Field Drums (a/k/a Field of Drums): 2-Ply Drum Shells -- When Did They Begin?

Field Drums (a/k/a Field of Drums)

“Build it and they will drum.” Dedicated to research, study and comparisons of field drums. Our purpose is to collect information about historical U.S. drums (manufacture, preservation, conservancy, repair, market) for use by scholars, collectors and others. Photographs of drums, and anything related, together with informative narratives, are welcome. Interested readers will find archived postings a good resource. Reach us at BlogMaster@FieldDrums.com.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

2-Ply Drum Shells -- When Did They Begin?

Martin Johncox of Boise, Idaho writes:

I am an avid drummer and would like to settle a disagreement. I think people were playing plywood-construction drums soon after the technology was developed in the 1850s, but some of my colleagues say Gretsch invented ply construction in the 1920s and before then, drums were solid shell or steambent.

I have looked online but there really isn’t much discussion about this kind of thing. Can you please clarify?

So, readers, any thoughts? Please email me at BlogMaster@FieldDrums.com.

Hint: I have two drums by Wm. S. Tompkins (ca. 1860) and they are definitely 2-ply cross-grain laminate shells.

1 Comments:

At November 22, 2011 11:41 AM , Ellis Mirsky said...: HI Ellis,

Just reading the blog and saw the question on 2-ply shells. I have a 27.5”x 13” 2-ply walnut shell bass drum that some of my in-the-know friends agree on being late 1850’s…..Crude iron rope- hooks and all……

Brian Hill

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The drums on these pages were here long before we arrived and, with care, should be around long after we've departed. We have the privilege of taking care of them for a short period. As such, we are self-appointed caretakers of a small slice of our country's rich heritage. By sharing knowledge and information, we will all be better suited to discharge our responsibilities with skill and good judgment. Ellis R. Mirsky, Blogmaster@FieldDrums.com

Field Drums (a/k/a Field of Drums)

Thursday, October 27, 2011

2-Ply Drum Shells -- When Did They Begin?

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