Artisan Isolation Mount (AIM) System

AIM system

We are continually experimenting with innovative ideas to address all aspects of what it takes to make a great snare drum and drum set. In an effort to always raise the bar, and through nearly two years of research, our team has come up with an isolation mounting system for use with toms that not only works well, but is aesthetically pleasing.

We set out with a three-fold mission: Achieve maximum tone and resonance, be able to change drum heads “on-the-fly”, and make the suspension system strong, yet attractive, able to blend with the drum as one unit. Many suspension systems on the market achieve the first issue, and some the second. The Artisan Isolation Mount has accomplished all three.

After experimenting with different approaches toward these goals we determined that Artisan Isolation Mount (AIM) met all the criteria. The mount itself is handcrafted out of solid hardwood, either in hard rock maple or the same species as your drum set, per customer request. The horizontal portion of the AIM system is connected to the bottom side of two lugs of the tom tom, or 4 for hanging floor toms, and follows the radius of the shell without coming into contact with the shell. A vertical arm runs the length of and stops against the shell at the nodal point by means of a rubber bumper. This process stabilizes the drum for a very solid feel when played.

AIM is the ultimate system for drum suspension because it is unobtrusive (blending and contouring with the drum), very solidly mounted, and drum heads can be changed without removing the drum from the stand or rack. AIM comes standard with L-rod type mounting (10mm industry standard). Other mounting brackets may be used.

We are proud to offer AIM standard on all of our drums. This innovative and exciting new system of tom suspension is available on mounted toms and hanging floor toms. The AIM system is featured for the first time on our 10th Anniversary Tigerwood Limited Edition drum set. Patent pending.

Another Artisan Drumworks exclusive:

French Polish Hybrid

French Polishing is one of the oldest craftsman finishes known to man. It is also used in high end acoustic guitar manufacture and stringed instruments due to it’s acoustic properties and ease of repair.

The process involves filling of the grain utilizing our proprietary process that does not obscure, but enhances the natural appearance, the “figure” in the wood. Then, shellac is “padded” on with multiple thin layers by hand to “body- up” the finish. We then hand apply a couple of thin protective top coats of finish to increase durability. Finally, after a curing period, a protective coat of wax is applied.

Due to the nature of shellac, this finish produces warmth unparalleled by any other finishing process and is an Artisan favorite. Our new Hybrid version offers increased protection of this beautiful finishing process.

French Polish Hybrid: $165.00

EdgeCraft™

At Artisan Drumworks, we are continually looking for and listening to feedback from our customers. So comes our latest introduction, EdgeCraft™

EdgeCraft™ utilizes a thinner shell profile coupled with an integral reinforcement ring (I.R.R.) that is cut into and an integral part of the shell. Placing the I.R.R. at each edge of the shell allows us to produce thinner shells with specific dimensions according to their diameter. We believe the proportion of the volume and mass of a shell is a factor that effects overall tone and sustain. Borrowing the premise of world-renowned makers of high quality drums, we are now offering our highly acclaimed stave drum shells in this design. Thin shells are known to offer a higher degree of resonance and a lower fundamental pitch. They also allow more of the wood and less of the drum head to be heard.

Thinner shells are commonly preferred in studio and lower volume settings. Thicker shells are a better choice for live settings and where projection is needed, such as coliseums. We are proud to offer our EdgeCraft™ design. As always, all of our snare drums and drum sets are handcrafted to your exact specifications.

EdgeCraft: $30 (snare drums)

Artisan… from one craftsman to another.