FAQ

 General Questions

Where are you located?

Our shop is based out of Raleigh, North Carolina - U.S.A. 

We do offer bearing edge services. Please send us an email with your shell sizes and a detailed description and we will provide you with a quote and steps to send us your shells. 

I found the custom snares & drum sets here on the website, but are there even more options for custom creations?

There are!  The sky's the limit here at Brownie.  Contact us with the general scope of your project and we will respond asap. 

What is your return policy?

• Custom builds: must be returned in NEW condition within 30 days. 25%-50% restocking fee depending on the uniqueness of the build. There are no returns on shells with custom design requests or logos. 
• Pre-made items: must be returned in NEW condition within 30 days. 10% restocking fee. 

Drum Finishes Questions

Will you refinish my drums?

Yes!  Here's what you need to know first: refinishing shells is a difficult process that can be unpredictable and labor intensive. Depending on your shells' current finish, refinishing drums can come at a high cost. We do understand some players love their current drums and want them to have an amazing Brownie finish. We don't blame you! Although, we do encourage players to consider selling their kit and investing in a custom Brownie drum set. We can build any style and flavor drum kit you can imagine, with an endless amount of finish options. If a refinish is what you absolutely desire, then please send us a message describing your drums in full detail, including: their current finish, diameters and depths, brand, year etc. Additionally, provide the type and color of Brownie finish you are after. Due to the refinishing process, the turn-around time can be quite lengthy. We will promptly respond with more information, an estimate of cost and steps to begin the process. 

Can I get a different color metal flake or wood dye colors?

Yes. Although, we have narrowed the flake and dye choices down to our absolute favorites and encourage choosing from the options provided - we have picked out the best ones for you! Any specific requests can be submitted via email. 

Why dont you offer white or silver metal flake?

We do not offer white or silver flakes as a base color because they may slightly amber over time. Epoxies and polyurethanes do have unavoidable ambering (gold discoloration) during the curing process and as the finish continues to age. This is similar to the ambering commonly seen with white marine pearl wraps and other light shades. We want our customers to be thrilled with their Brownie finish for a lifetime, and these colors are too unpredictable to guarantee. 

Why is there a longer wait time for metal flake with epoxy finishes?

Our proprietary metal flake with epoxy process requires multiple detailed steps that inevitably gives us our beautiful results. Finishes of this caliber are not done quickly or easily by any means. In addition, epoxy requires curing times that cannot be expedited. Trust us: these finishes are gorgeous, extremely durable & resilient and are well worth the wait!

Does a metal flake finish add much weight to my shells?

Metal flake finishes do add a small amount of weight to the shells, and this is contributed to the epoxy. Our epoxy cures with incredible strength and impact resistance, and is what makes our metal flake finishes 'Forever Finishes.' We pour just enough epoxy to encapsulate the metal flake and only a small amount of extra weight can be expected. There is no indication that our metal flake with epoxy finishes alter shell tonal qualities, other than possibly a slight decrease in shell decay. Our epoxy has elongation properties that allow our shells to resonate and breathe - unlike drum wrap that is rigid and completely dampens/chokes drum shell resonance.  

Do you offer custom designs on drum shells?

We do offer custom logos and design ideas on shells. Depending on our current work volume and design complexity, special requests can take longer to produce. Please email us with your ideas, and we will work with you to make it a reality. 

Nesting Drums Questions

 Can I get shell sizes different than the choices listed?

Certainly! As long as the desired sizes do not hinder the nesting design. Please provide specific shell dimensions in the notes section at checkout, or send us an email to confirm. 

Can more than 3 shells nest together?

Yes, more than 3 shells can be nesting together. There are some limitations when nesting more than 3 shells and all shells involved should meet the dimension requirements to make nesting possible. Please send a detailed email with any specific inquiries. 

Do your snare drums nest along with the toms?

We do not nest snare drums - only rack toms, floor toms and bass drums. During our designing stages, we came to the determination that nesting a snare drum is impractical - largely due to the throw off prohibiting nesting. A simple alternative is to have extra depth on your nesting drums case, and place your snare drum on top of the bass drum. This method allows you to carry a snare, toms and bass drum all in one case. If you would like extra depth on your nesting drums case, please make a notation at checkout. 

Does mounting hardware nest in the case along with my nesting drums?

Our primary objective with the Brownie Nesting design is to offer a professional level 3-piece (rack tom, floor tom & bass drum) conveniently nested in a single case. Our design ensures the shells are easily packed and un-packed, protected during transport and as lightweight as possible. Of course drum throne, cymbals, stands etc. will need to accompany your nesting drums while traveling and placed in a separate case. Additional depth can be requested on your nesting drums case, which will allow extra space for gear such as: snare drum, throne top, cymbals and any other items that fit properly. The most convenient way to travel with your gear can be different for everyone, but it all begins with a Brownie Nesting Kit!

How does the rack tom mount with your 3-piece nesting kits?

Each rack tom comes standard with an aircraft aluminum Ahead isolation suspension mount. And yes, the mount remains attached when the shells are nested. From there, we allow the players to decide how to mount their rack tom. The most common method is suspending the tom from a cymbal stand. Although Brownie Nesting Kits come standard with virgin bass drums, we do offer installing a bass drum tom mount and mounting arm with an additional charge. This option can be selected during checkout. We have designed our nesting drums with the absolute best sound dynamics in mind, and therefore, all nesting sets come standard with virgin bass drums and rack toms with isolation suspension mounts.  

How do the foam cushions protect my nesting drums?

Brownie Nesting 3-piece kits come with two high-density foam cushions, one for the bass drum and one for the floor tom. The foam dimensions are specifically cut to accommodate the shell dimensions. When packing (nesting) the shells for transport, each foam cushion is inserted to fill the empty space inside of the shells. The foam is cut at just the right depth to apply the slightest amount of pressure on the nested drum, ultimately preventing the nested shells from moving during transportation. The foam cushions are not a necessity, but this is one feature that keeps your Brownie kit protected and firmly packed into place while maneuvering the case or bumpy car ride home.

Why don't your nesting kits come standard with a hard case?

We use soft fleece-lined Protection Racket cases for our nesting kits for two primary reasons. First, the Protection Racket soft bass drum cases have two robust handles that allow for easy grip while lifting and carrying. Second, hard shell cases alone can weigh approximately 20lbs. The added weight can result in difficulties lifting and carrying the nested kit by hand. Some players do use hard shell cases for their nesting drums, but they use a dolly or cart to transport the case. We have found that 40lbs or less is ideal to carry your nesting kit by hand. An additional 20lb case breaches the threshold of what is considered manageable and convenient by hand. 

Can't find the answer to your question?  

Hit us up! We are usually able to respond within in 1-3 business days.