Our story since 1927

ASBA is a French drum brand founded in 1927 by Alfred and Simone Boudard. Its story, from the 1965 Caroline pedal to today's workshop in Lyon, France.

1927

Alfred and Simone Boudard create the ASBA brand (Alfred Simone Boudard Accessoires). Based in the Paris region, they manufacture orchestral accessories.

1947

Drums and percussion come on the scene after the war. The company innovates by inventing the 100% metal drum kit, the “gigogne” (nesting) drum kit and the “perche” cymbal stand. The brand is exported to 25 countries.

1965

The Caroline, one of the most famous bass drum pedals in drum history, is invented by ASBA in 1965. It was created with Daniel Humair, the famous jazz drummer. Caroline is his daughter’s name (the pedal was released on the day of her birth).

1983

Despite all these successes, the factory closes its doors, unable to keep up with Asian competition with its obsolete tooling.

2016

The brand is relaunched in line with its values. Manufacture of the hardware moulds. First prototypes. Specifications drawn up with Marc Perrin, Alfred Boudard’s godson. Selection of materials and suppliers.

2019

Commercial launch at the Bag Show (Paris).

2020

NAMM Show, Los Angeles (international musical instrument show).

2022

ASBA reissues the Caroline pedal with INSA.

2023

The new team, made up of the company’s former employees, takes over the brand and its assets to begin a new adventure.

The Soul of Handcrafted Drums

Handcrafted drums are born from the hands of our skilled artisans who embrace precision as a guiding principle. Every cut, every carve, and every assembly is a testament to our commitment to perfection. Each drum is a unique masterpiece, meticulously crafted to ensure an unparalleled quality of sound and an aesthetic allure that transcends mass-produced alternatives