We’re proud to welcome Ricardo Parra as Master Craftsman at Noble & Cooley.
From the moment we met him, we were impressed by his exceptional drum building and deep understanding of the materials and design behind great sound. After staying in touch for several years and collaborating last summer, Ricardo relocated to Massachusetts to join our team full-time.
In just over six months, he’s become an integral part of Noble & Cooley. Read his statement to learn more—and please join us in officially welcoming Ricardo to the team.
Left to Right: Luke Garro, Ricardo Parra, Rob Walbourne, Nick Holtz, Ian Haas
Statement from Ricardo Parra:
*"More than 20 years ago, when I committed my life to building drums and founded Parra Drums, brands like Brady and Noble & Cooley represented the highest level of craftsmanship in my world. They were the standard I measured myself against.
Learning that Noble & Cooley, founded in 1854, is the oldest drum company in the United States expanded my understanding of what this craft truly means - a 170-year legacy built on discipline, precision, character, and innovation.
That origin resonated deeply with me because I also began through play. Between the ages of eight and twelve, I built my own drums simply because I wanted to play. As a teenager, when my mother gave me money to buy clothes, I often chose instead to buy snare drum parts so I could keep building.
Over the decades, drums became my life’s focus. My approach has been rooted in a deep understanding of materials—from mineral composition and cellular structure to shell architecture, tension systems, and acoustic behavior. For me, a drum is not only shaped; it is engineered from the inside out, with intention and respect for the material.
Early in my journey, Bob Gatzen’s clarity on tuning and design gave me my first real insight into how a drum should respond. Around that same time, Johnny Craviotto became a personal inspiration along my path.
That perspective was further refined in the recording studio. Working across hundreds of recordings as a drum technician and producer allowed me to evaluate instruments not only in the workshop, but through microphones, monitors, mixes, and ultimately on finished records. Designing with that full sonic journey in mind - from raw material to recorded music - continues to define how I build.
In the United States, my work with Dynasty Percussion strengthened my understanding of structural integrity, projection, and performance under demanding conditions.
As a Venezuelan craftsman who began this journey in my home country with limited resources but deep determination, I carry that origin with pride. It shaped my discipline and the way I listen.
Today, I have the honor of announcing that I have joined Noble & Cooley as Master Craftsman. Contributing to a company with a 170-year legacy is a responsibility I approach with respect and gratitude.
Parra Drums remains my life’s work, my foundation, and my signature. It continues with strength and clarity. This new chapter does not replace it; it expands it.
I am sincerely grateful to Luke Garro, John Keane, Travis York, and my colleagues Ian and Nick for welcoming me and for the trust they have placed in me. It means a great deal to be part of this family.
My commitment is clear: to honor the Jones family legacy, preserve what makes Noble & Cooley historic, continue its spirit of innovation, and design instruments artists can trust."*