Our Story
Shaping Sound Through the Drummer’s Choice
At Craft Drum Company, we design and build custom snare drums, shell packs, and drum sets exclusively for recording and touring artists. Each instrument begins with a conversation and ends with a handcrafted creation that reflects the player’s sonic identity.
Founded by musician and craftsman Hesston Johnson, the company exists for drummers who expect more from their instruments: tonal nuance, precision, and feel. We work directly with artists at every level, from international tours to independent studio sessions, to design drums that perform as an extension of the musician’s intent. Every build is unique, every sound personal, and every artist partnership is at the center of our work.
Your Hit Has an Impact
Each Shell, Edge, and Finish Is Engineered to Match Your Playing Style
A Shared Design Process, Built With Materials That Matter
Start the Conversation
Start Building the Drum That’s Yours Alone
What Happens After the Build?
Real Words From Real Players
Caleb Kleinschmidt
Un-Broken
This 14” maple snare drum with a stunning blue-to-black fade finish is a true standout, both visually and sonically. The maple shell delivers a warm, full-bodied tone with sharp articulation and excellent dynamic response, making it incredibly versatile for any genre. Whether you’re laying down tight, crisp backbeats or delicate ghost notes, this snare responds with clarity and character. The finish is sleek and eye-catching without being overbearing, giving it a modern, professional look that shines on stage or in the studio. Tuning is smooth and consistent, with the drum holding its pitch well across a wide range, and the hardware feels solid and reliable. Simply put, this snare doesn’t just look great—it sounds phenomenal, making it a must-have for drummers who want tone, performance, and style in one package.
Jack Merriman
Atticus Chimps
We built a custom snare build for Jack in Australia...here's what he had to say, It looks and sounds absolutely fantastic I am so stoked with it. Thank you so muchI am meeting with Sam on Tuesday and we will take some shots of to post on facebook/insta etc. Going to use it on the remainder of our tour too." Check out his video here: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/12MMHymrVCT/Check out this live video from Jack!
