CVL designs and manufactures its shells in Italy with a focus on quality and production consistency. This bubinga shell fits into a "made-to-measure" logic: a premium base intended for demanding drummers, drum builders, and workshops who want to control every detail (hardware, drilling, finishes, configuration). The exclusive manufacturing process developed by CVL, which reduces glue usage compared to traditional methods, aims for a more responsive and organic shell, while remaining governed by an ISO 9001 certified process.
This 22-inch shell is primarily aimed at musicians and technicians seeking a serious foundation to build a personalized bass drum: intermediate to expert drummers, studios, backliners, artisanal manufacturers, or "drum building" enthusiasts. Its warm and powerful character is particularly suited to styles where solidity and depth are essential: rock, metal, punchy pop, funk, amplified blues, and all live situations where a present, full-bodied bass drum is desired. Being unpierced makes it less suitable as a first "ready-to-play" purchase but perfect if you want an instrument coherent with your hardware and ergonomics.
The central asset of this CVL shell lies in its unpierced format: holes for lugs, trigger, counterhoop, and vent must be made after receipt, depending on the chosen parts. This freedom allows optimizing alignment, tuning comfort, and compatibility with existing hardware. The standard 45-degree interior bearing edges provide a clear response, quick vibration onset, and a precise attack feel. For clean drilling, it is recommended to use drill bits suited for hardwoods, measure and verify the diameters required by your hardware, then rely on a placement template such as Sparedrum LO16 or LO26 to accurately position the holes. The entire product is covered by a 5-year warranty, a sign of confidence in the shell's stability and manufacturing quality.
Bubinga is a hard and dense wood: this density generally translates into a sensation of power and projection, with naturally emphasized low frequencies. On a bass drum, this provides a solid foundation, immediate presence in the mix, and a rich low end, ideal for achieving a deep "punch" without losing the clarity of the beater strike.
The combination of 8 plies and 7.2 mm thickness promotes a stable and controlled response, particularly appreciated when playing loudly or seeking a bass drum that remains consistent from venue to venue. The well-defined attack noted for bubinga is evident in the articulation: the "point" stands out while maintaining a natural warmth. Finally, the CVL process using less glue aims to allow more vibrational freedom for the shell, which can contribute to a livelier and more natural sound, especially when carefully selecting heads and damping.