Van Kleef Custom Drums

ABOUT VAN KLEEF

Alan van Kleef uses stainless steel as the primary material for the hoops, lugs and throw. He produces drums that are as unique in appearance as they are in sound.

Van Kleef is a musician-turned-builder. His career started in the 90's, drumming live to Drum & Bass / house DJ's at various events in the UK and Ibiza (Ministry of Sound, Cream, World Dance, Back to Basics), and various artists, (Johnette Napolitano, Tom DiCillo, Rachel Stamp, Ariel-X, Emma Shapplin, Bex Marshall and Yogi Lonich). Then soon after, running his own recording studio in London, (Naghty Boy, Big Narstie, Steve Jones, Foy Vance). VK Drums is currently run from his home workshop since starting in 2012.

Van Kleef crafts custom snare drums and full kits from materials such as stainless steel, aluminium, copper, titanium, brass, bronze, magnesium, silver and gold. The sound is so distinctive that VK Drums have become 'must-have' instruments in the arsenals of influential artists including Steve Gadd, Thomas Lang, Danny Carey and many, many more.

“I've always had a passion for designing new and interesting drums, believing that there is always a new sound to be created, from the choice of composition of the solid lugs or the hand-rolled stainless steel hoops, everything plays a part in creating that new sound.”

Many of the VK models feature a VK laser cut air hole on the shell instead of a badge. You can have pretty much any custom design cut or laser etched into the shell or snare strainer.

Carl Palmer - 14 x 4 Sterling Silver:

“The sound quality of the snare drum I have is unbelievable”

Abe Laboriel Jr - 14 x 7 Copper:

“It is incredibly expressive & really sounds great on the 3 hour gig!!!”

Chad Smith - 14 x 7 Titanium:

“It sounds as beautiful as it looks”

Adam "Nolly" Getgood - 14 x 6.5 Copper:

“I love my copper VK snare! Throughout its tuning range, it's one of the most well-rounded and balanced sounding snare drums I have come across, with a tone that is both unique yet familiar enough to fit in any context.”

Steve Gadd - 14 x 5.5 Titanium:

“Ah man, beautiful!!”

Todd Sucherman - variious snare drums in collection:

“Holy smokes, man. Gorgeous works of art!both drums sound killer I recorded with the steel last night and it was great. great vintage sound.”

Thomas Pridgen - 14 x 6.5 Titanium Hybrid:

“I love it! so DOPE!”

Matt Cameron - 14 x 5 Aluminium:

“Hi Alan. I love the drum! Its beautiful and it plays nicely. I cant thank you enough for making it for me. You rule!”

Mat Hector - 14 x 6 Cast Bronze:

“Snare sounds really incredible!”

Daniel Erlandsson- 14 x 6.5 Stainless Steel:

“It really sounds great! Everyone in the crew and band agrees too haha..”

Stephen Perkins - 14 x 6.5 Titanium:

“Sounds awesome dry and quick - hollow but present - Mellow but snappy ! with midrange too”

Thomas Lang - 14 x 7 Titanium:

“WOW!!!!! I love it. It's beautiful and sounds absolutely killer. The look is so friggin'slick, I totally dig it. DAMN!”

Van Kleef Custom Drums
Hand built in
Sheffield, England, UK
Email: info@vkdrums.com