Carbon Fiber Drums?

[ShinigamiRem]

Recently, I saw a show about carbon fiber, and it showed it not just being used in the transportation industries, but to make musical instruments, like cellos.

Go figure.

So, that got me to thinking: as a drummer myself, what would drums with carbon fiber shells sound like, and, do they exist?

I realize that the material that makes up the drum has a big influence on the sound, and wood is the most common type (though the famous Mexican timbales are made with steel shells). Would carbon fiber drums have a decent sound, and more importantly, a decent price?

Discuss.

[Devorax]

I think it's highly possible, but the sound would be quite different.

I'm a drummer aswell.

[xports]

At 10/17/08 08:29 PM, Devorax wrote: I think it's highly possible, but the sound would be quite different.

Probably. Carbon Fiber is much stronger and from what i hear, resonates quite well if you get it just right.

I also saw a pic of a carbon fiber violin. looked pretty cool, but it sounded nothing like a violin.

[Shaun]

Googe - "carbon fibre drums"

It's been done, apparently they are alright.

[patm1313]

Carbon fiber drum shells wouldn't make much sense. The pitch would be very high, and there would be little vibration. Carbon fiber is prone to cracking, even though it is stronger than steel.

Basically they would sound like crap and would easily break during that once-in-a-lifetime solo.

[bballinitup087]

I haven't played them but I have been researching them a lot and what I understand is: 1. they are louder and resonate more. Thats why they started making orchestra instruments from carbon fiber. 2. They have a deeper sound than wood. 3. They are lighter and more durable (would make great travel kit, if it sounds good). 4. This I haven't really seen anywhere but I know a bit about building drums and on the other hand I know a bit about carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is a bit expensive and drums being built from wood are time consuming. I think carbon fiber drums would be much easier to produce, but since carbon fiber is still so expensive the drums will be more expensive until carbon fiber becomes more common. I am still trying to find a set to play because I have been wondering that same thing for almost a year now. All my reasoning is strictly based on research, but they seem like they would be awesome sounding and sick looking.