Decibel snare drums are played by percussionists in some of the finest institutions and ensembles in the world: The New York Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Houston Symphony, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra, Kansas City Symphony, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Phoenix Symphony, Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra, Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra, The Dallas Winds, The Talea Ensemble, Dayton Philharmonic, Buffalo Philharmonic, The Orchestra Now, Chattanooga Symphony & Opera, Jacksonville Symphony, West Michigan Symphony, New World Symphony, Hyogo Performing Arts Center Orchestra, United States Navy Band, “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, Orquesta Filarmónica de Santiago, Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra, Britt Festival Orchestra,The Juilliard School, Cleveland Institute of Music, USC, New England Conservatory, New York University, Rice University ...
“Decibel Percussion makes some of the highest quality instruments available. There are no details that are overlooked and each design is carefully considered and tested resulting in instruments that are very musical, highly-functional and aesthetically beautiful. Decibel Percussion pays homage to the sound characteristics of vintage instruments while incorporating modern design enhancements. Thank you, David for providing percussionists and drum set players such a broad range of wonderfully crafted instruments”
-James Swarts, Independent
“I am loving the drums that Decibel is making! The 2.5" brass drum is great for soft playing, but where it really shines for me is when the mf snares are installed. They turn the drum into a true piccolo with an expanded dynamic range without sacrificing the razor sharp clarity we need for soft playing. My new 6"x14" resin orchestral drum is exactly what I've been wanting for some time now. There's something about a drum with one set of cables- it's a timbre that sadly doesn't get heard as much these days as I think it should. The resin shell has a unique sound quality and the snares are sensitive at any dynamic. These combine to create a drum that's warm, full, and has bite! Every time I play it I find more reasons to love it. Thanks for the outstanding instruments Dave. You've always been a major inspiration to my playing, and your drums are too!”
-Joel Panian, Section Percussion, Jacksonville Symphony
“I've had my 2.5"X13" aluminum Decibel for about a year now and it is still as pleasurable to play today as it was when it first arrived. The drum is masterfully crafted to speak with incredible clarity, and its custom Decibel side-pull strainer blows competitors out of the water with its ease of adjustment and small footprint. The drum is a testament to David's craftsmanship and ingenuity; I cannot wait to get my hands on one of his larger drums!”
-Andrew Ferdig
“David is a joy to work with and has done deep research in developing his materials. My 2.5 brass and 5.5 cast bronze are strikingly aesthetically gorgeous instruments. They sound incredible up and down the dynamic range, with a great range of sensitivity and articulation. There’s a really amazing process I enjoy of engaging these drums with a sense of wonder and awe - I often think playing them is a celebration of great drum making.”
-Tom Maloy, “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band
“Every one of David's creations is an heirloom-quality thing of beauty. From the softest of the soft to the "obliterando" dynamics sometime needed here in Cincinnati, there is no better choice than Decibel percussion. David is a joy to work with--even entertaining my insane requests. Can't wait for our next project (if I can find more space on our drum shelf!).”
-Michael Culligan, Associate Principal Percussion, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
“The 6.5 Cast Iron drum is extremely powerful and deep. It resonates and fills out our hall with a thick profile of sound that makes it great for Star Wars marches, Shostakovich, and so on. I even used it in Bartok's Concerto for Orchestra!”
-David Yoon, Associate Principal Percussion, Kansas City Symphony
"Decibel Percussion's snare drums possess a visual aesthetic that is equally matched with beautiful tone, clarity, and color. David's ingenuity and superb craftsmanship blend the past with the future, creating fresh sonic offerings in our field while simultaneously paying homage to our history. Playing on a Decibel Percussion drum always brings a big smile to my face!"
-David Lu, Associate Principal Timpani & Percussion, Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra
“My Decibel snare is so incredibly crisp, responsive, and sensitive. Even when played whisper quiet, this drum speaks clearly. I wouldn’t think of taking an audition without it. David’s drums are a work of art. Not only do his drums sound amazing, but they are stunning to look at. I just received mine and I’m already thinking about what the next one will be.”
-Jordan Holley, Freelance Percussionist
“My 2.5 x 13 dbP drum is absolutely the clearest and softest drum I’ve ever used. Great design and craftsmanship. Wouldn’t even consider playing Kije, Sheherezade or taking an audition without one.”
-Dinesh Joseph, Associate Principal Percussion, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra
“Decibel piccolo snare drums have a clear and whisper-soft sound well suited for delicate orchestral playing. My students at USC use the maple model for taking auditions and I own a personal birch drum in Classic Ebony. David is always easy to contact and helpful in answering any questions regarding the different models and options in his snare drums.”
“I am absolutely thrilled with my piccolo snare from Decibel percussion. From start to finish (and after!) David Bergman was insightful and communicative, answering questions, and giving me updates while the drum was being built. The finished product is gorgeous and sounds like pure snare. You realize once you hear it for the first time, that you’ve never heard a snare sound this pure before! It’s so incredibly sensitve. Bergman cares so much for his product that he even has custom Humes and Berg cases made to help them stay protected. I cannot say enough great things about the product quality and customer care given from Decibel percussion. I will definitely be ordering from them again in the future.”
-Ben Irons, Freelance Percussionist
“I love the sensitivity and clarity of my Decibel Percussion piccolo snare drum. I haven’t heard a drum that sounds more clear and crisp and the craftsmanship is beautiful. Kudos to David Bergman for creating a soft drum that fills a very specific need in today’s orchestral playing.”
- Blaine Inafuku, South Bend Symphony Orchestra
“Decibel drums are made at the absolute highest level of craftsmanship. No detail is overlooked, and no corners are cut.”
-Shaun Tilburg, Principal Percussion, Phoenix Symphony
“My aluminum piccolo is the most sensitive snare I have ever played. You can play over the entire surface of the head and not lose any articulation…amazing! I also enjoy the simplicity and elegance of the design. David is a master craftsman.”
“I love my Decibel Percussion drum. Every detail speaks to the quality and craftsmanship put into the drum. The crisp and clean sound was exactly what I was searching for.”
- Chad Crummel, Principal Percussion, Chattanooga Symphony & Opera
“Decibel snare drums really work. I haven’t heard a drum with better snare response for soft playing. It’s easy to get a great sound with David’s drums.”
-Steve Merrill, Principal Percussionist, Jacksonville Symphony
“It’s a wonderfully crafted drum. When I saw and heard Steve Merrill’s carbon fiber drum, I knew I wanted to work with you to create my own piccolo. The snare strainer helps me achieve a consistent snare response that’s also easy to “dial-in”. Attention to detail, quality workmanship, ease of communication – this is what one wants from a small drum business. Your product and you have all of those qualities. Best wishes for a successful journey.”
-Tihda Vongkoth, Freelance Percussionist
“The drum looks and more importantly sounds fantastic! Played on it for the last few days and I have to say I am in love.”
-Derek Koh