Black Swamp Percussion
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Black Swamp Percussion is a manufacturer of orchestral percussion instruments and mallets based in Zeeland, Michigan. Black Swamp sells instruments through music dealers in the US and overseas.
Founded by percussionist Eric Sooy in 1994, the company manufactures snare and field drums and standalone snare units; tambourines; triangles; castanets; bar chimes; wood blocks, temple blocks, log drums, and tone blocks; timpani, and tam-tam mallets; and instrument cases and cabinets. The business grew out of Sooy's hobby of making musical instruments. He first operated out of his basement in Bowling Green, Ohio, then moved to Adrian, Michigan for two years before relocating the business to Holland, Michigan in 1997. As of 2006 Black Swamp operated out of an 11,000 sq ft manufacturing and warehouse facility.
In September 2005 Black Swamp launched a sister company, Drum Foundry. Drum Foundry supplies drum shells, drum hardware, drum coverings, and special tools for pro and amateur drum builders. Drum Foundry also does custom finishes and hardware colors for Yamaha marching drum lines.
Sooy is also a percussionist with the Grand Rapids Symphony.
