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Home Playing the Shell Game
DRUM CARE From Drum! Magazine Nov./Dec. 1991 By Gene
D'Amico
This time around we're talking about drum shells, and how their
composition and construction play a major role in a drum's sound. Although wood is the
most common material for shells, they also come in a variety of materials such as
fiberglass, metal, wood/resin combination, and Plexiglass, as well as various combinations
of materials.
Let's begin our examination with snare drum shells. Wood snare drum
shells are constructed using either laminated plies, solid shells, blocks, or cask-type
(similar to barrel-making). Ply construction consists of eight or ten thinly cut veneers
bonded together with glue. The grain of each ply is alternated for strength, and the seams
of each ply are butted together and staggered, also adding to the strength.
A common but mistaken assumption is that all eight-ply shells are the
same thickness. But in fact some veneers are cut very thin, while others are thicker.
Companies sometimes even use a mixture of thin and thick plies in a single shell. So
remember, the number of plies is not a scientific calculation. I look for an even
thickness in the plies, because I feel that different ply thicknesses resonate at
different frequencies. Also consider the fact that a greater number of thin plies
laminated together will be stronger than fewer thick plies. For example you should choose
a 1/2" 10-ply shell over a 1/2" four-ply shell. And some manufacturers use a
thin six-ply shell with thin six-ply reinforcement hoops at the top and bottom of the
shell for added strength.
Most manufacturers build shells for snare drums between 1/4" and
1/2" thick. This thickness focuses more of the high overtones for added projection
and volume as opposed to a thinner shell that focuses low, rounded tones preferred for
toms.
Solid wood snare drums, popular in the 1930's and 1940's, have recently
been reintroduced. They have acoustic advantages, including a clearer tone and added
projection. A solid shell will vibrate as a single unit while plywood that is bonded
together will be somewhat restricted. A solid shell is commonly constructed by steam
bending a solid board, cutting lap joints on each end, and overlapping and gluing the
joints. It's then placed into a form to dry. Reinforcement hoops are used to prevent
internal tension that could pull it out of round.
A very important factor in choosing a wood shell is the type of wood
itself. The wood has the greates effect on the sound of the drum regardless of whether it
is made of plies or solid wood. Maple is used most often because of its rich warm sound
and strength. Next in line is birch, which is harder and gives a brighter sound.
The final two factors affecting the overall sound of the snare drum are
the height and the diameter. Heights vary between 3" and 8", with the most
common diameter being 14".
For a general purpose snare drum I suggest sticking with a 5" x
14" in either wood or metal. Wood shells have a warmer sound, while metal shells
sound brighter with more bite. If possible, buy a drum that has a slightly undersized
shell. Manufacturers make heads and hoops a standard size. But if you have a slightly
smaller shell you can use the same concept that applies to timpani. The head will be free
to resonate since the retaining ring of the head won't come in contact with the shell.
Bass drum shells are almost always thicker since they often have other
drums mounted on them. Some type of muffling technique is usually applied, and the bearing
edge can be sharper -- similar to a snare drum -- for more attack. Assuming that the bass
drum should sound low, and we know that thicker shells will project and focus higher
frequencies, it's best not to mount anything to the shell. That way you can use a thinner
shell and take advantage of the low fundamental tone.
Most of the same ideas apply to toms, although the bearing edge is the
most important factor for toms. A sharp edge gives the drum more attack, whereas a
slightly rounded edge will give you a rounded, warmer sound, since more of the head comes
in contact with the shell.
Finally, the finish or covering applied to the shell is important. A
lacquer finish will resonate and vibrate with the shell more freely than a plastic
covering that is glued to the shell. Plastic is excellent for durability and a lacquer
finish requires more care. Your choice of finishes really depends on personal preferences
and price range.
Gene D'Amico is the president of D'Amico Drums in Fremont, CA.
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