Buy Canopus Drum Sets at Drum Center of Portsmouth
Canopus Drums is one of the leading custom drum builders in the world. Founded by Shinichi Usuda in Japan in 1977, Canopus has grown in popularity over time. In part, this is because of the many innovations they have introduced into the world of drumming. We’re proud to offer so many of these innovative Canopus options here at Drum Center of Portsmouth.
Some of the unique products in our selection include the Zelkova, made from a hollowed-out tree trunk. The options don’t stop there, though. They feature ply shells made of birch, maple, and mahogany. They also offer selections in acrylic and carbon fiber. No matter which Canopus drum you end up choosing, you can rest assured that we’ll be putting into your hands a product engineered for the best sound.
We’re such strong fans of their drums, in fact, that DCP has worked with the company to design some of their now-legendary drum set models. This includes the 8x14 Zelkova and some of their deeper, solid snare drums. If you’re on the fence about Canopus, speak with one of our friendly staff. Our enthusiasm for Canopus is evident, and we’re happy to help any friend who walks in to find the right set for their needs.
At DCP, you can buy a Canopus product in-store with us or online. Either way, rest assured that you’re being offered the best selection possible. Should you have any questions while making your purchasing decision, feel free to get in touch. Our team here at DCP will be happy to help
Frequently Asked Questions
Canopus Drum Set FAQs
What makes Canopus drum sets stand out?
Canopus drum sets are built with attention to shell construction, hardware engineering, and tonal consistency. Their kits are played by drummers across rock, pop, jazz, fusion, and studio recording — from beginners to top professionals. Canopus drum sets are made in Japan with attention to traditional Japanese craftsmanship — distinctive shell construction and tonal character.
What sizes and configurations does Canopus offer?
Canopus offers a full range — bop kits (small, jazz-focused), fusion configurations (versatile sizes), standard rock kits (22 inch kick + 4 toms), and large rock setups. Both shell packs (drums only) and full kits with hardware are available.
What shell materials does Canopus use?
Canopus drum sets are built from a range of shell materials, most commonly maple, birch, mahogany, and proprietary blends. Each material affects sustain, attack, and tonal balance — your choice depends on the music you play and the sound you want.
Are Canopus drum sets good for beginners?
Canopus's entry-level kits combine quality shells, dependable hardware, and accessible pricing — ideal for new drummers. Their mid-tier and pro lines scale up as your playing develops, with strong resale value at every level.
What are Canopus's flagship professional drum set series?
Canopus's pro lines use top-tier shells, premium finishes, and advanced hardware. These series are common choices for working pros, session drummers, and touring acts who demand consistent performance across studio and stage.
Can I customize a Canopus drum set?
Most Canopus pro series support custom configurations — shell sizes, finishes, hardware options, and bearing edge profiles. The DCP team has years of experience helping drummers spec out custom orders; give us a call to walk through the options.
Does DCP carry used Canopus drum sets?
Yes — Drum Center of Portsmouth maintains a substantial used and consignment inventory, including Canopus kits across vintage and current production. Every used kit is inspected and photographed before listing.