Drum woods is there a BIG difference?

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capnkid

capnkid

Optimus Prime
Maple
Birch
Mahogany
Basswood
Poplar
I have seen that basswood and Mahogany are usually priced lower,
and maple being the highest in price.
What's up.
 
actually, phillipine mahogany is cheaper than maple, mahogany is not.

phillipine mahogany, also called luan, is that cheap mahogany crap that they use for cheap doors. it's not what is traditionally meant by "mahogany"

mahogany proper is a much darker than maple, which is the supposed premium wood because of its even response.
 
PhilGood said:
What are you, 8?
Click to expand...


Perhaps you're not familiar with the expression "suck 'em and see". It means try both and decide which you like better.... The only factor that matters.

I like birch. Is it better than maple? Is there a definitive answer?


Do you still want to know if I'm eight?
 
Maple and Birch

If you were to have two Kits,one with Maple and birch on the inside, or Birch&
Maple on the inside.Which one would be better "LIVE"? :cool:
Or would you use Mahagony in between the ply's? :)
 
I own a a maple kit, a birch kit & a mahogany kit.

I prefer the birch, in particular for recording. Birch has a slightly more focused attack with more pronounced mids.

Certainly there can be a significant difference in tone between a quality maple or birch kit vs. a basswood kit. However when you try to compare a quality maple to a quality birch the difference is much more subtle.

So much of a drum sound (even low cost basswood) is determined by the right heads, proper tuning and knowing how to hit the drums in the best way to "pull the tones out".

Regarding maple/birch combination, I would speculate that inner plys of birch vs. outer plys of maple would be the preferred combination - in fact I think Mapex came out with a Gen X kit (maybe 3 years ago) that had that combination.
 
I've owned a vintage mahogany (3-ply) and I currently own a 9-ply maple.

The mahogany is much more warm and full sounding.

The maple is much more bright, but wow is it loud and clean sounding.

So, it really depends on the sound you're going for.

I'd stay away from the luan and lower end kits if you'll be recording.
 
Mine are mahogany. They are thin and great for recording. The thinner shells are more dynamic to a point. If you need to play really loud get thicker shells. mahogany and maple are warm birch is less warm but good for articulation.

The hoops make a little bit of difference too. I have cast hoops and they are *LOUD* when you contact with a rim shot.
 
mikeh said:
I own a a maple kit, a birch kit & a mahogany kit.

I prefer the birch, in particular for recording. Birch has a slightly more focused attack with more pronounced mids.

Certainly there can be a significant difference in tone between a quality maple or birch kit vs. a basswood kit. However when you try to compare a quality maple to a quality birch the difference is much more subtle.

So much of a drum sound (even low cost basswood) is determined by the right heads, proper tuning and knowing how to hit the drums in the best way to "pull the tones out".

Regarding maple/birch combination, I would speculate that inner plys of birch vs. outer plys of maple would be the preferred combination - in fact I think Mapex came out with a Gen X kit (maybe 3 years ago) that had that combination.
Click to expand...

I read in billmcdonald's link that birch kit is refered to a an "equalized" kit. and that they are or were preffered in a recording situation.
 
firby said:
Mine are mahogany. They are thin and great for recording. The thinner shells are more dynamic to a point. If you need to play really loud get thicker shells. mahogany and maple are warm birch is less warm but good for articulation.

The hoops make a little bit of difference too. I have cast hoops and they are *LOUD* when you contact with a rim shot.
Click to expand...

Now it's getting down to the rims :)
I had a Pearl freefloater one time!
Then I got a Tom that was suspended! :D

Too complex for me!
 
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