Bubinga drum shells

Types of Bubinga Drum Shells

All drums, including the snare, the toms, and the floor tom, are made from drum shells. These are the drum's primary components and are available in various materials, including Bubinga. Shells are the heart of the drum. They are the source of the drum's tone and sustain. Some of the tonewoods available are African drumshells that offer rich and deep sounds that are unique and different from other drums. Drummers love these unique sounds and the beauty of the grain.

Drum shells come in different types and sizes. They can be single-ply or double-ply, and there are also different bearing edges and depths. Drummers know that a deeper drum has a lower tone and that shallow drums have a higher pitch. The same applies to the bearing edges, as rounder edges give a warmer sound compared to sharper edges, which provide a sharper sound.

Because of the wide range of tones available from Bubinga wood, there are many different drum shells on the market:

• Bubinga snare drum shells: These shells are thin and provide a sharp crack when struck. They are available in different sizes, and because sound is affected by the thickness and grain of the wood, drummers can choose from different types of Bubinga snare shells to suit their needs.
• Bubinga bass drum shells: The bass drum is the heartbeat of the drum set and is usually thicker than other drums. Bubinga bass drum shells produce a deep and rich tone, and because bass drums are often made of two layers of wood, they can be single or double-ply.
• Bubinga tom drum shells: Toms can vary in size and depth and are made of single or double-ply wood. Like all drums, Bubinga tom drum shells produce a unique sound that varies from deep to sharp, depending on the size of the tom. The bigger the tom, the deeper the tone.
• Bubinga floor tom shells: Floor toms are larger than regular toms and are made of two layers of wood. They provide a deep tone that can be used to vary the sound of a drum set. Drummers can tune a floor tom to be deeper than regular toms or to be closer to the sound of a bass drum.

Scenarios of Bubinga Drum Shells

Bubinga is a densely grained hardwood that is more famous for its use in premium drum shells. It is known for its rich, deep tone, and drum shell made from Bubinga offers excellent projection, sustain, and resonance. These drum shells are usually used in different scenarios, which include;

• Live performances: Bubinga drum shells are popular and in high demand among professional drummers who depend on live performances. The deep tone and loudness of Bubinga drums provide excellent projection and resonance, making them well-suited for live settings where they can be heard clearly. Drummers can use drums made from Bubinga in live concerts, gigs, and even music festivals.
• Recording Studios: Bubinga drums are also used in recorded music. Drummers use them when recording albums, EPs, and even demo tapes. The tone and clarity of drums made from Bubinga are unmatched, which makes them an excellent choice for different genres, from jazz to rock. Producers and sound engineers appreciate the consistency of the drums, as they offer a clear and distinct sound that is easy to record and mix.
• High-End Drum Kits: Drummers who have premium and high-end drum sets often include Bubinga drums in their collection. The unique appearance of the drums, with its stunning grain patterns and deep color, adds to the visual appeal of any drum kit. Drummers with high-end custom drum kits will often add a Bubinga drum shell to their set to achieve a unique and personalized look and sound.
• Fusion and Versatile Playing: Drummers looking for a drum shell that can do it all will opt for Bubinga. This is because the drum has a tonal range that fits different genres, from jazz, rock, and even African rhythms. Drummers who play in bands that explore various styles will find Bubinga drums to be a perfect fit, as they can produce the desired sound for any genre.

How to Choose Bubinga Drum Shells

When buying drums, drummers consider many factors before settling on one brand or drum shell. Below are some factors to consider when purchasing drum shells.

• Wood Type

  The choice of wood for drum shells has a major impact on the sound and tone of the drums. Bubinga is a rich, dark wood with a tight grain that produces warm, deep tones with plenty of sustain. Drummers who prefer a more balanced sound with good projection may prefer maple drum shells. Birch has a bright, focused tone with strong lows and highs, making it ideal for recording. The sound of mahogany is warm and mellow, with a rich, deep tone that is less sustained.

• Depth and Size

  Drum shells' depth and size can have a big effect on the sound and tone of the drums. The deeper the drum is, the lower the sound will be, and the shallower it is, the higher the sound will be. The size of the drum will also affect the tone, with larger drums producing a more pronounced, sustained sound than smaller drums. The depth and size of the drum shells should be considered when buying drums to achieve the desired sound and tone.

• Hardware and Reinforcement

  The hardware and reinforcement of drum shells can affect their durability and sound. Look for drums with quality hardware, such as lugs, tension rods, and hoops, that can withstand heavy use. Reinforcement rings and bearing edges can also impact the tone and sustain of the drums. Consider the level of hardware and reinforcement needed for the desired sound and the drums' durability.

• Drum Shell Construction

  The construction of a drum shell plays a crucial role in its tone and durability. Drummers should look for well-crafted shells with precise bearing edges and smooth finishes. Attention to detail in the construction process can greatly affect the instrument's sound quality and playability.

Functions, Features and Design of Bubinga Drum Shells(Combined)

Bubinga drum shells come in various designs that can be delineated by the features they carry. Each design offers its own unique sound and aesthetic appeal. Here's a look at the design and features of drum shells made of Bubinga:

• Cast Shells

  Cast shells are made from cast metal materials that are liquidized and poured into molds to create shells. They are highly durable and have a unique, bright tone with strong projection and sustain. Cast metal drum shells are largely used for drum kits and are accompanied by features like triple-flanged hoops, lugs, and bearing edges. Their design can be customized to fit the preference of the user. The cast metal shell can be finished with chrome plating or other metal finishes.

  Cast metal shells offer a distinctive sound and are ideal for heavy music genres that require powerful projection and cutting tone.

• Stave Shells

  These shells are made from individual wooden pieces or 'staves' that are glued together to form a shell. The pieces are bent into a circular shape and fixed together with a strong adhesive, forming a unique shell. This design offers a warm and focused tone with excellent projection and sustain. They come with bearing edges, drilled holes for lugs and tension rods, and can be customized to fit the user's preference.

  Stave shells are ideal for those looking for a unique sound and are often used in snare drums.

• Acoustically Tuned Shells

  These are made from different materials that are laminated to create a shell with specific acoustic properties. The layers are glued together with thin sheets of wood, forming a shell that can be tuned acoustically. They offer a bright and focused tone with good projection and sustain. The shells come with custom bearing edges, lugs, and tension rods, and can be finished with natural wood or custom graphics.

  They are often used in professional drum kits and by drummers who want a specific tone.

• Hybrid Shells

  Hybrid shell offers a unique tone that combines different materials, for instance, wood and metal. These materials are combined to create a shell with specific acoustic properties. They have a wide range of tones that can be tuned from warm to bright. The hybrid shells come with custom bearing edges, lugs, and tension rods and can be finished with different materials and custom graphics.

  They are ideal for drummers who need a versatile shell that can be used in different music genres.

Q and A

Q1: How does one properly maintain Bubinga drum shells?

A1: Bubinga drum shells can be maintained by cleaning them with a soft cloth and some mild soap and water. Also, one should avoid extreme temperature and humidity changes. Moreover, to keep the wood looking beautiful, drummers should apply a good-quality wood polish from time to time.

Q2: Are Bubinga drum shells eco-friendly?

A2: Well, the eco-friendliness of Bubinga shells can be controversial since the wood is from African timber. However, various manufacturers source the wood sustainably, ensuring that the product is indeed eco-friendly. Therefore, as a buyer, one should look for producers who provide certified wood to ensure the purchase supports sustainable forestry.

Q3: Can one find Bubinga drum shells in different sizes?

A3: Yes, as with all drums, Bubinga drums come in different sizes. This is because the drums are made to order. As such, buyers can request different sizes depending on what they would like to achieve sonically.

Q4: Are Bubinga drum shells more expensive than other hardwood shells?

A4: In most cases, Bubinga drum shells cost more than other hardwood shells. The drum is of high quality and offers a unique sound that many drummers appreciate. Additionally, because of the appearance of the wood, many drummers prefer it to other hardwood shells. However, the price of the drum shell will depend on the manufacturer and the quality offered.