Natal Drum Kits

The Natal Percussion Company was established in 1965 by British Percussionist Alan Sharp.

NATAL DRUMS AND PERCUSSION AT PMT

In 1968, unhappy with the quality of percussion available at the time, he began to source his own components and started to assemble his own instruments. They quickly gained popularity and soon others started to order from Alan. It was then that Alan decided to turn his venture into a company.

Natal is named after Alan and his wife Natalie. But, for you trivia fans Natal also means Christmas in Portuguese because the region in South Africa was discovered by a Portuguese navigator on Christmas Day, 1497. Just FYI!

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What makes Natal drums and percussion different from other brands?

Natal drums and percussion are known for their distinctive blend of craftsmanship, innovative design, and high-quality materials. The brand often incorporates unique features such as:

- Distinctive Shell Construction: Natal drums frequently use premium woods like birch and maple, crafted to provide a rich, resonant sound. Their shells are meticulously engineered for optimal tone and durability.

- Customisable Finishes: Natal offers a range of custom finishes and hardware options, allowing drummers to personalise their kits according to their preferences and style.

- Innovative Hardware Design: The brand incorporates unique features in its hardware, such as robust and ergonomic drum mounts and tension systems, enhancing the overall playability and stability of the drum kit. 

What are the benefits of choosing Natal percussion instruments?

Natal percussion instruments offer several benefits:

- High-Quality Sound: Natal percussion, such as congas and timbales, is designed to produce clear, resonant tones with excellent projection, making them suitable for various musical genres.

- Durability and Construction: Natal instruments are built with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, ensuring they withstand rigorous playing and maintain their performance over time.

- Versatility and Customisation: Natal offers a range of percussion instruments with options for customisation in terms of finishes and hardware, allowing musicians to select instruments that fit their specific needs and aesthetic preferences.

FIBREGLASS CONGAS

Natal was the first to use fibreglass in the construction of Congas, offering greater volume and sound projection than wooden options. They also pioneered the use of rounded hoops which were much easier on hands. These hoops later gained the name the ‘comfort curve’.

Early on Natal gained favour with big artists of the day including Fleetwood Mac, The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin, instantly securing Natal’s popularity and credibility within the music industry.

Moving into the 1990s, Natal began to diversify their product range when they created their first wooden congas and also extended their percussion range to include cowbells, Cajons and other small hand instruments.

THE BIRTH OF A NEW ERA

In 2010 it was announced that Natal had joined the Marshall family. This was particularly significant for Jim Marshall who was a drummer himself and had sold Natal percussion in his shop in 1962. This new era in Natal’s story was marked by the unveiling of 28 new products, including, for the first time, drum kits.

Natal began crafting a wide variety of drum kits from birch, ash, maple, walnut and Bubinga. All kits were adorned with Natal’s signature sun lugs, an instant identifier still used today. Natal also began to produce ranges of hardware and snares all finished in a stunning array of colours.

Moving forward, Natal continues to expand and develop their drum ranges, attracting new artists like Jamie Morrison (Stereophonics), Dave Rawling (Mallory Knox) and Chris Wood (Bastille).

A DIVERSE RANGE OF DRUMS

From the Natal Cafe Racer to the Arcadia Birch and Arcadia Acrylic kits through to the Natal Maple Originals, Natal continues to produce a variety of drum kits that offer a sound for everyone.

Their range of snares from the snappy sound of steel in the Natal Beaded/Hammered, Hand Hammered and Arcadia Metal Snares to the luscious Mappa Burl and Natal Tulipwood snares through to the open tone and the bursting colours of the Arcadia Acrylic Snares,

Natal offers a superb choice for drummers of all styles and budgets. The Natal Pure Stave snares in particular showcase the great build quality and affordable price that Natal has to offer.