The Calderwood Rope Tension Field Drum : Modern Convenience Meets Classic Sound

Why Rope Tension?

When called for In the concert hall, or on the field, there is no replacement for the sound and character of a traditional rope tension field drum. Built with influence from ancient Swiss-American drumming traditions, there are few manufacturers today building modern takes on these time tested drums. With a client list ranging from the Boston Early Music Society, to Hamilton the Musical, Calderwood Percussion has made a name for themselves reproducing Classic Rope Tension Drums , with modern conveniences, and an incredible sound.

Shell and Tuning

There are a few calling cards to a classic rope tension drum, most of which are hundreds of years old. A traditional field drum features a large shell, usually 16 to 18 inches in diameter, with a shell depth of similar length. This depth and size, coupled with solid craftsmanship and shell composition, create an incredible vessel for projection and sound. Traditionally created with a solid steam-bent ply of maple, modern drums sometimes also feature ply-maple shells with reinforcement rings, similar to the Calderwood Percussion Educational Series Concert Toms . Mounted and adjusted by rope, and controlled by sliding tuners called ears, this style of drum can easily be tuned and adjusted as both heads are tensioned simultaneously. For those looking for a slight contrast in top and bottom head tension, this can be achieved by mounting heads with two different gauges or thicknesses. Although natural skin drumheads can be challenging to find, there are several manufacturers using different hides, such as the unique Kangaroo Hides from Kentville Drums.

Snare Wires

Before the invention and creation of the modern snare wires , snare drums used natural gut snares, made of animal intestines. These natural snares are still available, but plastic alternatives can provide the tone and sound which is desirable of these instruments, and is more common today. This is what is found on the Calderwood Percussion Rope Tension Field Drum at Steve Weiss Music.

Throw Off

Buzz, Buzz, Buzz! Thats the sound of sympathetic snare response on traditional field drums , as for years they did not come with a throw off to release snare tension. When custom designing the Weiss Rope Tension Snare Drum , we specifically asked for a modern throw off, to allow this snare response to not be an issue for performers in modern settings. There is nothing worse than hearing a sympathetic snare response in the Orchestra with no solution! Worry no more with this great customization by Calderwood Percussion.

Recap

Looking for the sound, feel, and craftsmanship of an old world field drum, while also looking for it to function in today's performance situations? Look no further than our great field drum option by Calderwood Percussion at Steve Weiss Music . Wondering if rope tension is right for you? Give a Percussion Specialist a call today to find out what is best for your needs.