Thursday, June 2, 2011

Keep The Beat With Exotic Drums

By Rosemarie Harrell


The history of exotic drums reaches back into nature when animals and early humans produced a rhythm by beating on logs and trees to create warnings and music. The sounds have been used to start and end wars, at sports events, and in musical concerts. The type that is used often depends on the venue or event.

One of the first known uses of this sound was when Macaque monkeys would beat trees to exert their prowess. People used the sounds to signal celebration and produce warnings when they were under attack by neighboring tribes. This sound has been used in many ways over the years. Though it has a basic sound, it is not always easy to play the right way.

In early Chinese history, troops used these instruments to determine the speed at which the troops would march in formation. They developed a serious of codes that is still used today to call out orders. This type of use has been adopted by many militaries over the centuries. There are many pictures of military units with the drummer or drum corps leading the way as they mark time with the steady beat.

The drums are also used to create music and determine the rhythm for dancing. Both native and modern dances have been given their style by the speed of the beat that is produced. Many musicians consider the base sound to be the foundation of a musical score. Rock and roll music styles have pushed the background drummer to the foreground as they developed personal styles.

They are often made from plywood. The thickness of the wood has a direct impact on the sound that is produced. One or two sides will include a stretched membrane that is struck by a mallet or stick to create the base sound. Some enthusiasts have begun building sets out of exotic woods to provide a richer sound quality.

They get their name from the action needed to produce the sound. Drumming, or striking the instrument is how it works. The membrane and any attachments will have an effect on the sound produced. A tighter membrane produces a higher pitch sound. Having a padded mallet produces a muted sound. Striking the membrane with a uncovered stick produces a strong, sharp sound.

Exotic drums create the foundation of music. The history reaches into nature when communication over long distances could not be achieved electronically. Showing strength in the animal world was often produced by using the drumming sounds. The beat could be heard then, and continues to set the tone for music now.

exotic drums




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