This section will attempt to explain how the physical characteristics of a drum shell effect the sound of a drum. Please take into consideration all the things explained in the drumhead section, when contemplating all this. Also keep in mind that the when making the following comparisons, there has been no consideration for what type of head is being used. In other words, it's all relative. A drumshell with physical characteristics causing it to have maximum resonance, will of course be offset by a drumhead combination designed to muffle. Get it?

 I would like to give credit to Gene Okamoto and David Howe of Pearl Drums for giving permission to use information from their web site for this page. If you want to check out their site, it's at: www.pearldrums.com

Why are drum shells made of wood?

Shell Thickness

Shell Sizes

-Mike-