Drum Shell Construction Importance

It probably goes without saying that the way a particular drum set sounds has a direct relationship to the quality of its construction. The drum shells should be constructed from tried and true, solid, tone woods, such as maple, birch, or mahogany, though less expensive, economy sets often employ lesser-known woods with much less agreeable sounding results. The most influential factors of drum sound are the wood used for the shells themselves, the thickness of the shells, and the sizes employed.

Of the three most often used woods, mahogany is the least expensive and also the least desirable for several reasons. Aesthetically, mahogany is less attractive, possessing less naturally occurring grain and striations resulting in this wood usually being covered with a plastic polymer coating, adding color or pattern to an otherwise unattractive fascia. This plastic wrap makes construction quite inexpensive versus the protective spray used on higher end drums, utilized to showcase and protect the more beautiful woods. Budget sets made on assembly lines for large drum set distributors are usually crafted of mahogany. The relatively dull sound produced by mahogany sets can be attributed to the relative softness of this easily obtained wood.

The other most often used woods are maple and birch. They both possess a beautiful grain with striations that often form striking patterns such as the much sought after birdseye-maple rings. Shells in these woods are exhibited as well as protected by a spray on coating, allowing the natural grains to show through. Maple and birch are both sturdy hardwoods, possessing hardy sounds with the ability to cut through in many genre applications. The difference in tone between these two woods can be best observed in the treble ranges of the drums. Birch drums are described as possessing a brighter sound due to their magnified response in the treble range while maple shells display warmth across the entire sound spectrum.

Thickness of shell affects the pitch of the drum. The thicker the shell, the higher the pitch, the thinner the shell, the lower the pitch. Most drum shells are constructed of several plies (different layers) of wood allowing for strength, durability, and defense against warping over time. Also affecting the pitch of a given drum is its diameter and depth. A larger floor tom or bass drum will display a much deeper tone than say a smaller, shallower mounted tom. These differences allow for a large palette of sound being available within a five or six piece drum set. Local music stores such as Austin’s Strait Music Company stock a wide variety of drum sets catering to needs of many a budding and professional drummer alike. The best way to hear these differences is to go on in and pound on some skin!


About the Author: Clint Strait is a third generation owner and assistant manager of the Strait Music, Austin Music Stores, the best of drum set stores in Austin TX. For more information please visit www.straitmusic.com.