Farmer Foot Drums Homepage

Where can I go to play Farmer Foot Drums?
How do you come up with your concepts?
How are you able to sell these handcrafted instruments at the prices you do?
What is being done to minimize the impact on the Environment?
How difficult is it to play the Foot Drums?
Was the Foot Drum mainly designed to be used by drummers?
What uses are the Farmer Foot Drums designed for?
Is it easy to replace the drumheads and swap the cymbals?
How loud are the Foot Drums?
What would I need to do to mic a Deluxe Model Farmer Foot Drum?
Can I have custom work done on the Foot Drums?
Is there a case that fits a Deluxe Model Farmer Foot Drum?
Do you ship international?
Will this instrument hold its value?
What if a Farmer Foot Drum needs repair?
What are the shipping costs?
What if a Farmer Foot Drum needs repair?
Is it hard to install the cymbals?
How come you don't sell the hi hats with the Foot Drums?

Where can I go to play Farmer Foot Drums?
Unfortunately, I don't have them in many stores. If you are anywhere near the Puget Sound region feel free to arrange a visit to my shop or go to the Trading Musician in Seattle where there will usually be one on display. If not enough information is provided here on the website, feel free to email pete@farmerfootdrums.com or call me with any questions.

How do you come up with your concepts?
When I first heard guitar and percussion played by John Lee Hooker I was intrigued. Soon after, I started playing my guitar with the bass and hi-hat of a regular drum kit - much like the great Hasil Adkins would play. At this point, I began my search for more specialized 'foot percussion' instruments that could do more. In my search, I learned that 'foot drums' have been used for centuries among the Native Americans of the southwest and CA; that a number of US companies in the 1920s and 30s manufactured various pedal percussion instruments; and that many current musicians (Xavier Rudd, Ben Prestage, etc.) still utilize some sort of foot percussion to accompany themselves. So, between 2002-2007, I worked hard to design simple contraptions that sounded good acoustically and were self-contained. Before long, I had designed a percussion instrument of my dreams, one that could: be stowed in my room, travel in my car, jam with friends, play on stage, and busk outside at local street fairs. This early prototype was liked so much by folks who heard it, that people were offering to buy mine, so I went back to the drawing board and designed a line of Foot Drums with optimal sound, durability, portability, and value in mind. To read further about the history of 'foot drums' click here. Also, feel free to compare to other foot played instruments: Ellis Stompbox and Porchboard Bass.

How are you able to sell these handcrafted instruments at the prices you do?
Having busted my butt as a part-time musician for years, I have tried my hardest to make these drums as efficiently as possible so they aren't $3,000 'luxury' items. For example, instead of using custom machined components that are inherently expensive to fabricate on a smaller scale, I found some off-the-shelf alternatives that work perfect: wooden toy truck wheels, electrical pipe, and other common hardware store items. In total, the price reflects years of diligence to ensure that everything sounds, plays, and looks exceptional at the lowest possible price. Although the price may seem high for some, remember that this one-of-a-kind instrument is: made in the US, built with a healthy environmental perspective, designed to last generations, and handcrafted by an independent low-volume builder that will personally respond to your questions, comments, and concerns!

What is being done to minimize the impact on the Environment?
The woods I use are either locally milled plywoods grown in area forests (PNW - US), or FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified hardwoods. I also make a point to plant trees for a local non-profit www.n-sea.org on a regular basis to help ensure sustainability and balance in my area of impact. In production, I have meticulously designed the wooden components so that there is less than 3% waste wood (most of which is in the form of sawdust used in my garden). I also use low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) finishes whenever possible. The components I purchase are either produced locally (smaller carbon footprint) or purchased from companies with upstanding environmental track records.

How difficult is it to play the Foot Drums?
It depends. Have you ever found yourself tapping your foot to the beat? Most people have found that they already have the ability to move their feet in time with the tempo. So playing a Foot Drum can be as simple as tapping your feet (pedals) to the beat or as complicated as any instrument infinitely can be. After a few hours of practice, you may be able to play many standard drum kit patterns. Also, to ensure that many styles of playing are accommodated, Foot Drums have fully adjustable pedals that they can be dialed in to your volume, sound, and 'feel' preferences.

Was the Foot Drum mainly designed to be used by drummers?
Not necessarily. It was originally designed for guitarists and other like instrumentalists. Before I started making and playing my first Foot Drum, I was not a drummer in any way, shape, or form (I don't even dance that well). Drummers may actually be at a disadvantage because they tend to want to play complicated 'busy' drum kit beats.

What uses are the Farmer Foot Drums designed for?

Enlivening your music
Increasing playing enjoyment
An outdoor 'busking' climate
Studio recording sessions
To be played acoustic (unlike Porchboard Bass, Drum Machines, or Ellis Stompbox)
On-Tour with limited space and musicians
Compact living situations where drum kits aren't an option
Practicing and jamming with other musicians
Making people shake it!

Is it easy to replace the drumheads and swap the cymbals?
Yes. I have designed the Foot Drums so all you need is the drum wrench (included) for drumhead tuning and changing and hand turning a bolt and nut to change out the cymbals. All 14" or 13" cymbals can fit inside the Foot Drums, as well as work with the cymbal striker pedal.

How loud are the Foot Drums?
Farmer Foot Drums, played at a normal level, are a bit louder than an aggressively picked Dobro guitar. I designed the body of the D-Model Farmer Foot Drum so that the bass and snare acoustics were optimally enhanced to really 'thud.' The rest of the percussive elements easily cut through the sound mix because of their high timbre. I have played it acoustically on noisy streets and medium-sized bars/cafes without any problem of being heard. It can also be played with a softer touch if you're in the studio or want to match the sound level of your acoustic instrument.

What would I need to do to mic a D-Model Farmer Foot Drum?
I have placed microphones aimed at the bass drum inside the Foot Drum and run them into a 2-channel guitar amp (note: bass and keyboard amps work best for the low 'thuds'). Equalizing the cymbal, bass, and snare mix was as easy as adjusting the High, Mid, and Low on the amp. The overall mix comes through great when you are plugged in with the guitar on the other channel. For more technical amplification, go to a music store to be outfitted with your desired sound and price range.

Can I have custom work done on the Foot Drums?
Yes. I love the opportunity to work creatively with someone whenever possible. Here are some things that I could do that are less invasive:

Custom decal, paint, stain, and other artistic possibilities - call to inquire.
For creating a lively visual effect, a pedal activated marionette puppet can be custom installed behind the bass drum of the so that when any of the 6 pedals of the D-model Foot Drum are used, it sends motion to the puppet via an invisible line - call to inquire.
For an amplified setting, I have made specially mounted 'velcroed' platforms located near the rear snare arms that can accommodate up to 4 effects pedals, which can be triggered with your heel while seamlessly drumming - call to inquire.
Unfortunately, I cannot switch the cymbal pedal with the bass drum pedal for the goofy footed.

Is there a case that fits a Deluxe Model Farmer Foot Drum?
Yes. I have found that the Gator Case Model G-212 is the all around best case for rugged travel. The D-Model Farmer Foot Drum fits snuggly with a little room on one side for extra gear. Plus, it can act as a sturdy seat and has wheels to roll - great for traveling. Its one down side is that it is perhaps a bit too heavy for some applications. For more information visit: www.sweetwater.com

Do you ship international?
Yes. However, I do not guarantee that I can replace or service any instruments due to the nature of shipping costs. Please call ahead of time to find out the shipping costs.

What is the turnaround time of an order?
These are handmade instruments so expect turnaround time to be between 2-4 weeks, or longer if demand is heavy. It is best to emailpete@farmerfootdrums.com or call ahead before you place an order.

Will this instrument hold its value?
Yes. Quality musical instruments of all varieties eventually make it into pricing guides used by music stores and collectors worldwide, and the fact is, many of these quality instruments will have increased in value when resold. A Farmer Foot Drum, with its hand-stamped individualized serial number, is aiming to be a: 'handcrafted,' 'enduring,' 'limited edition,' 'Made in the USA,' 'folk,' instrument that will hold its value over time and perhaps even be a collector's item in the years to come...

What if a Farmer Foot Drum needs repair?
Feel free to email pete@farmerfootdrums.com or call with any questions, comments, or concerns regarding repair. I stand by the Foot Drum's design and construction and I am willing to personally help out in any way I can within reason.

What are the shipping costs?
I charge on average $50 for shipping and handling using USPS 2-day Priority Shipping. If you want to choose another carrier, to ship international, or arrange for a free pickup in Bellingham WA, please contact me ahead of time.

What if a Farmer Foot Drum needs repair?
I built the Foot Drums to have the same feel and response of standard drum pedals. All pivot points have sealed precision ball bearings, are adjustable, and are 'overbuilt' to withstand players of hard foot stompin' music.

Is it hard to install the cymbals?
No. It can take as little as 1 minute and done without any tools and can accommodate 13-14" hi hats. I would be more than happy to install them for you if they were sent to me before I ship your drum. If you would like more info, visit the instructional videos webpage.

How come you don't sell the hi hats with the Foot Drums?
Like guitars, cymbals vary dramatically in sound and quality and I feel more comfortable leaving that particular decision up to you. I suggest going to any sizable music dealer and comparing the sounds of various hi hats. You can spend as little as $80 for an entry-level set or a used mid-quality set and as much as $250 for some clean sounding beauties.