A question for all you drum builders

[iamtak]

Well, lots of similar questions

What properties in a snare drum produce greater/less ______?

1. Volume
2. Sensitivity
3. Ringing
4. etc...

Could all you knowledgeable drum builders please compare and contrast different elements of snare drum construction and explain what effect that variable has on the sound of the drum, or perhaps you direct me to a resource that has all that information?

[zidjan]

Volume and ringing generally are dictated by the thickness and the hardness of your shells, the thicker your shell is the more it projects. a soft wood ex: mahogany will give you warmth whereas, a hard shell ex: bubinga will give you edge, projection, volume and aggresiveness. Oak on the other hand is interesting, It is a hard wood but it produces enough low end to make it sound warm. Bearing edges also will significantly effects your projection and volume. a jazz drum are given a 30 degree edges to make it sound warm ex: Catalina Gretsch or vintage drums. On the other hand a 45 degree edges will give you attack, volume and projection.

Sensitivity are generally influence by the snare bed, if the snare bed is smooth and not rough, you'll get a lot of sensitivity. Expensive brand name and boutique drums like Sonor and Dunnett have excellent edges so you'll get volume, warmth, projection without sacrificing sensitivity. However, the choice of the drumhead will greatly effect the sensitivity.

go to here:

http://www.ghostnote.net/

[crazyhorse]

Too many variables to go into in any serious depth... like the man said.. ghostnote.net and use the search button...

thicker shell = loud but brings the funamental pitch up...
sharp edges induce ring.. but have better attack... vintage drums used more rounded edges for a "fatter" sound..
sensitivity ranges from the edges, shell thickness, and snare beds.. as well as the material the drum is made out of.. lots of variables there..

It's about knowing how to get the sound you want I guess. =)