This CVL shell follows a "lutherie" manufacturing approach: offering shells ready to be assembled with consistent quality while giving drummers, builders, or craftsmen the freedom to select hardware, lug spacing, and trigger type. The brand highlights an exclusive manufacturing process aimed at reducing the amount of glue compared to traditional methods, preserving freer vibrational behavior and a more organic sound. The ISO 9001 certification of the process and shells, along with attention to sustainable development and wood sourcing, position this model as a serious foundation for a custom instrument, from "custom shop" projects to restoring a characterful drum kit.
This 22-inch bass drum shell is primarily aimed at intermediate to expert drummers, builders, workshops, and drum building enthusiasts who want to control every detail of their setup. Being un-drilled makes it an excellent choice if you seek a specific layout (lug spacing, mount types, vent, counterhoop, trigger) or want to replicate an existing setup. Style-wise, olive wood and the 8-ply construction are particularly suited to genres where the bass drum needs to remain clear and articulate: modern rock, pop, funk, fusion, contemporary music, studio work, but also more vintage contexts if you pair the shell with heads and tuning aimed at roundness.
The core feature of this shell is its "ready to customize" philosophy: no hardware drilling is done at the factory. Holes for lugs, trigger, counterhoop, and vent hole must be made after precisely defining your setup. To assist with placement, you can use a Sparedrum LO16 or LO26 template, helpful for neatly positioning future drill holes. For a clean, chip-free result, using drill bits suited for hardwoods is recommended, taking care to measure and verify the required diameters beforehand according to the chosen hardware. This approach reduces compromises: you adapt the shell to your hardware, not the other way around, while benefiting from careful Italian craftsmanship and a 5-year warranty.
Olive wood is a dense wood, often appreciated for its tonal grain and energetic response. On a bass drum, this density tends to favor a clear attack, precise stick articulation, and a rich midrange spectrum, helping the instrument hold its place in the mix, both live and in the studio. Combined with an 8-ply construction and a 7.2 mm thickness, the shell generally delivers solid projection, an immediate "punch" feel, and controlled note sustain without becoming soft or overly diffuse.
Bevels also play a direct role: here, the standard 45-degree inner bevel promotes clean contact of the head on the edge, contributing to a quick response, better definition, and a controlled tuning feel. Depending on the heads chosen (single or double ply, with or without damping) and the presence of an internal muffling system, you can steer the sound toward a very "modern" bass drum (marked attack, tight low end) or a rounder, more enveloping tone. In all cases, this shell is a solid base for building a 22-inch bass drum with character, designed to last and evolve with your kit.