ComputerHunter.org

 

The History Of Drums - A Journey Of Sound


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 pedal
2) A snare drum
3) Tom Toms
4) A hi hat cymbal
5) 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

Kevin Brown is successful author and publisher of many informative websites including http://www.drum-sets-now.com . His websites offer tips and advice on a wide array of topics including drum kits, African drums, percussion instruments and more.







Google News - Top Stories

AFP

Treasury to Invest in `Healthy' Banks, Kashkari Says (Update4)
Bloomberg - 6 hours ago
By Rebecca Christie and Robert Schmidt Oct. 13 (Bloomberg) -- Neel Kashkari, the US Treasury official overseeing the $700 billion rescue of the financial system, said government equity injections will be aimed at ``healthy'' firms.
US to buy stakes in 'broad array' of banks AFP
Treasury Dept. Moves To Implement Rescue Plan KSBW
CNNMoney.com - Bizjournals.com - Forbes - MarketWatch
all 1,578 news articles


The Associated Press

Japanese Stocks Follow Wall Street’s Lead
New York Times - 41 minutes ago
By MICHAEL M. GRYNBAUM and BETTINA WASSENER Japanese stocks rocketed on Tuesday in the wake of global financial bailouts and the massive rally on Wall Street, adding more than 13 percent in early trading.
Video: Wall Street Soars on Gov't Aid Pledges AssociatedPress
WHEW: Stock Market Rebound Brings Investor Relief WCBS-TV New York
International Herald Tribune - San Jose Mercury News - TIME - The Star-Ledger - NJ.com
all 5,933 news articles


ABC News

McCain Attack Ads Called Inevitable -- And Ineffective
Washington Post - 1 hour ago
By Howard Kurtz Joe Trippi, the veteran Democratic strategist, said there's a reason John McCain's attack ads don't seem to be hurting Barack Obama.
McCain's political attacks inciting far right San Francisco Chronicle
McCain: Ayers "Still Wants to Destroy America" The Weekly Standard
New York Times - Minneapolis Star Tribune - Los Angeles Times - The Week
all 2,684 news articles


CBC.ca

Wildfires threaten LA homes; two people dead
Reuters - 2 hours ago
By Steve Gorman and Alex Dobuzinskis LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Deadly wind-driven brush fires roared out of the foothills and canyons on the northern fringe of Los Angeles on Monday, destroying dozens of homes and threatening hundreds more dwellings.
Video: Second Fire Breaks Out Above San Fernando Valley AssociatedPress
LA firefighters battle wildfires BBC News
San Diego Union Tribune - New York Times - AFP - Ventura County Star
all 3,524 news articles


ABC News

House to investigate lawmaker for alleged affair, ethics lapse
CNN - 3 hours ago
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Florida Democratic Rep. Tim Mahoney called on the House ethics committee to investigate his own behavior after ABC News reported that he paid a former staffer who was also his mistress $121000 to avoid a sexual harassment lawsuit.
A Florida (House) Bombshell Washington Post
Fla. congressman seeks probe after affair reports The Associated Press
ABC News - CBS News - WPTV - TCPalm
all 302 news articles

Google
 

Copyright © 2006 Computer Hunter - A Division of Arthur´s Job Base