Percussion business attracts customers from across world

? Baldwin’s newest business has got the beat.

Vaughncraft Percussion, 602 High St., makes percussion instruments for both professionals and students alike.

“Customers from all over the world are buying our products,” said Ron Vaughn, Vaughncraft Percussion founder.

Vaughn started his business in 1970 when he was a student at Indiana University. His interest in percussion instruments began in his childhood.

“My business started out of my interest in drum making,” he said. “Even as a young kid, I made drums for myself.”

As a performance major at Indiana, Vaughn made instruments for himself and other students.

Between his studies and instrument making, he took semesters off to tour and perform with Bob Hope and Johnny Mathis.

Vaughn eventually worked with the Venezuelan National Orchestra and also spent time performing in clubs throughout South America. But the instrument making didn’t stop, even when he traveled.

“All those years, I continued to build things, even in South America,” he said.

After graduating from college, Vaughn moved to Nashville, Tenn., to focus on performing and instrument design and construction. He created his own version of traditional percussion instruments, often using them in his studio and club performances.

Vaughn later moved to Kansas to raise his family and opened Vaughncraft Percussion in Centropolis, where it remained for about 15 years until its recent move to Baldwin.

The Vaughncraft line has changed design and developed technology to improve percussion instruments. Some of his improvements include producing complete drum shells from one solid piece of hardwood and changing the design of the percussion woodblock.

“I’m deeply ensconced in research and development,” he said. “We have some of the best drum builders in the world.”

Included in Vaughncraft Percussion products are woodblocks, tambourines, log drums, temple blocks and slapsticks.

Various performers, including the Rolling Stones, Liza Minnelli and the New York Philharmonic, have been Vaughncraft customers.

Vaughn’s business of five employees also caters to nonprofessionals. Vaughncraft Percussion has a line of instruments, Bullfrog Percussion, geared more for elementary, high school and college students.

Vaughn said he moved his business to Baldwin because he liked what the town offered and its proximity to Kansas City.

“I personally felt it had the right combination,” he said. “It’s a terrific little town.”

He said he planned to partner with Baker University to use its facilities for percussion camps, festivals and workshops.

“We’re really excited to be in Baldwin,” Vaughn said.