[Seasoned]

I have assembled a kit from pawn shops and yard sales, with plans to refinish the whole thing into a custom beauty. I have two 12 inch and two 13 inch toms. If I were to cut down the depth of one of each of these toms, what will that do to the pitch or tone? I have tried tuning them, but cant get the decending pitch I am looking for. Any suggestions will be helpful. Thanks.

[Tainojim]

Of course cutting down a drum will give a higher note. You have to give more detail as depth of the drums. Also if you intend on removing and replacing the bearing edges or making some new ones. I hope you understand the concepts of wood working. Also about the finish if it's a wrap type shell or a lacquer finish on those puppies.

[Seasoned]

They are about 10 and 12 inches deep respectively. I was considering knocking 3 " off the bottom (yes, with the skill of a master woodworker) before refinishing the shells and reassembling the drums.)

[resonut]

Ive heard John Goods thoughts on this but im not sure i totally agree. The longer the depth the shorter the sustain says Good. The shorter the shell the fuller the sustain and tone. With some drums i agree with John and others i dont. There is edges, hoops, material, shell thickness that come into play as well. Alls i know is that Shawn Pelton is playing a 12'' tom on a tune house of Diablo on drummers world and its the best sounding 12 ive ever heard. Its a 9x12. THAT is what i want my 12 to sound like but its escaped me.

[Tainojim]

Subject: Does drum depth change the pitch?

Sustain is length of time the notes are held, Resonance is controlled at the heads through tension and weight (thickness). Longer drums do vibrate longer , deeper than and less on a short drum, less distance for the sound to travel. When two drums of the same width but with different heights are play, think of a timbrel style of tuning them. In this case with two 12 inch and two 13 inch toms there are two timral pair when one drum is shorter than the other drum. Hence the term "TIMBALES"

Timbales - Percussion Instruments and Drums at The Drum Works

[247drumz]

Originally Posted by Seasoned

I have assembled a kit from pawn shops and yard sales, with plans to refinish the whole thing into a custom beauty. I have two 12 inch and two 13 inch toms. If I were to cut down the depth of one of each of these toms, what will that do to the pitch or tone? I have tried tuning them, but cant get the decending pitch I am looking for. Any suggestions will be helpful. Thanks.

yes by making any alternate changes could change the sound...either for better or worse...

[Harry]

Hi All,

Tainojim is entirely right, I just want to add some examples for clarity.
The properties of the pitch of drums is no different from other musical instruments.

Thats why a soprano- (the shortest) saxophone has the highest pitch of all saxophones.
A counter bass (big) has a far lower pich than a violina (Mini Violin)

The more AIR CONTENT that is brought into vibration the lower the pitch.
Lowest of all, a signal from an Ocean Liner

For drums, highest , say, Piccolo Snare Drum, lowest, say, 24" bass Drum.

It's quite simple really, ha-ha.

Cheers and Happy Drumming,

Harry

[Der Trommler]

Great explanation Harry!

[Infero Exicution]

Yeah harry, well done.
Just make sure to pay attention to
The Lug points and holes
the sound hole,
make sure not to damage the wrap,
and Bearing edges.
Also, make sure to make the bottom of the drum
is cut carefully to ensure that the head will fit on nice,
easy and smoothly without damaging the head.
(be sure to look at the other drums and try to match the way they look for this part.)
Good Luck with this!
When your done, would you mind posting some pics?

[Seasoned]

Thanks everyone for your input. I will likely spring for a 10" and a 14" tom, and do some trial and error with the extra 12 and 13 toms. I am enjoying cruising this site, as I have picked up loads of info on refinishing, tuning, and setting up the set that will work for me. Your passion shines. Rock on!