To begin with, Monarch drums employ the time-honored mahogany-poplar-mahogany shell configuration.

These three-ply shells are recognized as one of the most important developments in the transition from single-ply to multiple-ply drums and considered as one of the most influential designs in the history of the drum set.

Every Monarch drum shell follows this well-established formula faithfully yet, since each is created from today's finest materials and meticulously handcrafted to today’s highest standards, they represent significant improvements to the original recipe.

Updating and upgrading this traditional method of drum construction not only produces a flawless, vintage-style drum shell, it also produces a drum sound that is described as deep, dark, warm, punchy, thicker and tighter.

According to RBH founder and master drum builder Bruce Hagwood, his new Monarch drums are low in pitch with naturally controlled resonance, extremely musical and relevant for a wide range of classical and contemporary drumming situations. Bruce explains:

"While we put nothing less than a fine-tuned balance of classic designs, modern materials and cutting-edge craftsmanship into our drums, we understand that the elements needed to make truly exceptional drums must be musical as well as physical. We also know that this combination of ingredients remains the same in every era - whether you aspire to build a Monarch, play one or be one."