Is this a finished product I can order off the shelf?

Not yet. It is in alpha testing. I am getting closer to prototypes good enough for real-world testing, and I am looking for a small group of Prototype Partners to help.

How is this different from the old kick drum banner?

The earlier Kick Drum Banner sat in front of the head and usually meant removing and replacing the drum head to fit. The new cover is being developed to slip over the front of the bass drum without permanently changing the drum head.

What does it cost to be a Prototype Partner?

Prototype Partners will be offered a reduced trial price, confirmed before anything goes into production. I'll confirm the likely cost, including your artwork in the size you need, when I contact suitable participants.

Does registering interest mean I have to buy one?

No. Registering your interest does not commit you to buying anything. I'll contact suitable participants and explain the next step.

Steve The Banner Guy

Kick Drum: Bass Drum Cover

Bring your band’s identity with you.

When you play on a shared or house kit, what normally appears on the front of the kick drum? For many bands, the honest answer is probably “not much”. That is why I am developing a reusable custom kick drum cover.

When the Front of the Kick Says Nothing

The drum kit may belong to the venue, another band, or a backline company. Changeover time is short, and there may not be enough room to set up a full band backdrop.

The idea is simple. Your band name or logo is printed onto a fitted fabric cover that slips over the front of the bass drum. You can bring it to the venue, fit it to the drum, and take it away again after the show. Even when the drum kit changes, the front of the stage can still look like your band.

Shared, house, or rental kits where you cannot paint the head
Short changeovers with no time for a full backdrop
Drummers and bands who want the kit to carry the name in photos
Acts willing to help test the first covers at real gigs

From the Workshop

This project began with an earlier product I called a Kick Drum Banner. The original idea used a lightweight fabric banner fitted in front of the drum head and trimmed in situ. It gave the band a useful printed area, but installing it meant removing and replacing the drum head.

That was not practical for quick changeovers, shared kits, venue gear, or rental drums. The new version is being developed as a removable custom kick drum cover that fits over the front of the drum without permanently changing the drum head.

It is still under development, in alpha testing, though I am getting closer to prototypes that I think are good enough for real-world testing.

The fit across common kick drum sizes
How securely the cover stays in place
How quickly it can be fitted and removed
How it looks under stage lighting and in photographs
How easily it packs away with the rest of the band’s gear

The Direction

The images on this page show the direction I am working towards. The final product may change as the prototypes are tested.

Custom printed kick drum cover fitted on a bass drum, showing the fabric front — Custom kick drum cover: the direction of the current prototypes

Blueprint-style drawing of a fitted custom kick drum cover over a bass drum — Workshop blueprint for a removable custom kick drum cover

Prototype Partners Wanted

I am looking for a small number of bands, drummers, and performers to help test the first custom kick drum covers under real gig conditions.

Selected Prototype Partners will be offered a reduced trial price, confirmed before anything goes into production. In return, I will ask you to use it at rehearsals or performances, send me a few photographs, and give me honest feedback about how it fits and performs.

You do not need to be a well-known band. I am more interested in working with people who perform regularly and are willing to tell me what works and what needs improving. Registering your interest does not commit you to buying anything.

Band or act name, plus email and/or phone
Your print artwork, or a very mature design
Kick drum size: diameter in inches if you know it, even if you usually play a house or shared kit
One sentence about what you currently do with the front of the kick drum
Whether you gig regularly and can send a few photos plus honest feedback

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a finished product I can order off the shelf?: Not yet. It is in alpha testing. I am getting closer to prototypes good enough for real-world testing, and I am looking for a small group of Prototype Partners to help.
How is this different from the old kick drum banner?: The earlier Kick Drum Banner sat in front of the head and usually meant removing and replacing the drum head to fit. The new cover is being developed to slip over the front of the bass drum without permanently changing the drum head.
What does it cost to be a Prototype Partner?: Prototype Partners will be offered a reduced trial price, confirmed before anything goes into production. I'll confirm the likely cost, including your artwork in the size you need, when I contact suitable participants.
Does registering interest mean I have to buy one?: No. Registering your interest does not commit you to buying anything. I'll contact suitable participants and explain the next step.

Interested in Taking Part?

Tell me the kick size you usually play, what currently sits on the front of the drum, and whether you can send a few gig photos plus honest feedback. One sentence on each is plenty. You can also call or text 0415 105 532, or email steve@b2bjv.com.