Build One of These Instead of Playing a Cajon

IG: / davidraouf
Support on Patreon: / rdavidr
Music used (background & playalongs)
www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
Cymbals:
10" Zildjian Fast Splash:
imp.i114863.net/0J4RzR
6" Meinl Byzance Splash:
amzn.to/3NkYGox
10" Meinl Pure Alloy Splash: (aux hihat top)
imp.i114863.net/2r4V77
10" Meinl Classics Custom Dark Splash: (aux hihat bottom)
imp.i114863.net/b3njQv
Sticks/Hardware:
Vic Firth Freestyle 5b Drum Sticks:
imp.i114863.net/045EO
Vic Firth VKB5 Beater: (used on the kit)
imp.i114863.net/5bL929
Vic Firth Cajon Beater: (tested but didnt use)
imp.i114863.net/gb3a5A
Roc n’ Soc Drum Throne:
imp.i114863.net/1AXxm
Tama Cymbal Clamp:
imp.i114863.net/a1ErDR
Gibraltar Cymbal Clamp:
imp.i114863.net/154Zz9
DW Dog Bone:
imp.i114863.net/Rye2EN
Mics:
Pair of Slate ML-1 (as overheads):
imp.i114863.net/vn663A
Austrian Audio CC8 (as rooms):
imp.i114863.net/yRvLOv
Earthworks DK7 Drum Mic Kit:
imp.i114863.net/mP25y
Lewitt DTP 640 REX Bass Drum Mic
imp.i114863.net/jW3Odn
Shure SM57 (snare bottom):
imp.i114863.net/DVeNMj
Austrian Audio Hi-X60 Headphones:
imp.i114863.net/kjvgKx
I always love a good challenge to flex my creative muscles. A couple years ago I built a suitcase drum set, but never was that happy with it. So today Im redeeming myself! I found a suitcase on facebook marketplace, used a bunch of drum set hardware, built some custom toms out of some drum shell scraps, threw some cymbals on it and bam, instant drum set that fits in a suitcase! I think it came out a lot better and sounds better than the original. Also much more fun than a cajon!
I Built a BETTER Suitcase Drum Set!

[@rdavidr]

I built a suitcase drum set a couple years ago, but never was happy with... I think this ones a lot better!

[@mk_rexx]

Is that the same high hat stand that was still WIP in your first attempt?

[@Doinstuffman]

I loved that OG suitcase kit!

[@eamonahern7495]

You can borrow a stool or chair from a venue so the throne isn't exactly vital.

[@itgetsbetterheyhey]

That suit case video was the first one I ever saw by you.

[@HR1YT016]

I have a request can you try swapping both of the snare drum heads ao the batter head goes on the bottom etc

[@rcditti]

you HAVE to go into a public area and play this thing, everyone’s reaction to some guy busting out a drumkit from a less-than-inconspicuous suitcase would be hilarious.

[@rdavidr]

really debated bringing it to an airport...

[@apeacho326]

@@rdavidr that would be awesome

[@MatthewWilliams-ec9pb]

@@rdavidr yes you should

[@oscarfjalltoft]

@@rdavidr do it.

[@Memu_]

@@rdavidr I don't think that would be the move. You shouldn't bring it to a place where it could actively bother people.

[@yironflas]

Either you’re a genius mixing engineer, or it DOES sound surprisingly good

[@oumarh.gassama8063]

He is indeed a genius mixing engineer, he plays really well (tbh, 90% of the sound comes from your hands), while this whole thing sounds surprisingly good :0)

[@axel.lessio]

@@oumarh.gassama8063, I agree, and I think you can make anything sound good once you understand the tone and dynamics of an object and you "feel" it with your hands. And he's so damn good at that!

[@dariohenriquez7773]

@@axel.lessio kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXymi2yuYs97m9k yea pretty much

[@kevincallanan2584]

I love it

[@dariohenriquez7773]

@@kevincallanan2584 thanks bro kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXymi2yuYs97m9k

[@arielcardozo]

Great as always! I think slightly bigger cymbals would add to the real-drum-feel. And if the leather/bass drum head ever rips apart, you can try using a real drum head.

[@nerfer1091]

I was thinking, cutting a hole in the suitcase and finding a way to stretch a real bass drum head over it would go a long way

[@tughillbillyhomestead]

Was thinking cutting a shell to inch or 2 and mounting to hole so you can tension from inside would be interesting

[@theglitch_713]

Cutting the hole and inserting a half inch wooden ring to fit the drum head and some how find a way to tighten it down... Idk. I'm just tossing my 2 cents in

[@mal2ksc]

@@nerfer1091 A tambourine hoop would work, if it doesn't take up too much space inside.

[@dariohenriquez7773]

@@mal2ksc kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXymi2yuYs97m9k i think no drum works too

[@xojware]

honestly i would play on that even outside of gigs, it sounds great, the toms have an impressive tone to them for being so small. with the bells and cymbal selection + the sound of the toms i feel like this would be perfect for samba music or something along those lines

[@OdaKa]

good micing ftw

[@mh13mini]

i think his mic setup is going a lot of favours for the base drum lol

[@elikebudi]

Yes, I felt the same about the music choice for this drumset: SAMBA! Take that suitcase to Brazil 😃😃😃

[@TheSickNeeds]

Your ability to separate the wood from the membrane has me thinking you have 50 suitcases and you posted that one in 50 times that you didn't break through..... or you have mad skills and an equal portion of luck. Very impressive!

[@Drumgobonk08]

I actually looked for a video like this a few months back so neat that one of my favorite drummers on KZbin made a video about it

[@maprow]

A few others have suggested using bigger cymbals. Early in the video you mentioned that the case dimensions are 9" (D) x 16" (W) x 26" (L) so a 15" cymbal should fit inside. A 15" heavy bottom hi hat cymbal might sound good as a crash/ride.

[@mal2ksc]

Or even a cymbal larger than the suitcase that has been clipped or just has pieces missing due to damage, so that there's one way to shoehorn it into the 16 inch dimension.

[@pd4165]

Maybe live with having a cymbal outside the case - I had a jazz drummer show up for an audition and IIRC he didn't even have hi-hats, just a huge cymbal that stood in for everything metallic (and a very basic three drum kit). Although he was amazing we weren't a jazz band and really needed some chunky hi-hats to drive us along - but it's all down to style if the musicians are talented enough.

[@masterofsparkshwy6974]

I thought the same at first, but then thought, if all your shells sound diminutive, and bells, etc. if the cymbals sound typical, life-sized(?) maybe it would make the rest not sound good, over take it all.

[@tobiaswinter1358]

One of the coolest projects you realized so far! Sounds decent, great and unique DIY vibe

[@mountainhobbit1971]

I guess I am the odd guy out...I actually love taking down my drum set, hauling it to gigs and setting it up...I use my suitcase setup when I have to play in really tight spaces or really quiet gigs...a larger suitcase definitely helps all around. Mine is a bit too shallow.

[@jeffsr8300]

After playing drums for 40+ years it's difficult for me to realize how good it sounds but there it is. Great Job👍🇺🇸

[@rustplain]

Man, that's the best compact all-in-bag kits i've ever heard! You're genius as always, now planning to make something same to use for acoustic covers with friends, i think it's a nice fit for kinda "unplugged" sound. Love from belarus drummer)

[@glam432]

For a drum kit that you can actually easily move around it sounds amazing!

[@peterpursley9852]

As a crafty musician myself - I think you killed it, was shocked by the sound at the end, sounds better than my first Alesis kit...

[@theconfusedsperm3772]

The toms sound amazing. Great work overall 💯

[@vuntan]

I built my first suitcase kit after your previous video. Now this one has inspired me to make even more improvements!

[@guitarpunk200]

I think this was great! The throne can just be carried separately in your other hand so it works out.

[@roseericson3828]

It might change the sound and feel dramatically if you swapped out the beater for a pinky ball. That’s what I got on mine and it was a huge difference in the thump. Great build!

[@flapjack413]

Early on, I was thinking "boy, he's really lost all of his marbles this time!" But I have to admit, the finished product sounds much better than I had anticipated!

[@jasonm9112]

I'm moving and unfortunately cannot fit a drum kit where I'm moving and will need to downsize to the smallest kit possible if I wanna continue playing. I've been looking into all my options and this video gives me so much damn inspiration! I have so much random drum parts laying around that I was going to just give away to a local music store but now I may just try and use them to create something like this

[@drumswithatom]

Forget underwear, I wanna take one of these on holiday instead.

[@peanutduber2793]

Lol I could just imagine taking that through tsa😂 One time I went through security with a harmonica and I had 3 agents examining it 😂

[@RedDogMamaHD]

You can't add a comment without watching the entire rdavidr video... The ending is EPIC! 😘 I love your creativity! And it's a good thing you have all those pieces and parts! 🥁 🔥🥁 Definitely a success!

[@aczeidan]

I also built one myself, it has 10" splashes as hihat and a 12" piccolo snare. Didn't fit in toms but i got blocks and a cowbell, and a 16" crash/ride. Brilliant for small gigs or just jamming in the park! Also hello from Finland!

[@karachter]

this feels like it'd be a great street performance thing, you can even transfer it to different streets throughout the day, a good street performance always livens up a highstreet

[@PeteLamont]

Your attention to detail here was incredible! Great work through and through.

[@GeraldSmallbear]

For anyone who wants an easier way to achieve similar (but not quite as awesome) results: Remo soundshapes for toms and snare. Your snare can be a soundshape with the snare wires taped across the top or use a DXP mini wavedrum. For hi-hats, you don't need a pedal. Instead, do this: get a heavy cymbal and tape a belly dancing belt to it - one with tiny 'bells' all over it. You'll realise pretty quickly that you have a perfectly functional hi-hat. You smash the edge when you want an open sound and tap it normally when you want a closed sound. Strap a shaker or seed pod to your foot for the complete experience. Kick - I really like the idea in this video but a simpler way is to use an old microphone and tap it with your foot. Or use a pedal, as in this video, and strap a mic to the inside of the suitcase, then soundproof the exposed side. I did this several years ago but it never occurred to me to make videos about my inventions. Anyway, one person in the world might find this useful. It's actually very easy and requires zero skill but like most things if you want it to sound perfect, it will take an entire workshop and hundreds of dollars in spare parts lying around. The choice is yours.

[@qbob4202]

I've built a couple suitcase drum sets for fun, but I'm so impressed by how good those toms sound.

[@blairwilliams3153]

You always amaze me with how creative you are. I really enjoyed this and how well it actually sounds! Keep up the great work!

[@Ad_Hoc124]

This kit sounded pretty damn good- I think box 2 can officially be checked off as a success. Nicely done sir!! I lol’d at the end but about the throne

[@konstantinospantazis6325]

It honestly sounds amazing considering what it consists of but also in general. Amazing work

[@dinghoti]

Honestly. If u told me that track was played on a full kit or even midi I would believe you. Great set build and great mix!

[@poopoop1903]

i don’t know why i’m so obsessed with this video, ive watched it like 10 times

[@grand1nquisitor]

Glad to see this video; currently designing a 3D printed bass drum attachment for a suitcase kit (in the works) that can also be converted to a foam practice pad for the kick drum since I want one and don't want to pay $70 for one. Always inspired by these DIYs- just all around good vibe- thanks for making this

[@sultankosmitov6293]

It sounds amazing for what it is. Pretty much like an actual cocktail set.

[@Usuerusers81]

You absolutely nailed it, it's sturdy and sounds real good; i love it man!

[@ethanzimmerman2369]

The timing of music + action at 3:26 to 3:54 is what I've always wanted music in a video to be.

[@antonio.bush08]

Old rdavid is back🎉🎉🎉😂😂😂

[@NessAmiibo]

Love mine, been using one since around 2010. So great to gig around with

[@gregwonhoff7161]

You are such an innovative and creative drummer, RDR. Thank you for all of your fascinating productions.

[@woodland-ps7rf]

Okay, honestly, this sounds amazing, even though this video came out 7 months ago, and i didn't think to comment on it, this custom kit is fantastic. I would play on this thing for hours and not get bored, sound, 10/10, amazing set. Nice job, David!

[@jessegyeabour1070]

This man can make any set sound good

[@bpaboyce]

I have literally all the parts to make this (except the suitcase, which I'm searching for now)! I even have some spare Traps Flat drums that sound surprisingly good for not having much of a shell! I think I'm going for it!

[@marvinhanson9391]

Its good to see you finally pull out the aux hand stand after all these years ! Very good build, this one took me back !

[@bingus14566]

this is nuts! I wish i had a whole studio to build anything i could dream up!

[@Sheffield_DG]

THE END 💀💀💀

[@CrustyBuster]

YES!! I just built one recently out of an old $3 samsonite case. Living in the city, it’s perfect to set up in the park and jam

[@marialavecchia1349]

Great job as always! I'm buying a new cajón, and thinking on making something similar to the old one. With the posibility of using the sound of cajón as a bassdrum With and without the snare wires it sound really COOL for sure

[@viktormuerte]

I miss these types of build videos. These types of videos are why I subbed. Great job btw. They sound great. Perfect for busking.

[@scotkluesner8339]

These are all my favorite things in one video. I freaking love it. Awesome stuff man

[@leekix9600]

In the 70's I had a 28" BD Ludwig kit. Got it from Mick Fleetwood. The 20" Flr Tom needed BD heads. Now I am all about the interesting sounds coming from tiny drums like my 8" snare. I love all your creations. Thee Best!

[@louisoddie4667]

i love these things conceptually, would love to have one of my own one day! great video man!

[@DeltonAdamsLEGO]

Dude! Just listening to you play it, it sounds just like an actual kit! Hats off to ya man!

[@hardcoreoma]

1:30 "That is a lot more better" I love you David

[@marscounty]

Yet, another fan....tastic build. Drums built with your fanbase in mind. Love it.

[@throughthelensfilmz]

Dude this was awesome. Reminds me of my first drum kit build. Well done! Next thing to do is take it to the streets!

[@jazzdrumguy5044]

I built a suitcase kit about 5 years ago. I bought a Samsonite 26" suitcase at Good Will for $13! I have a 10" tom, 14" FT, 10" popcorn snare, 13" hats, 16" ride, 8" splash, HH stand, snare stand, cow bell and everything fits in the suitcase except the bass drum pedal! The suitcase has wheels and takes 7 minutes to set up and 13 minutes to breakdown!

[@MrJazz-yp9wg]

So impressive. Never seen this done before. Amazing. Loved it.

[@funkybassguy68]

This is a very impressive setup. Love the sound of those toms. No end to your imagination

[@andrewlee3037]

🤣 that ending! LMAO! That was definitely ALOT of work you put into it, but it actually sounded amazing. I particularly like the cymbal combinations, nothing too flashy, but i could totally see this thing being used by a rock/metal band in a tiny coffee shop and this would definitely work! Again, amazing job dude! Wish i had one

[@tipdub]

I think it sounds good! Makes me think of my kit which is currently stacked high in storage in my closet right next to my suit case.

[@drew-shourd]

KILLER! Great job, and you have an amazing shop bro. I think that kit sounds great....

[@sheikhluqman3642]

sounds good especially the bass drum..Nice work!!👍👍👍

[@ryandenney4903]

You're the best man.. went from Saturday morning cartoons to RdavidR my 7 year old boy introduced me lol

[@drumsNstuff79]

This little kit sounds great! It' has a vibe all it's own. The bass drum tone you got form cutting away the plywood sounds good. I think the people that don't like these types of small kits should just stick to playing a full size kit. But for a fun little kit to bust out for acoustic guitar or ukulele jam sessions it's great!

[@griffinnelsonaudiovisuals2362]

Damn, the OG version of this video is what brought me to your channel. Love the update!

[@PrimalNote]

Definitely wasn't expecting it to sound as good as it does!

[@milan1200]

The DIY cable hi hat was my wet dream in the 90s! I remember staring at the Tama catalog with the double bass setup and 2 (two!) hi hats for weeks!

[@RADZADproductions]

I remember finding your channel from the original suitcase kit video. Cool to see you go full circle

[@sethvillarreal1316]

Great vid Bro! loved the bumper music! What an amazing set!!!

[@hieronymus1288]

Absolutely amazing and yes it sounds good! I find it mighty inspiring what you do.

[@cjlarson4553]

It’s sounds dope!! Those toms are fantastic! 🔥🔥

[@Owendoesstuff]

Man this video hit the spot, I think it sounds badass and would be amazing for busking! Bravo

[@PenneySounds]

This is actually a good idea for a product. A professionally designed and manufactured mini drum kit that packs into it's own kick drum as a case.

[@eevee_pog7026]

This kit sounds absolutely marvelous! At least for what it is. I honestly like the tone of the bass drum. Although I’m not personally a fan of the six inch bells and hi-hats. But the Dorito bells are a nice touch.

[@robertkay9349]

I love some of you ideas David. This is definitely something I would try to build between the hours of 2 and 4 am when I’m not doing anything else. Now, on to finish the trim work in my new home studio so I can start playing in it 👍

[@rdavidr]

you wanna come install the trim in my living when youre done? Theres a pile of baseboard waiting! lol

[@robertkay9349]

@@rdavidr I would happily fly cross country and do that for a 2 day hang with you as long as there was some drumming wackiness to be experienced. I would no doubt learn a lot about dum maintenance, alteration and repair. 😁

[@nickferrence8593]

What an awesome little kit. Sounds great too

[@rthmjohn]

Watching this made me so happy! Great job on this project. I wondered if it would be possible to drill a hole into the suitcase that would be able to accommodate a an actual drum head. Of course, that would require some clever engineering and some additional hardware, but I wonder if using a drum head would make for a better kick sound.

[@spawnage170]

It sounds so good! Mission accomplished! I’m definitely curious as to how you could get a throne in there as well

[@mnbluestube]

great. thank you for showing the details close for us.

[@Falasi4]

I made a kick drum out of a big ol' kitchen drawer to use while playing mandolin and tried a bunch of different surfaces for the beater to hit. Cardboard ended up being the best - has held up well for a good 10yrs now. Nice solid thump - I did hole saw out a door knob sized port on the bottom

[@GeordicusDadicus]

Sounds pretty good, and waaaaaay better than some house kits I've had to play on!

[@zikandgroovefr]

It's enjoyable to watch you make it in a fun and storytelling video.

[@andrewcastille7781]

Quality cymbals, heads, and a good tune really make a kit for me.

[@erlandodk]

This is bloody awesome. Well done.

[@dudemcfaceyface]

I really dug this! It sounded pretty damn good, especially for what it was.

[@poldford]

I'm building one now. The remote hi-hat is key. Like you, I'm going to mount the toms and the cymbals on top of the suitcase. Think I'm going to try to fit a snare stand for added stability instead of mounting it. I have seen kick drum heads on the suitcase which seem to work well. I was thinking of putting the batter head on one side and if that doesn't sound great putting a resonant head on the other. A shoulder strap might not be a bad idea. Great video, and I'm hoping to also fit the throne since it is a little bit larger

[@BlakeJHall]

I love everything about this. If possible, I would swap out a splash cymbal for something closer to a ride.

[@hereonmars]

I love that you played a blast beat. My first time watching your channel. I'm not a drummer but I want to find a way to scrounge together something like this.

[@jackcotolo3060]

bless your heart for providing the world a solution to the dreaded cajon. this is important!!

[@jefftaylor947]

Dude! This is great. Nice work!

[@jcsk8]

Damn. That´s inspiring. Watched for fun but now I´m really thinking in build one.

[@dieDilettanten]

Apart from the project itself, I absolutely love that book to suitcase transition at 7:01 :D

[@theplinkerslodge6361]

Very creative - good to stretch the boundaries.

[@jgratzke766]

At first I was saying to myself this is a great idea. Then I saw the craftsmanship put into it. I thought maybe I’ll stick to something easier, for myself. This is well done and killer.

[@jeffreyparish8393]

Dude this is by far the sickest kit in existence your beyond creative I really need to know more about the hi hat in the final product

[@nikcorthaut3439]

Nice job! Fun projects, shared with all. This is what the internet should be all about.

[@TSKyanite]

As someone who absolutely refuses to play a cajone(mostly due to back issues) this is awesome. I might have to try and make one

[@FRANKENNIO_CORTES]

Nice working!!! Keep up the good-lookin’ work!!!!!

[@dale116dot7]

A friend of mine has played a suitcase kit for quite a few years, D112 on kick, she has it permanently mounted in the suitcase and just has a mic cable come out. Your suitcase kit sounds very good. The toms surprised me at how decent they sound.

[@iweigh632pounds]

Been watching before 50k so glad to watch you grow