Most musicians in this day and age have their own unique preferences. Combining good acoustic sound, reliability, durability and technical quality is what musicians seek when purchasing instruments, not to mention a reasonable price. Most drum manufacturers are highly skilled at providing these components of quality sound through trial and error resulting in flawless design. The primary goal of the drum manufacturer is the design of an instrument that provides the musician with the highest quality sound to meet specific requirements for different musical styles. They combine this with secondary objectives of ergonomics, functionality, aesthetic satisfaction, handling, transport, durability and environmental considerations.

There are many factors that affect sound and these must be considered before manufacture begins. These factors include the way the drum is mounted to a stand as well as the major factors of type of shell construction and wood specimens. Different shell dimensions, depths and thickness, produce different sounds so it is important to choose the correct dimensions for different musical styles. It is also critical to choose the correct type of wood as different woods produce different sound frequencies.

The most important factor in achieving a great drum sound is the shell. When choosing wood there are many factors to consider and these include density, straightness of grain, weight and diameter. There is no wood that is suitable for all types of drums, it is the musicians personal preference and the specific musical requirements. The two main woods used in drum manufacture are Birch and Maple with maple being classified further into density classes of light and dense maple. Neither of the woods are better than the other woods, they just produce a different sound. Other common woods used are Japanese Basswood and Phillipine Mahogany.

Birch is used when a high frequency is desired along with a very clear and defined bass. It has a long fundamental sustain and can produces clear and bright frequencies. This is suitable for musical styles such as classical, dance, jazz, folk, latin, fusion and funk.

(Picture taken from Saydlowski & Moscov 1994)

Maple is the material of choice for most professional drummers due to its tonal warmth, superb rigidity and exceptional clarity throughout its tonal range. The most preferred light Maple used for drums come from the mountainous regions of Canada and is used when a medium frequency is desired with a more mellow sound for styles including those already mentioned with the inclusion of rock, hard rock, heavy rock and metal. Heavy Maple is used when a low frequency is required with a dry and strong sound and is mainly used in the rock styles.

Japanese Basswood is indigenous to the Hidaka district of Hokkaido, the northernmost island of the three main islands of Japan. It has a sound very different from maple or birch: very loud, open and powerful but not overwhelming (Promark 1996). Japanese basswood’s tonal power is also very well balanced thanks to a clear sustain and mellow attack.

Phillipine Mahogany snare drums produce a warm vintage tone with a 4ply shell and a full bodied classic tone rich with lasting sustain.

Many woods are air cured and aged to produce a warm resonant tone with sharp attack. The plies of hand selected wood are cross laminated in special oil-heated presses and this process creates tension free shells. This means that they have the same strength all over which results in acoustic projection and resonance. This allows some drum manufacturers such as Sonor to make drum shells without reinforcement hoops inside the shells which can inhibit the tonal quality of the drum.

Pearl drum’s have an exclusive shell manufacturing process consisting of a heat compression shell molding system with a special adhesive formulation. The finish of the drums is totally glued over the surface which reduces unwanted vibration in the shells and increases durability and resistance.

(Picture taken from Tama 1996)

Tone, response, and tuning range are significantly affected by shell depth, thickness and diameter.

Deeper shells result in lower and deeper drum pitch and longer sustain. Smaller drum depths on the other hand offer quicker response due to the shorter distance between the top and bottom heads. Many experts feel that the choice of drum size is the most significant decision that you will make in selecting a set.

(Picture taken from Tama 1996)

The following table is a list of drum sizes that are commonly used.

The thickness of the shell is also a very important factor when considering the manufacture of drums. The thicker the wood, the thicker harder edged sound. Also the combination of different plies of wood can produce different effects on the sound frequency. Bass drums are commonly made with 9 plies and can range from 7mm thickness to 9mm while the floor tom and tom toms are 8 plies and can range from 5 to 7mm thick.

Pearl (1996)

Pearl Snare drums

Taiwan (#SC 596)

Pro Mark (1996)

Forty Years of Making Sticks You Can Count on

USA

Saydlowski, Bob & Moscov, Josh — Editors (1994)

Designer Series — Sonor — A Division of hohner

Sonor johs. Link GMBH, Germany (Catalog 19401 E)

Tama (1996)

Tama Drums and Hardware 1997

Printed Hoshing Gakki Co.Ltd, Japan

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Copyright 1988 The Australian National University

Author: Trudy Brown

Comments and Feedback: Peter.Beutel@anu.edu.au

Date Last Modified: 27.10.1998

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