- Home /
- Europe /
- northern ireland /
- County Down /
- shop
andante percussion
drum maker in northern ireland

‘Andante Percussion’ was formally established by Sam and Frank Hodgen in November 1986. Sam and Frank were both experienced band players with over 80 years’ collective experience as musicians.
The inspiration for the business came about when the pipe band with which Sam and Frank were playing in at the time, were experiencing technical problems with their drums.
The structure of the drums, being used, were not sufficiently strong to adapt to the new woven ‘Kevlar Top’ playing head.
Sam sought to search the market for a better performing alternative, however was unable to acquire a product which was an improvement over what the band was already working with. It was at this point where the idea of designing and producing a world class drum product was conceived in Rathfriland, Co.Down.
Outside of music, Sam had gained over twenty years’ experience in engineering and design. He was able to apply this experience to the design and manufacture of a new drum. This new drum would soon become known as the globally acclaimed ‘Andante drum.’
30 years on, the business is now in the process of extending its products, factory and workforce in a bid to meet growing demand. The custom finish (provided by Andante) sets the brand apart from its rivals, and provides customers with an opportunity to tailor the product to suit their bespoke specification.
Andante intend to continuously explore and advance the technology and design of Percussion Instruments for Marching Bands across the world. Andante products are now being used by well renowned Marching Bands and Solo Drummers worldwide. The profile of Andante’s customers is testament to the unrivalled quality of the product.
Andante is proud to be a family owned market leading business. usly explore and advance the Percussion Instruments for Marching Bands.
Interested?
Reach out directly to andante percussion to learn more about their services:
Related Content
Clogher & District Pipeband
The Clogher & District Pipe Band situated in the beautiful Clogher Valley in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland compete in Grade 3A and are affiliated to the…
Battlehill Pipeband
Battlehill Pipe Band founded 1908 practice @ Kilmore Parish Centre every Wednesday night just off the main Armagh Road at Richhill.
RSPBA northern ireland branch
The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Northern Ireland Branch (RSPBANI) is a governing body to oversee Pipe band competition in Northern Ireland. We…
Ballybriest Pipe Band
The Ballybriest Pipe Band is a traditional Scottish pipe band based in the town of Ballybriest, Northern Ireland, known for its participation in local and…
Police Service of Northern Ireland Pipe Band
The Royal Ulster Constabulary had its name changed to the Police Service of Northern Ireland.