When it comes to boutique drum craftsmanship, few names inspire the same level of respect as Craviotto. Known for their solid-shell, steam-bent drums, Craviotto instruments combine old-world craftsmanship with modern precision. And now, after more than a decade away, these stunning drums have returned to Drum Center of Portsmouth — and we couldn’t be more excited.

In this showcase, we compare two custom shop Craviotto solid shell drum sets — one built from maple and the other from walnut. Along the way, we’ll highlight their construction, sonic personality, and how they stack up against the multi-ply kits most drummers are used to playing.

It’s been 13 years since Drum Center of Portsmouth last carried Craviotto, and their return marks a special moment. Known for their unrivaled approach to solid-shell construction, these kits represent the pinnacle of drum building. Unlike mass-produced shells, each Craviotto drum is crafted from a steam-bent single ply of wood, with reinforcement rings for added stability. The result? Dynamic, resonant drums that respond to every touch with character and musicality.

Both the maple and walnut kits showcased here are custom shop builds, designed to the highest standards.

• Construction: Single-ply, steam-bent shells with solid reinforcement rings
• Bearing Edges: Precision 45° cuts for clarity and attack
• Hardware: Proprietary Craviotto tube lugs
• Hoops: 2.3 mm triple-flanged on toms, matching inlaid hoops on bass drums

Unlike typical multi-ply shells, these solid-ply drums project differently. They feel slightly softer under the stick yet produce a midrange-heavy tone full of woody character. And when you dig in, they open up with remarkable projection and dynamic response.

The maple kit brings a balanced, versatile voice to the table, making it an excellent choice for drummers who need their setup to adapt across genres and playing situations. Maple has long been prized as a go-to drum shell wood because of its ability to blend brightness, clarity, and full-bodied warmth, and when paired with Craviotto’s solid-shell steam-bent construction, those qualities are elevated to a whole new level. The result is a kit that projects beautifully when pushed but can also respond with subtlety and nuance when played at softer dynamics.

For this showcase, we paired the maple kit with a 14x6.5 Ambrosia Maple snare drum in natural lacquer, a stunning instrument that not only looks incredible but also matches the kit tonally. The snare delivers a crisp, articulate attack followed by a smooth, musical sustain that sits perfectly in a mix. Thanks to the Trick throw-off system and 20-strand snare wires, drummers can expect precision, sensitivity, and reliability whether they’re laying down delicate ghost notes or cracking rimshots at full volume.

Together, the kit and snare embody the qualities that make maple such a timeless wood choice: clarity, balance, and adaptability — with the added character and resonance that only a Craviotto solid-shell build can provide.

The walnut kit leans toward the darker end of the sonic spectrum, offering a rich, resonant voice that contrasts beautifully with the brighter, more balanced sound of maple. Walnut emphasizes the low and low-mid frequencies, giving the kit a thicker presence and a natural warmth that many drummers associate with vintage instruments. Yet, because these shells are solid-ply and steam-bent, they still deliver impressive articulation and clarity, ensuring that every note speaks clearly — even in denser mixes.

The bass drum, in particular, shines with a deep, punchy thump that anchors the kit, while the toms provide a rounded, throaty resonance that feels powerful without being muddy. It’s a sound that works especially well for drummers who want weight and warmth in their tone but still need definition and control across dynamic ranges.

Paired with this kit is a 14x6.5 Mahogany single-ply snare, finished with an eye-catching wood-burned treatment that highlights its boutique craftsmanship. Tonally, this snare complements the walnut shells with a darker, moodier personality. Like its maple counterpart, it’s equipped with Craviotto’s proprietary tube lugs, a Trick throw-off system, and 20-strand wires, ensuring reliable performance and precise sensitivity. But where the maple snare sings with brightness, the mahogany snare speaks with a warm, earthy authority — perfect for drummers chasing a deeper, more characterful backbeat.

Together, the walnut kit and mahogany snare create a sound palette that feels powerful, lush, and sophisticated — ideal for players who want to stand out with a bold, expressive voice behind the kit.

Each Craviotto kit was paired with its own custom single-ply snare to complement the shell wood and sonic character. The maple kit features a 14x6.5 Ambrosia Maple snare in natural lacquer, delivering bright, articulate attack with smooth sustain. The walnut kit uses a 14x6.5 Mahogany snare with a striking wood-burned finish, providing darker, warmer tones with a rich low-end presence. Both snares utilize Craviotto’s tube lugs, Trick throw-off system, and 20-strand snare wires, ensuring responsive, professional-level performance that matches the dynamic range and projection of the full kits.

To fully explore the sonic range of these two Craviotto kits, we tested them at both lower tunings, which emphasize warmth, body, and a round, woody character, and higher tunings, which bring out clarity, articulation, and note definition. This approach allowed us to hear how each wood type responds across dynamic playing and different musical contexts.

• Maple: The maple kit delivers a versatile, balanced sound with clear mids and sparkling highs, making it ideal for drummers who need their kit to adapt across multiple genres. It’s articulate enough for subtle ghost notes, yet still projects with punch during louder passages. The overall tone is even and smooth, offering a classic drum sound that fits seamlessly in both live and studio settings.

• Walnut: The walnut kit leans darker and fuller, with a stronger low-end presence and a naturally resonant midrange. This kit is perfect for drummers seeking depth, warmth, and richness, yet it maintains the clarity and projection that Craviotto solid-shells are known for. Each stroke feels weighty but musical, giving the drums a commanding presence while remaining sensitive to nuanced playing.

When compared side by side, the differences are clear and compelling. Both kits share Craviotto’s signature responsiveness, dynamic range, and projection, but their tonal personalities diverge: the maple kit offers versatility and balance, ideal for a wide range of musical styles, while the walnut kit sings with power and richness, commanding attention with its dark, expressive voice.

Whether you favor the bright adaptability of maple or the bold resonance of walnut, these kits demonstrate why Craviotto solid-shell drums remain a benchmark in boutique drum craftsmanship.

The return of Craviotto drums to Drum Center of Portsmouth is nothing short of inspiring. These aren’t just drum sets — they’re works of art, built to capture the essence of what makes solid-shell construction so special.

Whether you’re drawn to the balanced clarity of maple or the dark, commanding tone of walnut, Craviotto delivers instruments that feel alive under the sticks and elevate your playing experience.

To capture the full tonal range and subtle nuances of each Craviotto kit, we complemented the drums with premium cymbals and a professional microphone setup for pristine, detailed sound.

Experience the difference of solid-shell craftsmanship for yourself. Shop Craviotto drum sets and snares at Drum Center of Portsmouth and bring home a kit that’s built to inspire for a lifetime.

Not sure which wood type fits your style?

Reach out to our drum experts for personalized advice and real-world recommendations.