Floor tom drum

Types of Floor Tom Drums

The floor tom drum is a percussion instrument that adds depth and resonance to a drum kit. Its primary function is to provide a lower tonal range and a sustained, booming sound that helps to anchor the rhythmic foundation of the kit. Typically positioned on the floor, supported by legs, the floor tom is larger than the rack toms, which are mounted on the bass drum or stands. Its size and depth vary, but it usually has a diameter of 14 to 16 inches and a depth of 12 to 16 inches. This instrument is an essential component of both acoustic and electronic drum kits. The floor tom produces a deep, rich tone with a sustained, reverberant sound that is distinct from the rack toms. The resonance of the floor tom adds warmth and depth to the overall sound of the drum kit. The floor tom is widely used in various music genres, including rock, jazz, blues, and orchestral music. Its size and depth allow drummers to create a wide range of sounds and tones, from deep, booming beats to more nuanced, melodic rhythms.

Drum enthusiasts can choose from various types of floor tom drums. Here are some of them:

• Acoustic Floor Tom: The acoustic floor tom is a common type of floor tom. It produces a low, resonant sound with a natural wood or lacquer finish. It is available in various sizes and shell materials, allowing drummers to customize their sound. The acoustic floor tom is an essential component of a standard drum kit, providing depth and rhythm to the overall sound.
• Electronic Floor Tom: The electronic floor tom is a digital version of the floor tom that uses electronic triggers and pads to produce drum sounds. It is compatible with electronic drum kits and can be customized with various drum sounds and effects. The electronic floor tom is ideal for drummers who require a wide range of sounds and effects for recording or live performances. It is also useful in situations where space is limited, as it can be easily transported and set up.
• Mini Floor Tom: The mini floor tom is a smaller version of the floor tom, measuring between 10 to 12 inches in diameter. It is lightweight and easy to transport, making it ideal for use in smaller gigs or practice sessions. Despite its small size, the mini floor tom produces a distinct, punchy sound that adds depth to a drum kit. It is popular among drummers who prefer a more compact setup or need a supplementary drum for intricate rhythms.
• Concert Floor Tom: The concert floor tom is designed for orchestral and concert settings. It has a refined, articulate sound with a higher pitch than standard floor toms. The concert floor tom is usually fitted with high-quality drumheads and tuning hardware to ensure consistency and precision in sound. It is used by professional drummers in orchestras and concert bands, providing rhythm and depth to percussion sections.

Scenarios of Floor Tom Drums

Floor toms are widely used in drumming across different musical styles. Here are some of the usage scenarios:

• Rock Music

  In rock music, the floor tom drum is used to create powerful and deep backbeats that drive the music forward. The low end of the floor tom adds to the aggressive and energetic feel typical of rock music. It is often used in fills and breakdowns to add impact and intensity, making it a crucial element of rock drumming.

• Jazz Music

  In jazz music, the floor tom is used to add depth and complexity to the drummer's rhythm. Jazz drummers often use the floor tom to play polyrhythms and syncopated patterns. This adds a unique groove to the music. The floor tom is also used in jazz drumming to create dynamic accents and subtle variations in the drummer's rhythm, contributing to the overall swing and feel of jazz music.

• Metal Music

  In metal music, the floor tom is used to create a thunderous and powerful sound. The low end of the floor tom adds to the heavy and aggressive feel typical of metal music. It is often used in blast beats and breakdowns to add impact and intensity, making it a crucial element of metal drumming.

• Funk Music

  In funk music, the floor tom is used to add depth and richness to the drummer's rhythm. Funk drummers often use the floor tom to play polyrhythms and syncopated patterns. This adds a unique groove to the music. The floor tom is also used in funk drumming to create dynamic accents and subtle variations in the drummer's rhythm, contributing to the overall swing and feel of funk music.

• Marching Bands

  The floor tom is used in marching bands to provide the bass voice of the drumline. The low, deep sound of the floor tom cuts through the ensemble and helps anchor the rhythm. Marching bands often use the floor tom in complex rhythmic patterns and cadences, adding depth and drive to the marching band's sound.

• Orchestral Music

  In orchestral music, the floor tom is used as part of the percussion section to add depth and richness to the orchestra's sound. The floor tom is often used in dramatic passages to create a sense of tension and release, providing a powerful and resonant underpinning to the orchestral score.

How to Choose Floor Tom Drums

Selecting the appropriate floor tom drum is vital for drummers wishing to optimize their performance and sound. Here are some critical considerations to consider when purchasing a floor tom drum.

• Sound Preference

  Understanding the sound of the floor tom is the first step in selecting the correct drum. The sound of a floor tom varies depending on its size. The lower, deeper sound associated with larger toms (16 and 18 inches) is ideal for genres such as rock and jazz. The higher tone associated with smaller toms (14 inches) is ideal for more excellent, articulate sounds associated with fusion and metal. Drummers should consider the pitch range and tone that best suit their playing style and musical genre. The 14-inch floor tom is the most common and balances depth and tone well.

• Material and Shell Construction

  The shell material and construction of the floor tom drum are essential factors that affect the sound and quality of the drum. Birch, maple, mahogany, and basswood are some of the most prevalent materials used for the shells. Each shell material produces a unique sound due to differences in resonance, projection, and sustain. For example, birch shells are known for their strong, focused sound with excellent projection and a pronounced low-end tone. Maple shells, on the other hand, produce a warmer, balanced sound with a more extensive tonal range and greater sustain. Drummers should consider the depth of sound they want and the type of music they play when selecting a shell material.

• Suspension Systems

  Floor toms often include suspension systems that minimize contact with the drum shell and stand, reducing vibrations and enhancing resonance. This feature is particularly important for drummers who prioritize the drum's tonal quality and sustain. A well-designed suspension system allows the floor tom to vibrate freely, producing a richer, more resonant sound. When selecting a floor tom, drummers should consider the drum's suspension system and its impact on sound quality.

• Durability and Build Quality

  Drum kits are an investment, and their lifetime directly impacts their cost-effectiveness. Drummers must select a floor tom constructed of high-quality materials and craftsmanship. The edges of the drum must be appropriately rounded and smooth to avoid damaging the heads and ensure proper seating. Hardware components, such as lugs and hoops, should be robust and well-made to withstand regular use and tuning adjustments. A durable floor tom will provide consistent performance over many years and be able to withstand the rigors of touring and frequent use.

Function, Feature, and Design of Floor Tom Drums

Floor toms are available in different designs and features that can be customized according to the requirements of drummers. Here are some of the functions, features, and designs of floor tom drums:

• Materials

  Floor toms can be constructed with different materials, including maple, birch, mahogany, and poplar. Each of these materials is known for its unique tonal qualities and durability. For instance, drums made from maple produce warm and balanced tones, while those made from birch have a clear and focused sound. The choice of material also influences the resonance and projection of the floor tom.

• Hoops

  The metal or wooden floor tom hoops hold the drum head in place. Their design and material can influence the sound and tuning stability. Metal hoops are more common and are known for their strength and brighter tone. On the other hand, wooden hoops offer increased warmth and sustain. Some floor toms feature triple-flanged or die-cast hoops, which provide different levels of rigidity and tone.

• Drum Heads

  Drum heads affect the sound of a floor tom. Drummers can choose how many and the type of drum heads to use based on their desired sound and the number of times they want to tune the drum. Thinner drum heads tend to be easier to tune and produce a warmer sound, while thicker drum heads have a deeper tone and more durability. Additionally, the top and bottom heads have different roles in the sound. The top head is struck and has more influence on the tone, while the bottom one is wired and affects the sustain and overtones of the floor drum.

• Legs

  Floor toms are supported by three or four legs that are attached to the drum's shell using a mounting bracket. The legs are often rubber-tipped to minimize vibration and maintain stability. Some floor toms feature adjustable legs, allowing drummers to set the height and angle to their preference. The design and positioning of the legs also affect the resonance and sustain of the drum.

• Sound Adjustments

  Drum makers provide floor toms with sound adjustment options through tuning and muffling systems. Drummers can tune the tension rods to achieve their desired pitch and tonal. They can also use muffling systems, such as drum rings or gels, to control overtones and sustain.

• Finishes

  Floor toms can have different finishes that can add to their aesthetic appeal. The finishes can be natural wood veneer, high-gloss lacquer, or various colors and patterns. Some floor toms feature custom graphics or inlays, making them visually stunning. The finish not only affects the appearance but also influences the durability and protection of the drum.

Q&A

Q: What is the difference between a floor tom and a regular drum?

A: The floor tom is a type of drum set. It is larger and deeper than a regular drum, producing a low-pitched, booming sound. The floor tom is an essential component of a drum set, providing depth and rhythmic foundation to the overall sound.

Q: Why is it called a floor tom?

A: The floor tom is called a floor tom because it is placed directly on the floor. It is supported by three-leg drum stands, which provide stability and allow the drummer to reach the floor tom comfortably.

Q: What is the purpose of a Floor Tom Drum?

A: The primary purpose of a Floor Tom Drum is to provide a deep and resonant sound that adds depth and richness to the drum kit's overall tonal palette. It serves as the lowest-pitched drum in the kit, typically positioned to the right of the bass drum and the snare drum.