A Drummers Tradition is the last of a species, a one stop shop for all things DRUMS, something that has virtually ceased to exist in the SF Bay Area. As a full-time jazz drum pro and band leader, it's been my pleasure to shop there for many years. Robert and his staff are tremendously knowledgeable about everything from vintage drums to cymbal options. They even have obscure hardware from obsolete drum manufacturers that are hard to get anywhere. Plus the knowledge and wisdom that goes with that. ADT Is also a virtual "candy store" if you like drums, drummers, and our history. There's nothing more fun than to come in, hang out, and talk drums with other drummers! AND spend hours looking at the drum SETS and memorabilia on all four walls! read more

A Drummer's Tradition - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - San Rafael, California

The little guy with the pony tail got nasty with me after finding out I could not afford his drum lessons. Called me names and told me he couldn't care less about me if I wasn't paying his salary. Would not recommend. read more

Robert is extremely knowledgeable about anything drums related; old stuff, new stuff, drum companies, and various ways to do this or that. Buying, trading, or just browsing is highly recommended. read more

Had a drum session recently and needed advice on getting a particular bass drum sound. The owner here hooked me up with the proper heads and muffling and schooled me real good on tuning. I was off to Retro Heaven and one of the best drum sounds I have recorded in many years. They have a boat-load if cool old drums and full kits as well as any accessories. GC is a sucker bet. Come on up to sunny San Rafael. read more

The owner, Robert, is the expert on anything related to drums. Friendly, easy going and absolutely no sales pressure. If you know the sound you're looking for in your drums, heads, or cymbals, Robert can direct you to exactly what you need to make that happen! You'll be happy you walked in to his store. Amazing selection of drum sets, cymbals, heads, etc. read more

This store is excellent! I picked up my D'Amico kit today that I had on deposit since I'm not from the area and travel so frequently and Robert (stores owner) was very friendly and accommodating. He helped me load my kit into my vehicle supplying cardboard for my bass drum (didn't have the unique size case unfortunately) and gave me excellent deal on soft cases for the rack and floor tom. I would say the prices on the kits are fair; a lot of unusual and rare gems to be found here so it's like walking through history. One of the coolest things about this shop is most of the kits are setup to play and tryout (upon request I imagine) which is nice when browsing. Worth also noting, Robert has a keen eye and it seems to me only the cream of the crop goes in this store condition wise; my kit is about 25 years older and it's pristine. I would most definitely return to and recommend this shop! read more

Robert assisted me a couple of years ago in getting some snare drums working for a choral group concert I was involved with at very little profit to himself. So, recently, when I became responsible for selling a set of vintage drums of an old rock n roller friend who died, I knew to go back to him because of our former small dealings. Robert was helpful, as well as steady, even handed, and of good humor through every step of the way of a potentially miserable process. We discussed the resale pluses and minuses of the equipment, as well as his offer, which I felt was quite fair, if we are to allow him to make a profit, eat and own a nice 10 year old car. I was in a similar business long ago and must say his shop is knowledgeable, well run, and fair. Small retail isn't easy these days and I am glad to be able to support the ongoing presence of this kind of business in our community. As a part time professional choral singer and a former brass player, I am out of my depth in the percussion world. Drummer's Tradition and Robert are now my go-to source for information, buying, and selling I might do in his realm. For vintage drums, I suspect he is among the best! "I'll be back!" read more

If you are buying or selling drums, whether you are a beginner or a pro, please visit A Drummers Tradition in San Rafael it is the best place for your percussion needs. I know just a bit about drums having played, studied, or sold drums for over 50 years myself. read more

Robert knows his stuff, has the right stuff, & Drummer's Tradition is aptly named. No reason to go anywhere else. You're welcome! read more

Very unique inventory of hard to find classic drums and percussion. Lot's of great pros have passed through this shop(Lars Ulrich excepted). read more

Such a wonderful selection of vintage and used drums and incredible snare drum selection. You can find great drums for kids and students, rare and collective drums, and sometimes an incredible set for not a lot of money. I bought a barely used Yamaha Birch Custom Absolute Nouveau that is absolutely perfect for less than half of its original price. read more

Love this place. Robert is great and Lex is an awesome teacher.

I second Tom's review of ADT. This is what a drum shop is supposed to be. A comfortable place with a great selection, great service...just be able to hang. I've enjoyed the clinics as well. If you're traveling to get here, give a call first to see if they got what you need. Most likely will or they'll be able to get it. read more

Talk about a brick and mortar stalwart! This place has a great selection of drums and percussion, and they are so laid-back and friendly. I went in to get a lug from an old Ludwig tom, and Led found a used part that fit the bill. They are not in the most convenient place in terms of parking, but it is not that bad. This is a must visit Marin treasure. read more

Above and beyond customer service. The owner took my phone number and said he'd research a book my kid needed for School Band. Wow! We are talking a 10.00 purchase not a 4,000 drum set! They have let my child come in and test different set. We have been very satisifed with the set we bought and will use them if and when we upgrade! read more

An excellent drum shop, and a true Bay Area treasure. Robert is such a kind, knowledgeable person. Even if I don't plan to buy anything I just love going in to see what he has; there are always amazing vintage kits set up, but it's also where I go to buy new stuff, sticks, heads. read more

I can't believe that no one has written a review for this great drum shop. I walked in here with a busted 70's-era Ludwig cymbal stand and walked out with a perfect replacement part for ten bucks. They have a huge collection of snare drums, including a bunch of Greg Gaylord Drum Solo drums. And the vintage kits there are incredible. It's just down the street from Bananas, and man will they take care of you. This might sound like a plant review from someone at A Drummer's Tradition, but it's not. I'm just a satisfied customer who wants little drum shops like this to survive. Thanks to you guys at ADT, Tom read more

Fantastic local drum shop, absolutely the best in all of the Bay Area. Robert is extremely knowledgeable and super super friendly. Come here for everything and anything drum related. read more

Best drum shop in America? A Drummer's Tradition gets my vote!

This place is awesome! And a true drummers paradise. They have amazing vintage kits, and everything else you need. Robert is an expert when it comes to drums. He hooked me up with tuning my whole kit free of charge! And it sounds outstanding now. Come here for all your gear, lessons, or to just stare at all the eye candy throughout the store! The Bay Area's best drum shop for sure. We're lucky to have guys like Robert and drums like these around here. read more

I've been around long enough to remember when shops like Drum Land, Drum World and Sam Adato's were around, old fashioned drum stores where you could hang out, learn a lot from the owner, and get what you needed at a fair price. A Drummer's Tradition is one of those places. Besides odds and ends parts, sticks, etc., I recently purchased a beautiful, original condition Rogers Holiday snare drum, wood shell and tall rims. Robert certainly know the gear and I thought the price was more than fair for this vintage drum. He also helped me with fixing up an old Gretsch drum set, had some suggestions that only a veteran player would know. He's also a fine player, doesn't just talk drums, can play them too! Great store for drummers, with a lot of unusual vintage drums. Thanks for keeping the drum shop tradition going. read more

Great customer service! Robert is so helpful and generous. If I ever need to buy another drum, I will definitely buy it at Drummer's Tradition. read more

Love this store! Bought a Sonor set after trying several different makes in the store. Robert is full of knowledge, very laid back and kind. If he doesn't have something he's eager to tell you were to get it. This store offers shopping the way I like to do it. read more

I love this place. I drop in when I'm In the San Rafael area. The vintage kits come in and go out so I am always surprised with what I see on the floor. Very few places like this around. Dig the 60's Gretsch Bop Kit.... Oh I do. read more