If you read my review of the Craviotto Diamond Series snare drums recently, you’ll be familiar with the name of AK Drums and particularly, that of Adrian Kirchler. If you didn’t, well, shame on you - go and read it when you’ve finished reading this.

Adrian Kirchler is a master craftsman based in Italy who builds snare drums which are modelled after those drums from the 1920s/1930s. He also restores and builds replica parts for vintage drums.

First of all, there are a couple of things you should probably know about this particular drum, which by default will make this review a little different. The main thing is that it’s actually mine (just so you do know that I put my money where my mouth is), and two, it is a bit expensive and above what many people would consider investing into one drum.

This drum is one of Adrian Kirchler’s Gold Models and is entirely plated in 24K gold. As you‘ll see from the photographs, it is rather visually stunning due to the plating, however, if you look more closely, you’ll also see the level of detail which is apparent in both the design and creation of the shell and as well as the engraving.

The physical design of the snare is based upon the great vintage Ludwig drums of the 1920s and 30s and this is something which is representative in other examples of Mr Kirchler’s work. You will also see when you click on the link below that you can also have more modern triple flanged hoops on your drum if you should want and that will give a slightly more contemporary look should you want such.

This particular drum has a 14 x 5 AK brass shell, with AK single flanged hoops, an AK P338 reproduction strainer & butt plate and 8 AK tube lugs. The shell and hoops are fully [hand] engraved and everything metal is 24K gold plated, except the Puresound wires. The heads are Remo - a coated Ambassador on the batter side and a clear snare side on the bottom.

The shell is quite thin and very much looks the ‘old drum’ part. Flipping the drum over, you can see how the bearing edge has been constructed and that the bent over edge sits quite flush to the shell (whereas many metal drums feature edges that sit at a 45 or so degree angle).

The sound is very much like that of some actual 1920s era drums that I own - dry without that much inherent ring in the centre and quite focused. Tuned quite tightly, there is a distinct crack to each stroke and it is sensitive to the lightest of touches. The outer edge of the batter provides a thinner sound with some ring. In addition, while it’s not a quiet drum, it’s not overly loud either; any bell brass owners needn’t be worried, but that really isn’t the point. Volume wasn’t a problem when I used it with a blues/jive band.

The physical vibe you get from this drum means you wouldn’t want to play it either too hard or loudly. It’s a subtle drum to play, something you’d use on a jazz gig or similar and I think this is the type of setting where it would really shine, especially with it’s clear sonic properties.

As I said before, this is actually my own drum and so you would be forgiven in thinking I might just say good things about it because of that. However, I would also stress that I did indeed pay for it and on that basis I am a very happy customer. In all honesty, and objectivity, I really couldn’t find a bad thing to say about Mr Kirchler’s work, even if I went looking for it.

Having been through the process of choosing, ordering and then receiving my drum, I can report that it was something of a fun experience and most certainly trouble free.

These aren’t mass produced items we’re looking at here, they are true custom drums.

In life, high quality often means high cost, but, conversely, high cost doesn’t always mean high quality. In this case, these are high quality hand crafted drums - shells, components and engraving - and so they’re naturally going to be higher-end, price wise. However, that said, they are competitively priced when you consider these drums are a) every bit as physically attractive as the prized vintage drums from the 1920s and 1930s, and b) an awful lot cheaper in some instances. This is, of course, in addition to the fact that the drums sound like these old drums as well.

In my own case, my drum is based on a Ludwig Triumphal model from the 1920s of which there are only seven known examples and which cost a small fortune. I think it’s safe to say I have no chance of ever owning an original Triumphal, however, this AK Gold Model is very much the next best thing.

If you’ve always wanted an original Ludwig Deluxe (Black Beauty) or Leedy Elite but can’t afford the higher prices associated with such drums, Adrian Kirchler gives you the opportunity to own something contemporary and every bit as appealing.

Sizes are available in 4, 5 and 6.5" depths and in Standard, Black Beauty, Orchestral or Gold Models. Shells are made of either brass or copper in various outer finishes and you also get a substantial soft felt lined case.

More at http://www.ak-drums.de/Home.html

The review drum - http://www.ak-drums.de/snaredrums/gold-model/T08.html

David Bateman

June 2008