I founded Sol Drums in 1992, having conceived of it in April of 1986, while watching the Valje* shop go up in flames in San Francisco. I was the only one who went to work that day, one circumstance among many that set the day apart. For 3 years I had been studying the art of drum making with Valje masters, producing Latin instruments in a shop that had been manufacturing in the U.S. since the 1950's.
The creation of Sol Drums was driven by a commitment to continue the quality drum making that so nearly disappeared in that fire. Between then and the launching of Sol, I complimented my production experience by immersing myself in the percussion scene in San Francisco, troubleshooting and fixing drums for street musicians and professionals, and learning how the needs of a modern percussionist can balance with timeless methods of drum making. From this confluence came Sol Drums' belief in continuing the traditions in the art of drum making and pushing its boundaries.
Our commitment to making drums in the U.S. is a rarity, and we take full advantage of our access to the choicest materials and methods, and to the brain trust of artisans and performers necessary to keep percussion design relevant. Simultaneously evolving our products and our processes means Sol can innovate.
Sol shells are made from air-dried quarter-sawn red oak. The 3/4" solid staves are steam bent, joined with glue that is stronger than the wood, lathe turned and hand finished. Only this process ensures the endurance of the shell. Sol tuning hardware is all hand formed and welded in our shop and is tested and refined to reach the ultimate strength and comfort. Sol drumheads are cut from select skins and prepared for each drum.
In early 2000 I was fortunate enough to reunite with Octavio Ruiz, an artisan who had worked with the Valje shop since 1976 and from whom I had learned a great deal about drum making. His years at Valje earned him a mastership of drum building and his production savvy is stimulating and strengthening our operation. With Octavio's entrance into Sol Drums we at once solidify a connection with our history and gain a powerful confidence in our future.