Drumming News :
Mike Ciprari, the co-founder of SJC Custom Drums, has announced his departure from the company after 25 years. SJC Drums, which he started with his brother Scott in their grandmother’s basement in Massachusetts, has grown from humble beginnings into a premier brand renowned for its high-end, custom-built kits used by iconic bands like Panic! At The Disco and Green Day. Now, as the company celebrates its 25th anniversary with a special “XXV” collection, Ciprari reflects on his legacy and what lies ahead.
A Humble Beginning
In the year 2000, two brothers, armed with a shared passion for drums and an unrelenting work ethic, set out to create something that felt deeply personal. “In 2000, my brother, Scott, and I were just two kids in our grandmother’s basement with a Home Depot router table and a shared ambition to create drums that were deeply personal,” Ciprari shared in his farewell statement.
The company’s rise was not without its challenges, but it was fueled by a belief in making drums that felt more like an extension of the person playing them rather than just an instrument. Over the years, SJC evolved into a culturally embedded, community-driven brand that resonated deeply with musicians worldwide. From the beginning, Ciprari’s vision was clear: to create something more than just a product.
“Everyone belonged,” Ciprari wrote, reflecting on the culture that he and his team had cultivated over the years. “The drums were just the entry point. The real mission was always connection. Watching kids light up when they first saw a drum specially made for them… that was the real dream come true.“
The “Rockstar Experience”
SJC Drums became synonymous with personalized, high-quality instruments, and the brand quickly gained a loyal following. The company’s success, however, was not simply about building drums. It was about creating a community where musicians could feel seen and celebrated. Ciprari’s mission was to provide what he often referred to as “the rockstar experience“—not about fame, but about belonging.
“The real fulfillment came from the experience,” Ciprari emphasized. “Seeing kids get excited when they saw their drums next to their favorite drummer on the website… that was what made it all worth it. It was never just about the product alone. It was always about connecting with people.”
His commitment to fostering these connections and empowering musicians was evident in the company’s approach. Through SJC’s custom kits, drummers could create unique expressions of their identity. The brand became a representation of artistry, authenticity, and community, with a mission to make every drummer feel like part of something bigger than themselves.
A New Chapter Begins
While Ciprari’s departure marks the end of an era for SJC, it also signifies the beginning of a new chapter in his life. Earlier this year, Ciprari formally concluded his agreement with the company, selling his ownership stake in 2024. The decision comes after both Ciprari and SJC’s paths began to diverge. While he remains deeply proud of the work they did together, Ciprari is now focusing on new endeavors aligned with his passion for creativity, education, and community building.
“My deepest fulfillment never came from the product alone, but from the experience. I’m now stepping into the work my heart has been pulling me toward,” Ciprari shared. “That work is loyal to the craft. It’s about empowering the next generation of artists, supporting families, and creating experiences that prove turning dreams into reality is possible.“
Ciprari’s new venture, Loyal to the Craft (LTTC), is already resonating with a growing audience. As Ciprari noted, “When LTTC began showing up at festivals and community spaces, the response was overwhelming and clarifying. This is where I’m meant to be.”
While his official involvement with SJC has ended, Ciprari remains a passionate advocate for the music and drum communities. “I remain deeply connected to the drum and music community,” Ciprari wrote, “and I want to be clear: I no longer have an active role with SJC Drums.”
SJC’s Continued Growth
SJC Drums, for its part, expressed gratitude and appreciation for Ciprari’s contributions to the company. In a statement on social media, the company thanked Ciprari for his dedication, noting how SJC grew from a small basement operation into a global community of drummers, artists, and fans. “What started in a basement all those years ago grew into something far bigger than any of us could have imagined,” the company wrote. “We’re grateful for the years of passion and dedication that Mike & Scott invested in helping shape SJC’s foundation, and we wish Mike nothing but the best in the next chapter of his journey.“
The company also emphasized that, while Ciprari’s departure marks the end of one chapter, the mission to build unique drums and create a space for self-expression remains unchanged. “Today, SJC continues with the same mission that has guided us from the beginning: building drums as unique as the drummers that play them and creating a place where they can express themselves and belong,” SJC wrote. “The past 25 years have been amazing, and the story is still being written.“
Looking Ahead
As Ciprari moves forward with LTTC, he promises that exciting things are on the horizon. He encourages fans and supporters to follow along with his new journey at @loyaltothecraft on social media, where updates on upcoming projects will be shared. For SJC, the future looks equally bright, with the 25th anniversary “XXV” collection highlighting the brand’s continued dedication to craftsmanship and individuality.
The departure of Ciprari marks the end of one chapter but also the continuation of the legacy he helped build. Both Ciprari and SJC Drums have left an indelible mark on the world of music, and it’s clear that their respective futures will remain intertwined with the community they’ve nurtured over the past 25 years.
“I’m endlessly proud of that chapter, and it will always be part of my DNA,” Ciprari said in his farewell message. “My love for the community, and my respect for you all, remains.”
By Paul Rogne
