Today’s marching drums are typically outfitted with heavy chrome hoops, continuous lugs, a substantial throw-off mechanism, and a multi-ply shell. These drums can withstand exposure to extreme elements, can project well, and provide a durable head that can be tuned tight with a surface like granite. But as impressive as they are, there is a consensus among drum collectors that they do not have the warm and unique sound of the marching drums manufactured prior to the 1960s. Snare drums and field drums from this era were typically made with birch and mahogany shells with reinforcing hoops on the inside of the shell. The outer hoops were made of maple, and the throw-off was the same as you would find on a concert snare drum. Instead of continuous or separate lugs, these drums had a long tension rod that held a metal claw in place on the batter side, and […]