I started drumming at an early age, annoying not only the neighbours but also my parents who bought me my first kit. Over the years I picked up other instruments along the way and I enjoyed the challenge of learning to play them. But deep down I always loved to be part of the rhythm, the back bone of music, the part that made you want to tap your hand and stomp your feet.

With my experience of working in the trades for many years, I had honed my skills on many machines that repaired and created things. One of these was the lathe, which I really enjoyed especially since my father was a trained machinist from Europe. As time went on with work and my love of playing music, I became more aware of how drum hardware was made and what I expected of it. My frustration with parts that just didn’t last or were dull and boring to look at brought me to take it upon myself to design parts of my own. So one day I stood myself in front of my Dad’s hobby shop lathe and began creating. When I was done, two new clutch designs were born! They soon caught the interest of other drummers at the studio where my band rehearses. I left a couple samples there for people to try for themselves. The response was overwhelmingly good and people started asking when I would be making more of them.

With so many more ideas floating around in my head, I believe this to be the beginning of a long and creative journey to come. My aim was, and still is, to create a quality product that adds a custom feel with some personality to any kit. I feel I’ve achieved this and hope you enjoy my pieces as much as I do.


Rob Michl