There are many factors that determine a
drum’s sound: size, shell material, hardware, head choice ... there is a lot to
consider, and it's easy to get bogged down and confused by the detail. I'd like
to recommend my usual don't-sweat-it approach, but it’s still a good idea to
become familiar with the factors and concepts that contribute to the final
product and, ultimately, your unique personal voice.
Shell Diameter : Each drum's size has a
useful pitch range, and that should help determine your choice of sizes. In
general, small drums are quieter and higher pitched than large drums. The
shell's diameter in relation to a standard head size will also have an effect on
sound. A drum that is slightly undersized will have more resonance whereas a
shell that fills the head to the edge will have a more robust sound.
Depth: Shell depth affects volume,
resonance and decay. Deep shells typically produce a longer, fuller sound.
Shallow shells speak quickly, with a short decay.
Material: This is a real can of worms
these days. There are at least a dozen different types of wood available, and
about as many types of metal. Then there are the synthetics, the exotics, and
the so-called ‘hybrid’ shells. The differences range from minor to dramatic, so
you need to do a bit of research.
Thickness: Thicker shells tend to have a
greater pitch range and good projection. Thin shells often have a lower pitch
range and are somewhat mellow sounding. This applies more to wood shells, but is
valid for metal and other shell materials.
Plies: Wood drums are most often made of
plywood. The plies are held together with glue, which is harder than wood. So
the more plies, the more glue and therefore a harder and usually thicker the
shell. The thickness of the plies also affects the wood-to-glue ratio and
therefore the hardness of the shell.
Glue Rings : Also called re-rings, these
strips or plies of hardwood affect the way sound bounces around inside the drum.
The general result is a softer tone.
Bearing Edge : The bearing edge is to a
drum what a bridge is to a stringed instrument. There are a few factors to
consider, but the critical one is trueness. Dips, bumps or dings in the
edge can even render a drum untunable.
Head: Choice of drum head can have a
dramatic effect on a drum's sound, often over-riding all other factors. There
are dozens of drum head styles to choose from. The best approach is to
experiment with different heads until you find something that works for you.
Rim: The choice of rims (hoops) is nearly
as complex as any other option. Triple-flanged steel rims, either welded or
spun-cast, are available in different weight, thickness, height, and material.
You can also find brass and stainless steel versions as well as single and
double-flanged. You'll find die-cast rims on many high-end drums, while the true
connoisseur may opt for solid wood. Each type of hoop will have a
different effect on the drum's sound, ranging from subtle to profound.
Bottom Head & Rim : A simple yes or no
answer here -- take away the bottom head and you're essentially removing the
drum shell from the equation. Single-headed drums produce mostly the drum’s
fundamental tone, with little resonance and almost no sustain, whereas a bottom
head will trap sound inside the drum where it generates complex tones and
resonance.
Finish: The finish on the outside of a
shell contributes little a drum’s sound. Drum shells today tend to be thick and
heavy, so the presence or absence of, for example, a sheet of glittery plastic
will add little to weight, mass or tone.
Attachment(s): The general idea is to
avoid attaching anything extra to a drum shell which, it’s argued, will diminish
resonance and tone. Each attachment adds more mass, potentially altering the
drum’s sound. So-called floating shells have nothing attached directly to the
shell.
Putting it all together : The level of
care during assembly can make or break the project. An artisan drum maker might
meticulously tweak every bolt to ensure it’s properly tightened; factory booting
out low-end instruments will use whatever method is fastest and cheapest. An
otherwise good drum that was poorly assembled can be frustrating. The good news
is that you can fine tune any drum yourself to bring out its total
potential.
