

By John Dutra | September 25, 2008

Unix Made Stave Bass Drum

Unix Made Stave Bass Drum

Francois Filiatrault is an excellent stave drum shell builder. His company, Unix Drums

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from Quebec, puts out some of the most stunning and well crafted stave drums on the market… offering many options including shells for YOU to finish, customize, drill and assemble. I had a great opportunity to interview the mastermind and fine woodworker behind Unix Drums, to talk about drum shells, drum finishing, and drum making.

It seems as if one of the main advantages of stave shells is that the wood IS NOT stressed or out of its natural alignment like typical ply-made drum shells. Can you elaborate on why this makes such a better sounding and projecting drum shell?(Listen to the “HEAR THE DIFFERENCE” audio files)

Well, the main reason is that the sound and vibration are not blocked by a glue barrier, and the sound can travel freely into the shell.

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Topics: Drum Finishes

Custom Drum Finishes: Finish Types, Descriptions, and Drum Finishing Tips

By R.J. Neelans | September 22, 2008

From the Guerrilla Drum Making dvd: Tung oil application

From the Guerrilla Drum Making dvd: Tung oil application



Below are some short and clear explanations of different finish types by R.J Neelans from Bridgeport, Connecticut. These are fantastic descriptions, so listen up!
We’ll start backwards and then get to finish types and descriptions.

Sheen
Gloss- High shine (bowling alley “mirror” shine) that usually produces the hardest finish
Satin - Lower sheen, low luster, low sheen, etc.
Matte (Flat) – Dead flat, dull, with possibilities of a slight sheen

Finish Colors
Clear – NO color.
Amber - Yellow, brown, or orangish color

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Topics: Drum Finishes