It is absolutely critical that the edges be perfectly flat for the best sound, so we spend a significant amount of time making sure they are perfect. The shell edges are sanded and checked for flatness on a laboratory grade flat surface. Edges are then cut on our precision edge-cutting machine, accurate to 1/128th of an inch. The edges are then rechecked on the surface flat for perfection, and re-sanded and re-cut if necessary until absolutely perfect.

Our standard edge for toms is a 45-degree inside edge and a roundover on the outside, cut sharper on the smaller toms and rounder on the large toms. This helps the smaller toms punch through the mix, while filling out the bottom end by filtering out high frequencies on the larger toms. Kick drums get a special edge treatment, rounded and cut at a shallower 35-degree angle on the inside to bring out more of the drum’s low-end fundamental tone with the thicker edge. Snare drums get different edges, based on the specific drum application, size, and customer taste.  When edges are done right, like on all Markley Custom Drums, they really are a thing of beauty.

Our lugs are precision-made on a CNC lathe by our machinists here in the USA, and are available in chrome plating. Other finishes may be available at an additional cost.

Once formed into their final shape, each Reson-X tom mount goes to metal finishing to be polished and chrome plated. Again, the part is inspected for quality. Then, the rubber grommets are installed in the 4 circular holes and the tom mounting bracket is installed with a rubber isolating gasket, completing the Reson-X assembly.