Built by Hand. Made to Move You.

Royalton Drum Company started with a simple belief: the little things matter.

What started in a Northeast Ohio woodshop as a break from the pressures of running a nationwide construction company became a new creative pursuit for Tom Prusak — and, more than that, the beginning of Royalton Drum Company. Tom has been a drummer for over 40 years and a woodworker for more than 30. The love, respect, and understanding he has for both crafts is what he believes gives RDC an advantage over other drum manufacturers. His knowledge of many wood species from around the world is now being used to make some of the best-sounding stave drums, changing the way people think about drum construction.

The Early Days

One afternoon, Tom decided to build a drum that brought all that together. He made a solid stave snare out of Goncalo Alves, a rich, dense wood that demanded patience. When it was finished, the sound stopped him. It wasn’t just louder or cleaner. It felt different, and he wasn't the only one to feel that way.

He showed it to Spenser Syphers, a touring drummer with the heavy metal band Jungle Rot. After hearing the rich, high-quality tone, Spenser didn’t just want one; he wanted to help make it. The two of them spent long nights shaping and sanding, testing ideas and swapping stories. With Spenser's newly acquired knowledge of wood and its different properties he had decided Macassar Ebony could be perfect for his style of music . It was heavy, resonant, and like nothing either of them had played before.

The Team Expands

That drum became the start of something bigger. They realized what happens when craftsmanship, precision, and a love of music come together. Before long, Josh Charnigo, an engineer with a background in aviation, joined the effort. His eye for detail and technical know‑how helped them create their now‑signature spear‑point lugs, designed by world‑renowned knife designer Jared Van Otterloo.

From those early days in the workshop, Royalton Drum Company has grown, but the approach hasn’t changed. Every drum is still built by hand, from solid wood, with custom hardware made in-house.

We build for drummers who care about how a drum feels and looks as much as how it sounds, players who know that the smallest details aren’t small at all.

  • Tom Prusak

    An expert craftsman and avid drummer with a vast knowledge of wood species from all over the world. He meticulously crafts each drum, ensuring exceptional quality in every detail of their construction.

  • Spenser Syphers

    A professional drummer with over a decade of touring experience, his firsthand knowledge in live performance and studio recording is used to make sure each drum reaches its true potential.

  • Josh Charnigo

    A skilled machinist, with expertise in precision and innovation, managing all aspects of production, including drum hardware and design.



Shop Our Premium Snare Drum Collection

African Padauk 10 Lug Stave Snare 7.5''x14'' High Gloss Finish with Custom Antique Brushed Black Nickel Lugs and Gloss Woven Carbon Fiber Inlays

African Padauk 10 Lug Stave Snare 7.5''x14'' High Gloss Finish with Custom Antique Brushed Black Nickel Lugs and Gloss Woven Carbon Fiber Inlays

African Padauk 10 Lug Stave Snare 7.5''x14'' High Gloss Finish with Custom Antique Brushed Black Nickel Lugs and Gloss Woven Carbon Fiber Inlays

$2,995.00 USD
$2,995.00 USD

Snare Drums

Unleash your musical creativity with our Royalton Snare Drums. Crafted with stave...

Snare Drums

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of players are you building for?

We’re building for drummers who care about the details. Players who want a snare that feels inspiring in the hands, sounds huge in the room, and holds up when it’s time to actually play. Studio. Stage. Weekend gigs. Full-time grind. If you want a snare with real character and real craftsmanship, you’re our kind of player.

Do you offer custom builds, or only set models?

If you'd like to inquire about a custom build fill out our contact form on the website with your details and specs and we'll let you know if its something our team is up for.

How do you balance consistency with one-of-one craftsmanship?

We stay consistent where it matters most: the build quality, the fit and finish, the hardware choices, and the way the drum responds. The one-of-one part is the personality: the wood, the finish, the small details that make it yours. Same standard every time.

How can someone contact you about a build or collaboration?

The easiest way is through our contact form on the website. Send us what you’re thinking, even if it’s just a rough idea, and we’ll follow up to talk through the details. If it’s a collaboration, include what you have in mind and any links so we can get a clear picture fast.