Today we’d like to introduce you to Thomas Finch
Hi Thomas, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
FDS Drum Services started as a passion project born out of my lifelong love for drums and the drumming community. I’ve always been fascinated by the technical side of drums—how every detail, from the bearing edges to the choice of materials, affects the sound and performance. I began my journey as a drummer, but my curiosity naturally extended into understanding how drums work on a deeper level.
Over the years, I started repairing and customizing drums for friends and colleagues. What began as a side hobby gradually turned into a professional pursuit as word spread about my work. I realized there was a real need for specialized, high-quality drum tech and repair services, particularly in Nashville—a city bursting with talented drummers who rely on their gear to perform at the highest level.
I officially launched FDS Drum Services to meet that need, offering everything from snare cleanups and hardware refurbishing to full drum set restorations, repairs, drum curations for museums, custom drumheads, refinishing, and everything in between. It’s a full-service drum tech and service company. I’ve built the business on the principles of craftsmanship, transparency, and a genuine love for building up the drumming community around me.
Today, FDS Drum Services continues to grow. I’m focused on providing top-notch service while expanding into areas like education, offering resources on drum maintenance, and partnering with others in the industry. It’s been a rewarding journey, and I’m excited about what’s next for FDS Drum Services and the drummers we serve.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has been anything but smooth, but that’s what makes the journey worthwhile. Like any small business, FDS Drum Services has faced its share of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles early on was balancing the technical side of the work with the business side—figuring out how to effectively market my services, build a client base, and manage the day-to-day operations while still delivering top-tier craftsmanship.
Another challenge has been educating potential clients about the value of drum maintenance and repair. Many drummers don’t realize how much a well-maintained kit can elevate their playing experience. It’s been a rewarding but ongoing process to share that knowledge and build trust within the community.
There have also been personal and professional sacrifices along the way. As anyone in this industry knows, the work can be physically and mentally demanding, often requiring long hours and meticulous attention to detail. I’ve had to learn how to set boundaries, avoid burnout, and still deliver the best possible service to every client.
Finally, I’ve encountered challenges unique to Nashville’s competitive music scene, where drummers rely heavily on their gear but often have limited budgets. Striking a balance between offering premium-quality services and ensuring they’re accessible to local musicians has been a delicate, yet rewarding, balancing act.
Through it all, these challenges have shaped FDS Drum Services into what it is today—a company that’s resilient, innovative, and deeply committed to the drummers we serve. Every struggle has been a learning opportunity, and I’m grateful for the growth that’s come from it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At FDS Drum Services, I specialize in providing comprehensive drum tech, repair, and restoration services tailored to the needs of drummers at all levels. Whether it’s a simple snare cleanup or a full drum set restoration, every project is approached with meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of how drums are meant to perform.
FDS is known for offering a wide range of services, including drummers’ hangs, drum refinishing, hardware refurbishing, bearing edge re-cuts, drum curations for museums, custom drumhead designs, cymbal restorations, and more. One of the most unique aspects of the work is the level of customization and craftsmanship brought to every project. Every drum has its own story, and I take pride in helping drummers, studios, bars, schools, churches, and touring professionals unlock their drum’s full potential.
What I’m most proud of is the trust FDS has earned within the drumming community. Whether I’m working with a touring professional, a local session player, or a hobbyist, the feedback I consistently receive is that the work not only enhances their gear but also inspires them as musicians—and that’s the ultimate compliment. It’s an incredible feeling and a testament to the quality and care put into every job.
What sets FDS Drum Services apart is the combination of technical expertise, personalized service, and a genuine passion for drumming and community. This isn’t just a business—it’s a way of supporting and uplifting the drumming community. I also stay committed to educating drummers about their gear, whether through conversations, resources, or even larger projects like workshops or online content.
Ultimately, FDS Drum Services is more than a repair shop. It’s a place where drummers can feel confident that their gear is in expert hands and where they can deepen their connection to their instrument.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
When it comes to finding a mentor or networking, I believe it’s all about being genuine, open, and proactive. First and foremost, it’s important to identify people who share your values and passions, and who have experience you can learn from. In the world of drumming and music, there’s no shortage of talented individuals, but finding someone who truly resonates with you and your goals makes all the difference.
My advice is to start by putting yourself in the right environments. For me, attending events like drum clinics, industry workshops, and social gatherings with other musicians or drum techs has been key. Whether it’s a casual drummers’ hang, like the ones I host, or an organized professional event, networking opportunities are everywhere. The key is showing up and being ready to learn.
I’ve found that networking works best when it’s not about transactional relationships but about building genuine connections. I’ve met mentors who didn’t directly teach me how to fix a drum, but they taught me about professionalism, creativity, and resilience in the business. It’s these kinds of connections that end up being the most valuable, even if they don’t immediately seem related to the work you do.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, offer help, and stay curious. If you find someone whose work you admire, reach out—be respectful of their time but don’t hesitate to ask for advice or guidance. It’s also important to remember that networking isn’t just about what you can get, but about what you can give. Being a resource for others, whether through sharing knowledge or simply being a supportive member of the community, goes a long way in building lasting, meaningful relationships.
For me, the most rewarding aspect of networking has been the relationships I’ve built with fellow drum techs, musicians, and mentors. It’s not always about who you know, but who you grow with! And that has definitely been true in my experience.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fds_drumservices
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fdsdrumservices/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@fdsdrumservices
