• Drum Set Components"Strandbar Drummer" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: schoschie (Niels Heidenreich) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.
  
  

History of Drum Sets

• In the early 20th century, two new inventions introduced drum sets. According to National Jazz Workshop.com, the snare drum stand and the base pedal changed limitations. Suddenly, one drummer could play multiple rhythms.
  
  

Drum Shells

• The shell thickness changes the drum's pitch. According to Straitmusic.com, "The thicker the shell, the higher the pitch. ... Most drum shells are constructed of several plies (different layers) of wood allowing for strength, durability, and defense against warping over time."
  
  

Wood

• Wood choice is a critical component in drum sound. The three types of wood used most are mahogany, maple and birch. Softer wood produces a mellower sound.
  
  

Drum Heads

• A myriad of drum heads are manufactured. Coated heads have a "warmer" sound, while clear heads sound higher in pitch, or "brighter."
  
  

Rods and Lugs

• Holding drum heads in place, rods and lugs control drum head tension. Lugs, also known as nut boxes, are threaded barrels that anchor tension rods.
  
  

Hoops

• Die cast, wooden or flanged, hoops reinforce the drum shell. According to Drumdojo.com, the flanged hoop,"which is rolled into shape from a single strip of metal, made circular and welded," is the most popular. Tension rods slip through equidistant holes pierced through the hoop.