Thin vs Thick Drum Shells for Live Playing

by Frank
(Colorado)

For playing live, is a thicker or thinner shell required?

ANSWER

Hi, Frank--

The choice of shell thickness depends on your preferences and your needs.

Thicker shells will be louder but it will vibrate less and you will hear mostly the attack of the stick on the head rather than the tone of the shell.

A Thinner shell will give you more of the tone
of the wood shell, but will not be as loud.

Of course, the lack of volume with a thinner shell can easily be compensated with amplification. With either thickness, you can always trigger your drums and get any sound that you want.

Best Wishes,
Lynne