|
Basics of Drum Building
Overview
The basic concept of most drums is to create sound by striking a surface which vibrates over some type of resonating chamber. The striking surface is usually called the drum head and the resonating chamber is usually called the the body or shell of the drum.
Different types of sound are possible by changing characteritics of the resonating chamber. Consider different materials, different thicknesses or finishes and different sizes. Different types of sound are possible by changing characteritics of the drum head. Again, one can alter different types of materials. Or you could vary the thickness of the head.
Tuning Systems Explained
An important characteritic of drums can be their tuning, and many drums are tuned by controlling the surface tension of the drum head. Most drums with tuning systems have several impotart components in common. In addition to the drum head we usually have some type of rim upon which the head sits. The drum head wraps all the way around this rim and so it it is often referred to as the "inner rim." Next we need some way of applying tension. Usually a second rim is applied on top of the skin/inner rim. This outer rim may have some special shape or additional features and is sometimes known as a "crown." The methods of applying tension to the outer rim vary. In traditional settings we often see leather or rope used, while in other cultures its common to see machined, commercial hardware.
In order for the tension to hold it must be anchored in some way. For example in a two-sided drum the tension can be anchored by having drum heads and rims on both sides, pulling against one another. In a drum with one head there is often a third, "lower" ring which anchors the tension being applied to the drum head. In the case of machined tuning, there is often hardware mounted directly into the shell of the drum using some types of bolts or screws.
Common Materials
Tools
|
