Types of Paper Drums
The paper drum is made in different types, each creating sounds differently. Here are some common types.
Djembe Drums: The djembe is a goblet-shaped drum from West Africa. It has a drumhead made from animal skin or synthetic materials. The wood used to make the main shell of the drum is extracted from thick trees like mahogany or baaka. The djembe is played with bare hands and produces a wide range of sounds from deep bass to sharp slaps. It is commonly used in African music and dance.
Conga Drums: Conga drums come in different sizes and shapes, but the basic conga is tall, barrel-shaped, and single-headed. The sound varies by size. For instance, the bigger the drum, the deeper the sound, and vice versa. Traditionally, these drums are made from cowhide heads and hardwood shells. However, new alternatives have emerged. Players use their hands to produce rhythmic and earthy sounds. They are popular in Latin music and dance.
Bongos Drums: Bongos consist of two interconnected drums with different diameters. The smaller one is the female bongo, and the larger one is the male. They were originally made from cowhide but now have a variety of head options. They produce sharp, high-pitched, and lively sounds. The bongo's compact size makes it great for playing fast rhythms. They are commonly found in Cuban and other Latin American music.
Batter Drums: These are percussion instruments with distinct sound characteristics. The sound of batter drums differs depending on the materials used to make their heads and shells. This drum family includes paper bass drum heads. It also has bongo and conga drums. The paper bass drum head produces a bright and sharp sound. This makes it suitable for playing fast and intricate rhythms.
Cajón Drums: Cajón is a box-shaped drum with one or more snare wires inside. The playable side forms a flatboard snare combination that produces unique crackling sounds. It is made from plywood and medium-density fiberboard, among other materials. The deeper the wood and thicker the wall, the bassier the sound. Players sit on the cajón and strike the top with their hands to produce rhythmic beats and variations.
Durability of Paper Drums
When considering durability, it's crucial to evaluate construction materials, environmental factors, and usage. Paper drums are stronger than many drums in the market.
- Materials Used: Paper drums get their strength from their materials. Unlike most normal drums, paper drums have strong shells made of compressed fiberboard or plywood. Some have lightweight fiberboard. These materials offer good resistance to wear and tear. Paper also offers flexibility that improves its strength. This makes paper drums stronger than they look.
- Environmental Conditions: Paper drums are sensitive to environmental conditions. Excessive humidity and dry heat may damage the paper head over time. Humidity causes the paper to stretch and weaken and leads to mold growth. On the other hand, dryness causes cracking. This leads to the paper losing its flexibility. Buyers can mitigate these effects by storing the drums in controlled environments.
- Usage Patterns: The durability of paper drums relies on their usage. The more they are used for practice and performance, the more likely they wear out. Paper bass drum heads require gentle cleaning and moisturization to ensure the paper is always in good condition.
- Maintenance: When maintained properly, paper drums can last a long time. Regular inspections, gentle cleaning, and proper storage in less humid areas extend their life. This helps to offset environmental impacts and normal wear and tear.
Designs of Paper Drums
Paper drums come in different types and have unique designs for various uses.
- Traditional African Drums: These drums have a natural aesthetic look and are very functional. The djembe is goblet-shaped, while the conga and bongo are barrel-shaped. All these drums have animal skin or synthetic heads. The bodies of these drums are carved from solid hardwoods like mahogany or a combination of weaker ones.
- Frame Drums: The frame drums have a circular frame with a drumhead stretched across one side. The frame comprises wood or metal, while the drumhead is made of natural or synthetic materials. Frame drums come in different sizes. Some are bigger than concert bass drums, while others are smaller than cymbals.
- Cajón: The cajón is a square or rectangular box drum. It looks like a cube with the top panel serving as the drumhead. Players perform on the front face and create different sounds depending on where they strike.
- Marching Paper Drums: These drums have a cylindrical shape and a lightweight design ideal for portability. The drum shells traditionally comprised brass or bronze and today consist of wood or metal alloy. It has a tight drumhead for crisp, projected sounds. They also feature adjustable tension rods for varied tonality.
How To Choose Paper Drums
- Sound Quality: Buyers should consider what sound the paper drum produces to ensure they don't get paper drum phone holders by mistake. Bass pedals produce bright tones suitable for faster music. Resonant pedals and sensitive drumheads produce a deeper bass tone.
- Material And Build Quality: Paper drums come in different materials and qualities. Some are stronger than others, like normal drums. Buyers should ensure they get the ones with strong materials for a fuller sound. The frame should be sturdy to withstand regular use.
- Size and Tuning: Smaller drums produce higher pitches, while larger ones produce lower tones. Buyers should also consider the tunability of the drum. Some paper drums allow different tension levels and head types to change the tone.
- Brand and Reviews: A strong brand may indicate better quality because of the sound and materials used. Reviews frequently reveal the actual performance and endurance of a product. Buyers should also check if the paper drums are compatible with Remo drumheads for replacement purposes.
- Price and Warranty: Drums that offer better sound and durability are probably more expensive. However, some affordable options perform well too. Buyers shouldn't skimp on them. A quality warranty ensures longevity.
Benefits of Paper Drums
- Light Weight: One of the key benefits of drums made of paper is their lightweight nature. They can be moved easily. This makes them ideal for kids and on-the-go musicians. Bass drum heads also have a lightweight alternative that performs the same functions as the bass drum in other drums.
- Affordable: Affordable paper drums make them accessible to a wider audience. This allows more people to experience the joy of drumming. Kids and beginner drummers love them the most. They don't break the bank.
- Portable: Musicians can easily carry paper drums when going for gigs or practicing. Players easily assemble or disassemble them as they often have collapsible designs. This makes them ideal for travel.
- Environmental Impact: Drums made of paper have less negative impact on the environment compared to standard drums. Paper is sourced from trees, which are renewable resources. Also, some paper drums use materials like cardboard. This reduces recycling waste.
- Learning Tool: They are barely used for professional drumming. Schools use them widely for teaching kids rhythm and coordination. They help beginners learn the basics without the pressure of investing in expensive equipment. After mastering the art, they can upgrade to real drums.
Q&A
Q1: Which is better, a paper bass drum head or a Mylar drumhead?
A1: Paper bass drumheads deliver a warm, focused tone preferred by jazz and studio musicians. This makes them ideal for these types of uses. However, they are less durable and sensitive to moisture, affecting their flexibility. Mylar drumheads are more affordable and durable. They offer brighter tones suited for various genres. For that reason, they make an excellent daily practice and performance.
Q2: Is a paper bass drum head good for recording?
A2: Yes, a paper bass drum head is good for recording. In fact, many pro musicians use them for recording sessions. Paper bass drum heads create a smooth and warm tone without overtones.
Q3: Do paper bass drum heads have a longer or shorter lifespan than mylar heads?
A3: Paper heads have a shorter lifespan than Mylar heads because they are thinner. The material also makes them more sensitive to environmental conditions like humidity.
Q4: Are paper bass drum heads suitable for live performances?
A4: While they are suitable for small gigs or studio recordings, paper bass drum heads are not very durable. They are prone to tearing during large live performances.
Q5: Do paper bass drum heads have a better or worse sound than Mylar heads?
A5: The sound produced by the paper bass drum head is better than that of the Mylar head if used for jazz and studio recordings. The head provides a smooth and warm tone that doesn't overpower other instruments. This feature makes them suitable for professional recordings.
