By: Thaddeus W Johnson
Website: http://www.megadrumsets.com

Great woods for drum sets

There’s no doubt about it, using great woods for drum sets
produce incredible sounds. Depending on the type of wood, you
may experience warm resonant tones or short sustains on your
drum set. Two of the best woods that you’ll find in Yamaha,
Gretsch, Ludwig, Tama, Pearl, and DW drums are birch and maple.

Though there are other types of woods used such as oak, beech,
African bubinga, mahogany, walnut, and cherry, the majority of
drumkits are manufactured with birch or maple.

Birch and maple drumkits

Play a kit made of birch and experience great tonal qualities. This
is the wood of choice for sounds requiring high frequencies, warm
mids, and a good low end. If you’re looking for a drum set with deeper
lows with even mid and high frequencies, then maple is the way to
go. Each wood is superior in quality and will deliver what is necessary
for required applications.

Wood thickness and characteristics

Aside from the woods themselves, the number of piles definitely have
an effect on the projection of the drums by the exchange of energy
from the attack on the drum head. There are three different wood
thicknesses for the kit and each exhibiting their own characteristics.

Drumming on a set of 4 ply shells (thin), you’ll find that it does well for
recording and close encounters such as clubs and small venues. The
tones are sharp and the shells have higher vibration qualities. Try a
kit of 6 ply shells (medium) and experience an all-around set that can
be applied anywhere. There’s greater projection and less shell
vibration. The 8 and 10 ply (thick) shells of a drumset are heavily
favored for large venues, outdoor and indoor, because of their ideal
projection and response. Those are the standard shell thicknesses,
though they can be custom-made to order.

Cost

The price of each drumset with it’s specified shell thickness will vary
from one manufacturer to another. You might expect higher cost for
a custom-made kit.

Type of music

One might take into consideration when purchasing a set of drums
the type of music to be performed. This is an important step in
determining the ply thickness of the shells. Thick shells would be
ideal for heavy metal and rock. Medium ply will work well for all types
of music. Use thin plies for a kit to play jazz and easy listening music.

Which shell thickness do pro drummers choose?

There are so many different types of music as are the many
drummers, and pro alike, that have their own preferences of shell
thickness. Pro drummers are aware of the characteristics of the shell
plies and apply that to the make-up of their kit. The rules are not cut
in stone of how these drummers make their choices, but knowing the
characteristics is a strong starting point.

The right set for you

Make an intelligent decision when purchasing drums by knowing
these 3 points: (1) type of wood, (2) wood thickness and characteristics,
and (3) the type of music to be played. With these attributes in mind,
you’ll have the confidence in choosing the right set.

About the author:

Thaddeus W Johnson is a writer, professional drummer,
and drum teacher who enjoys providing tips and valuable
information for online shoppers of drum related products
and topics. http://www.megadrumsets.com

Drum sets, drum accessories, drum parts:
Yamaha, Gretsch, Ludwig, Pearl, Tama, DW

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