Calling this a drum shop just isn't fair. This is Utopia for drummers. After years of enjoying dozens of always-educational and often hilarious DCP videos on their YouTube channel, I finally set aside two days to make the six-hour drive to Portsmouth to see the place. I wish I hadn't waited so long.

I spent three hours roaming every inch of DCP and can't wait to return. In fact, I'm going to make a visit here part of my annual fall calendar, even if the only thing I need at that time is a pair of sticks. But I guarantee it won't be the only purchase I leave with, because the entire vibe of this mammoth retail-store-within-a-shrine-to-all-things-drumming is so damned inspiring, I want to support DCP.

And if you are a drummer, know a drummer or just want to BE a drummer, you should support DCP, too. Why? Because Shane and his team have built a business that to my way of thinking is the Gold Standard of drum shops, from the ground up. Not in NYC. Not in LA. Not in Vegas, Austin, Nashville or any other live music mecca, but in tiny (but beautiful) Portsmouth NH.

The inventory and displays are mind-boggling. The prices are fair and competitive. The staff is extremely knowledgeable, friendly and low-pressure and make you feel at home the moment you walk through the door. I've owned small businesses all my life and couldn't be more impressed by what DCP has achieved and the height of the bar they've set here in a hyper-competitive industry. This is a special place. It reminds me that an independent business owner who loves his craft, is a genuinely good human being (I spent some time with Shane, and trust me, he is exactly that), builds a team of like-minded people and treats them like family can succeed against the odds.

I visited ostensibly to buy yet another kit, but that was just an excuse to justify paying for a hotel night. The only downside of my experience at DCP is that it's ruined me for visiting any other drum shop. That would be like settling for a burger when I can buy a filet for the same price.

Their ecomm site and website rocks, too, btw. But as you can tell by my expression, for this drummer, the road trip is worth every mile. Go!

DCP is my favorite place on earth. Combined with a lobster roll at peteys and a walk on Wallis sands you could not ask for a better day. All the sales guys are great to deal with and owner Shane is a nice man. If you love drums like I do this is where to go. Chuck H.

I have made a few purchases here, and they always ship quickly. I get great service. They have reached out to manufacturers for answers to my questions, and most recently they gave me a price on a custom order that was almost half of what the competition wanted. I will shop here again for any drum gear, and I recommend them to anyone.

I’ve been ordering gear from Drum Center of Portsmouth for a number of years now. Their prices are always very competitive, they have a good array of in stock items and they ship immediately. I’m very happy with this vendor and highly recommend them.