To be clear, I wasn't asking what IS the best sound, but I observe that ply shells still dictate a lot what we consider to be the "best sound." I have heard some fabulous sounding ply drums, as have we all. I wonder if that is because of years of ear training to recognize that sound, or because those are the most affordable, thereby most purchased and played . . .
Just because something has more features, doesn't mean it's necessarily "better"
If I had to pick one horse in this race, I'd take the sowing gal in the middle getting a head start on her day riding the suicide bike where sttering, gas and brake all have a mind of their own.
Just because something has more features, doesn't mean it's necessarily "better"
People know what they know. More ply drums, way more, are sold because they're cheaper to make. The major manufacturers sell more drums than boutique builders so that's where most drummers' loyalties will be. Understandable. I own several ply drums...several...a lot. When compared to well made stave or steamboat drums I own, the non-ply drums usually come out on top. Most drummers shouldn't be making "best" judgments because few have sampled enough different drums (brands, construction types, etc.) to even be qualified to make such judgments. I find their "best" judgments to be worthless as most don't have the experience with enough sample size to make informed conclusions, subjectivity aside.
It's not a valid question, there is no best sounding drums. What's the best tasting food? Best smelling perfume? Doesn't exist, it's all opinion and nothing more.
That said, the best sounding drums are made from walnut
Though I'm a ham and egger drummer, I've been blessed to play and own some of the best drums on the planet. Nonetheless, I'd give all of my drums up in exchange for a time machine to send me back to that very first drum kit that my parents bought for me. When you're a kid with a bit of passion for drums, even if you can't play a lick yet (like the kid in this video), there's just something so magical about that first love--a joy that age, maturity, and Father Time will never allow you to equal or surpass. We'll all have a laugh at this video, and rightly so, but to this kid I'll bet those drums are golden.