Exploring the Unique Qualities of a Black Walnut Drum Shell Experiment

Exploring the Unique Qualities of a Black Walnut Drum Shell Experiment

We are excited to share an interesting experiment we conducted with a 2019 black walnut drum shell. As passionate drum builders, we are always eager to explore new techniques and materials to enhance the sound and performance of our drums. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the specific dimensions, construction style, and sound characteristics of this noteworthy drum.

Dimensions and Construction:

For this experiment, we decided to deviate from the norm and alter the dimensions of the drum shell. The top and bottom drums were made with different thicknesses - the bottom drum measured 3/8 while the top drum measured 5/8, similar to the structure of a bongo. The diameter of the drum is 13 1/2 inches, and it stands at a height of 7 inches. This particular construction style is referred to as "Stave style."

This construction technique is widely used in drum manufacturing as it enhances the drum's resonance and stability.

Sound Characteristics and Liveliness:

To our surprise, this drum displayed an impressive level of liveliness and responsiveness. Even with less-than-perfect drumming technique during our experiment, the drum produced a vibrant sound. Notably, the sensitivity of this drum was particularly striking; just touching the drum head lightly made a loud snap.

Video Sound Sample:

We had Michael record a quick sound sample in a video to provide you with a glimpse of the drum's unique sound. We encourage you to watch the video and experience the distinct qualities of this black walnut drum for yourself. Despite the unpracticed drumming.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, our 2019 black walnut drum shell experiment yielded interesting results. The altered dimensions and the utilization of the "Stave style" construction have contributed to a lively and sensitive drum with a wide dynamic range. If you are a drummer who enjoys exploring different tunings and a diverse range of sounds, this drum might pique your interest. We look forward to sharing more experiments and innovations from our drum-building endeavors!

2019 black walnut drum shell

To provide you with a glimpse of the drum's unique sound, we had Michael do a quick recorded a quick sound sample in a video. We encourage you to watch the video and experience the distinct qualities of this black walnut drum for yourself. Despite the unpracticed drumming.