About
HandShake Drums is a paint house in Cincinnati. Custom finishes for drums and guitars, built one piece at a time for professional players, collectors, and the manufacturers who make their instruments.
I’m Matt Siemer. Mostly self-taught — automotive techniques borrowed from the custom motorcycle and lowrider worlds, sharpened over years of mentorship under painters who are the best in the business at what they do. Real crushed glass mixed into drum lacquer. Color-matched pantones, hand-cut diamond inlays, gradient blends developed against album art before any final coat is sprayed.
The work is the proof. Selected commissions have gone to Marcus King, Tinker Hatfield, Jordan Rose, Mario Calire, and Art Cruz, and have appeared on The Tonight Show, on tour, and on record. HandShake has also painted commissioned work for Ludwig Drum Company.
One set of hands
There is no team and no production line. Every commission is mine from the first conversation to the final inspection — which is why the calendar is deliberately small: twelve marquee and thirty-six signature pieces a year. How a commission actually runs is laid out on the process page.
Where I am
Cincinnati, Ohio. The shop is open by appointment for clients and serious inquiries.