What makes an instrument truly special? Is it the wood, the craftsmanship, or the passion behind its creation? For Black Swamp Percussion’s 30th Anniversary, the answer lies in all three. This milestone drum isn’t just a product—it’s a testament to decades of dedication, collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of sonic perfection. Join us as we explore the journey of this remarkable snare drum, crafted by some of the finest artisans in the percussion world.
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The Beginning: A Vision for Something Unique
As Black Swamp Percussion approached its 30th anniversary, founder Eric Sooy knew one thing for certain: there had to be a special drum to commemorate the occasion. The vision wasn’t just to create another snare—it had to be something that embodied the spirit of craftsmanship, innovation, and collaboration that defined Black Swamp for three decades. “I knew there was going to be a drum involved,” Eric recalled.
“The shell is the most identifiable part, so I wanted something unique.”
Enter two master drum builders: Steele Turkington of Kentville Drums and Steve Crawley of Evetts Drums—two craftsmen whose expertise would elevate this drum beyond the ordinary.
Laying the Foundation: Selecting the Perfect Snare Drum Shell
One of the defining elements of this anniversary drum is its shell, made from the iconic Australian hardwood Jarrah. Known for its density and warmth, Jarrah was a natural choice to provide the depth and character needed for an orchestral snare.
“For me, it was always, ‘If I’m going to make drums, I’m going to make the shells,’” Steve Crawley explained.
“In Australia, we have such a wide range of amazing hardwoods, and experimenting with different layups, glues, and pressing methods has been a journey in itself.”
The shell construction became a meticulous process. Crawley designed a 12-ply shell, incorporating layers of Jarrah and a striking Sottsass veneer, which gave the drum a distinct aesthetic—something that stood apart from the typical “brown drum.”
“I didn’t want a brown drum,” Eric said. “There are a lot of brown drums. What do you got that’s different?”
The result? A stunning combination of black and gray-dyed wood layers, engineered for both durability and beauty.
A Traditional Snare Drum Head: Why Kangaroo Hide?
While the shell provides the body of the drum, the drumhead is what makes it sing. Enter Steele Turkington, a specialist in drum restoration and the master behind Kentville Drums’ kangaroo hide drumheads.
“The main difference between calf and kangaroo hide is strength,” Steele explained.
“Kangaroo hides have a unique grain structure, making them much stronger and more durable—especially at thinner gauges.”
Eric noted that the kangaroo hide drumheads held their pitch more consistently than traditional calfskin, a crucial feature for orchestral players who need reliability under varying conditions.
A Labor of Love: Overcoming Challenges
Every great instrument is the product of trial and error. As Eric, Steve, and Steele reflected on the process, they emphasized how much experimentation, failure, and refinement went into perfecting their craft.
“People ask me all the time, ‘How did you learn how to do this?’” Eric said.
“You make mistakes over and over until you finally come up with something that works.”
Steve echoed this sentiment: “Every point in my business has been trial and error—frustrating, expensive, but there's something that keeps drawing you back.”
The Final Result: A Drum Worth Celebrating
The Black Swamp Percussion 30th Anniversary Snare Drum is more than an instrument—it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, collaboration, and perseverance. From its uniquely layered Jarrah and Sottsass veneer shell to the hand-selected kangaroo hide drumhead, every detail tells a story of dedication and artistry.
“This was a home run,” Eric concluded.
“We wanted to involve people we respected, and I think we achieved something really special.”
For percussionists, collectors, and enthusiasts, this drum isn’t just a limited-edition release—it’s a piece of history, crafted with passion and built to inspire for years to come.
Limited to 15 Drums. Purchase Your's Here:
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