METRONOME TIMES

Drum News from Around the World

Dr. Ummer Dr. Ummer

Drum News! The Metronome Times is Here…

A Full and Comprehensive Dictionary of the Parts, Components, and Accessories that Populate Throughout the Entire Drum World

Introduction A definitive glossary for drummers, drum builders, and gear shoppers: this dictionary explains every part, component, and accessory you’re likely to encounter in the drum world. Whether you’re a beginner learning kit anatomy, a tech tuning for tone, a gigging drummer packing gear, or an e‑commerce site optimizing product pages, this resource provides clear definitions, typical materials, and functional notes for your education and entertainment.

Snare Drum

  • Shell: The cylindrical body of the snare. Common materials: maple, birch, mahogany, poplar, oak, steel, brass, aluminum. Shell thickness and ply count influence tone—thicker shells yield louder, focused attack; thinner shells produce warmer resonance. Keywords: snare shell materials, drum shell thickness, snare drum tone.

  • Batter (Top) Head: The playing surface struck with sticks; made of single- or double-ply plastic (Mylar) or coated variants for warmth. Keywords: snare batter head replacement, coated drumheads.

  • Resonant (Bottom) Head: The underside head that interacts with snare wires for sensitivity and sustain control. Thinner than batter heads to increase snare response. Keywords: resonant head snare, bottom snare head.

  • Snare Wires (Rattles): Metal wire or cable set stretched across the resonant head to create the signature “buzz.” Variants: 8, 10, 16, 20‑strand; materials include steel and brass. Keywords: snare wires replacement, snare wire strands.

  • Throw-off (Strainer): Mechanical device that engages/disengages snare wires; types include throw-off, butt plate, and reversible. High-quality units feature variable tension adjustment. Keywords: snare strainer, snare throw-off upgrade.

  • Snare Butt Plate: Anchors the snare wires opposite the throw-off. Keywords: snare butt plate replacement.

  • Lugs: Small metal casings mounted on the shell that house tension rods. Lugs affect tuning stability and aesthetic. Keywords: drum lugs, snare lugs.

  • Tension Rods: Screws connecting lugs to the hoop to tune head tension. Keywords: tension rod replacement, drum tuning screws.

  • Hoops/Rims: Circular frames holding heads to the shell. Types: die‑cast (precise tuning, focused sound), triple‑flanged (open, resonant), wood hoops (warmth and vintage tone). Keywords: drum hoops types, die cast vs triple flanged.

  • Snare Bed: Carved recess on the shell edge where the snare wires sit for contact and response. Keywords: snare bed depth, snare bed routing.

  • Snare Mount/Strainer Mount: Hardware securing the throw-off to the shell. Keywords: snare mount hardware.

Bass Drum (Kick)

  • Shell: Larger diameter shell that produces low fundamental frequencies; common sizes: 18–24 inches. Materials and shell depth affect projection and low‑end. Keywords: bass drum shell material, kick drum sizes.

  • Batter Head: Usually thick or coated to withstand beater impact and shape attack; sometimes uses patching for durability. Keywords: bass drum head types, kick drum head.

  • Resonant Head: Rear head that tunes pitch, can be vented for air movement and microphone placement. Keywords: bass drum muffling, kick drum port.

  • Hoop: Holds heads; similar types as snare but often thicker for stability. Keywords: bass drum hoop.

  • Spurs/Legs: Retractable supports that prevent bass drum from rolling. Keywords: bass drum spurs, drum spurs.

  • Bass Drum Beater: Struck against the batter head; materials include felt, wood, plastic, or beater combos; adjustable angle and height. Keywords: kick drum beater types, bass drum mallet.

  • Pedal: Foot-operated mechanism connecting to beater. Varieties: single, double (chain, strap, direct drive). Features to note: cam shape, spring tension, footboard length. Keywords: bass drum pedal, double bass pedal.

  • Hoop Clamps/Leg Tips: Additional hardware to fix pedal position and protect hoop finish. Keywords: bass drum clamp.

Toms (Rack and Floor)

  • Shell: Available in many diameters and depths; rack toms typically 8–14 inches, floor toms 14–18 inches. Material and depth influence resonance, sustain, and pitch. Keywords: tom sizes, tom shell materials.

  • Mounts and Brackets: Suspension systems to mount rack toms on stands or bass drum; modern suspension isolates shell for better resonance. Types: rim mounts, ball‑joint

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