Through Thick and Thin
I covered the qualities of sound generated by differing types of hardwood in the last post entitled “Shell Collecting”, so check it out. This post will be discussing the effects on sound generated by the thickness of the drum shell. Modern drum shells are made layers or plies of wood. This method allows for thinner shells that are stronger and less susceptible to warping. Many drum companies will combine different types of hardwoods in the layers of a shell to give it specific sound characteristics. Most of these applications occur in high-end, custom drum kits.
You may be wondering what difference the thickness of a drum shell makes on the sound and why you, as a professional drummer, should be versed in this knowledge. First, let’s tackle sound. A thinner drum shell allows the energy generated through the strike of the head to be transferred into the shell more quickly and efficiently. This means the drum will be more sensitive and will provide rich lows and lengthy resonance due to the ease at which the shell will vibrate. This also means there is less energy left to go towards projection in the form of volume, so thinner shells are quieter. A professional drummer knows the best applications for thinner shells are smaller performance settings with no or little amplification, or studio recording work which provides ample microphone placement. The sound from a thinner shelled drum can be harder to tame due to the harmonics created from other drums and instruments. These sounds can cause a thinner shelled drum to ring out even when it is not being played. Special care must be taken to muffle some of these sounds while not taking away from the rich quality of the sound the wood of a thin shelled drum produces.
A thick drum shell provides the least amount of sensitivity and the loudest of sound projection. It also causes a reduction in lows and resonates for a shorter period of time. Professionals know thick shells to be best for large venues where loud drum volumes are easily compensated for.
As you can conclude, shells of medium thickness produce sound qualities between thick and thin shells. Many drummers who’s budgets or space limits will only allow for one set of shells make the medium thickness their choice. Professionals seeking optimal sound in any setting will usually possess a thin and thick set, if not more, in varying woods for various venue needs.
If you are wanting to achieve a professional sound in any setting, investing in various types of shells with differing woods and thickness is essential. No one ever said playing the drums was inexpensive. And just think, we have not even broached the subject of cymbals yet. Maybe your mother was right and you should have played the flute.
Keep on drumming!