Online Drum Magazine

This week we feature a very creative custom drum builder in Richard Arthur, owner of Aeroric Custom Drums in Brazil. Aeroric is the company responsible for the octopus artwork on Aquiles Prietser's Mapex kit. Richard's work speaks for itself and he is a major contributor to the growing drum industry in Brazil. 

Richard, can you tell me how you started your company? 

The company started working in airbrush (airbrushing musical instruments), soon after we repaired musical instruments, after some time we began working with drums, starting only in customizations. But three years ago I decided to make drums and started developing all our parts until I realized the final product. 

What is it like to get a custom drum company in Brazil? There is a large population of drummers in Brazil? 

We began our interest in making custom drums because they are not part of the national market. There are many musicians who are interested in a product like this, since in Brazil there is still a very conservative culture. We want to stimulate the market and reach these musicians. 

What kind of wood do you use? 

We use wood from Brazil, Araucaria and ivory. 

What are the benefits of woods you use? 

They are timber control deforestation and licensed timber removed from the country's southern region—high quality, with much resonance. 

Tell me about the drums for your customized Aquiles Priester. 

Aquiles Priester was already sponsored by the Mapex brand; we sponsor him in customization of the drums, which was made of lacquer finish customized with his octopus logo. 

Can you tell me about your cajon products? 

They are made of 15mm MDF, 4mm ivory top mat and snare inside where we could get a sound similar to a drum. 

You make an instrument called a Zabumba. What is this? 

It is a percussion instrument where the musician hangs the instrument next to his chest, uses a stick to make the beat at the top and a thinner sticks at the bottom to follow up. 

Where is it used? 

In north and northeastern Brazil in regional musical styles like forro. 

What other products do you sell? 

Hard Bags, hardware, drumheads. 

How can a drummer order your drums? 

www.aeroric.com.br

You sell your drums outside of Brazil? 

Still not sold outside Brazil, but we can send our drums to other countries at a lower cost.

Visit Aeroric Custom Drums online at http://www.aeroric.com.br/