Flint Percussion, the eco-friendly, family-run business based in Burtonwood, is proud to announce its 20th anniversary.
Established in 2005, the company has revolutionized the marching drum industry with its groundbreaking lightweight designs, gaining international recognition and a loyal customer base that includes royalty and world-renowned musicians.
The genesis of Flint Percussion sprang from a common parental challenge. When their 10-year-old daughter expressed a desire to play the marching drum in a local pipe band, her parents, armed with an engineering background, quickly realized the standard instruments were simply too cumbersome. This led to a multi-year research and development journey focused on reducing drum weight without compromising sound or material quality.
The result of this dedicated effort was the invention of the Suspended Shell system. This innovative design ensures only the drum skins are in contact with the shell, with tension achieved via a surrounding cage. The Suspended Shell led to the creation of the lightest high-tension marching snare drum ever made, a feat that transformed the industry. The company subsequently expanded its offerings to include a full range of ultra-lightweight marching drums, all built on the same principle.
“Our unique selling proposition has always been lightness,” says Tom Holding. “We’ve continually listened to our customers’ feedback, incorporating new features while steadfastly maintaining the lightweight quality that defines our instruments.”
Flint Percussion’s commitment to innovation and quality quickly garnered attention far beyond the shores of England. A significant milestone in their journey was an unexpected inquiry from an agent representing a band in Oman. This initial contact blossomed into a remarkable partnership, with the Sultan of Oman becoming their biggest customer for over 15 years.
The company’s exceptional craftsmanship has also attracted high-profile endorsements. Notably, Jimmy Brown, drummer for the iconic reggae band UB40, and the world-renowned solo percussionist, Dame Evelyn Glennie, both proudly use Flint Percussion snare drums.
Today, Flint Percussion supplies its cutting-edge lightweight drums to clients across the globe, spanning North America, Oceania, Europe, and the Middle East. As experts in instrument manufacturing and delivery, they continue to uphold their commitment to ensuring every musical instrument arrives with customers in perfect condition and of the highest quality.
As Flint Percussion celebrates two decades of innovation, the company looks forward to continuing its legacy of creating lighter, higher-quality drums for musicians worldwide.