Bass Drum, Electronic, and Kits
Boom, boom, boom, boom, goes the drum setting a natural rhythm that allows time to be experienced in ways never before imagined. Where does time come from and how is it measured? Originally it was measured, and still often is, by the passing of the sun overhead as days, but one of the first mechanical devices for measuring time was the pendulum which is still used in music today in a modified form called the metronome. Before that however, there was another device that was used, and still is used to keep rhythm, the drum.
While time today is measured off the resonance of an atom of cesium, which is accurate within 1 second in 100 million years, it is more often enjoyed when a beautiful song is playing backed up with a booming bass drum. Drums move the music and can become so intricately layered and complex that they are a treat to listen to even without any accompaniment or melody. Some drums, such as the tabla-tarang from India, are used for melodies rather than rhythm.
While most drum kits and sets are modern versions of the skin hides stretched over a round opening that has been used since times beginning, there are modern drums that don’t actually produce the sound by themselves, but rely on pre-sampled or synthesized sounds. The electronic drum has had a glorious breakthrough in the last 30 years propelling it into the sounds of rap, hip-hop, pop, electronic and even becoming the focus and fuel for grime, dubstep, and drum and bass. Even a vintage drum can be brought into an electric life with good recordings and samples, though instead of sticks which are necessary on a drum set, the drummers beat miniature pads with their fingers that trigger pre-recorded samples or loops. Most musical instruments can be custom made. Custom drums are most popular with more advanced players. Shell types and vents can be chosen to any specification, as well as the exterior design.Custom guitars are also popular. Being able to create a unique sound is important for serious artists.
While the sound of a bass drum, high hat, and snare drum has dominated many forms of music such as reggae, blues, jazz, r & b, rock n’ roll, country and many many more, this formula has been changing wildly in recent years. Sound is not limited to rigid structure such as a 4/4 time signature, which is called common time, and major or minor keys. Some of the most interesting songs have a odd signature and even change between different ones in the same song, such as “Money” by Pink Floyd which employs a 7/4 signature at the beginning then shifts to 4/4, then back to 7/4 before ending at 4/4 again. It’s either a drummer’s nightmare or their wet-dream.
Whichever way they decide to drum, it still takes a good amount of practice to really get the best sound and timing from each beat. Fills and accents can add whole new layer to the beats which really drive the band and entertain the crowd. Drum solos make people go crazy when they are done right.