Adam Stec of Drums Etc. | Drum Gear, Music Stores & the PA Drum Show

This week on the Tone Tailors Podcast, I sat down with Adam Stec, owner of Drums Etc. in Lancaster, PA, to talk about drums, the music industry, running an independent music store, and the 2026 Pennsylvania Drum Show!Founded in 1985, Drums Etc. has been part of Lancaster's music community for over 40 years. Adam took over the business in 2021, continuing its legacy while expanding drum lessons, vintage drum restoration, custom drum building, and community events.We get into the actual science behind drum shells, what makes one drum kit sound different from another, and why expensive drum gear isn't always necessary to get a great sound. Adam also shares what it's like running a specialty music store in a world of Guitar Center, Amazon, and Facebook Marketplace.And of course, we talk about the 2026 Pennsylvania Drum Show, happening THIS SUNDAY, October 25th, at Mickey's Black Box in Lititz, Pennsylvania!2026 PENNSYLVANIA DRUM SHOWSunday, October 25, 2026Mickey's Black Box | Lititz, PA12 PM to 7:30 PMTickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0200650BE4EB90D1The show features new, used, and vintage drums, cymbals, and percussion gear, a consignment marketplace, industry exhibitors, and drum clinics with:-Gregg Bissonette, drummer for Ringo Starr-Rob Mitzner, drummer and educator-Fr. Hyacinth Cordell, the drumming priest from PhiladelphiaIN THIS EPISODE-How Adam Stec became the owner of Drums Etc.-The history of Drums Etc. since 1985-Why garage bands and hands-on music education are making a comeback-How drum shells are built and why different woods sound different-Maple vs. poplar vs. mahogany drums-Why drum tuning and drumheads matter-Restoring and customizing rare vintage drums-Guitar Center vs. independent music stores-Buying, selling, and trading used drum equipment-The 2026 Pennsylvania Drum Show-The Central Pennsylvania Music Awards and some friendly competition between our shops-Supporting local musicians and the future of independent music retailABOUT DRUMS ETC.Drums Etc. is an independent drum shop in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, offering drums, cymbals, percussion equipment, lessons, repairs, and custom drum work.https://www.drumsetc.com/ABOUT TONE TAILORSWe're an independent music store in Lancaster, PA, offering new and used guitars, basses, pedals, amplifiers, repairs, and lessons.617 North Prince Street, Unit C, Lancaster, PAShop online: https://www.tonetailors.com/Subscribe to the Tone Tailors Podcast for more conversations with musicians, music industry professionals, and the people behind the local music scene.