StoneDrum is an Austrian company that manufactures snare drums and other percussion instruments using natural stone as the primary shell material. The company holds international patents that protect its unique drum shell design and construction worldwide, and the StoneDrum name and logo are registered trademarks. StoneDrum was founded by the uncle-nephew team Anton and Patrick Permatinger, who combined family tradition, technical expertise and musical experience to establish a new approach to drum building.

StoneDrum was established in 2017 in Austria by Anton Permatinger and his nephew Patrick Permatinger. The founders come from a family with a strong connection to traditional craftsmanship and have both been active in the music scene for many years. Their shared vision was to build instruments that would combine the durability and natural aesthetics of stone with modern acoustic requirements.

Unlike other materials that have long been used in drum making, such as wood, metal, or acrylic, the founders state that before StoneDrum, drum shells made entirely from natural stone had not existed in the global market in this form. This idea formed the basis for the development of their patented manufacturing process.

StoneDrum’s drum shell construction and acoustic design are protected by international patents that secure the company’s unique approach to building drum shells from natural stone. The patents cover the essential aspects of the shell design, structural integrity, and acoustic performance. These rights are registered and recognized in multiple countries, ensuring that the company’s concept is legally protected worldwide.

In addition, the StoneDrum name and logo are protected as registered trademarks worldwide, ensuring global brand protection and helping prevent unauthorized copies.

The defining feature of StoneDrum instruments is the StoneShell, which uses natural stone as the main shell material. This approach sets the drums apart from traditional shells made of wood, metal, acrylic, or synthetic composites.

Natural stone is significantly denser and less porous than wood. This means it reflects sound vibrations more directly and absorbs less energy. In practice, this affects the sound and feel in several ways:

Compared to wood: Wooden shells often add warmth and mild damping, resulting in a softer, rounder tone. Stone shells, by contrast, produce a more direct and louder sound with a clear attack and articulation.

Compared to metal: Metal shells can create very bright, sometimes harsh overtones. A stone shell offers a balanced tone that combines clarity with controlled overtones, avoiding excessive sharpness.

Compared to acrylic: Acrylic shells are visually striking but can have less tonal depth. Stone provides a strong fundamental tone with more natural resonance and a unique visual texture that cannot be replicated synthetically.

Projection and volume: The high density of stone enhances projection, making the drum naturally louder.

Tuning stability: Stone shells do not expand or contract noticeably due to humidity or temperature changes, unlike wood or acrylic, which helps the drum stay in tune across different environments.

Playing feel: Many drummers describe the feel as more immediate and responsive, with subtle strokes clearly reproduced and minimal unwanted shell vibration.

StoneDrum produces snare drums in various standard sizes, typically ranging from 10" to 14" in diameter. The company has developed different product lines, including artist signature models such as the Thomas Lang Signature Series and special editions co-developed with artists like Martin Grubinger, who collaborated with StoneDrum on a unique Pipedrum design.

In addition to standard models, StoneDrum offers custom snare drums tailored to individual specifications. The company occasionally develops other percussion instruments made from stone as well, such as a lithophone, which was introduced as part of their extended product range.

StoneDrum instruments are used by both studio and live drummers who value consistent tuning, durability, and the distinctive tonal qualities of natural stone. The drums are designed to perform reliably under touring conditions and changing climates.

Several internationally known drummers and artists are associated with StoneDrum. Notable musicians who have played or endorsed StoneDrum instruments include:

• Tommy Lee (Mötley Crüe)

• Mark Schulman (P!nk, Cher)

• Macklemore

• Aaron Draper (Eminem, Rihanna, John Mayer)

• Matt Greiner (August Burns Red)

• Rico Nichols (NF, Kendrick Lamar)

• Josh Baker (Mariah Carey)

• Darryl Howell (Nicki Minaj)

• Paul Tetzlaff (Kontra K)

• Kemar Liking (Sean Paul)

• Mark Falgren (Lukas Graham)

• Joe Styppa (Bausa, KMN Gang, Cassandra Steen)

• Thilo Brandt (SDP)

• Leon Cave (Status Quo)

• Tosh Peterson (Lady Gaga, JXDN)

These endorsements have contributed to StoneDrum’s reputation within the professional drumming community.

StoneDrum emphasizes sustainability in its production process. The company recycles water during the cutting and shaping of stone shells, avoids plastic packaging, and donates a portion of its revenue to projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions. The use of natural stone as a durable, long-lasting material also supports the company’s goal of building instruments that can be passed down through generations.

StoneDrum’s unique approach has been covered in Austrian and international media, including Kronen Zeitung, Oberösterreichische Nachrichten, Die Macher (a business and innovation magazine), and Tips Zeitung, which has highlighted the company’s regional engagement and charitable activities. The company and its products have also been featured in specialist drumming magazines and online industry platforms, which have described the StoneShell concept as a notable innovation in modern snare drum design.

• Official website

• Die Macher – „Auf dem Steinweg“

• Oberösterreichische Nachrichten

• Kronen Zeitung (PDF)

• Krissdrummer Video

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