Bagshelf
Inspired by my experience as a jazz drummer, Bagshelf was developed to address a common problem during performances: quick and seamless drumstick changes. The bag unfolds into a stable horizontal drumstick holder, providing easy access to sticks while also offering space for accessories. The design combines storage and performance use in a single object.
Brief
Many drummers store their sticks on the instrument itself, giving up a playing surface in the process.
Approach
Drawing on my own years behind the kit, I tested folding geometries, stiffeners and closures until the bag could open into a stable horizontal shelf that held its shape under a drummer's reach.
Core idea
Bagshelf unfolds from a compact carry bag into a stable horizontal rack - sticks stay visible and ready to grab, with room alongside for accessories, in genuine leather and antique brass.
Research / experience
The instrument used as a storage surface: a playing surface lost.
Often seen solutions
Using chairs or drum cases as a horizontal platform.
Ideating
How to transform a bag into a horizontal platform?
Fast prototyping (making MVP)
Built a rough cloth MVP straight onto the drum to test the basic idea fast.
Modify an existing drumstick bag
Cut apart and rebuilt an off-the-shelf drumstick bag to test the folding shelf mechanism.
Build the whole bag from cowhide leather
Rebuilt the whole design from scratch in genuine cowhide leather for the final piece.
Three custom-made Bagshelf units have so far been sold to professional musicians - the clearest signal that the object solves a real, felt problem. Next steps focus on a repeatable production method and a lighter closure.