| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| GM Handcraft |
Posted - 16/02/2011 : 15:23:20
Hello everybody!
As I told you some month ago, in the last 10 years and more I have worked on a project in making my own handcraft snares.
First of all I would like to talk you about the location of my lab/atelier and the making of my drums.
So, the atelier is located between the green hills of Val Tidone in the heart of northern italy.
There find place my brother's activity with horsestables and bed & breakfast, and my lab is right there.
These are the surroundings:
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b191/Handcraft/GM%20Bottega%20Antichi%20Mestieri/dsc06926e.jpg
and in winter it is like this:
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b191/Handcraft/GM%20Bottega%20Antichi%20Mestieri/s5000989.jpg
some of the horses put out to pasture:
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b191/Handcraft/GM%20Bottega%20Antichi%20Mestieri/s5000965.jpg
the main house and my lab on the right:
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b191/Handcraft/GM%20Bottega%20Antichi%20Mestieri/s5000975.jpg
and finally my messy atelier:
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b191/Handcraft/GM%20Bottega%20Antichi%20Mestieri/DSC00010.jpg
Regarding the snare drums I make, the wood is a 10 year seasoned Red Spruce from Val di Fiemme with a particular quality named "maschiatura" given a unique sound table. The maschiatura is a particular characteristic found on 10 out of 100 trees and it is the same quality searched by Stradivari, Guarneri, Amati and many others in antique violin making.
During the summer season I do a trip near the Alps to select the right trees to collect and to cut the boards to make the cylinder.
After the cutting the boards are seasoned then planed by hand and calibrated to form the shell. Since Red Spruce is a soft wood the boards are steamed and then bent to form the shell and then two maple from balcanian reinforcement rings are added. I call these bass bars as they add some qualities to the sound.
After this, the shell takes a particular traditional woodworking on its inside to harden the surface and to calibrate the sound.
In a second time, the edges and the snare beds are cut by end. I agree with Roberto Spizzichino in saying that the handcrafting manufacture is what create a unique instrument, so my snare drums are totally made by hand, no automatic machines are involved in the processes.
The finish, that I call "Cremonese" is something very unique you won't find anywhere as it is totally cooked by me following the old italian traditions and a particular receipt.
This kind of finish, that I solely work during the warm season, will let the instrument to age and to improve the sound, like an old violin.
The color of the finish are almost identical to those of violins, but also trasparent clear. The airvent hand turned and made of italian walnut changes its size with the size of the drum to allow a correct air pressure inside the shell.
The hardware is mainly handcrafted by Adrian Kirchler remembering vintage style drums (tube brass nickeled lugs and old style strainer). Also the badge is made by Adrian by chisels.
The hoops can be brass triple flange, die cast, 3mm single flange, classic single flange and wooden hoops.
Also, since I am the only builder and luthier, the drums are unique exemplars and different one from another and they have different names.
For now I have 3 completed snares 14"x6.5 "Hellier", 14"x5 "De Medici" and 14"x4.5 "Lord Byron".
Here some pictures:
http://s19.photobucket.com/albums/b191/Handcraft/GM%20Bottega%20Antichi%20Mestieri/?albumview=slideshow
Hope you like them! Ciao! |
| 43 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| GM Handcraft |
Posted - 17/03/2012 : 16:08:10
No offence at all!! :D
You should try one of them, these sound great (not because I'm the builder!).
|
| JKDrummerDude |
Posted - 15/03/2012 : 13:13:46
quote:
Originally posted by GM Handcraft
JKDrummerDude: pictures don't do justice to the real beauty of the varnish and the figuring of the snare. My camera is not so great!
However, you mean this picture: http://www.flickr.com/photos/49642171@N00/6833715748/in/set-72157627746320927/
You are right, when I handturned these new airvents I forgot to polish the inside (attention to details!!!) Thanks :D
Yup. Sorry if that causes offence. Still, better some random looking at a photo than the customer...
That all said - amazing looking drums. I bet they sound as good. |
| GM Handcraft |
Posted - 14/03/2012 : 16:42:26
two are better than one! :D ;)
BTW, Lady Blunt was the nephew of Lord Byron that I already made!
Here the whole story:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady_Anne_Blunt
JKDrummerDude: pictures don't do justice to the real beauty of the varnish and the figuring of the snare. My camera is not so great!
However, you mean this picture: http://www.flickr.com/photos/49642171@N00/6833715748/in/set-72157627746320927/
You are right, when I handturned these new airvents I forgot to polish the inside (attention to details!!!) Thanks :D |
| beezerk |
Posted - 14/03/2012 : 11:34:17
Just one? |
| mully |
Posted - 14/03/2012 : 11:23:09
Cornetto!!
Stephen
|
| www.noonandrums.com |
Posted - 14/03/2012 : 11:04:46
 Viennetta !!  |
| averagewaistdude |
Posted - 14/03/2012 : 10:48:14
Bellissima! |
| beezerk |
Posted - 14/03/2012 : 10:18:05
http://gmbottegartigiana.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/gedc2177.jpg
Work of art that. |
| JKDrummerDude |
Posted - 14/03/2012 : 10:12:19
The Lady Blunt is really nice, but I scrolled down and saw the wooden hoop snare. Wow! It's amazing!
On the Lady Blunt, I'm not too sure if it's the photo or my browser or me, but is there a bit of a rough edge at the back of the vent in the photo of the closeup to the vent? |
| GM Handcraft |
Posted - 13/03/2012 : 14:42:03
Hei guys!
Passed long time since my last message here, I've been very busy this time.
So, here is a new snare drum, the "Lady Blunt" based on the same colour scheme of the Stradivari Lady Blunt.
It is a 14"x5, 8 tube lugs (COB), Dunnett throw off,triple flange hoops. Other specs are laser cut high density aerospacial washers/teflon washers combo + Canopus strips, artisanal snarewires made of copper and posphor bronze, handturned italian walnut airvent.
Finish is my own varnish in the Red Dragon's blood coloration.
So, here you go: (sorry for the quality of the pics!):
http://gmbottegartigiana.wordpress.com/news/
What do you think? Thanks for viewing!
|
| GM Handcraft |
Posted - 15/09/2011 : 15:11:36
Grazie!! |
| www.noonandrums.com |
Posted - 15/09/2011 : 14:52:26
Bella !!.. |
| GM Handcraft |
Posted - 15/09/2011 : 14:41:13
Hi guys!
how are you all?hope you fine!
I just came back from holidays and I received pics and feedback from Santo, the happy owner of my last snare.
So, here is the snare with some special hoops made by one of my artisans:
http://gmbottegartigiana.wordpress.com/news/
Hope you like it! |
| www.noonandrums.com |
Posted - 16/07/2011 : 17:42:27
Lucky boy, Santo.. |
| santo |
Posted - 16/07/2011 : 16:59:35
Hello everyone! will be my snare! a jewel!  |
| GM Handcraft |
Posted - 14/07/2011 : 09:05:35
Here it is and sounds better too :
http://www.flickr.com/photos/49642171@N00/5935907275/in/photostream
Thanks! |
| GM Handcraft |
Posted - 11/07/2011 : 10:55:01
Don't worry Noonan, we MUST tell what is wrong, I now apprecciate your suggestion. Thanks :) |
| www.noonandrums.com |
Posted - 11/07/2011 : 10:33:48
Antichi....I am, truly, TRULY sorry for pointing out your wonky screw heads...
I look forward to you posting more pics of your work... |
| GM Handcraft |
Posted - 11/07/2011 : 08:28:18
rytenuff: I understand what you are saying and I am ok with you when you say "When you post photographs of your work on a drum forum you are asking for people's opinions of that work", but sometime its just the way of saying things.
Also I didn't understood well the fact of the badge, so "noonan" apologizes for my storm ;)
Hope you understand
|
| Me2. |
Posted - 10/07/2011 : 19:08:56
<Frank Carson>Its the way you Torx 'em...</Frank Carson> |
| www.noonandrums.com |
Posted - 10/07/2011 : 18:59:47
Just a storm in a screw head..... |
| rytenuff |
Posted - 10/07/2011 : 16:15:27
I bet the same thing would happen if one of us posted to an Italian speaking forum :)
You appear to be thinking that the "screws" referred to here are what we usually call,"tension rods". Nobody is talking about them or the lugs that they screw or thread into which is where the confusion started.
The screws people are talking about are the things which you have used to attach your badge.
It was being pointed out to you that it would look better if the, "slots" (where the screwdriver goes) of these screws were tightened so that they both lined up the same. Either vertically or horizontally. It was also being suggested to you that (in a photograph which is showing off your work) little things ( details) like having these badge screw slots lined up are more pleasing to the eye. The comment, "It`ll also sound better..." is only a joke to say that we know if won't make the drum sound any different, it is only a bit of fuss which will make it look better on the eye.
At the risk of making you angry with me too, I would suggest that the heads of the badge screws are too big for the job. They draw your eye to them because of that and it is then that you notice the slots.
When you post photographs of your work on a drum forum you are asking for people's opinions of that work |
| moosetication |
Posted - 10/07/2011 : 15:53:47
quote:
Originally posted by GM Handcraft
Noonan: first of all you should read well as I did not say anything about "obsessive/compulsive disorders".
No, but I did. |
| GM Handcraft |
Posted - 10/07/2011 : 15:14:47
Noonan: first of all you should read well as I did not say anything about "obsessive/compulsive disorders".
Then, it is pretty offensive when you talk about "attention to details" minimizing other's work.
Be sure that I have serious attention to details.
However I will provide pics of every lugs with the centered slot. The fact of the "not centered slots" depends only from the fact that I forgot to adjust the hoops when I put them on the shell and tuned.
|
| www.noonandrums.com |
Posted - 09/07/2011 : 13:10:42
Antichi..The screw slot `thing` has nothing to do with obsessive/compulsive disorders...Just `attention to detail`, which is important on a hand built instrument such as you picture....Get the slots both vertical or horizontal...( It`ll also sound better...) |
| GM Handcraft |
Posted - 09/07/2011 : 12:08:30
Thank you very much Moose! :)
Maybe it is the view from the camera, but the slots are spaced and all line up equal.
The customer is very happy with the snare and its sound, maybe I will have a rec to post here some time soon!
|
| moosetication |
Posted - 09/07/2011 : 10:33:22
He's talking about obsessive-compulsive people who aren't happy unless the slots in screw heads on light sockets (etc) all line up the same way. Don't worry about it. |
| GM Handcraft |
Posted - 09/07/2011 : 10:16:30
Thank you mate!
Sorry, but I really do not understand what you mean by light switch and sockets...?the screws are all the same and the lugs are vertical and to equal tightness. Do not understand what you mean guys.  |
| Th0mas25 |
Posted - 08/07/2011 : 19:40:20
Really nice work GM, and stunning scenery around you!
Haha, I'm the same with screws (on light switches, sockets and everything else) either horizontal or vertical, but always the same!! |
| GM Handcraft |
Posted - 08/07/2011 : 17:28:40
quote:
Originally posted by Bazarre
quote:
Originally posted by Captain Bubble
The drums look very nice! It is odd, because I also like screw and bolt slots to be set the same, but perhaps you should do them all up to equal tightness and not worry if that means that they do not match!
Oh no! I thought it was just me. All the slots of screw heads on light switches and sockets in my house MUST be vertically orientated.
I do not understand what you mean...  |
| Bazarre |
Posted - 08/07/2011 : 16:53:38
quote:
Originally posted by Captain Bubble
The drums look very nice! It is odd, because I also like screw and bolt slots to be set the same, but perhaps you should do them all up to equal tightness and not worry if that means that they do not match!
Oh no! I thought it was just me. All the slots of screw heads on light switches and sockets in my house MUST be vertically orientated. |
| moosetication |
Posted - 08/07/2011 : 14:51:54
That's a glorious colour! |
| GM Handcraft |
Posted - 08/07/2011 : 14:28:36
sorry double post! |
| GM Handcraft |
Posted - 08/07/2011 : 14:27:38
ok, here is another of my snare drums, 14"x5 Cremonese finish for a NY drummer:
http://gmbottegartigiana.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/img_6274.jpg
here other pics:
http://gmbottegartigiana.wordpress.com/news/
Hope you like it!  |
| GM Handcraft |
Posted - 08/07/2011 : 14:25:53
ok, here is another of my snare drums, 14"x5 Cremonese finish for a NY drummer:
[IMG]http://gmbottegartigiana.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/img_6274.jpg[/IMG]
here other pics:
http://gmbottegartigiana.wordpress.com/news/
Hope you like it! |
| GM Handcraft |
Posted - 08/07/2011 : 14:22:43
ok, here is another of my snare drums, 14"x5 Cremonese finish for a NY drummer:
[IMG]http://gmbottegartigiana.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/img_6274.jpg[/IMG]
here other pics:
http://gmbottegartigiana.wordpress.com/news/
Hope you like it! |
| GM Handcraft |
Posted - 07/03/2011 : 07:50:03
Hi marty! Yes, they resemble old italian violins for sure, the structure is pretty the same and they are being done after the violins of Amati, Stradivari and Guarneri del Gesł.
However I will soon post pictures with completed drums and matching screws (the one you see in the pictures are simply tester to try out the sound) ;) |
| martydrums |
Posted - 06/03/2011 : 19:04:18
Hmm, made in Italy from spruce and maple, are these the Stradivarius of drums? |
| GM Handcraft |
Posted - 05/03/2011 : 13:14:27
Thank you captain Bubble!
I know, but it was just to set up the snares (and at the moment unfortunately I didn't have matching bolt and screws, also the hoops on the 14"x4.5 were old brass triple flange by ludwig).
However this will be adjusted (is just a little thing) and when I will have a pro taking professional pictures of them, they will be perfect. However thank you for your feedback on them, I really appreciate it. |
| Captain Bubble |
Posted - 05/03/2011 : 12:22:58
The drums look very nice! It is odd, because I also like screw and bolt slots to be set the same, but perhaps you should do them all up to equal tightness and not worry if that means that they do not match! |
| GM Handcraft |
Posted - 05/03/2011 : 11:58:33
Thank you noonan! I really apprecciate your words!
(I usually attach the badge with little nails! ;) |
| www.noonandrums.com |
Posted - 04/03/2011 : 15:18:41
Cool..Id like to hear some of those..
( PLEASE sort those screw heads out on the badge...) |
| GM Handcraft |
Posted - 04/03/2011 : 11:11:08
Some new pics of a 6.5x14" in my Cremonese finish:
1)http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b191/Handcraft/GM%20Bottega%20Antichi%20Mestieri/IMG_6023.jpg
2)http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b191/Handcraft/GM%20Bottega%20Antichi%20Mestieri/IMG_6024.jpg
3)http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b191/Handcraft/GM%20Bottega%20Antichi%20Mestieri/IMG_6025.jpg
4)http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b191/Handcraft/GM%20Bottega%20Antichi%20Mestieri/IMG_6026.jpg
5)http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b191/Handcraft/GM%20Bottega%20Antichi%20Mestieri/IMG_6028.jpg
|
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