FAQ
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Global Drum Company custom wood drums
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What is a segment shell?
A segment shell is composed of rings of wood that are stacked one on top of the other with the joints offset much like brickwork. Each ring consists of 6 pieces of wood or segments. They are very dimensionally stable and won't go out of round so they don't need reinforcement hoops which gives them a more open sound.

What are the sound differences between solid shell verses ply shell
construction?
A solid wood construction does not impede the sound waves like the multiple crossing grains of a ply shell, which also has many layers of glue - an acoustically dead material that muffles the drum's voice. Thus a segmented shell has a more open, pure and resonant sound as well as a higher level of musicality. Segmented shells have received rave reviews from recording studios and sound engineers for needing little or no adjustment for optimal sound and performance, and they are extremely easy to tune and stay in tune longer. Go to Customer Testimonials to read what people have to say about our drums and shells.

What's your standard wall thickness?
Standard walls are:
Snare drums - 5/16", 3/8", 7/16"
Toms - 1/4", 5/16", 3/8"
Bass - 1/4" (for 14", 16" & 18" diameters with no toms mounted) 5/16", 3/8", 7/16" 
Shells with thicker walls cost more due to the extra material required.

How thick can you make a shell?
We have made snare shells as thick as 1" and we can make them thicker as desired.

Does a thicker shell wall make a louder sound?
Yes it does, and it increases sensitivity while giving a brighter and drier tone.

Can you make odd or unusual sized drums?
Yes, we can make diameters such as 11" and 17" shells. If you can find the hardware we can make the shell!

Does using different woods really affect the sound of the drum?
It certainly does! Go to Available Woods to see what we have on offer.

I've got a great piece of wood I'd love to turn into a drum, can you do it?
We are unable to offer this but we have an amazing selection of woods for you to choose from.

What does adding vent holes or increasing the size of vent holes do?
A standard vent does not alter the sound verses a non-vented drum but it does allow the inside of the drum to breathe so we do recommend them. Multiple or larger vent diameters increase the volume and sensitivity while reducing resonance which makes the drum much louder and very dry.

What type of venting options do you offer?
Standard vents use a deluxe threaded grommet with a 3/8" hole. We can use multiple standard vents in any pattern that you can conceive, and can cut holes of any diameter for extreme venting options. Using our computer controlled CNC machine we can also cut vents in any shape, our only limitation is your imagination!

What are the differences in snare edge profiles?
Our standard edge, and our most common request, is a 45 degree angle to the inside with a slight 45 degree backcut to the outside, leaving a 1/32" edge surface on snares and a 1/16" edge surface on toms and bass. The back cut seats the head away from the collar for easier and longer lasting tuning. The benefits being sharper attack, increased sensitivity and articulation, with less decay.
Other edges profiles that we offer are:
  • 45 degree to the inside with a round over to the outside - this gives greater contact surface area between the shell and head which yields an increase in resonance while decreasing attack and sensitivity.
  • Full round over - Gives the most shell to head contact which will provide maximum resonance for that truly vintage vibe.

What are your standard snare beds?
Our standard snare bed is 1/8" deep with a 2 1/2" "flat" which tapers up to meet the bearing edge. The overall length of the bed is 6 1/2". We can also cut the bed to any depth and shape that you want.

What are my finishing options?
We offer: satin oil, gloss oil, satin lacquer or gloss lacquer, veneers or wraps

What finish has the least affect on the drums performance?
Satin oil, because it penetrates and becomes part of the wood verses the other finishing options which encase the wood in a hard plastic- like substance.

What is the most protective finish?
Lacquers are the most protective coating and resist scratches the best. Wraps are the toughest and most durable covering for drums that gig heavily.

Can I send you my own hardware?
Yes, we frequently drill holes for customer supplied hardware. Contact us to discuss your needs.

How long will take take to receive my drum?
Lead times are typically 4 - 6 weeks following receipt of payment. There could be other constraints, however, such as requests for special wood, hardware components or artwork. It must be understood that we have a dynamic production schedule so lead times are given as an estimate and cannot always be guaranteed.

What forms of payment do you accept?
Personal cheque, money order, credit cards and money transfers through PayPal, international money order, bank wire transfers.

Do you offer tours of your facilities?
Sorry - no can do at this time.

Do you ship internationally?
Yes.

Can you carve my own art work onto one of your drums?
Absolutely. Contact us to discuss the specifications.

Why do you make staved Djun djuns but you won't make staved bass drums?
Staved Djuns have a much thicker shell wall than a bass drum shell, and there is a lack of structural integrity once the shell is turned past a certain wall thickness.

This page was last updated: July 24, 2007
Custom Drum Shop