About LA BackBeat

La BackBeat (LaBB) is owned and operated by drummer Frank Kincel who started making drumsticks in 2013. La BackBeat makes durable, quality, handcrafted drumsticks (and sometimes drums) in a small shop on the edge of downtown Lafayette, La. A lifelong pursuit, Frank Kincel started playing actual drums in 1979 and has played professionally since the early '90's. He worked in music retail over 15 years, further honing his skills as a journeyman in the craft of drums, percussion and the objects that strike them. Every drumstick is handled by Frank... and now shared by Zach, every step of the way, from board or blank to finished product.

All LaBB drumstick creation is done in house sourced from regional materials and suppliers. Think along the lines of either a small craft brewery, distillery or vineyard. Every board used is hand selected before it becomes drumsticks. Recently (2019) raw dowels began being sourced regionally as lumber supply became scarce and demand for La BackBeat drumsticks increased. Each blank, either square from lumber or dowel, is visually inspected, weighed and sorted before becoming a LaBB drumstick.

A lot of pride, thought and attention to detail goes into every step (and there are many) to make quality drumsticks at La BackBeat. Quality control is part of every process, every step of the way, to make the best drumsticks La BackBeat can create. At this time, LaBB can make about 200-400 drumsticks per day… and that is a hustle... however, it doesn't happen EVERY day. For some perspective, the major drumstick manufacturers make 25,000 to 100,000 pieces PER DAY! 

A full compliment of professional drum services is also available including repairs, refurbs, restorations, wrap seam repair, bearing edges, drilling, and snare beds.

Frank Kincel has worked professionally as a drummer since the early '90's while working toward a music degree in college. In the past, he has worked in the drum retail industry for over 15 years. He brings a lifetime of music knowledge and trade skill to the manufacturing and business of drums, drumsticks and percussion.