The History Of Drums - A Journey Of Sound

[Irene Tierney]

Music and musical instruments are an extremely important part of human
history. The use of rhythm and song has long been used to express
meaning, and feeling and accompany rituals.
Music has been part of human life for as long as anyone can trace.
Early civilizations of humans used music as a way to communicate and
express feelings. Out of all of the musical instruments that we see in
our society today and use on a regular basis, there is one instrument
that stands out in musical history, the drum.
The history of drums is interesting and unique. When you examine this
instrument historically, you will find that drums have had a place in
almost all cultures around the globe. Variations of drums and drum
sets occurred in many different cultures, the standard variety of a
drum consisted simply of a hollowed out log or gourd with a piece of
skin stretched taunt. Different sizes of gourds and logs created
different sounds and beats.
The African Influence
In most African cultures, drums were very important in the use of
rituals and religious ceremonies. The people of different African
tribes relied on the use of drums to express themselves and when the
slave trade began, the drums made the journey across the ocean as
well.
African drums and drummers provided a unique sound that heavily
influenced Western Rock and Roll music. Those same rhythms and beats
still provide a strong influence in today's sounds.
The Early Drum Set
When it was discovered that one player could play two or more drums at
the same time, people started placing groups of drums together for one
musician to play. These groups were comprised of an assimilation of
drums of different cultures and from all around the globe. Cymbals and
tom tom drums were brought in from China and the size was adjusted to
allow for ease of play when played with drumsticks.
In the early 1930's, musicians slowly discovered with the proper drum
placement and a lot of practice, one musician could handle a set of
drums, and an entire band of drum players was not required anymore.
Thus, a basic kit evolved and took place.
In An Early Kit
The early drum kits were simple in their design, they typically
consisted only of:
1) A bass and foot pedal2) A snare drum3) Tom Toms4) A hi hat cymbal5)
One or two sets of hanging cymbals
The Evolution Of The Drum Set
In the 1930's the drum set was heavily influenced by the sounds of the
time, and the early forms of Rock and Roll music. The sounds had a
strong basic beat backing them.
In the 1950's as Rock and Roll music began to develop, the sounds
became more complex and likewise, the drum sets became more evolved,
with new additions added to them. Rockers began expanding the drum
kits adding more cymbals and tom toms drums to them. In addition, as
time went on, electronic drums were added to the drum kits as well.
All of these additions allowed the musicians to expand their sounds
and diversify their music.
Types Of Drum Kits
In the past, as drums evolved and drum kits developed, new companies
were formed and products were fine-tuned and made better. The Ludwig
Drum Company is known as one of the most influential and historical
drum companies of our time.
The Ludwig drum company was started by a young man who enjoyed playing
the drums. He could not find a bass pedal that would hold up to his
intense drumming style. He shopped around everywhere and could not
find an appropriate pedal, so he fashioned one out of wood. The pedal
was superior to anything else on the market. His brother, felt that an
even stronger pedal could be created out of a metal product, so they
teamed up to create an even better bass pedal. Thus, the Ludwig Drum
Company was born.
Ringo Starr, the famous drummer for The Beatles used a Ludwig drum set
and was known for preferring the Ludwig drums. He is said to still own
the original Ludwig drum set that he played with the Beatles.
There have been many other types of drum kits and company names that
have played an important and influential role in the history of drums.
Yamaha, Pearl, Tama and Gretsch are all famous brand names whose drums
and drum kits have helped form the drum set, as we know it today.
The Future For Drums
What does the future hold for drum sets? No one can be sure. However,
with the creation of more and more technology, we can be sure that the
sounds will evolve even more. A combination of new sounds and
traditional will always be found. And the limit for drum set creation
will simply be the imagination of the musicians.
? 2005 http://www.drum-sets-now.com

Make Beats on Computer Fast and Easy: http://www.sonicepro.tk/