Drums

The drum set is an incredibly fascinating music instrument with a high fun-factor. Like the name "drum set" already says, it consists of a set of single instruments. The numerous drums such as the bass drum (big drum), the snare (small drum) and the diverse toms are complemented by some cymbals and mounted onto the appropriate stand. The most important strokes in a rhythm (the downbeats and upbeats of a groove) are preferentially played on the bass or snare and accompanied by cymbal percussion figures. For fill-ins the melodiously played toms are added to gain different tone colours. So drummers are forced to coordinate all four limbs, ´cause next to both hands both feet will be in use of the pedals of the big drum and the hi-hat.

A drum-set like this can be extended pertinently. Everything can be seen on global stages, from the smallest mini-set with three drums to a mega-monster-drum-set with four bass drums, diverse snares and twenty-three toms. Concerning the finish also everything is possible by now. Starting with the nature-look of any kind of wood and ending with a demonstrative glitter finish with sparkling varnish or with an airbrushed paintwork - your wish is our command! Drum-sets of the lower price category are often covered in a robust foil which must be glued on firmly. The ideal case is to connect it to the entire shell to make it swing without choking off the sound.

Over the years the five piece set has taken root as the basic kit - that´s the least you need to get-go! What´s irritating is that the five pieces only refer to the drums themselves, the bass drum, three toms and the snare. The so-called "standard-set" has in terms of size a 22" bass drum, a 14" snare and toms in 12" and 13", which are mounted to the bass drum, and a standard tom in 16". Other sets with smaller 20er or even 18er bass drums and 10er, 12er and 14er toms are called "fusion" or "jazz-sets". This differs from supplier to supplier though, ´cause it isn´t that easy to divide the drums of a drum set into groups according to the different music styles. Nevertheless, definitions like "jazz-set" or "heavy-kit" enable a rough classification of the field of activity. By the way, drummers pledge loyalty to the same tone interval with each tom size like 10", 12", 14", 16" etc, ´cause this way balanced notes can be tuned unlike skipping from the 12er over the 13er to the 16er as per universally known standard set.

Thus, the size defines the sound and - to no lesser extent - also the buildup of a drum set. One inch is approx. 2,54 cm which means that a 22er bass drum is 55,88 cm high plus the toms on top of that. Therefore beginners should choose smaller tom sizes so that the set is easier to handle. This is often underestimated and leads to wrong movements which have to be worked off later. Important for the set-machinery is that you feel comfortable and can reach each piece easily.

For some time professionals´ number one choice had been drums made of multiple (mainly six to nine) layers of maple, beech or birch with their balanced all-around-sound. Alongside a few wood rarities like dark walnut or tough cherry, particularly the noble bubinga with its dark and at the same time brilliant character has achieved acceptance. Beginner-sets are often made out of philippine mahogany or basswood, which doesn´t mean that a drum set of this kind doesn´t sound good. In fact it depends on the neat workmanship of each material and each part and als on the exact head-overlay at the top and bottom rim. Soft and porous woods like basswood can be used for the shell where they can unfold their powerful sound.

The type of head-overlay is next to the shell size and material very important for the sound. From a closecut with only a few head contacts to a soft rounded shell rim which touches the head all over and this way dampens the sound - everything is possible.

Thumb Rules for Drum Sounds

• The harder the material, the brighter and clearer the sound. Dark woods sound deeper and darker, soft woods sound bulkier and rounder and are more present around the bass amids.
• Thinner shells create full resonant sounds with great depth. In comparison to the thick and therefore louder and clearer versions they are more sensitive and better to play.
• The higher the diameter, the deeper the drum.
• Drums with smaller shell depth are more sensitive and have more tone than deep shells which need more strength to be played, but when played they actually sound fatter and louder.
• Grommets at the top and bottom of the shell make these areas rigid and conduct the energy from the head directly into the shell and allow the sound to open-up quickly. The slightly damped vibrations make the sound compacted and condensed.
• The sharper the bearing edge, the more open and dynamic the sound. Warm and deep frequntal sounds with full, but fast vibrating sustain are created through a rounded bearing edge.
• The inner wood layers of the shell have a greater effect on the sound of the drum, the outer layers are only for visual appeal.
• Good heads make a cheap, but well-tuned drum sound brilliant in contrast to an expensive brand-set with a cheap head will never sound kingly.

All these features allow drum-makers to create their own individual sound design. Every piece of shell-hardware is taken into account (poppets, clamps, feet etc.) because all of them vibrate and make up the sound. In order not to kill the sound needlessly, a great number of professionals do not mount the toms ontop of the bass drum in order to lighten it and to allow it to vibrate freely. Instead the toms have their own holding system which allow them to vibrate freely. Some beginner-sets also come with seperate tom-systems. Originally Gary Gauger had the idea to hang up a drum without any addional boreholes. The result was the RIMS (resonance isolation mounting system) which is attached to the tuning screws of the drum. In the meantime there are many different methods.

The Snare and its Head

Many drummers consider the snare to be the most important of all drums. A good snare sound can become a trademark in no time. It is the only drum with a snare on the special, very thin resonance head made of metal spirals which gives it the name "snare". This head creates the short crispy rustling sound even with quiet swirls. With an unscrewed head the snare sounds high pitched, with a small belly just like a timbal in latin-music. Heads are often chromed which allow quite full sounds due to the raw surface. Uncut versions made of high-grade steel are finer and more sensitive in their responsiveness. Alternatively brass heads create a warmer rattle and bronze a fuller sound. The width of a head defines the rattle percentage in the snare. 20 spirals are standard, 24 sound a bit more prickeling, 30er and 40er versions raise the snare drastically.