Products
With over 60 years of experience in the music industry, Keller Products is well-known for providing precision-built, custom-molded shells to leading high-end drum manufacturers. We combine premium materials, experience, innovation and technology to deliver the best quality drum shells available on the market.
Traditional Shells
During our nearly 70 years in the industry, we have worked hard to build and maintain a solid reputation as the worldwide leader in quality drum shells. Our shells, which are constructed by skilled craftsmen and engineers, are:
- Made using premium hardwoods that have undergone rigorous selection and screening processes;
- Created using our state-of-the-art stagger seam lamination process; and,
- Every shell is sanded and personally inspected by QC personnel.
While we offer standard sizes for all of our product lines, we will work with you to build shells to your exact specifications.
VSS Shells
The Keller Difference
As a leading drum shell manufacturer for nearly 70 years, we know what it takes to build long-lasting, high-quality shells. In fact, many of the quality drums and kits were created by us in the 60’s and 70’s which helped define a new era in music. All of our drum shells are made from 100% choice hard woods that have undergone rigorous selection and screening processes. In addition, they are created using our state-of-the-art stagger seam lamination process.
About VSS Drum Shells
VSS™ (Vibrating Sound Source), a patented Keller Products innovation, uses space-age technology to condition each shell. VSS™ technology results in regenerated vibrations that elevate head response and increase drum performance thus delivering a wider tonal range, more resonant frequencies and increased volume for longer, louder and warmer sounds.
VSS™ enhances the integrity and strength of the drum shells and provides manufacturers with cleaner entry and exit for drilling, more consistent bearing edges, and improved stability for finishing. Players can expect drums that start with VSS™ shells to deliver a wider tonal range, more resonant frequencies, and noticeable volume increases.
VSS™ provides manufacturers with cleaner exit and entry for drilling, more consistent bearing edges, and improved stability for finishing.
VSS™ provides players with wider tonal range, more resonant frequencies, and noticeable volume increases.
- VSS Maple Series
- VSS Birch Series
- VSS Vintage Shells made with Mahogany or Maple faces and Poplar cores
Vintage Mahogany
What’s new is old, and what’s hot is vintage!
Many players today are searching for drums that offer the full, warm tones of yesteryear. Our revolutionary Vintage Mahogany shells enable you to provide your customers with that timeless sound in a new kit. Vintage Mahogany shells provide a true “aged” sound that is rich, robust, and sweet.
Construction
African Mahogany and Poplar are the key to the tone.
In addition, the drum shells are:
- Created using our state-of-the-art stagger seam lamination process;
- Enhanced with VSS™ (Vibrating Sound Source), a patented Keller Products innovation that conditions each shell and intensifies the classic qualities; and,
- Shipped with Maple reinforcement hoops.
– 1½ inch deep 10-ply Maple reinforcement hoops are included with toms, floor toms, and snares.
– 2 inch deep 10-ply Maple reinforcement hoops are included with bass drum shells.
Keller’s Vintage Mahogany drum shells are currently available in a 6-ply construction in the vintage sizes outlined below. Special orders are considered upon request.
- Toms – 8×10, 8×12, 9×13, 10×14
- Floor Toms – 14×14, 16×16, 16×18
- Snares – 5×14, 6½x14, 8×14
- Bass Drums – 14×18, 14×20, 14×22, 14×24
- Keller – The Original Shell
As a leading drum shell manufacturer for nearly 70 years, we know what it takes to build long-lasting, high-quality shells. In fact, a large number of authentic vintage drums and sets that are in demand today were built by us during the last 70 years. We know vintage!
Vintage Maple
Are you looking to re-create the bright and punchy Classic Rock sounds of the 60’s and 70’s? Our Vintage Maple shells are a great platform!
We carefully combine a number of unique ingredients to help you achieve that authentic sound you are seeking:
- We started with our skilled craftsmen;
- North American Maple and Poplar
- Mixed in our patented VSS™ (Vibrating Sound Source), a Keller Products innovation that conditions each shell and intensifies the classic qualities; and,
- Topped them off with Maple reinforcement hoops.
– 1 ¼ inch deep 8-ply Maple reinforcement hoops are included with toms, floor toms, and snares.
– 1 ¾ inch deep 8-ply Maple reinforcement hoops are included with bass drum shells.
These shells are currently available in a 6-ply construction in the vintage sizes outlined below. Special orders are considered upon request.
- Toms – 8×10, 8×12, 9×13, 10×14
- Floor Toms – 14×14, 16×16, 16×18
- Snares – 5×14, 6½x14, 7×14
- Bass Drums – 14×18, 14×20, 14×22, 14×24
The VSS Difference
VSS Shells provide manufacturers with cleaner entry and exit for drilling, more consistent bearing edges, and improved stability for finishing. Players can expect drums that start with VSS shells to deliver a wider tonal range, more resonant frequencies, and noticeable volume increases.
The Keller Difference
As a leading drum shell manufacturer for nearly 70 years, we know what it takes to build long-lasting, high-quality shells. In fact, many of the quality drums and kits from the 60’s and 70’s were made in the same factory as today. All of our drum shells are made only from woods that have undergone rigorous selection and screening processes. In addition, they are created using our state-of-the-art stagger seam lamination process.
15-Ply Snare Shells
Keller is proud to offer 15-ply 13″ and 14″ diameter Snare shells. Our specially formulated ply configuration, combined with our VSS™ (Vibrating Sound Source) patented technology and our premium hand selected Maple core lay-up, delivers:
- Quick head response;
- Crisp articulation;
- High-pitched presence;
- Sensitivity; and,
- Incomparable projection.
Complimentary lower frequencies are stimulated by the VSS component, allowing a more balanced timbre to be emitted.
Keller’s 15-ply Snares are built with select Maple on the outside and inside face veneers. Sizes of our 15-ply Snare shells range from 4″ to 7″ depths (1/2 inch increments).
Carbon Fiber Shells
Are you looking for a unique sound?
We have created a totally new breed of snare shells by adding a finished Carbon Fiber ply to the interior of our 5 ply VSS™ 14 inch diameter snares. With the sunny warm tones of Maple and the attack of Carbon Fiber our new snares offer our customers a different and unique voice.
The marriage of these materials in a single shell results in a configuration that retains warm tones of Maple while giving the shells increased projection, volume, and an unprecedented strength to weight ratio. The dynamic range of this shell is further enhanced by our patented VSS™ Shell conditioning technology.
Not only do our Carbon Fiber snares sound great, they look great as well with their cool finished Carbon Fiber interior! Sizes of our Carbon Fiber Snare shells range from 4″ to 7″ depths (1/2 inch increments).
Magnum Series Shell
Now 40% Thicker plies used to create premium VSS ™ Maple Drum Shells. Best-sounding shells on the market!
Keller Shells expands their offerings once again by adding a new line of drum shells made with Maple plys that are 40% thicker than the plys used to make their current VSS ™ Maple Drum Shells. This new line of shells is made using VSS technology and will be offered in 5 and 7 ply configurations with diameters of 10″ through 24″ and 5, 7 and 9 ply for snare diameters.
The use of thicker veneers brings out the full potential of Maple as a tonal wood. A shell with more wood and less glue produces a more organic tone and allows the warmth of the Maple to really come through. The increase in sustain and the low full-bodied fundamental notes are immediately noticed. The thicker plys really bring out the best in these shells; Toms and Snares have rich, focused tones and bass drums are thunderous, explains Justin Owen, Special Accounts Manager and musical shell expert at Keller. The Magnum Series offers another great avenue for drum companies and custom builders to expand their offerings and differentiate themselves from one another.
The 5, 7 and 9 ply configurations result in an extremely well balanced shell that also offers a great platform for finishing. This is a win-win for the drum world! We couldn’t be more pleased with how these shells perform. The Magnum Series also features a Limited Lifetime Warranty!
Custom Shells
Vertical grain 9 ply.
This new 9-ply shell design is extremely rigid, providing a more consistent tonality over a broader musical spectrum. Ultimately, this allows for a more cohesive timbre and balance in projection/volume from small to large sizes.
Exotic woods.
Our Vertical Grain Series program offers a wide array of species to choose from. Standard species include – Maple, Cherry, Walnut, Red/White Oak, African Mahogany, Ribbon-Striped Mahogany and Figured Anigre.
In addition, the Vertical Grain Series allows a greater flexibility for customers to supply their own material. If you would like to consider supplying your own faces, please contact us first to confirm the required quantities, dimensions, specifications and minimum order requirements.
