Our drums
Our drums
The O7 drums were designed out of necessity. I couldn't afford traditional drums in the numbers I needed. The idea started with Marte Ciro, a drummer friend, and from there I began experimenting, simplifying, testing, and refining the design. The goal was clear: to create enough drums for a big group, using as little material, time, and craft as possible, without losing strength or sound. The result is a drum that’s bold, practical, and built for real-world use.
The O7 drums were designed out of necessity. I couldn't afford traditional drums in the numbers I needed. The idea started with Marte Ciro, a drummer friend, and from there I began experimenting, simplifying, testing, and refining the design. The goal was clear: to create enough drums for a big group, using as little material, time, and craft as possible, without losing strength or sound. The result is a drum that’s bold, practical, and built for real-world use.
The O7 drums were designed out of necessity. I couldn't afford traditional drums in the numbers I needed. The idea started with Marte Ciro, a drummer friend, and from there I began experimenting, simplifying, testing, and refining the design. The goal was clear: to create enough drums for a big group, using as little material, time, and craft as possible, without losing strength or sound. The result is a drum that’s bold, practical, and built for real-world use.
Drainage pipes
Drainage pipes
Drainage pipes
Every O7 Drum begins its life as a drainage pipe. Sourcing them is rarely straightforward. It involves scouting construction sites for discarded cut-offs, tracking down overlooked surplus, or reaching out directly to suppliers willing to part with remnants.
Every O7 Drum begins its life as a drainage pipe. Sourcing them is rarely straightforward. It involves scouting construction sites for discarded cut-offs, tracking down overlooked surplus, or reaching out directly to suppliers willing to part with remnants.
Origins
Origins
At the time, around 2010, resources were limited. Traditional instruments were out of reach. The turning point came through a friend and fellow drummer, Marte Ciro, who had been building his own drums from drainage pipes. His idea became the spark behind O7. With generosity and trust, he lent his instruments so the project could begin - proof that this story started with shared knowledge, collaboration, and belief rather than capital.
At the time, around 2010, resources were limited. Traditional instruments were out of reach. The turning point came through a friend and fellow drummer, Marte Ciro, who had been building his own drums from drainage pipes. His idea became the spark behind O7. With generosity and trust, he lent his instruments so the project could begin - proof that this story started with shared knowledge, collaboration, and belief rather than capital.
First designs
First designs
With access to a growing supply of drainage pipes, donated drumheads from fellow drummers, and rope that was affordable, the first builds began. The early drums followed traditional African rope-tension techniques - proven, musical, and effective. But they came with limitations. Each drum required more material than was sustainable: not just two drumheads, but additional rims to create proper tension, either custom-made in metal or salvaged from damaged heads. To scale the project and keep it accessible, a new approach was needed. The search for a simpler, smarter solution became the next turning point.
With access to a growing supply of drainage pipes, donated drumheads from fellow drummers, and rope that was affordable, the first builds began. The early drums followed traditional African rope-tension techniques - proven, musical, and effective. But they came with limitations. Each drum required more material than was sustainable: not just two drumheads, but additional rims to create proper tension, either custom-made in metal or salvaged from damaged heads. To scale the project and keep it accessible, a new approach was needed. The search for a simpler, smarter solution became the next turning point.
Getting closer
Getting closer
Over time, a more efficient approach emerged. Inspired by Japanese taiko drums, the design shifted toward using less material without sacrificing tension or sound. Piercing the drumheads themselves felt counterintuitive at first, but the results proved otherwise - it worked. While this version was not yet the final design, it marked a crucial step forward, bringing the project closer to what O7 would become.
Over time, a more efficient approach emerged. Inspired by Japanese taiko drums, the design shifted toward using less material without sacrificing tension or sound. Piercing the drumheads themselves felt counterintuitive at first, but the results proved otherwise - it worked. While this version was not yet the final design, it marked a crucial step forward, bringing the project closer to what O7 would become.
Final designs
Final designs
After years of experimentation—trial, error, and constant refinement—the design finally settled into place. A balance of traditional drum-making techniques and carefully developed new ideas brought everything together. It is a design shaped by patience, listening, and making—one that feels resolved, yet always open to evolution.
After years of experimentation—trial, error, and constant refinement—the design finally settled into place. A balance of traditional drum-making techniques and carefully developed new ideas brought everything together. It is a design shaped by patience, listening, and making—one that feels resolved, yet always open to evolution.
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Get in touch
Filipe Henda
Artistic & Musical Director
Richard Murray
Operations Director
07854366653