IAN CLEMENTS

A drummer playing a drum set on stage with dark background and blue lighting.

Drum Repair Shop is where craftsmanship meets rhythm. Run solely by Ian Clements, a drummer and master tradesman, the shop blends years of hands-on building experience with a deep understanding of music. Ian has worked on everything from new home construction to fine designer furniture, giving him an unmatched command of materials, tools, and precision.

That expertise translates directly into his drum work — from restoring battered kits that seem beyond saving, to carving flawless bearing edges, to crafting custom drums built to inspire. Ian’s philosophy is simple: good drums should be within reach for every drummer, producer, and artist. If you’ve played in Canada’s music scene, chances are you’ve already heard his work — even if you didn’t know it.

A man with long hair and glasses passionately playing drums in a dark setting.

As a drummer himself, Ian knows the little frustrations that can get between you and your best performance. That’s why Drum Repair Shop is designed as central Canada’s one-stop hub for all things drum: extreme repairs, bearing edge work, studio drum rentals, on-site tuning, and yes — the occasional drumming.

But the shop is more than a service counter. It’s a community space where musicians can talk shop, learn, and share in the never-ending pursuit of tone. Whether you’re rescuing a vintage kit, preparing for a studio session, or chasing that perfect sound, Ian’s goal is to make the process easy — and the results unforgettable.

  • Q: How do I know if my bearing edges need to be recut?

    A: Your drum's bearing edges may need professional recutting if you're experiencing any of these common issues:

    Tuning Problems:

    • Difficulty keeping your drums in tune, even after fresh heads

    • Drums that detune quickly during playing

    • Inability to achieve consistent tension across all lugs

    Limited Tonal Range:

    • Your drum only sounds good within a very narrow tuning range (a single "sweet spot")

    • Loss of tonal versatility or responsiveness to tuning changes

    • Muffled or choked sound at most tension levels

    Physical Damage:

    • Visible ply separation along the bearing edge

    • Chips, dents, or gouges in the wood

    • Uneven or wavy edge surfaces

    • Previous damage from over-tightened heads or hardware

    When in doubt, have a qualified drum technician inspect your bearing edges. Properly cut edges are essential for optimal drum performance, tuning stability, and tone quality.

  • Q: Will cutting new bearing edges change the way my drums sound?

    A: Recutting bearing edges will help your drums reach their full sonic potential, but it won't fundamentally alter their character.

    What Won't Change:

    • Your drum's core tone and voice (determined by shell material, size, and construction)

    • The basic sound signature that makes your kit unique

    • Hardware-influenced characteristics like sustain and attack

    What Will Improve:

    • Tuning accuracy and stability - drums will hold their pitch reliably

    • Tonal clarity and focus - better head-to-shell contact eliminates buzzing and rattling

    • Dynamic response - improved sensitivity across all volume levels

    • Tuning range - access to the full spectrum of pitches your drums can produce

    The Bottom Line: Think of bearing edge work as removing obstacles that prevent your drums from sounding their best, rather than changing their fundamental voice. You'll still have the same drums you love - they'll just perform better and be much easier to tune and maintain.

    Professional bearing edge cuts restore proper drum function while preserving the tonal qualities that drew you to your kit in the first place.

  • Q: How should I tune my drums?

    A: Drum tuning is highly personal and depends on your playing style, musical genre, and venue requirements. There's no "one-size-fits-all" approach, but here's a proven methodology to get you started.

    The Two-Head Approach:

    Batter Head (Top):

    • Tune primarily for the sound and feel you want

    • Consider your playing dynamics and stick technique

    • This head defines your drum's fundamental tone and response

    Resonant Head (Bottom):

    • Use this to control sustain and note length

    • Higher tension = shorter, more focused notes

    • Lower tension = longer sustain and more resonance

    Key Factors to Consider:

    • Playing style - Heavy hitters may prefer lower tunings for better response

    • Musical genre - Jazz typically uses higher tunings than rock or metal

    • Room acoustics - Live venues may require different tuning than studio settings

    • Recording needs - Studio work often benefits from controlled sustain

    Getting Started: Begin with both heads at medium tension, then adjust the batter head until you find your desired tone. Fine-tune the resonant head to achieve the sustain length that works for your music.

    Remember: The "right" tuning is the one that serves your music best. Experiment and trust your ears.