Simone
Disarmingly simple, yet marked by a distinctive presence, the SIMONE is named after Madame Boudard, the muse of Alfred, founder of ASBA. A true figurehead in the noblest sense: elegant without ostentation, capable of both nuance and power, with a character that stands the test of time.
But in the end, one question often comes up: how long does it take to build a drum kit like this?
A few dozen hours in our workshop in Lyon, in the hands of Benjamin and Jean-Marc.
But in reality, it is far more than that.
It is the time it takes for European sycamore maple to grow, sometimes close to a century. It is the time required for natural air-drying, several more years. It is the experience built over time, the repeated gestures, the decisions refined with each instrument.
We chose these woods, this origin, this way of doing things. Not by chance, but because we control every step, from raw material to final setup.
Built from six plies of European sycamore maple, selected and naturally air-dried, the SIMONE follows this approach: a modern instrument, designed for today, yet shaped with a level of care that refuses to rush time.
Its aesthetic, somewhere between vintage and contemporary, gives it a character of its own. And its versatility does the rest: it adapts, without ever losing its identity.
In the end, a drum kit is not just what you see. It is the result of everything that came before it.
The SIMONE is no exception.
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Configurations & Price Guidelines
Each SIMONE is made to order. The configurations below are common examples, provided as price references only. Any configuration, finish, or custom dimension can be made upon request.
• Jazz: BD 18x14 + TT 12x8 + TF 14x14 = €3,072 incl. VAT • Fusion: BD 20x14 + TT 10x8 + TT 12x8 + TF 14x14 = €3,993 incl. VAT • Rock: BD 22x14 + TT 13x9 + TF 16x16 = €3,633 incl. VAT
Prices include shells with ASBA hardware and standard finish. Other options and configurations available upon request.
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The SIMONE is not a drum kit you pick from a catalog. It is built, discussed, and desired.
Technical specifications
- Bass drum dimensions
- 18” to 26”, depth on request
- Tom dimensions
- 8” to 18”, depth on request
- Shells
- European sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus), sourced from sustainably managed Austrian forests, selected and naturally air-dried
- Chamfers
- 45° bearing edge, delivering attack, precision, and projection, a signature of ASBA heritage
- Drum parts
- Chrome hardware with exclusive ASBA design, featuring stainless steel fasteners and internal felt isolation for enhanced reliability and improved vibration control
- Hoops
- Die Cast / Triple Flanged
- Finishes
- Hand-stained and hand-polished finishes with a vintage satin lacquer. Wide range of custom options on request: high-gloss lacquer, metal flake, wrap finishes (rhodoid), or shell inlays
- Badge
- ASBA solid brass badge, made in France
- Stamp
- Each shell is stamped with the date of its final assembly and hand-signed, ensuring its authenticity
- Interior finish
- Shell interiors treated with beeswax from the Beaujolais region, sourced from a beekeeper in Poule-les-Écharmeaux (Haut-Beaujolais)
- Craftsmanship
- Each shell is handcrafted and assembled in our workshop in Lyon, France, with precision and exacting standards
- Quality Control
- Each shell is inspected using a precision granite surface plate, ensuring perfectly flat bearing edges and optimal head seating
- Hardware
- Floor tom legs included. Tom mount available on request for rack and mid toms
- Drumheads
- Evans® G2 Coated (batter) and G1 Clear (resonant) on toms. Evans® EQ4 Clear (batter) and EQ3 Coated (resonant) on bass drum
Finishes
- Chocolate
- Honey Amber
- Caviar
- Blueberry
- Burgundy
- Cream (Rupture)
- Dark Brown
- Diamond
- Onyx
- Saphir