Cyclone Drums is a new up and coming custom drum company founded and operated by drummer/builder Brian Bernard. Last week we had the pleasure of meeting Brian, his wife Jennifer and two kids during a visit to their company factory. Currently running out of their home in Seffner, Florida, Cyclone Drums does it all--not only building custom drums, they also do on-site repairs, edge cutting, rewraps, reconditioning, tuning, and more.



Brian Bernard is a talented drummer, and has always wanted to have his own business of building drums. Tragedy struck 5 years ago, when Brian and his wife Jennifer we hit by a drunk driver. After 3 years of multiple surgeries and being unemployed as a result of the accident, vocational rehabilitation helped them start their own business. This is how Cyclone Drums was created. After starting the company, they became a member of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce which allowed them to learn more about their business. The SBIC (Small Business Information Center), a local business development center that's part of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce was another helpful guide to putting everything together. Brian and Jennifer know that without God's favor on them and their company none of this would have been possible. One amazing situation after another has proven to them that letting God lead the way is really paying off. 
                                

With all this help and motivation from various organizations, it was time to get crackin'! Brian and Jennifer got started with both the business side, and the production Cyclone Drums. Brian started learning how to build the drums and reconditioning while Jennifer handled the business end of things. Last year Brian and Jennifer attend their first Winter NAMM Show in Anaheim,CA. While on the flight another passenger overheard their story and stepped out to take them under his wing. The gentleman was with a famous Latin drummer heading to the LP event and opened the door to future opportunities as well as inviting the Bernard's to a private LP event. When dealing with the music industry it seems that timing is everything in many cases.



Cyclone Drums thinks outside the box by taking pride in meeting the drummer's needs. Built to your specifications by owner Brian Bernard himself, Cyclone Drums uses 100% Maple Keller shells, 8 ply on the toms and kick, and 10 ply snare drums. They also utilize brass tube lugs and 2.3 mm brass hoops. You may also custom order your kit to your personal preference with vintage and/or modern style wood hoops.

 

These are just a couple of Brian's creations in one of his workshops. With all the studio foam and insulation; playing, jamming, and testing of the drums is never a problem.

 

 

Here is where most of all the materials used to make these custom drums are stored. Everything from the Keller shells, Acrylic shells, to a few re-conditioning projects here and there;this room holds all the bits and pieces necessary to build a drum kit. Brian says "I've got enough shells in here to do about 20 kits" as room also includes all the different types of hoops, and the heads that will be assembled with the kits. 

                                              

          

This is the build workshop of Cyclone Drums... where all the magic happens. Where Brian gets to build, recondition, customize, and just experiment with new ideas. With all the tools he needs around him, he starts building his custom creations from scratch.



This is also where the reconditioning of drums takes place. The drums get stripped of the old weathering they receive from sitting, being played and beat on. All of the trimming, cutting, sanding, and drilling is also handled in the build room.

  

All of Cyclone's custom drum kits are painted by local artist Tyson Kimak of Don't Stare Customz Inc. which is based out of Plant City, FL. His incredibly fine and detailed work reflects the same tedious work ethic that Brian puts into crafting his drums. Being that Tyson also paints motorcycles, he can do many different themes on a kit allowing you to get a truly unique finish for your custom creation!

                              

Something else that makes Cyclone Drums a bit different, is that you can also have your drums hand painted by custom brush painter Trinity Rivard. Trinity hand-brushed the skull artwork on the drum you see above. This is another custom amenity that most manufacturers just don't offer.

Despite the unfortunate events the Bernard's have faced in the past, they have excelled and moved forward ever since. Now they have a top notch drum company, a great staff, and a strong family to back them up. Be sure to check out Cyclone Drums at the 2009 Winter NAMM show, and in the possession of drummers everywhere!

Cyclone Drums are being currently sold at All Pro Percussion-

-All Pro Percussion- 10101 East Adamo Dr.

Tampa, FL 33619

Cyclone Drums can also be found at Music Showcase in Brandon, FL, were Brian also gives drum lessons to 40-45 students a week.

-Music Showcase- 402 Oakfield Drive

Brandon, FL 33511

       Contact info:

-Cyclone Drums LLC

Phone – 813-480-7056

Address 1408 Fernwood Place Seffner, FL 33584

-Don't Stare Customz, Inc

Phone - 813-732-9952

Address 4816 Knights Landing Drive Plant City, Fl 33565

-Trinity Rivard (Hand Painter)-