Who needs paid endorsers when your customers say good things about you for free?

I'm absolutley blown away! I can never see any reason for purchasing a kit from one of the "larger" name drum companies when you make the kits that you do. It's exactly what I needed. I got the sizes and configuration so that I could use the kit in multiple situations. I'm able to use the 12 and 14 inch toms with the 18 inch kick as a great jazz kit. The sound is exaclty what I wanted for the jazz combo I play with. It has a very idiomadically accurate sound with great warmth and resonance. I use a sinlge ply coated head on the toms for this situation, but I change the heads to clear 2 ply, add them with the 10 and 16 inch toms with the 20 inch kick and I've got an outstanding sounding rock/funk kit. I recently played in a large arena here in Dallas and I can't tell you the number of people that came up to me to comment on the drums. From small clubs and resturants to larger venues and even arenas, these drums are versatile enough for any situation in any style - and they sound great doing it. Thank you so very much for what you do. I look forward to doing much more business with you.
C Gilmore



Hi, I am a 29yr old drummer who has been playing since the age of five. I have owned and played pearl drums, mapex, and tama kits in the past, yet have played every imaginable brand name known to man. I heard about your drums roughly six months ago, found your website, and ever since, have been mentioning you guys to every drummer I come in contact with. Do you guys have a spokesperson? If not, I am your guy, I think you all offer the greatest prices on the best quality shells available at this time. I once recorded a session using a 10 thousand dollar kit "wasn't mine", and found that the hype about their drums to be laughable. I have been saving my pennies for a while now so that I can have my dream drum kit, a conaway kit, just how I want it, custom everything, if you guys offered cymbals and racks as well as drum sticks, I would never need to visit a music store again. I hope your company becomes so big that you need to hire more drummers to help you keep up with the demand, and if there is anything I can do to get the word out about how much you guys truly kick a#@, you let me know. Thanks so much for offering such wonderful drums and options for drummers who don't have 20 thousand dollars to spend on drums or have an endorsement to get them for free, thanks for your time and know that you have made a permanent customer in me.
Rodney Mercer



Hey Dave! I finally got these babies set up. I must say my friend, this is a beautiful kit. The Dark walnut finish is so classsy looking that I'm almost afraid to take them to play out. I rigged em up with remo pinstripes for the toms and they resonate to the heavens. Love it! The kick drum knocks down walls, 22x18 outfitted with remo powerstroke 3's on both batter and reso side. I cannot for the life of me wait to hear how they perform under mics. The customer service that you provided me was nothing short of top notch. You kept me updated at all times and answered all 10 thousand of my sometimes annoying emails. I'm already planning a 2nd kit from you. I will send pics soon... Thanks again!
Johnny P
Chelmsford MA



Hey Dave, I just have to write you and let you know that your kits sound amazing. I bought a custom set up off of someone who bought the shells, drilling, and accessories off of you. The first time I played the kit was the day I laid down some drum tracks. I was told I was going to be playing a Spaun for the recording and then when I saw the conaway I will be honest and say I was disappointed. But when I did a practice run on the kit, I could've died the happiest man that day cause the drums blew me away and I bought the kit a month later. I've played with quite a few popular bands and not one show goes by where I don't get the entire crowd in awe by the drums. I've also had other drummers from bands be in shock cause they'll have their custom set and want mine and ask me ten million questions about it. My bass player is in love with this kit as well because the kick is a 24x20 and the punch on it is so dang hard and flawless it pretty much blows enough air to substitute for a room's A/C. Anyways, I hope that with all the drummers I've talked to, your business will be out the door for quite some time. Take it easy Dave, and keep up with your devotion and passion to making one of the best sounding kits I've heard in my life.
Ryan



Dave, Just wanted to send you an update.......I am gigging regularly with my orange to black fade Conaways and I love them more every day. They are holding up nicely to the grind of being set up and torn down, and having numerous students play on them each week. They also hold their tuning very well and are very versatile. With the tom sizes I have, I can (and do) set up a compact 4 piece jazz kit for my big band gigs, or the full 5 piece with my rack for my rock gigs. They sound great mic'd up, and just as great not. My fellow musicians have made many positive remarks about the sound and the look of my drums. So, thanks again for what you do and how you well you do it. I hope business is good. I'll get some pics to you in the near future.
Bill M., Quincy, IL



Hey Dave, this is Patrick from Adam Kelley's band. I met you when we came to get his kit a while back. I've got to tell you man, as a bassist, who is used to playing with a great drummer, with awesome gear, this kit is so far beyond expectactions, not only does it look incredible, but it sounds even better. I've been lucky to play with Adam for over a year now, and he is constantly pushing himself as a musician to sound as good as possible, thanks to you, he sounds better than possible. Thanks for doing such an awesome job on Adam's new drums. See ya round. ps: hope you enjoyed the CD, we're planning a Houston show in the near future and we'd be honored if you came.
Pat S., San Antonio, Texas



I knew when I first came up with this project, that I was gonna have to be willing to try something they have never done before, the fortitude to follow through with it, and the draftsmanship to produce quality. I also needed to find someone who wasn't bound by a timeline, to just build a kit and get it out the door. I needed someone who could take their time designing,building, exploring new concepts, and really putting their heart and soul into what they do. What I didn't expect was the ease at which you did all the above. The drums look absolutely SUPERB....You have truly outdone yourself. Words cannot express my feelings today as I unpacked this monster. The pictures you sent me throughout the entire build process kept me up-to-date, informed, and excited about the day my new kit would arrive. My only disappointment is, your pictures don't do the drums justice. You should find a way to frame a drum kit and hang it on a wall, as it truly is a "Work of Art." I unpacked the kit, and decided to just play a little on each drum. I can tell right away that the sound these drums are going to produce in the studio, as well as onstage, is going to be nothing less than fabulous. The tones these drums produce sound amazing. I can't wait to tune them to my liking as I am sure the sound will only get better. Dave, thanks again for the kit. The entire process of working with you on this was amazing. Your phone calls, emails, pictures, discussing ideas, just the whole communication process was more than I ever expected. By the way, I'm already planning my next project so be prepared!!!!

Bill W., Louisville, KY

On behalf of Mr. Dezso Duban, hungary's sole drum builder, I'd like to express our sincere thanks for the great work you've done the 10 snare drum shells I ordered from you for Mr. Duban. He was deeply impressed by the quality of your work. The snare beds, edges are all superbly crafter and the wraps are perfectly applied on the shells. He's now begun working on his first snare drum after 15 years. As soon as I have some pics of the drums I will send them to you. Thanks again for the great job. Not that I am surprised at this, because I know from my own experience that perfection, attention to detail and super customer service are all trademarks at ConawayDrums! As for your web site, it's getting better by the hour! A current study says that the moment of truth lasts only for a split-second for the person who takes a look at any web site and decides if he likes it or not. Well, yours certainly works all right and I'm sure it will attract many more customers in the future. Thanks a million and take care.

Gabor J., Budapest, Hungary

My kit looks stunning, the colors are perfect and the fade is great. As for the sound, the snare has the perfect balance of crack and meat, it's sensitive and it's through my bands wall of guitars even if it is a little quieter than my older snare. The toms are very defined, nice tone, and good balance of attack and resonance, the attack 1 ply heads on them were great. I would buy the same ones again. As for the kicks I think that stock heads didn't do justice but I bet that they will be great with better heads. As for service and support its been great. You have been fast answering and perfectly solving a small shipping issue of UPS. I already recommended ConawayDrums to my friends. I'm afraid local sellers won't like me much. LOL

Frank F., Quebec City, Canada

Hey Dave---I hope all is going well in the wonderful world of ConawayDrums. I just wanted to drop you a line and let you know that the 3x13 WMP snare with the Allstar lugs you built me is going great. Over the past 10 months or so it has become my main gigging snare and appears on my upcoming CD by Johnny B and the Gravediggers. I have a studio full of vintage Leedy, Ludwig, Slingerland, Wurletzer, L and S, Frank Wolf and Gretsch snare, however the Conaway has become my new favorite. I've also used it on several jingles and part of a feature film. A CD will be on its way right after release. Sometime soon I want to talk to you about a kit, but I've spent most of my $$ tracking down Frank Wolf drums from the 1930s. Thanks again,

Rik K.

I'm really sorry I have not contacted you since i got my set. I must say it is perfect in every since of the word. It got many people talking when I played it at a show for the first time. It looks and sounds amazing. I am very happy and would like to say thanks for all of the hard work you put into my custom kit. Great service, great set, great experience. I think in the future I might order another floor tom, but I'm not sure just yet. I also saw my kit on the home page of your web site and was flattered and excited to see something I owned on your site.

Phil., Riverview, Fl

I would have wrote to you sooner to tell you how great the snare drum you built for me is, but I have spent all my spare time PLAYING the darn thing!! I could not be happier with the product, service, and professionalism you and Danette offer to the world of drumming!  You guys can always count on me for an enthusiastic endorsement!!
Reggie S., Beaumont, Texas

Hey Dave, the drums came in yesterday- safe and sound thanks to the perfect packaging! The kit is awesome- nothing like I could have imagined. This is really a hand-built custom kit, the hardware is perfectly fitted, the birds eye maple pattern is stunning, the sound is big, yet not too loud-just what I wanted. These drums are light-weight so nothing stands in the way of resonance. I feel this kit would perform great both on stage and in the studio.The bass drum has that big and deep thump any drummer would like, the toms are so in harmony with each other. The 20 ply snare bites hard-its sound will come through the mix,I am sure. I've tested the drums with mic's--great,great sound and projection. Thanks for the great work you've done on my kit, it's really so unique and so fantastic. I will recommend ConawayDrums to any drummer I know. Here's some photos of my full setup. The guy shown on one of the pics happens to be that Gabor fellow, you know, the one who's been sending you dozens of mails worrying about his kit:)) Thanks once again for building this kit for me, it was great doing business with you, you'll hear from me later. With best regards...P.S.: Observe the badges now fitted on the shells!
Gabor J.---Budapest, Hungary


I received the drums today and am thrilled with them. The finish is beyond describing and is so much nicer in person. Your workmanship and customer service are the best. I still have to fuss with the tuning, but the resonance of these drums is already evident. Thanks so much! Pics attached with my hardware.
Bill M., Quincy, Ill.

Dave: My new Conaway's arrived with a knock on the window as I was practicing. In the following week I have spent roughly fifty hours on them. These drums are exactly what I ordered and built superbly. The six birch toms have that perfect studio "doom" with great articulation for quick patterns and a limitless tuning range. The 20x20 birch bass is full of sonic girth yet quick to respond to light feathering. All the white tube lugs and hardware truly look dipped in plastic and the finish is uniform in shine with amazing grain slashing through the cobalt blue stain. Your service was above what I could have ever expected. You made all my odd ideas really work. And you are a damn nice guy. I will be proud to wear Conaway on my bass drum, live, and on tape for years to come! Thank you Dave for the shirts, stickers and the best drums ever.
Brad D., Friday Harbor, WA


I just bumped into your web site today. I was sufficiently impressed with what I saw both in the presentation/web site and (more importantly) the obvious quality of your craftsmanship that I decided I should send a note of congratulations. I applaud you for offering real value in the marketplace. I've been in sales and marketing for thirteen years, and it's obvious that your approach is, and will continue to be successful. Your web site is clean and informative and the presentation of your product line is very, very well done (beautiful finishes). I've been a drummer for 33 of my 38 years and have never been able to own an instrument as beautiful as yours. I have two sons (8 and 4 years old) that each are learning to play. As I look to the future and purchasing a kit for all of us together, your company will be the first I consider. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance in spreading the word about your company.
Best Wishes,
Matt A.


I've had a few days to get the drums redheaded to my liking and settle into tuning them. I am officially knocked out. Before ordering my snare way back, I had heard a lot of good things about you guys, and was sufficiently impressed when I did get my snare. To be honest, a lot of the reason I went with you is price. I figured I couldn't get worse than what I had. I was sure I'd be happy, satisfied. I didn't expect what I got. I believe a lot of a good drum sound comes from good head selection for a kit and tuning, provided the drum is "sound." My kit up until now was a Pearl ELX w/mahogany shells. I've recorded with this kit and been more impressed than with other drummers high end kits. I've yet to mic the new ones up, but I can already tell you that they will sound better than the others. That kick drum sounds like a mic'ed kick all by itself. I can feel the "whoomp" in my chest, and it still has a nice snap on the top. The 10" is smooth and sings wonderfully. And then there's the 15"....I had always longed for a bit more "oomph" from the 14" toms, but didn't like going to a 16" due to the extremes between the two toms. I tell you this 15" is the answer. Even with the original head, I knew this was a winner. All together, with the snare I had previously ordered, this is a totally cool kit. I don't think I've ever seen a kit in these size combinations or heard a more versatile kit. This kit will see everything from jazz to metal, and I don't worry a bit that it can't handle it. I'm stunned.....I smile every time I hit 'em. My own drummer sat behind them (he's got Starclassic Maple's) and he said "damn" and just walked away in semi-disgust that they were that good. I want to thank you guys again, I really do love 'em.
Mike M., Clinton Township, MI


I received the kit on Monday. Since then, I have had two solid days of practice. The kit sounds and looks better than I could have imagined. It sounds incredibly focused yet much louder and deeper than the drums that size normally would. The projection and attack are perfect; loud and clean enough to cut through guitars and bass - yet still warm and round. To sum it up, everything is perfect and it sounds even better than I anticipated. The black hardware inside and on the tom holder was a very nice touch, might I add! I'll send pics in a few days. Thank you so much for everything and I can't wait to spread the word ever more.
Ben S., Greensboro, NC

You have done it again! My new 7x12 snare sounds and looks amazing. It came out exactly how I pictured it in my mind and you managed to make it sound exactly how I wanted. I am extremely impressed and so is everybody else that has seen it. Your service and prices seem too good to be true. I really appreciate being kept up to date through the process of it being made and getting all my questions answered. You can look forward to me purchasing a third snare from you in the future. Again...you rock Dave, and so do your drums!
Chris S., Moreno Valley, CA

These are the best sounding and looking set of drums I have ever owned and I have been playing for 16 years. I also have owned many many drum kits (Just ask my wife). I have been patting myself on the back for making the best decision I have ever made when it comes to buying a new set of drums. This is the first kit I ever played and knew that I will never get rid of them. They are definitely "TUBS OF THUNDER" and Conaway drums are my new kit of choice. If I never play another brand again for the rest of my life that will be just fine with me. ROCK AND ROLL.
Matt R., Hixson, TN

After unpacking these babies I was already blown away..they are beautiful and perfectly crafted, but when I set them up and started playing I was in heaven. I have never felt so in my element when playing drums as I was with these drums. The sound is amazing, my kick booms with a furry, my toms explode with awesome punch and their tone, oh god their tone is amazing and it can sustain with the best of them, and my VENTED snare cracks--it packs a huge punch, like nothing I've ever heard before. Its rim shots, and ghost notes stand out in the mix. I love the kit because its so individual, its so me, and you know its one of a kind because it was built for you, and the sound is so amazing. I've never been so proud of a kit, and the name that comes with it. I am proud to be a part of ConawayDrums, and I am spreading the word like crazy. I hope more business comes your way Dave, thanks for the kit.
John G., Louisville, KY

Thanks again Conaway! The sound of my kit and the way you treat your customers are both amazing. Thank you for your kindness! Both Dave and Danette know how to run a business. My kit is exactly what I wanted. I christened her "The Black Pearl". Look for up and coming photos of The Black Pearl in action at www.runningscared.net ! Thanks for making a dream a reality! (Not to mention the surreal price.)
Gus J., Smethport, PA

"My kit looks and feels amazing. It really fits my style, as well as the style of music I play. The sounds is impeccable. The resonance of the 12x12 tom is amazing. They are all I have ever wanted, and yet more than I imagined! The girls love them, and the guys want them. I don't believe that I have went one show without hearing "That's the most beautiful kit I've ever seen" at least 5 times. CONAWAY ALL THE WAY!!
Jared W., Savannah, Ga.

I don't think I've ever been so happy with a drum kit like I am with this one. Every time we play out somewhere someone has something to say about my drums, they all ask where I bought them and of course I tell them where..I am very happy with this kit and I've been thinking
about maybe getting another one in the summer or fall..So once again thank you Dave for the excellent kit and I'll be in touch man.
Damien T., Chicopee, MA

After spending a week with my new snare drum, I've decided that Dave, you've got to be some kind of magician. Somehow you managed to decipher exactly what I wanted my snare to sound like, look like, and cost like (haha), and you whipped it up in 2 weeks time. You could not have done a better job, and I could not be more happy with it. Thanks Dave, I'm sending my friends your way.
Adam L., Fairfax, Va.

I finally got some pictures. Those were in the studio recording for one of my bands. I'm really happy with them. They sound amazing and everyone is always telling me how beautiful they are and asking where I got them. Thanks for the great kit Dave!!!
Caleb G.., High Point, N.C.

The drums look and sound beautiful, and I can't say enough good things about them. Snare has got the perfect pop w/o the annoying high-pitch ringing. I love the warmth of the toms--they sing. I may need a pillow for the bass drum, but I'm tempted not to because it feels solid as is. The band guys and the sound guy at church complimented on how nicely the drums sound.
Simon S., Torrance, CA

I just got back from band rehearsal, and as good as I thought those drums looked sitting scattered on my floor here, they looked a thousand times better set up. Those 20" kicks allow me to put everything much much lower than I could with my old 24"s, the whole kit flows so well right now. And it sounds incredible, every characteristic of the sound is exactly what I was looking for in a drum kit. The rest of the band is loving it too.
"Nagrath", Austin, TX

I thought you were building me a drum, not a piece of art. This is stunning! I don't know what to say. It's better than I expected too. I can't wait to get it. My jaw is STILL dropped! I can't believe how beautiful a drum can look. A full kit is DEFFINITLY on the way as soon as I get the money! My drum teacher is gonna flip!
Mike H., Madison, IN

Dave, my friend, you are a legend in the making. They look amazing. I would have to say the most beautiful kit I have seen. Thank you so much for building the kit for me. I can’t wait to do business with you again. You are the man when it comes to drum building.
David B., Ft. Lauderdale, FL

I got the snare yesterday. It’s a beautiful thing. I’m extremely impressed with the work. My whole band was blown away at hot it looked and sounded. Once I can finally manage to get together the cash, you’re the place I’m coming for my next kit. Anyway, thanks again for the snare - it’s truly a work of art.
“Nagrath”, Austin, Texas


Ab-so-lutely…..floored. Great job my friend, great job.
Adrian O., Richmond, VA

I put some G2s on them this evening and they sound fantastic. My hats off to you for giving the consumer a good product for more than a good price – it’s absolutely amazing the $ to value/fun factor ratio that your drums provide. Looking forward to some more business transactions with you in the future.
Michael G., San Diego, CA

I figured I’d throw you a follow-up email on the drums I got from you last December. After a summer of gigging and some studio time with your drums I have come to believe that you make the best drums in the world. They’ve held up to the abuse I put them through gigging and sound amazing in the studio. Thanks again for making me such a wonderful kit.
John H., Caro, Michigan

The snare got here on Friday and man that thing sounds great. Everything I hoped for and more. I can’t thank you enough. I actually had a chance on Saturday to try it out against a DW snare and a Taye maple snare and it sounds just as good if not better than the DW and it definitely sounded better than the Taye. I can’t wait to order a whole kit.
Andy M., Winchester, CA

Just wanted to let you know I received the snare on Monday and have been playing it for the past few days and I LOVE it! This is the exact sound that I was looking for in a snare drum. You did a fantastic job on the workmanship and the hardware is very solid. All my buddies are drooling.
Mark N., Houston, TX

All I can say is OH MY GOD. Dave, you have done one incredible job and I couldn’t thank you enough.
Justin C., Mt. Airy, NC

The drums arrived and I’m unbelievably impressed. “Wow” is all I can muster up right now, so you’ll have to bear with me. I’ll have a chance to play them on Wednesday and I believe we’ll be recording the show, so I’ll send some mp3s of the show and my beautiful Conaways. Before I forget, the first thing non-drummers have been saying is how much they dig the logo.
Dave D., Littleneck. NY