[Tainojim]

Resonance plays a huge factor in drumming, a big difference in sound as the years have passed.

In the beginning (let's say around the Roaring Twenties, and the mid 50's, for example) the drum with the most resonance was considered a better quality for the drumming field. Parades and so on. The same for clubs and big bands so the audience could feel the big bang theory (Boom as opposed to a Pop sound). Amplifiers and PA systems were not used as much to amplify the drums. So what you got is what you heard.

This went on throughout the early 60's to late 70's. Hence the Great Gretsch Sound from those eras.

It had to sound large and deep specifically for out door drumming. Even the old condenser mics had a difficult time picking up their booming sounds.

Now a days with the faster drumming pace, from the 80's through today, the resonance is cut back to the point of a flat response. Even in recording studios today, resonance is filtered to the range of a crisp and clear sound of snap and pop. No more crackle from the snares resonating when other drums are struck.

On my old 1959 Ludwig kit, there were built in adjustable internal mufflers to provide you with what ever sound was your preference on both the batter and resonance sides (Top & Bottom).

Long resonance is preferred for Jazz, Blues, Orchestral and some Rock music.

Sort and muffler-ed resonance is preferred for Pop, Metal, Heavy and fast paced music.

Today I take my hat off to all the drum & drum accessory companies for making all this possible.

I've done lots of experimenting for the past 48 years with resonator heads on, off, muffled, taped and even using silver paint on the insides of the drums.

The drum is one of the most versatile instruments on the planet. How one kit can have altered states and to be able to change it's sound when ever and where ever.

Many choices to pick from and how the same kit changes sound from one ambiance to another, the acoustics of one kit changes from one place to another.

What extremes would you go through to get the sound you want from your kit?

[Christopher J]

That is the eternal quest. The sound. It is not necessarily what you play, it is what it sounds like. There have been nights when my kit sound has hampered me, and made my playing uncomfortable, other gigs, you can do no wrong! it is all about sound. Christopher J.