PorkPieGuy
Platinum Member
I didn't want to rob another thread, but this is a question I've had. First, check this out:
I realize that are a huge variety of factors to consider when it comes to the way a drum sounds, e.g. heads, tuning, edges, depths, etc.
However, when it comes to the construction, I know that the amount of plies and the thickness of these plies plays a big part too. Here's the crux of my question - I thought that poplar was on the same level as basswood or luan (cheap mahogany) as far as sound and desirability, and can usually be found in lower-line drum sets. However, whenever I look at the construction of these upper-end Gretsch kits, I see that poplar is used. I realize that they may be inner plies and may not effect the sound as much (my assumption). Why do they use poplar? Isn't this a sub-par tone wood? Is there a different grade of poplar that Gretsch uses that I'm not aware of? Does this have more to do with tradition as opposed to sound quality? Are there people out there who actually prefer poplar as opposed to maple?
Thanks in advance!
I realize that are a huge variety of factors to consider when it comes to the way a drum sounds, e.g. heads, tuning, edges, depths, etc.
However, when it comes to the construction, I know that the amount of plies and the thickness of these plies plays a big part too. Here's the crux of my question - I thought that poplar was on the same level as basswood or luan (cheap mahogany) as far as sound and desirability, and can usually be found in lower-line drum sets. However, whenever I look at the construction of these upper-end Gretsch kits, I see that poplar is used. I realize that they may be inner plies and may not effect the sound as much (my assumption). Why do they use poplar? Isn't this a sub-par tone wood? Is there a different grade of poplar that Gretsch uses that I'm not aware of? Does this have more to do with tradition as opposed to sound quality? Are there people out there who actually prefer poplar as opposed to maple?
Thanks in advance!