CADENCE CUSTOM DRUMS are Setting Themselves Apart

At the beginning of 2022, Phil Mayne set out to establish a business that would provide Australian drummers and drum collectors with access to the very best custom or handmade drums in the world.

A passionate drummer himself, Phil was frustrated by the limited range of drums on offer in the Australian market. Most music shops in Australia only sell namebrand drums, most of which are great drums, however there are hundreds of companies around the world making high-quality and unique snare drums and drum kits - unique in appearance and in material. Thus, Phil wanted to provide access to that variety. His vision for Cadence Custom Drums is to provide Australian drummers with a greater range of drum products, and superior products that allow them to stand out from the crowd.

Recently, Phil sat down with Mixdown for a chat about his journey to starting the brand, his overall vision for Cadence, and just what sets his product apart in the Australian drum market.

Tell me about your journey to starting Cadence.

I’ve only been drumming for 15 years. Like most newbies, I knew very little about the instrument I chose, so I took advice from the local drum Gods on the best gear to buy, which was the off-theshelf stuff.

Once I got an understanding of things, I became more discerning and started exploring drums of different kinds. I discovered there was a big world out there that the Australian market didn’t cater to.

Most music shops in Australia sell just name-brand drums, most of which of course are fantastic drums. But there are hundreds of companies around the world making high-quality and unique snare drums and drum kits. Unique in appearance and in material. So last year, I set out to establish a business that would provide Australian drummers – and drum collectors – with access to that range of products. Has your experience as a drummer informed your vision for Cadence?

Very much so. I think I’m like many other musicians – I like to have a selection of instruments for different situations, and variety in the colours and materials.

Tell me about the production process, from design to completion.

We import and sell premium, custom-made drums from Ebenor Percussion in Canada, Angel Drums in Hungary, and HHG Custom Drums and Doc Sweeney Drums in the US. As such, we aren’t involved in the design or production of the stock. Having said that, we do take custom orders from clients and liaise with the manufacturers to build people their perfect drum.

What sets Cadence apart?

As I said earlier, the Australian drums market is well served by the major brands, as well as top local makers using Australian hardwoods, such as Evett’s and Sia, or acrylic, like Gas and Pansini. But the drums we distribute at Cadence are made from a diverse range of exotic and rare woods that aren’t otherwise easily or immediately available in Australia, as well as the traditional metals. In doing so, we offer greater variety and simplify ordering and importing for buyers. Are there any products within your current range you would particularly like to spotlight?

In stock and ready to ship, we have an Ebenor Heavy Feather aluminium snare, Doc Sweeney’s glorious myrtle, two beautiful 13x5 maples from Angel Drums and, from HHG, a 14x6 from their recycle series. This last one is an interesting beast. Each year, Sam from HHG collects the scraps from making drums and recycles them into unique snare drums. Each shell features more than 15 wood species. We have been lucky enough to get hold of number 4 of the 13 made in the 2022 recycle series.

Angel Drums also make their own highly sought-after hoops, and beautiful brass lugs and throw-offs, which are available to order through us.

What’s next for Cadence?

First, I need to bed down the business and start selling some gear. Then I’d like to get to the stage where I can import and sell drum kits rather than just snares.

For more information about the Cadence Custom Drums range, head to www.cadencecustomdrums.com.au.

BY ISABELLA VENUTTI