Huston Drums Weblog

Hello all:
We've added three new snares and one new (refurbished) kit in the last few days. One of the snares is already sold, and the other ones probably won't last long , so take advantage of these great buys while they last. The "Gig Special" is an unbelievable deal-it looks incredible, sounds great, includes everything you need to start gigging, and is priced to move!

Hello All:
Due to availability issues, we can no longer offer Pearl die cast hoops as standard. Fortunately, we have another supplier, so we'll still offer standard die cast hoops-they just won't be Pearl.

Hello all:
Please be aware that if you're using AOL for internet access that we won't be able to respond to your e-mails. In AOL's infinite wisdom, they've managed to design "Spam Filtering Software" which does exactly the opposite of what it should-it blocks e-mails from many legitimate web sites, including ours. Two solutions:
1) We have an alternate e-mail box: hustonw@comcast.net. We can't guarantee that e-mails from that address won't also be blocked, but we've had better luck with it than with our main address.
2) We can always be reached at our business phone: 865-803-4444.

Of course, if all else fails, you could tell AOL to shove it and seek another ISP.....:)

But that's just our two cents!!

Hello all:
As of today, the 13 x 3 1/2 maple piccolo, the 12" x 6" maple soprano, and the 14" x 6 1/2" flat black maple snares are history-gone like yesterday's fish wrap! That leaves only the steam-bent maple, the two stainless steel, and the acrylic snares in stock. All of those drums look and sound great, and would make wonderful Christmas presents for those of you thinking ahead!

Hello all:
Due to the unreliability of the "spam blocking" function now included by many ISP's, we've decided to add our phone number to the web site. It's listed directly under the business location on the lower right hand side of the home page, as well as below. Please feel free to call us at any time-if we don't answer, please leave a message with your phone number and as much pertinent information as possible, along with a good time for us to call back. We WILL return your call!

Business phone-865-803-4444

Hello all:
In addition to our other recent upgrades, we've decided to add the following standard items on all Huston custom products:
1) Ego lugs. These are a state-of-the art product-simply the best available, especially regarding the all-important tension rod alignment issue. For details, Click Here.
2) TightScrew tension rods on all drums. TightScrew rods are an entirely new design which, along with our standard Master Cast hoops, eliminate forever the most frustrating aspect of playing drums-detuning. Forget "stainless steel" rods or "fine-thread rods"-no other tension rods can match these! And, as of this writing, we know of no other drum builder offering TightScrew rods as standard equipment. For more information, Click Here.
3) Pearl Air Suspension feet on all floor toms. A small thing, maybe, but if you've ever played a floor tom on any solid, unpadded surface, whether it be tile, wood, or concrete , you undoubtedly remember how "choked" your drum sounded. Not any more!
As you can see, we're leaving "no stone unturned" in our desire to the the best. Watch for more upgrades and innovations to come in the near future!

Hello all;
A few quick notes on the BlowOut sale:
1) All items are sold as is, and no refunds will be offered. However, all drums are in excellent working order and are either new or new/old stock-none are previously owned.
2) We will accept credit/check cards, personal checks (after clearing bank), and money orders/cashier's checks as payment. Sorry, no PayPal for this sale, though.
3) All prices are plus state sales tax and/or shipping charges.
4) We charge a flat $12.00 shipping/insurance fee on all snare drums to any destination in the continental U.S.A., via UPS Ground.
5) Please e-mail us with any questions.

Go Git 'Em!!

Hello guys and gals:
BlowOut sale happening now! All unsold items in Web Buys are 50% off listed price until 10/31/06!!
You heard right!! 50% off!! We need to clear shelf space for new products, so take advantage before this stuff is gone on down the road!! Crazy deals!! We're out of our cotton pickin' minds here !!! These won't last, friends!! Too hot to handle-sssssssss!!! Limited time only!!! Grab 'em before it's too, too late!! Free balloons, pony rides, and hot dogs for the kiddies, too!! Git it git it git it yeeeeeooooowww!!

(This messsage brought to you by A-1 Used Rides out on the Pike, which is not affiliated with Huston Drums in any way).

Hello All:
After some discussion, we've decided to include Pearl Master Cast hoops as standard not just on our custom snares but on all our custom toms as well. Again, we're doing our best to stand alone among custom drum builders in offering the finest component parts available.
We're also very happy to announce that Viewtop Vintage Drums in Dandridge,TN is now a Huston Drums
authorized dealer. The HottFest 2006 kit will be on display there as of next Tuesday, August 29, 2006, along with several Huston custom snares. James Meadows, the owner, has a long-standing reputation for offering superb service and a great in-store selection, so we're very fortunate to be represented by such a reputable merchant. James also has a thriving internet business-he sells a ton of products on his e-bay store of the same name.

Hey dudes & dudettes:
I promised lots of exciting stuff in my last entry, so please check out the "Specifications" page on the web site to see what is now standard equipment on all Huston custom drums. No other, and we mean NO other custom drum builder offers all that we do as standard! We're completey focused on providing the finest custom drum products on the planet, and we can only do that by using the absolute best component parts and most innovative processes. I'm most excited about our new "PreVent" system-details to follow soon!
P.S. We've also recently added pics/details of the HottFest 2006 kit, along with 2 new snares in "WebBuys". All comments and/or queries are welcome!

Hello all:
Lots of exciting things happening here! First of all, please check the three new snares in the gallery. The steam-bent maple drum is the first of its type for us, and the results are even better than we’d hoped for. Tons of body, a focused, warm tone, and a "throaty" quality make this a very special piece. What do I mean by "throaty", you say? Let me put it this way: when this drum is "dialed in", it has a voice all it's own-so warm and mellow that it could almost be human! All three of the new drums are listed in WebBuys, along with a little red sparkle painted drum which is a re-worked prototype. That baby is 1mm stainless steel, and it absolutely screams at high tunings!

In other news, Huston Drums is proud to be a sponsor of HOTTFEST again this year. It’s four great nights of music at the Corner Lounge in Knoxville, with an incredible lineup of local and out-of-area bands. We’re in the process of finishing what will be the house kit for all four nights of the show. It’s going to contain loads of special features we’ve never offered before, and we’ll have images up on the site as soon as it’s completed. It’s the first example of what will be a new direction and focus for our company, and all of us at Huston Drums are very excited and optimistic about our future. There’s a ton of new and exciting product offerings on the way, so keep a close watch on the “Newsblog” tab - we’ll keep you informed with frequent updates!

Hello all:
HottFest 2005 rocked hard-three great nights of original local music!! We here at Huston Drums were so impressed by the whole thing that we, along with local radio station 90.3 the Rock, are going to be giving away the HottFest Special kit! This promotional giveaway will include not only the kit, but a complete hardware and cymbal setup, along with other special prizes. All the info regarding where and how to enter will be announced on 90.3 the Rock starting on Friday, June 17, so make sure all you Knoxville drummers listen up for your chance to win this great prize package!

Hello all:
From Memorial Day 2005 until Labor Day 2005, were pleased to offer the following "Summer Specials" :

Any four piece Huston custom kit, to include:

Two 6 or 8 ply toms (8"-16" diameters, up to square depths)
One 6 or 8 ply kick (18"-22"' diameter, up to square depth)
One 8, 10, or 20 ply snare (13" or 14" diameter, up to 7" depth)
Any standard wrapped finish (except glass glitters or champagne sparkle )

Sale Price - $1999.00

Also-for the first time we're offering chrome plated hardware packs:

Our Standard Hardware Pack, to include:
2-Double braced boom cymbal stands (with tom brackets)
1-Double braced snare stand with omni-ball adjustment

Sale Price-$199.00

Our Deluxe Hardware Pack, to include the Standard Hardware pack plus:
1-Single chain bass drum pedal with stabilizer plate
1-Double braced hi-hat stand w/swivel legs
1-12" x 3" threaded stool

Sale price-$349.00

Please note:
1) All our standard specifications apply except for shell thicknesses, which are limited to those listed above.
2) Price on custom kits and hardware packs does not include sales tax (for TN residents) or shipping charges.
3) We'll be happy to ship to Canada, Mexico, and/or overseas (shipping charges to be advised in advance of order entry).

Please e-mail us with any questions. Here's to a great summer, and a new Huston drum kit for you!

Hello all:
Huston Drums is proud to be a sponsor of HottFest 2005, which will take place on June 2, 3, & 4, at the Corner Lounge in Knoxville. A total of thirteen bands will be featured over three days, and amazingly, each day's cover charge is only $5.00! We'll be providing a kit and several snares, so this is an opportunity to hear some great music and check out Huston Drums at the same time. For more details, visit:

http://www.hottfest.com/

Please note-admission is limited to those eighteen and older. Hope to see you there!

Hello all:
Please check out the new page called "WeBBuys". We feel it's a great way to advertise any Huston Drum products which are ready for purchase "right now" and will not require any lead time. All of the products currently listed are in "new" or "like new" condition, so just e-mail us for further details. Please check out the black sparkle kit in particular-it looks amazing under lights (the black chrome hardware brings out a deep blue tint in the wrap) and sounds absolutely incredible! (The picture doesn't come close to doing it justice-we plan to post a much better photo in a couple of days).

Hello all:
We've added two new kits and two new snares to the web site, so please let us know what you think. All comments welcome!

Hello all:
Huston Drums is proud to announce that we'll now be offering the Trick GS007 strainer and butt as standard equipment on all Huston snare drums. In addition to being completely bullet-proof, this strainer offers a very cool "side-to-side" release. It also has a "click-stop" feature which enables you to "dial in" your favorite tension setting with no worries about losing that setting, whether you like your wires "loosey-rattley" or "torque-wrench tight". :) Other strainers/butts will continue to be available-please contact us for price and availability on any special requests.

Hello All:
Huston Drums will be closed from today, August 6, until Monday, August 16. My wife and I are taking a long-awaited honeymoon to Florida-needless to say,we're very excited about the opportunity!
Please hold any quote requests or other inquiries until I return-I'll be glad to answer them as soon as we get back. Here's to beaches,boats,sun,and surf!

Hello all:
We frequently get e-mail requests for quotes which we cannot answer, due to faulty e-mail addresses.
Since this is "muy" frustrating for all involved, please double-check all your e-mails for the correct return address. We get really bummed when we have no way to answer you!!!

BTW, if Angelo is out there (p0is0nthewell7) - you fall into the above category,dude. :)
Please send me an alternate address - I'd love to get your quote to you.

The new scanner's here! The new scanner's here!
But seriously,ladies and germs....
No-I really mean it this time...
OK-we picked up a new scanner over the weekend-it's unbelievable! The photos of the new Flat Black Kit were scanned with it, and they came out very rich in detail. Our web guru, MiAH, is currently going back and rescanning several of the existing gallery images-we think that there'll be a noticeable difference once he posts them. BTW-for any of you needing web hosting or web design,
MiAH does amazing work. You can reach him via miah@soundlair.com.- he is definitely the man!

Hello All! Today marks the debut of the Huston Drums "News" tab! We think it'll be a great way to accomplish a couple of things:

1) We can keep past, present, and future artists up to date on all news pertaining to Huston Drums in particular, and the drumming community in general.
2) All interested parties can add replies / comments to our posts, so we hope it will be a valuable source for feedback and all "Suggestions Box"-type comments.

As we've said before, our goal at Huston Drums is to provide the best drums and percussion products available, with a personalized, "human" touch which can sometimes be lacking in a "mass production" environment. We hope that this new feature will be one more tool in our quest to continually refine and improve that process. We also want to offer a huge "Thank You" to all of the Huston Drums artists who've supported us so far - to say that we're grateful for your acceptance and humbled by your trust is a gross understatement!