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Toms

Our custom Tom size offerings are virtually unlimited. Choose from any available diameter, at ANY depth! As with all of our drums, shells are available in 5, 6, 8, and 10 ply, and can be mixed or matched. See our Keller Shells section for more information on configuration details.

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Shell type:

Maple is the choice of most drummers. However, Keller shells are now available in other types of wood, combinations, materials, and construction methods. See our Keller Shell section for more information on shell types.

Drum size:

Diameters available for Maple toms:
6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, and 20 inch.

We can provide any available shell diameter in any depth you want. However, each diameter has a maximum “one piece construction” depth. If that depth is exceeded, the shell will be constructed from more than one shell segment, using a notch and glue method. With this construction, seams are strong and durable, but we cannot guarantee that seams will be smooth in all areas. The notch and glue method can only be done using Maple shells of 8 and 10 ply thickness.

For shell types other than Maple, see our Keller Shell section for detail on size offerings.

Shell thickness ( ply # ):

Maple shells are available in 5, 6, 8, and 10 ply

Maple Shell thickness chart Ply # Average Thickness 5 0.13” ( 3.3 mm ) 6 0.16” ( 4.0 mm ) 8 0.21” ( 5.4 mm ) 10 0.26” ( 6.7 mm )

Thin shells have a “warm” sound and a slightly softer stick response. Thick shells have “brighter” attack, a little more volume, a slightly “harder” stick response.

Reinforcing rings are recommended in most 5 ply shells, and larger diameter 6 ply shells.

For shells other than Maple, see our Keller Shell section for detail on shell thickness offerings.

Reinforcing Rings:

Reinforcing rings are optional in all Maple shells.
Traditionally used in steam bent shells to hold the shell “in round”, Reinforcing Rings are not necessary in Keller Maple shells for that reason. We recommend their use in most 5 ply shells, and larger diameter 6 ply shells for the reason of shell stability and strength.
Reinforcing Rings effect on sound is somewhat mysterious, controversial, and often misunderstood. Some believe they dampen resonance, “focus” the sound, and raise the shell's pitch. Although all may be true when studied in a physics class, it is important to keep in mind that the human ear may not detect some of the subtle effects on sound.
When used on thin maple shells for stability reasons, their effect on sound can hardly be viewed as negative. They provide the added strength that the thin shells need, while allowing the warmth of the thin shell sound.

Bearing edge type:

Around 95% of the drums we build have “double 45” bearing edges, which give maximum resonance, clarity, and tuneability. A round edge is sometimes requested when a more “vintage” sound is desired from a modern Maple shell. Single 45 and 30 degree edges are rarely asked for, but we are happy to accommodate.

Mounting Bracket locations:

When “Drum Support Systems” are not being used, some thought should be given to the locations of mounting brackets. The orientation of a drum is determined by the location of the seam in the wrap or naturally finished shell. In an effort to “hide” the seam in the back of the drum, the mount location becomes important. Consider where the drum will be mounted from, and how the drum will be positioned within your setup. It may be beneficial to draw a simple top view diagram of your drum setup, with mount locations in place, and seams facing the drummer.

Floor tom leg brackets will be mounted in standard three leg positioning.

Breather Hole locations:

Breather holes between 3/8” to 1/2” in diameter are placed in the back of all drums, unless otherwise requested.

Heads:

We will provide any drum head model from the following manufacturers:
Aquarian
Attack
Evans
Remo