Allegra Artists & Friends

"I had been shopping for a custom kit for well over a year and a half before I was personally introduced to Allegra drums. Designing my ideal kit was no easy task as my requirements were very specific and requested within a short timeframe. Within a few weeks Allegra created an amazing kit that met my every desire and then some.

Not only is the craftsmanship impeccable, tone second to none and service excellent, but Allegra has committed to help artists who actively worship God through music. For me, this rare combination was a no-brainer and the year and a half long search was well worth it."

-Ashton Alvarez
(Between the Lines & City of David)

"When I was first introduced to everyone at Allegra Drum Crafters, I immediately placed an order for a custom jazz set to my specifications and sound desires. When the drums were finished, I knew I had the set of my dreams. I have not played or performed on any drums since that have come up to the standards of Allegra. Their tones are warm, and decidedly punching when need be. Whether it be a studio date or live performance, engineers and sound technicians always love to see my Allegra's knowing they will have an easy time of getting a great sound.

As far as hardware is concerned, I have never had any problems over the years with take-downs or set-ups. Everything is very solid and reliable.

Being one who is rather specific about achieving the right sound for my music, the people at Allegra have always been extremely accommodating and willing to spend all the time necessary to help me achieve the individual sound I desire. If you are looking for a custom set, these are the guys."

-Dave Averre

"From beginning to end, my experience with Allegra Drums has been fantastic. I should not use the term, 'end', it is truly the beginning of a long and loyal relationship. From our first phone conversation, Dave was on board with me getting what I needed. I feel lucky to be close enough to have visited him at his shop to get things rolling. Dave was just as excited as I was throughout the entire build of my project. What was scheduled as a initial meeting to go over custom sizing and finish, ended up being hours of getting to know a man who is a wealth of knowledge, experience, craftsmanship, and caring about the art he builds and the people who use it.

Allegra's finished product is one of precision and quality. I am currently with a 9 piece Rock/R&B horn band from the Portland Oregon area. We lean more toward the hard driving end of that category. I needed something that would cover and maintain a quality sound from soft / touch playing to punchy, back you up a few steps, big venue sound. That is the 'gift' Dave gave me in his product.

From the clean, pure, resonant sound of the 10",12",14",& 16" toms, to the rich deep tone of the 24" B.D. that will give a chest compression on que, to a snare drum that has unmatched touch, quality, and ability to give consistency in all dynamic ranges.

For anyone trying to find satisfaction in the instrument you play, Allegra is your destination. Thanks to Dave Peterson and Allegra Drum Crafters for providing the quality tools that keep the desire and fun in playing live music!!!!!!!"

-Jay Bengel
(Big Vinyl)

"I've been a professional drummer for 40 years, and I've played almost every make and size of drum imaginable. There are certain brands of drums that are better than others, but there is something that is lacking. However, I've recently been introduced to Allegra drums, and they are the closest to perfection that I've ever experienced. I play drums, I don't beat them. So when it comes to drums that I can play, I choose Allegra all the way."

-Mel Brown

"After owning Drums made by every major Drum manufacturer I have found by far the State of the Art to be my Allegra Kit, nothing comes close"

-Michael Clark

"There are several companies that make good sounding drums but Allegra makes finely tuned, hand-crafted musical instruments on par with a Steinway grand piano or a pre-war Martin guitar. I’ve had my Allegra drums for over a decade now and the only thing that will ever come close to replacing them will be another Allegra kit."

-Dave Coram

"With my band, the challenge is playing with lots of energy a low volume level. Sometimes I have to play so soft that my old drums started to sound like cardboard boxes. Not true with Allegras! These drums have a wider dynamic range, clearer tone and better response than any drums I've ever played. My new maple hoop snare has that old sound I've tried to find for years and the drums look as good as they sound."

-Kurt Deutscher

"Allegra drums sound great! I love the feel of these drums when playing. Clean, simple, lightweight, and beautiful in design and finish. Any drum that can consistently sing good is the one that I want. A happy moment for any musician is to have a responsive instrument and Allegra Drums provides that. The snare drums are a real treat. The toms are robust (none of those dead or floating ghost tones) and the bass drum has a lot of meat. I find it easy to adapt them to varied musical performances. I have fun playing these drums and they look fantastic! Thanks Guys"

-Kenny Elliott

"Allegra drums are the most versatile drums around. Playing with James Brown, I get the Thump for the Funk from my 22" bass drum. At the same, when I'm playing jazz with a local Augusta group, I get a great jazz sound for that situation as well. Engineers at studios always love the sound of my drums. They say that they're so easy to dial in. My snare drums have superior sensitivity and projection and my toms sing like Luther Vandross! I want to thank Dave and everyone at Allegra for their superior expertise in drum making, innovative ideas and artist support. Allegra Drum Crafters of Oregon and everything they make are definitely first pick off the top shelf!"

-Erik R. Hargrove
(James Brown)

"Let's face it, there are a lot of great drums produced in the world; however, not all drums qualify as musical instruments. A drum must have a true voice and 'sing' in order to qualify as an 'instrument'. If you care about the best musical sound, unmatched craftsmanship, reliability and great service, choose Allegra. I was introduced to Dave Peterson in 2000 while living in Portland. I was immediately impressed with Dave's industry knowledge, deep understanding of quality drum sound (both singularly and ensemble), drum engineering, commitment to high-quality hand production, and unwavering tolerance for personal 'drummer' preferences. I have been an Allegra player ever since. Like a lot of drummers, I have had the opportunity to own, play or sample every major brand of drum on the market. Don't waste your time, go with Allegra.

I have an amazing hand finished satin maple kit with a matching 7x13 snare with wood hoops and slick little side snare that sounds like a rifle. I also have one of Dave's famous aluminum snares with wood hoops. Any time I take the aluminum drum to live performances it attracts the sound engineers like a shiny fishing lure -- they all want to touch the drum and cannot believe such a warm sound emanates from a metal drum (some of the guitar players were also a little jealous...). Same story follows for all of my Allegra equipment. It's like driving up to Pizza Hut in Ferrari (not something most drummers will ever get to do unless in a dream) -- you get a lot of stares! Thank you Dave for your commitment to excellence and making the finest drums on the planet. And thank you for treating all of your customers with a personal touch. You are a true patriot."

-Kevin J Igli
(Swing Set)

"In the simplest terms… Playing these drums are fun! The responsiveness of these instruments allows me to not be uptight about hitting the “sweet” spot to get the “sweet” sound, they have so many voices they enable me to loosen up and play, not work at getting great sounds. The dynamic range is another story in itself. In the same night I can whisper then scream and the clarity and articulation is never compromised. These drums rock my world! Dave, you guys are my new heroes. Thanks."

-Joel Keyes
(The Gar Hooker Project)

"I’ve been drumming now for 42 years with some great bands in the Northwest. In all of my years of playing drums I have owned, rented, or been back lined with just about every brand of drum kit out there. I’m one of the first players to join the Allegra Family Of Artist’s in 1996 and Dave has built 9 snares and several different kits for me over the years.

I play Allegra Drums because musically Allegra’s are more than just drums, they are 'real musical instruments with an extremely high energy return and unparalleled response to the player.' This type of feel and response lets me play with less effort and always allows me to perform at peak levels, no matter what style of music I’m asked to play. I have never liked other drum kits with poor response, you have to slug them all night just to do the job, but Allegra drums allow me to express myself musically with half the effort! More features that I really dig about my Allegra’s are things like the ASN mounts on the toms and the little things like the rubber feet on the bottom of the kick drum. The overall attention to detail sets Allegra apart from the rest of the drums that I have ever owned or played. Some of the other neat things that I like are the lightweight aluminum lugs, precision bearing edges and ease of tuning with the exact fit of the heads. I have found over the years that Allegra’s proper fit of all of the key alignment elements gives the drums extended head life that can save you bucks on replacement heads.

I can tell anyone looking at the purchase of Allegra Drums that you get more than just great drums, you also get a great company that really cares about the instruments that they make and the player’s satisfaction. I’m very happy to say that 'in the studio or on the stage Allegra Drums have consistently helped me to perfect and deliver my art.'"

-Jeff "Mongo" Knapp
(Carrie Cunningham and The Six Shooters)

"I have been working at a Sam Ash Music store for over 10 years. I have had the chance to play some of the best kits that have come into our shop. Allegra Drums were by far the best sounding and feeling drums I have ever played.....I had to get a kit for myself!

As a drummer for the death/prog metal band Ascent to the Absolute, I have always been looking for a kit that would fit and cut well with our lower tuning. Allegra Drums are the answer!!! Hands down, the best musical investment I have ever made!!"

-John Lonczynski

"Allegra Drums are made with exceptional craftsmanship. The Snare drums have always been superior and in a league of their own, Serious tone with Sensitivity, attack, depth and power."

-Harry McCarthy
(Drum Tech and Owner of Drum Paradise Nashville, Inc)

"For the last thirty years, I have toured and or recorded with Jerry Reed, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Exile, Joe Diffie, Marty Stuart, Connie Smith and Travis Tritt among others. I can say with absolute confidence that Allegra Drums are overall the best I’ve ever played. These drums are the ultimate in craftsmanship, resonance, tune ability, responsiveness and performance in any studio or live venue. Every time I’m in a Nashville studio, the engineer, songwriter, artist, or producer always ask, "what snare are you using?" I tell them "Allegra". They are blown away every time. I wouldn’t play or endorse any other brand. Dave Peterson and Allegra are simply the best."

-Ric McClure

"In 2004 I was tracking drums when it occurred to me that the kit I had just miced up sound amazing and I hadn't done anything to it yet. I went into the drum room and asked the drummer (Reinhardt Melz) what kind of kit he was playing. Allegra! he stated. Two weeks later I found myself in the exact same position, only this time with Matt Molnar behind the kit, he too responded Allegra. One of the players in the session told me that I knew one of the guys at Allegra. I called them and next thing I knew I was an Allegra dealer and the proud owner of a new drum set. I depend on the Allegra kit every time I record drums at my studio. I am always happy with the results."

-Kevin Nettleingham

"I am currently playing with the recently signed Country artists Aces Up and local Seattle artist Austin Jenckes. Going back and forth from Country and R&B, I need drums that can match the versatility of the music I play. Allegra has done just that, with their amazing design that allows a gigging musician to tune the drums on a dime. Whether I’m playing a club or venue in the Northwest, or sharing the big stage with national artists, Allegra drums have always come out on top. Compared to other kits on stage they always leave a lasting impression with the other drummers. Live and studio engineers are constantly blown away with the super resonance and tonality of my Allegra’s.

I have been a part of the Allegra family since 2007 and I must say that playing an Allegra drum kit is like playing the Bentley of drums. The craftsmanship and processes that go into making the drums are first class. The bearing edges, finishes, hardware, and details are done to perfection. I have had several kits made and each one has been built with true craftsmanship that comes from several decades of perfecting the trade. Dave Peterson’s product and customer service is First Class and that is very important for a working musician such as myself. I am extremely honored and proud to be an endorsee for Allegra Drum Crafters.

Thank you Dave for caring about your products and loving what you do!"

-Robert Perez
(Aces Up and Austin Jenckes)

"From the first time I heard an Allegra kit I knew I had to have one. The guys at Allegra gave me a great deal, were supremely knowledgeable, and got me a kit with drum sizes, materials, and finish that was tailored to my specific needs. I was able to provide my kids with the best kit that money can buy without breaking my budget. I have been completely satisfied with our Allegra's and the difference is apparent in how the kids treat the kit. They have something really, really nice, they know it, and they guard it. Thanks for making this possible for my music department."

-Neil Proff
(Director of Bands - Lake Stevens High School - Lake Stevens, WA)

About My Allegra's

"Allegra Drums are simply the best. After many years of touring and playing numerous, popular back line sets (DW, Yamaha, Tama, Pearl, Sonor and countless others) the Allegra Master Craft series is simply the best. My Tuxedo Allegra Master Craft has logged over 800 show hours in less than 24 months and has exceeded expectations every second. Numerous set ups and load outs combined with thousands of truck trailer road hours and the only thing I replaced is sticks and heads. From soft dynamics to energetic hard hits the Allegra's give back more than any drum I have ever played. Tone from top to bottom and every drum on the set relates to the other like one big family. If you're playing soft or hitting hard the Allegra's hold their musical tone creating a sound that is unmatched. Sound engineers rave over them every time they are on stage. When it comes to musical performance it is said there is always a better drum to be built. Say no more. The Allegra Master Craft Series is it!"

-Brad Von Kirschner

"My first experience with Allegra was at a show backlined with the drums for me in Portland Oregon. I was knocked out by the sound and response, as well as by their obvious commitment to true quality. We've been fast friends ever since. They put together a couple of kit combinations for me and I have never had to worry about my drums being tiptop and in perfect form for any situation since. As Dave puts it, you need the right tools of the trade in your box!. I do many different types of sessions and I need versatility and full range dynamics. One day it's a Van Halen sound for a jingle, the next it might be Gypsy Kings....I have wood hoops on my kit, and though it's matter of taste, for me they deliver a warmer fundamental tone. I can go from light bop or swing to absolute slammin rock, and the drums never falter. The workmanship is beyond reproach. My snare of choice is the Allegra Power Core Aluminum 6 1/2" x 14". 'A true work of art'. It delivers a classic fundemental tone, but has a hint of richness not always found in metal shell snares. I also love the 7" x 13" maple snare with wood hoops that I have.

I'm so glad that I made the connection with Allegra. More people should know about them, but I must admit it's nice being in on 'the best kept secret weapon in town'.

These tubs rock!"

-Tom Walsh

"I've been playing my Allegra kit now for about ten years and it still looks and sounds fantastic! My band, COVERUP, plays every weekend and I constantly receive comments about how good my drums sound and look. I've offered up my throne to several players and they all walk away in amazement. I'm proud to play Allegra Drums and I'm forever grateful to the professional advice I have received over the years from Allegra."

-Tim Wigley
(Northern Virginia-based COVERUP)

"Award winning quality and excellence that is obvious to any experienced player."