The tom tom drum, often simply called a tom, is a key part of a modern drum kit. These drums are easily recognized by their cylindrical shape and lack of snares, which gives them a distinct sound compared to other drums. They’ve been a staple in various music genres for decades, adding depth, rhythm, and a unique sonic character to countless songs.
Basic Structure
The Drum Body
The body of a tom tom drum, known as the shell, is cylindrical. It can be made from different materials. Wood is a popular choice, like maple, birch, or oak. Each type of wood imparts a different tone. Maple shells, for example, produce a warm, balanced sound. Birch shells offer a brighter, more focused tone, while oak gives a deep, rich sound. Some modern tom tom drums also have shells made from synthetic materials like fiberglass or acrylic. Fiberglass shells are lightweight and can withstand a lot of wear and tear, while acrylic shells can create a very bright, cutting sound.
The size of the shell matters a lot. Tom tom drums come in a range of diameters, usually from 6 to 20 inches. Smaller – diameter toms, like those around 6 – 8 inches, produce higher – pitched sounds. They’re great for adding a bright, energetic element to the music. Larger – diameter toms, around 18 – 20 inches, make lower – pitched sounds that add depth and power. The depth of the shell also affects the sound. A deeper shell generally produces a more resonant, fuller sound, while a shallower shell gives a quicker, more focused sound.
The Drumhead
Tom tom drums have either one or two drumheads. Double – headed toms have a head on both the top and the bottom of the shell. The top head is the one that the drummer strikes, and the bottom head helps to resonate and shape the sound. In the past, natural materials such as calfskin were used for drumheads. Calfskin gave a warm, natural sound. However, like with kettle drums, synthetic materials have become more common. Mylar is a popular choice. It’s durable, not as affected by changes in temperature and humidity as natural skins, and provides a consistent sound over time.
Single – headed toms, also known as concert toms, have only one head. They are often used in specific musical settings. The single head on these toms is usually thicker and designed to produce a particular sound. Some drummers prefer single – headed toms for their simplicity and the unique sound they can create.
The Tensioning System
To change the pitch of a tom tom drum, a tensioning system is used. This system consists of tension rods and lugs. Tension rods are long, threaded metal rods that are attached to the lugs, which are small metal pieces fixed to the shell. By turning the tension rods with a tuning key, the drummer can adjust the tightness of the drumhead. Tightening the drumhead makes the pitch higher, while loosening it lowers the pitch.
In modern drum kits, some tom tom drums have more advanced tuning systems. For example, there are quick – release tuning mechanisms that allow drummers to change the pitch more rapidly. This can be useful during live performances when a sudden change in pitch is needed.
History of Tom Tom Drums
Origins
The roots of the tom tom drum can be traced back to different parts of the world. Some believe its origin is related to the “tham mattama” drum used in Sri Lanka in Buddhist rituals. This drum, often played along with a reed instrument called hora nava, has a similar shape to the modern tom tom. It may have derived from the Tamil term “thappattam” or “thappu,” which is a frame drum from south Indian Tamil culture. However, the tom tom drums in the Western drum set seem to have a closer resemblance to the Sri Lankan version.
The term “tom – tom” likely came from the experiences of British colonists in South Asia. They complained about the noise of the native drums, and this name stuck. There are also similar terms in Telugu and Hindi languages, but in Sri Lanka, there’s an indigenous drum with a name similar to “tom – tom” (tham mattama). Some people wrongly attribute the tom tom to the Chinese, maybe because “tam – tam” in Western classical music refers to a Chinese gong.
Development in Western Music
The first American drum set toms were often called “Chinese” tom toms and had no rims. Their pigskin heads were attached to the wooden shells with metal tacks. In 1936, the Slingerland Drum and Banjo Company, working closely with Gene Krupa’s ideas, started making fully tunable tom toms. These had metal or wooden rims, tension rods, and lugs. Gene Krupa’s choices of tom sizes, like 13 × 9 inches for mounted toms and 16 × 16 inches for floor toms, became the standard for many years.
Over time, the design of tom tom drums continued to evolve. Mounted toms, also called hanging toms or rack toms, had their depths increased by an inch in some cases, creating what were known as power toms. Different sizes and configurations started to emerge, and drummers and manufacturers experimented with various designs to meet the changing needs of music.
Evolution Over Time
In the 1950s and 1960s, it was common to have just one hanging tom and one floor tom in a drum set. As music styles developed, more complex setups became popular. In the 1970s, single – headed toms, or concert toms, became more widely used. Some drummers, like Alex Van Halen, removed the bottom heads from their hanging toms to create this type of sound.
The 1980s saw the rise of different sized toms becoming popular. “Power” toms, which were an inch deeper than standard, became trendy. Square – sized toms, like 10 × 10, 12 × 12, etc., were also common during this time. In the 1990s, there was a return to more natural – sounding toms, after the more processed and enhanced sounds of the previous decade.
Playing Techniques
The Drumsticks
Tom tom drums are played with drumsticks similar to those used for other drums in the kit. The sticks are usually made of wood, such as hickory or maple. Hickory sticks are popular because they are strong and can withstand the force of drumming. Maple sticks, on the other hand, are a bit lighter and can produce a different feel and sound. The tips of the drumsticks can be made of various materials. Nylon tips are common as they can create a bright, articulate sound when hitting the tom head. Felt – tipped sticks are used when a softer, more mellow sound is desired.
Single Strokes
Single strokes are a fundamental technique. Just like with kettle drums, in a single stroke, the drummer hits the tom head with one drumstick. This produces a clear, distinct sound. Drummers can control the volume of the single stroke by how hard they hit the head. A soft tap will make a quiet sound, while a strong strike will create a loud, powerful sound. Single strokes are used in simple rhythms and to add accents in a musical piece.
Rolls
Rolls are another important technique for tom toms. To create a roll, the drummer rapidly alternates between the two drumsticks, hitting the tom head in quick succession. This makes a continuous, vibrating sound. Rolls can add excitement and tension to the music. The speed and intensity of the roll can be adjusted. A slow roll will give a more sustained, mellow sound, while a fast roll will create a more energetic, driving effect.
Patterns and Fills
Tom tom drums are often used to play patterns and fills in music. Patterns are repeated sequences of drum beats. For example, a simple tom tom pattern could be hitting a small tom, then a larger tom, and repeating this sequence. Fills are short, often more complex sections of drumming that are used to transition between different parts of a song. A fill might involve playing a quick series of tom tom beats in a specific order, sometimes combined with hits on other drums in the kit. Drummers use their creativity to come up with unique patterns and fills that enhance the overall feel of the music.
Role in Different Musical Genres
Rock Music
In rock music, tom tom drums play a huge role. They are used to create powerful fills that build excitement during a song. For example, before a big chorus in a rock song, a drummer might play a fast, energetic tom tom fill to get the audience pumped up. Tom toms also add depth to the overall sound. The different sizes of toms can be used to create a rich, layered sound. Larger toms can provide a deep, thumping sound, while smaller toms add a bright, high – pitched element. In classic rock, the standard setup of 12 – inch and 13 – inch hanging toms and a 16 – inch floor tom was very common and helped define the sound of many iconic rock songs.
Jazz Music
In jazz, tom toms are used in a more nuanced way. Jazz drummers often use tom toms to add color and texture to the music. They might play soft, delicate tom tom patterns to accompany a soloist, or use rolls and fills to add a sense of swing and rhythm. In bebop, a style of jazz, drummers sometimes used smaller toms to create a more melodic and intricate sound. The ability to quickly change the pitch of tom toms using the tensioning system can also be used in jazz to create unique musical effects.
Pop Music
In pop music, tom toms are used to make the music more interesting and dynamic. They can be used in the same way as in rock music, with fills and patterns to add excitement. However, in pop, the sound of the tom toms might be more polished and blended with the other instruments. Sometimes, tom toms are used in a more subtle way, providing a background rhythm or adding a touch of percussion to enhance the overall production. In some pop ballads, a slow, gentle tom tom roll might be used to create a more emotional and introspective atmosphere.
Maintenance and Care
Drumhead Care
Taking care of the drumheads is crucial. If the drumhead is made of natural skin, it needs to be kept clean and dry. Moisture can cause the skin to stretch or warp, which will change the sound of the drum. Synthetic drumheads are more durable but still need to be checked for any signs of wear or damage. If there are any cracks or tears in the drumhead, it should be replaced. Also, the drumheads should be regularly tuned to maintain the correct pitch. Over time, the tension on the drumhead can change, and tuning it regularly ensures that the tom tom sounds its best.
Shell Care
The shell of the tom tom drum should be kept clean. Dust and dirt can accumulate on the shell, and this can affect the appearance and, to some extent, the sound. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe down the shell. If the shell is made of wood, it might need occasional treatment with a suitable wood polish to keep it looking good and to protect the wood. For synthetic shells, a simple wipe – down with a mild cleaner will usually do the trick. Also, make sure that the shell is not exposed to extreme temperatures, as this can cause the material to expand or contract and potentially damage the drum.
Hardware Care
The hardware of the tom tom drum, such as the tension rods, lugs, and any mounting brackets, should be checked regularly. Tension rods should be tightened or loosened smoothly. If they start to stick or become difficult to turn, they might need to be lubricated. Lugs should be checked to make sure they are securely attached to the shell. Any mounting brackets or stands should be inspected for signs of wear or damage. If a bracket is bent or a stand is unstable, it can affect the performance of the tom tom and might even cause the drum to fall and get damaged.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the tom tom drum is much more than just a percussion instrument. It is a source of creativity, a vehicle for musical expression, and an essential element that enriches the sonic landscape of countless musical compositions. Whether you’re a drummer looking to expand your skills or a music lover with an appreciation for rhythm, the tom tom offers a world of exploration and enjoyment.
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