Craviotto solid-shell drum

Craviotto Drum Company is a world-renowned manufacturer of boutique percussion instruments, specifically famous for its 'solid-shell' drum construction. The brand was founded in 1999 by Johnny Craviotto, a professional drummer and master craftsman who perfected a steam-bending technique to create drum shells from a single piece of wood, rather than using the industry-standard ply construction. This technique, inspired by historical drum-making and boat-building methods, results in a drum with a purer tone and superior resonance.

While the company was originally based in Santa Cruz, California, it relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, in 2019 to join the vibrant 'Music City' community. Following the death of Johnny Craviotto in 2016, the company continues to operate as a private entity, maintaining his artisanal standards. As of 2026, the company remains independently managed, though it maintains strong collaborative ties with Drum Workshop (DW) for specialized projects, such as the production of shells for the revived Slingerland Radio King line. All Craviotto drums are handcrafted in their Nashville workshop, continuing a legacy of 'Made in U.S.A.' excellence that attracts top-tier professional drummers and collectors globally.