Abstract: An improved drum construction in which sound hindering hardware is removed from the drum shell utilizing a unique tuning system that allows the drum skin to be tuned by rotating a counterhoop to bear pressure on an annular hoop securing the drum skin against a bearing rim. Rotation of the counterhoop drives the annular hoop deeper into an annular channel thereby increasing the tautness of the drum skin across the bearing rim. The bearing rim may be modified with adjustable bearing edges. The drum strainer is also removed from the drum shell and attached to the rim or counterhoop. Tone bridges and tone coats may be added to the drum shell to enhance sound production.

Abstract: An improved tuning system is provided for a musical percussion drum. The tuning system utilizes an inverted J-shaped counterhoop that is threadably engaged with an externally threaded, outwardly facing tuning rim surface on a tuning collar that is secured to the drum shell. An interior portion of the counterhoop projects downwardly into a channel defined between the externally threaded tuning rim of the tuning collar and a bearing ring on the tuning collar located inwardly and separated from the tuning rim by the channel. The pressure ring bears downwardly on a hoop that is secured to the periphery of the drum skin. Rotation of the counterhoop in one direction screws the counterhoop further onto the drum shell, thereby tightening the drum skin. Counterrotation of the counterhoop in the opposite direction loosens the drum skin. Rotation is achieved by engagement of a pair of driving gears supported by a gear mount attached to the outer surface of the tuning collar.