Paper
The History of the Drumset
Drums are among the most ancient and diverse of all musical instruments (Jaffe 2). The power of the rhythm and drums has long been respected (2). The drumset however, in its current configuration, is a relatively recent addition to the percussionist’s repertoire. It has only been in existence since around the 1930s (Aldriage 5). This information introduces the question of how did the drumset evolve to its current condition? In his book Guide to Vintage Drums, John Aldriage states “the evolution of the drumset has been a ‘one step forward, two steps back’ proposition from the start, with trends coming and going and repeating themselves later” (30). That statement just barely begins to illustrate the extensive past behind the history of the drumset.
The influence that Africa had can be traced back to the drumset’s earliest forms. That influence was originally brought over by the North American slave trade. The slave trade brought over new percussion ideas and instruments. When Americans saw those instruments they began to create different versions of them, which would later evolve to be part of the percussionist’s repertoire. For example, the dundun. The dundun is an hourglass-shaped, two-headed drum whose twin heads are laced together by thongs of gut or leather (Hart, 52). By manipulating the tension on these thongs a player can alter the pitch of the tone he is making, thus enabling the dundun to “talk”, or produce tones that sound like words (52). This allows him to communicate with neighboring tribes (52). Americans took this idea and converted it into a single-head drum, constructed of brass, in which a foot pedal altered the pitch of the drum. This drum was first called the kettledrum and was later renamed to the timpani drum (”Early Percussion”).
Another influence to the drumset was the symphonic percussion instruments.
These instruments originated in the European area. They spanned a wide array of instruments such as mallet percussion, timpani, bass drums, woodblocks, cymbals, “knick nacks” used to create sound effects, and many others.
The last main influence to the drumset was the early (1790s-1890s) marching percussion instruments. The primary reason for a marching percussion section was to provide a tempo for troops to march along with. Every modern army at the time developed a drum language to control the flow of the troops, whether they were marching between camps or in battle (Hart 51). The two primary instruments in this section were the snare and bass drums. This required a minimum of two players.
Up until the late 1800s bands required 2 or 3 percussionists to cover all of the parts. In the early 1900s percussionists began to play with brass bands. To accommodate the lack of space, a “set-up” to have one drummer play three parts was created (Falzerano 22). Drummers used elements from around the world to create a new instrument originally known as a “contraption”, later shortened to the “trapset” (Hart 184). The early configuration standards for a “trapset” consisted of a snare drum, bass drum, and a cymbal that were all struck with the drummer’s sticks. Later on drummers began ransacking the percussive inventory (184). They took elements from all over the planet (184). “The first addition to the drumset after the bass drum, cymbal, and snare drum were the sound effects” (Aldriage 11).
The most important of the sound effects added to the trapset were the chinese toms. They were relatively thin and about 10 inches in diameter. On each side they had a batter head that was held to they shell of the drum by tacs. On each individual head there was a painting of various chinese figures. (Barclay, Lecture)
Shortly following the new additions they began to develop ways to simplify their playing and to involve their legs. This included the first and probably most significant addition to the percussionist’s repertoire, the bass drum pedal. The first bass pedal was patented on March13, 1894 (Barclay, Lecture). The bass pedal now allowed the player to use both hands to strike other aspects of his/her “trapset” rather than using one hand to strike the bass drum. This opened a much wider range of what an individual was now able to accomplish.
When the bass pedal was accepted, the design to make a pedal to operate the cymbals was created (Aldriage 5). The first design was dubbed the snow-shoe and was simply a pair of shoe shaped boards with cymbals attached (22). The invention of the snow-shoe led to a more suitable and modern design that stood approximately 10inches off of the floor (22). I t was nicknamed the “low boy” and was first manufactured by the Walberg and Auge Co. (22).
With all of these inventions and other additions a trend was starting to be revealed throughout the drumming community. Around the 1930s the new standard configuration consisted of the cymbals, snare drum, bass drum, and both foot pedals (Aldriage 13). Also around this time the name was slightly altered again. It was changed from the “trapset” to it’s current name, the drumset. But the changes did not stop there.
Many alterations were made to the current design and configuration to make them more effective. For example: around the 1960s the “low boy” was replaced by the hi-hat (Falzerno 23). The hi-hat was a more modern and practical device that was and is still used today to control the tension between two cymbals held together. Another change occurred with the chinese tom-toms. They were gradually dropped in favor of either single headed tunable toms, or more modern looking toms with tunable top and bottom heads (Aldriage 12). The standard a drumset player uses now ultimately depends on the type of music they play (Barclay 1). Even as of right now the options for the modern drumset are endless. But as with any instrument, a long history of developments have and will continue to be made to the drumset.
Works Cited
Aldriage, John. Guide to Vintage Drums. Vermont: Not So Modern Drummer, 1994.
Barclay, Jim. The Evolution of the Drumset: From “Baby Dodds to Dave Weckl. LaPorte: Author, n.d.
Barclay, Jim. The Evolution of the Drumset: From “Baby Dodds to Dave Weckl. Lecture. LaPorte High School. 24 March 1999.
“Early Percussion”. Not So Modern Drummer 24 Feb. 1997. Online. 1 May 1998.
Falzerno, Chet. “The evolution of the hi-hat.” Not So Modern Drummer . n.d. Rpt. in Vintage Drums. 1994.
Другие работы по теме:
Art History Essay Research Paper M
Art History Essay, Research Paper ?M & M ? s? When I entered in the gym, the outside morning quiet, softly blowing breeze stopped and the screams of go Phillips was
American History X Essay Research Paper This
American History X Essay, Research Paper This movie was a very intense movie. The message that it was trying to send was very powerful and it hit me fairly hard. The message that this movie was trying to send to me was that society as a whole does not have the maturity and inteligence to deal with subjects such as racism and hate.
My Past Learning Experience Essay Research Paper
My past learning experience I will present and make comparation between two ways of how I have studied history during my highschool period. First for the time that I studied history in Skopje, and the second time during my senior year which I have finished in United States of America, Oklahoma City.
Hirosema Essay Research Paper The bombing of
Hirosema Essay, Research Paper The bombing of Hiroshima has been a highly disputed piece of history for generations. Their are very strong opinions on either side of the fence, although choosing a side is harder than meets the eye. After researching the cold facts I have humbly changed my opinion of the matter.
Herodotus Essay Research Paper Herodotus Essay Herodotus
Herodotus Essay, Research Paper Herodotus Essay Herodotus of Halicarnassus was born about 484 B.C. he died 60 years later. For the time he lived in this age was very old though by today’s standards it is not. The reason why his age was so outstanding was in his time the average man live for maybe half that because of the harsh living conditions.
ROTC Entrence Essay Essay Research Paper entrance
ROTC Entrence Essay Essay, Research Paper entrance essay For almost as long as I cn remember, I have been interested in th military. Influenced by such movies as “Patton”, and by my dad’s interest in military history, my
Jeruselem Essay Research Paper Ariel David What
Jeruselem Essay, Research Paper Ariel, David. What do Jews Beleive. New york: Schocken Books, 1995. 8 Dec. 2000 . World history. D, G -. Torah. Egypt: G-D, 1515. 1 Jan. 1000 . The holy book.
The Protestant Reformation Essay Research Paper AP
The Protestant Reformation Essay, Research Paper _______________ AP European History Period 4 The Protestant Reformation The Protestant Reformation changed the course of European history very strongly, and rapidly. This paper will talk about what exactly the reformation did to Europe, in terms of social, political, and philosophical impacts.
What Is History Essay Research Paper History
What Is History? Essay, Research Paper History is the study of how the world we live in now has been shaped by the events of the past. It is a record of human experiences relative to the society in which we live. Our
St Elizabeth Essay Research Paper I chose
St. Elizabeth Essay, Research Paper I chose the name Elizabeth for my confirmation name after Saint Elizabeth. I feel that she is a very important part in history.
Why Students Study History Essay Research Paper
Why Should Students Study Ancient History? Ancient history is an extremely important aspect of our everyday lives. Everything we do today has a relation to ancient history. From the languages that we speak, to the decisions we
John Doe Essay Research Paper French Revolution
John Doe Essay, Research Paper French Revolution “Revolutions evolve in definite phases. At first they are moderate in scope, then they become radical to excess and finally they are brought to abrupt conclusions by the emerg…
American History X Essay Research Paper Trond
American History X Essay, Research Paper Trond Haugen A: How the movie American history X has influenced me American history X had a strange effect on me. Usually, movies entertain me as I watch them, but the moment they end, it is over. Everything goes back to the way it is was as I leave the theatre. American history X was not like that.
American History X Essay Research Paper American
American History X Essay, Research Paper American History X American History X is a very controversial movie. It is a movie about a Venice Beach skin head gang called the D.O.C. The gang is run by the master mind of
Flight Essay Research Paper History of Flight
Flight Essay, Research Paper History of Flight The history of flying dates back as early as the fifteenth century. A Renaissance man named Leonardo da Vinci introduced a flying machine known as the ornithopter. Da Vinci proposed the idea of a machine that had bird like flying capabilities. Today no ornithopters exist due to the restrictions of humans, and that the ornithopters just aren t practical.
History Of Lacrosse Essay Research Paper What
History Of Lacrosse Essay, Research Paper What is Lacrosse? Summary: Lacrosse is the oldest sport in North America, and dates back to the 1400 s. Lacrosse did not become well know until the 1600 s.
Defintition Of History Essay Research Paper The
Defintition Of History Essay, Research Paper The statement ? History is nothing more than a collection of the static facts of the past; people who say history changes are terribly misguided? is incorrect. History is more than just static facts when ideas and concepts involved in history are understood and applied in life.
Good Vs Evil Essay Research Paper Good
Good Vs Evil Essay, Research Paper Good vs. evil is an important concept. It is a life long struggle inside of you. In life, you are in a constant limbo between good and evil. One day, you might be in a good mood and the other day you might be in an evil, or bad mood. Before history and even in history, good vs. evil has always been a historic struggle.
Holocaust Essay Research Paper The Holocaust In
Holocaust Essay, Research Paper The Holocaust: In Memory of Millions Response Paper I have always known the holocaust to be one of the worst events in all of history. I remember learning all about it in history class in the ninth grade and being appalled by all the horrors that were shown to us. We learned all about the intense persecution of the Jews, how they were forced into terrible concentration camps where they either worked or were killed, and how the Germans just walked around beating on them and destroying every part of their lives.
Growth In Writing Essay Research Paper Emily
Growth In Writing Essay, Research Paper Emily Gillette DVWR 101.004 Professor Bull September 22,2000 Growth in Writing Writing is one of my favorite things to do. Expressing yourself is so much easier when given time to think about what needs to be said. I would like to believe that I have a very rich writing history.
The Bad Flag Essay Research Paper Some
The Bad Flag Essay, Research Paper Some people think the confederate flag is a symbol of hatred and slavery. Others think it represents the history of America. It’s up to ever person to decide where they stand. The old saying is, “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.” Ever person has a duty to respect the other person’s opinion.
Aboriginal People Essay Research Paper Many of
Aboriginal People Essay, Research Paper Many of the Aboriginals have developed a way of life that they are satisfied with, but by these big organizations taking control over their communities they have no way of stopping them, without the support of other people in the community. Many aboriginals have lived on these reservations most of their lives, so much of their history has been from living there.
History Of Drums Essay Research Paper History
History Of Drums Essay, Research Paper History of Drums OutlineA) The history of the drumset. -General purpose. My general purpose is to explain where the different parts of the drumset have originated and evolved over the years. -Specific purpose. To show all of the different parts and where they come from. -Central idea.
Poem Human
’s Hate Essay, Research Paper When I think of a human trait. I think of human’s hate. Although it’s our nature, I think its awfully immature. Hate is something thats lated through the ages, we learn about it everyday turning through out history pages. teh color of you skin, we can’t help what shade we were born in.
Thomas Edison Essay Research Paper BibliographyThomas A
Thomas Edison Essay, Research Paper Bibliography Thomas A. Edison and his Kinetographic Motion Pictures. Rutgers University Press. 1995. This book gave me a lot of the information I needed on the basic history of Thomas Edison?s work in the motion picture industry. There were also pictures
Untitled Essay Research Paper The history of
Untitled Essay, Research Paper The history of the world.The history of the world.The history of the world.The history of the world.The history of the world.The history of the world.The history of the world.The history of the world.The history of the world.The history of the world.The history of the world.The history of the world.The history of the world.The history of the world.The history of the world.The history of the world.The history of the world.The history of the world.The history of the world.The history of the world.The history of the world.The history of the world.The history of the world.The history of the world.The history of the world.The history of the world.The history of the world.The history of the world.The history of the world.The history of the world.The history of the world.The history of the world.The history of the world.The history of the world.The history of
Human Rights Essay Research Paper Human RightsThroughout
Human Rights Essay, Research Paper Human Rights Throughout history, people?s human rights have been violated, but efforts have also been made to address the violations, and protect their rights. Human rights are rights as regarded as belonging fundamentally to all persons. Today, everyone is entitled to the same rights.
Durkheim On Sociology Essay Research Paper To
Durkheim On Sociology Essay, Research Paper To begin his article Durkheim is says that Sociology is in the stage of system-building because the problem is proposes is not clear-cut. What he is saying here is that Sociology is not a fully excepted science at this time because of the uncertainties that possesses.
British War Essay Research Paper Gregg GiassonUS
British War Essay, Research Paper Gregg Giasson U.S. History Period B !! YOU ARE THERE !! The most important event in U.S. History in my opinion would be Washington s escape from the British Army at New York. This event changed the course of U.S. History because it was the closest the movement for freedom came to being crushed.