Supersonic Music

For Lawrence being such a small town, it’s awesome that it has its own drum/​percussion shop (though they also do sell some guitars here as well).
The shop features Treehouse drum kits, made locally in Kansas. Supersonic also carries a variety of percussive instruments, cymbals, heads, hardware, and sticks.
Every month, the store has some deal going on, so it’s always good to call ahead of time and see what they have for sale. They had a sale on hand drums one time, and I got some nice CP bongos made in India along with a burlap tote and adjuster tool for around $ 20, when they were originally over $ 60. Supersonic also has some good quality hardware in their used pile that I have purchased on several occasions, for a fraction of their original prices – Pearl cymbal mute for $ 10, Gibraltar tom mount clamp for $ 20, normally $ 40, as well as an LP short bongo stand for about $ 30 (these can be pricey).
Even larger cities as you move eastward into Johnson County don’t have a drum/​percussion store! Granted, Supersonic doesn’t carry the amount of inventory (I was looking for a wrap-​around foot shaker and foot tambourine at one point, and no luck) that a place like Explorers Percussion in Kansas City would, but for the size of the store, this gem does a pretty decent job. One night, I was needing a filtered China crash for my kit that they unfortunately didn’t carry. To my surprise, the employee took down my info and assured me they’d call when one turned up in their inventory. Thumbs up for helping the customer out!
Some of their brand-​new items may cost slightly higher than what you may find elsewhere (read: online), but just do your homework and you might be able to negotiate on the used items.
Being a drummer/​percussionist, this is hands down my favorite store in Lawrence.

I just bought a custom drum set from Supersonic Music (Treehouse Drums) and could not be happier with the experience.
First, the drums are fantastic. I bought a custom nesting drum set, Derek worked with me to decide on the ideal configuration for my needs (easy transport via subway). He was knowledgeable, helpful, and patient. I could not be happier with the finished product. He even helped me create a custom color, and it’s beautiful.
There were some issues with the case (Protechtor Elite with the integrated wheels, which I do not recommend for anything but very light use). Derek was quick to reply, shipping me a replacement ASAP (Humes &Berg Enduro Pro), and paying for the return of the defective case.
Throughout the process, Derek and his co-​workers have been responsive and helpful. Could not recommend them more.

Nice that Derek responded to my review here at Unilocal.He has also contacted me personally to address the situation which I experienced. I think he is really trying to «do the right thing». It sounds like I was mostly in the unfortunate situation of having to deal with an employee who is not always there… and Derek assures me that he will have a discussion with him as to how to deal with these types of situations in the future.
I’ve got to give him credit, for that! And, I need to keep in mind that I got a HECK of a deal on an amplifier from this store nearly a year and a half ago.
Keep an eye on their monthly specials… you may be able to get some things at a really great price (my amp was 33% of list… that’s 66% OFF… which is kind of unheard of for the type of amplifier I bought).
But also, here, as at anyplace you shop, be sure you know what the item you seek should cost.
Oh, yeah… SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL STORES whenever possible!