Abstract: A drumhead tuning rim system and method for securing and tuning a drumhead on a drum shell of a drum, comprising a drumhead tuning rim apparatus comprising a cable tension dial assembly configured for operably engaging a rim of the drum so as to increase or decrease tension on the rim, the rim being configured for seating over the drumhead on the drum shell, and an apparatus controller configured for operably interfacing with the drumhead tuning rim apparatus so as to selectively control the cable tension dial assembly and thereby adjust the overall pitch of the drumhead as by adjusting the tension on the rim.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and methods for automating the tuning process for drums. The invention automatically applies tension across the batter heads of a drum. The invention consists of a plurality of electrical stepper motors each of which is connected to a gear reduction assembly and a rotating tension rod. The invention acts to exert a tensioning force on each attachment point around the circumference of the hoop(s) securing the batter head to the drum shell. An algorithm drives a microprocessor that monitors the current being used by each stepper motor assembly which is translated to torque. When the torque for each stepper motor assembly reaches a predetermined level, the tension holding the batter head and to the shell of the drum will be in tune.

Abstract: A drum hoop fastening device is provided. The drum hoop fastening device is configured to be disposed on a drum, and the drum includes a drum shell and a drum hoop disposed on the drum shell. The drum hoop fastening device includes: a main body and a filler. The main body is configured to be disposed on the drum shell and includes an inner space, at least one fastening member and at least one restricting member being blockable with the at least one fastening member. Each of the at least one fastening member is configured to be connected with a fastener disposed through the drum hoop so that the drum hoop is restricted to the drum shell. The filler is received within the inner space.

Abstract: A tensioning arrangement for a bearing ring, which introduces a compressive force towards a rotational centre of the bearing ring, to prevent the bearing ring distorting as a shaft supported by the bearing turns. The tensioner arrangement includes a strap and a tensioner. The strap has a connector at each end, and tensioner has an element for connecting to the connectors. The tensioner also has an element for applying tension to the strap. In use, the strap is arranged around the bearing ring and a circumferential length of the strap in contact with the bearing ring is reduced, thereby applying compressive force to the bearing ring.

Abstract: A snare drum with a snare bed created by a continuous curve in the lower edge of the snare drum shell is disclosed. The continuous curve has two maxima and two minima. The continuous curve is cut into the snare drum shell blank, from which the snare drum shell is bent. The continuous curve can be sinusoidal, polynomial, or spline. The two minima are disposed opposite one another when the shell is formed. The snare bed thus created provides superior tuning, reduced buzzing, and improved sensitivity.

Abstract: A percussive instrument is provided. The percussive instrument includes a drum body and a plurality of tonal elements extending over a bottom surface of the drum body. The tonal elements may be struck or plucked to produce sound. The drum body includes a base and a peripheral wall extending upwardly from the base and has an open end opposite the base through which sound may be projected. The drum body may be filled with liquid to produce cymatic effects when the instrument is played and to provide an additional medium through which sound waves emitted from the tonal elements may pass over or through.

Abstract: A drumhead tuning rim system and method for securing and tuning a drumhead on a drum shell of a drum, comprising a drumhead tuning rim apparatus comprising a cable tension dial assembly configured for operably engaging a rim of the drum so as to increase or decrease tension on the rim, the rim being configured for seating over the drumhead on the drum shell, and an apparatus controller configured for operably interfacing with the drumhead tuning rim apparatus so as to selectively control the cable tension dial assembly and thereby adjust the overall pitch of the drumhead as by adjusting the tension on the rim.

Abstract: Provided are interchangeable bearing edge rings for drum shells assembled with traditional lug holders. Different bearing edge rings can be inserted in between the drum shell and the drumhead to change the sound of the drum during play. Some embodiments provide a modified drum shell with top and bottom rims that have a groove. Bearing edge rings with complimentary slits can be inset in the grooves in order to change the drum bearing edge and sound as desired. Alternatively, the bearing edge rings can have support extensions instead of the slits for coupling to unmodified drum shells. The support extensions extend downwards from either side of the ring and are separated by a distance equal to the width of the drum shell rim. The support extensions straddle the drum shell rim to retain the position of bearing edge ring over the drum shell rim.

Abstract: A cable and pulley operated membrane tuning system suitable for drums and other musical instruments, as well as other applications requiring tunable membranes. The cable is threaded through pulleys or guides attached the mounting assembly of the membrane, and tightened by means of a tensioning mechanism. The system tensions membrane by varying the tension on the cable. The system may be employed in single-membrane systems or in multiple membrane systems.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tuning system for tuning a hand percussion instrument having a head and a shell. The tuning system comprises a rim, the rim secured to the head of the instrument, the rim comprising at least one receptacle, the receptacle positioned at outer periphery of the rim such that the receptacle body is below the plane of the rim, a side plate assembly, the side plate assembly secured to the shell of the instrument, a tuning rod, the tuning rod having a first end secured to the receptacle for varying the tension on the head, and the tuning rod having a second end secured to the side plate assembly.

Abstract: A system and method for reliably tuning an acoustic percussion instrument with a single adjustment. The system includes a cord attached to a tensioning device, the cord being arranged in connection with a plurality of brackets and tensioning elements. By increasing the tension on the cord, the tensioning elements are pulled in a downward direction with respect to the drum head, thereby increasing the tension thereon. The tuning system disclosed herein provides a substantially equal distribution of tensioning force through the arrangement of the cord and other elements of the system.

Abstract: A drum includes a fixing means for fixing an edge portion of the membrane member; an interval forming means for forming an interval between the edge portion, fixed by the fixing means, and the striking surface of the membrane member in a normal direction of a plane of the striking surface; and contact members in contact with a connection portion of the membrane member, which connects the edge portion and the striking surface. The contact members contact the connection portion respectively at different positions along a circumferential direction of the connection portion. The contact members are in contact with an inner side of the tension ring and are displaced toward a center of the striking surface as the diameter of the circle surrounded by the tension ring is reduced.

Abstract: A system and method for quickly and efficiently installing a drum head on a tabla and controlling the tension of individual segments simultaneously. A mechanical interface controls a tension on each of a set of connective elements of a connective assembly that joins the drum head to the mechanical interface. Operation of the mechanical interface adjusts the tension of all elements of the connective assembly, and thus adjusts a playing tension of the drum head, at the same time.

Abstract: A drumhead tuning rim system and method for securing and tuning a drumhead on a drum shell of a drum, comprising a drumhead tuning rim apparatus comprising a cable tension dial assembly configured for operably engaging a rim of the drum so as to increase or decrease tension on the rim, the rim being configured for seating over the drumhead on the drum shell, and an apparatus controller configured for operably interfacing with the drumhead tuning rim apparatus so as to selectively control the cable tension dial assembly and thereby adjust the overall pitch of the drumhead as by adjusting the tension on the rim.

Abstract: A drumhead tuning rim apparatus for securing and tuning a drumhead on a drum shell of a drum, the apparatus comprising a plurality of housing grooved bearing wheels rotatably installed spaced along a rim of the drum, the rim being configured for seating over the drumhead on the drum shell, a plurality of lug grooved bearing wheels configured to be rotatably installed spaced about the drum shell substantially between the respective housing grooved bearing wheels, a tensioning cable configured for alternately passing between and about respective housing grooved bearing wheels and lug grooved bearing wheels substantially about the perimeter of the drum shell, and a means for selectively adjusting the tension in the tensioning cable.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a drum structural framework comprising a top shell mount, bottom shell mount, rod holders, and tension rods. The top shell mount and bottom shell mount are mounted to either ending edge of a drum shell disposed between the two mounts. A first set of the rod holders are coupled to the top shell mount and an aligned second set of the rod holders are coupled to the bottom shell mount. The tension rods link the two sets of rod holders without hindering resonance of the drum shell. Tuning assemblies on the rod holders adjust the distance separating the top shell mount from the bottom shell mount, thereby controlling the force imposed on the drum shell. Each rod holder includes one or more dampeners that isolate energy passing from the drumhead to the shell from also reverberating throughout the structural framework of the tension rods and rod holders.

Abstract: A drumhead tuning rim apparatus for securing and tuning a drumhead on a drum shell of a drum, the apparatus comprising a plurality of housing grooved bearing wheels rotatably installed spaced along a rim of the drum, the rim being configured for seating over the drumhead on the drum shell, a plurality of lug grooved bearing wheels configured to be rotatably installed spaced about the drum shell substantially between the respective housing grooved bearing wheels, a tensioning cable configured for alternately passing between and about respective housing grooved bearing wheels and lug grooved bearing wheels substantially about the perimeter of the drum shell, and a means for selectively adjusting the tension in the tensioning cable.

Abstract: A head fixing mechanism includes a fixture fixed to a trunk portion and a coupling member which is threadably engaged with a fixture. The coupling member includes a main body which has a head portion that presses a head and a shaft portion that is threadably engaged with the fixture, and in which an axially extending insertion hole is formed, and an insertion member which is threadably engaged with the main body within the insertion hole. A bottom of the insertion hole is formed in the shaft portion, and in the shaft portion, a slit having a width smaller than the inside diameter of the insertion hole is formed, which divides the shaft portion in a circumferential direction. The insertion member is formed in a tapered shape, and the outside diameter of the leading end thereof is formed to be smaller than the width of the slit.

Abstract: A cam operated drum tuning system which is rotatable clockwise or counterclockwise to tunes a musical drum. A cam ring mechanism employs multiple helical tracks. A removable radius plate and tool facilitates rotation. The tuning system may be attached directly to drum lugs, to a retrofit ring attached to the lugs, or to a full floating I or II framework which use edge or full floater rings, and/or adjustable pull rods to connect the top and/or bottom tuning systems so that nothing need contact the drum shell. Eccentric micro tuners adjust the rim rollers which ride on the inner hoop, which has a lip on the underside to add overlap. Elevators are used to raise and/or lower the cam ring to align it perpendicular to the bearing edge of the drum shell.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tuning system for tuning a hand percussion instrument having a head and a shell. The tuning system comprises a rim, the rim secured to the head of the instrument, the rim comprising at least one receptacle, the receptacle positioned at outer periphery of the rim such that the receptacle body is below the plane of the rim, a side plate assembly, the side plate assembly secured to the shell of the instrument, a tuning rod, the tuning rod having a first end secured to the receptacle for varying the tension on the head, and the tuning rod having a second end secured to the side plate assembly.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a drum structural framework comprising a top shell mount, bottom shell mount, rod holders, and tension rods. The top shell mount and bottom shell mount are mounted to either ending edge of a drum shell disposed between the two mounts. A first set of the rod holders are coupled to the top shell mount and an aligned second set of the rod holders are coupled to the bottom shell mount. The tension rods link the two sets of rod holders without hindering resonance of the drum shell. Tuning assemblies on the rod holders adjust the distance separating the top shell mount from the bottom shell mount, thereby controlling the force imposed on the drum shell. Each rod holder includes one or more dampeners that isolate energy passing from the drumhead to the shell from also reverberating throughout the structural framework of the tension rods and rod holders.

Abstract: A head fixing mechanism includes a fixture fixed to a trunk portion and a coupling member which is threadably engaged with a fixture. The coupling member includes a main body which has a head portion that presses a head and a shaft portion that is threadably engaged with the fixture, and in which an axially extending insertion hole is formed, and an insertion member which is threadably engaged with the main body within the insertion hole. A bottom of the insertion hole is formed in the shaft portion, and in the shaft portion, a slit having a width smaller than the inside diameter of the insertion hole is formed, which divides the shaft portion in a circumferential direction. The insertion member is formed in a tapered shape, and the outside diameter of the leading end thereof is formed to be smaller than the width of the slit.

Abstract: A tension adjustment hoop (1) for tensioning a resonant skin (13) on a musical instrument (6, 25), the tension adjustment hoop (1) being formed by a ring (2) with a centre axis (3) and with retention means (4) arranged to interact with coupling means (5) on the musical instrument (6, 25) for retention of the tension adjustment hoop (1), the tension adjustment hoop (1) having an opposing top side (7) and bottom side (8), where the tension adjustment hoop (1) comprises an inner fluid channel (17), provided with a pressure adjustment connection (26) in hydraulic connection with the fluid channel (17), and a plurality of pistons (10), each in hydraulic connection with the fluid channel (17), each with a free end (11) opposite the fluid channel (17), and each, under the influence of the pressure in the fluid channel (17), being displaceable in a direction parallel to the centre axis (3) of the tension adjustment hoop (1) between a first extreme position, where the free end (11) is within or level with the bottom s

Abstract: The present invention enhances acoustic drum tone quality with consistently clear high-definition sound while introducing a 3-dimensional, real-time pitch change capability to any size or style or number of drums. The present invention also enables the production of an endless array of fully acoustic percussive musical effects, such as clear polyphonic tuning pitch bends, clear chord progressions and clear harmonies, all while performing in real-time. The present invention easily installs and operates on any size or style or number of drums while adding a clearly tuned and accurately pitched, fully acoustic dynamic to percussion performance.

Abstract: A system and method for reliably tuning an acoustic percussion instrument with a single adjustment. The system comprises a cord attached to a tensioning device, the cord being arranged in connection with a plurality of brackets and tensioning elements. By increasing the tension on the cord, the tensioning elements are pulled in a downward direction with respect to the drum head, thereby increasing the tension thereon. The tuning system disclosed herein provides a substantially equal distribution of tensioning force through the arrangement of the cord and other elements of the system.

Abstract: A drum tuner is described. The drum tuner includes: (i) a hub gear; (ii) two or more differential gears communicatively coupled to the hub gear and at least one of the two or more differential gears capable of engaging a tuning mechanism of a drum; and (iii) wherein, during an operational state of the drum tuner, rotation of the hub gear rotates at least one of the two or more differential gears to activate the drum's tuning mechanism.

Abstract: An adjustment assembly for snare wires includes an adjustment unit and a pressing unit respectively located on two opposite positions of the shell of a snare drum. The adjustment unit has a body with a slide slot. A shifting member is slidably connected to the body and driven by a driving member connected to the body. The shifting member has a wire carrier which is adjusted by rotating an adjusting bolt. The pressing unit includes another wire carrier which is controlled by another adjusting bolt. By adjustment of the two adjustment bolts, the tension of the snare wires can be adjusted.

Abstract: A drum lug assembly for use with a drum, in which the drum lug assembly is attached to the drum shell without the need for a fastener than passes through the drum shell. In some embodiments, an undercut dovetail joint is used to allow the drum lug assembly to be slid into a groove in a wooden drum shell. In other embodiments, a slot is formed in the drum shell, and the drum lug is inserted and rotated to hold it in place.

Abstract: A percussion attachment is provided to be detachably installed on a percussion instrument. The percussion attachment includes a main body part having a struck part to be struck by a player, an extended part extending from a side surface of the main body part to be locked to one of the tension bolts, and a restricting part protruding from the side surface of the main body part near the extended part and supporting the percussion instrument to restrict a displacement of the main body part in a state that the extended part is tightened together with the hoop by one of the tension bolts.

Abstract: A percussion instrument includes a mainframe having a bottom part defining a lower surface. A head is tensioned over an inner part of the mainframe. A hoop structure is arranged over the outer periphery of the head and applies tension to the head. The hoop structure has a lower surface provided with a plurality of recesses. Female threaded connector parts are contained within the recesses. A plurality of bolts extend through the bottom part of the mainframe and engage the female threaded connector parts, to affix the hoop structure to the mainframe. The bolts extend into the bottom part of the mainframe, such that exposure of the bolts on the upper surface side of the hoop structure can be avoided.

Abstract: A system and method for quickly and efficiently installing a drum head on a tabla and controlling the tension of individual segments simultaneously. A mechanical interface controls a tension on each of a set of connective elements of a connective assembly that joins the drum head to the mechanical interface. Operation of the mechanical interface adjusts the tension of all elements of the connective assembly, and thus adjusts a playing tension of the drum head, at the same time.

Abstract: Methods and devices for attaching a one touch tuning system to different drum types. Components preferably include a retrofit ring for fitting the one touch tuning system to a lug style drum, and elevators to attach and adjust the height of the tuning system on the drum. On full floating drums, a framework is provided so that no hardware need be attached to the drum's shell. Framework may also include adjustable pull rods which can attach a tuning system on one end of the drum to another tuning system on the opposite end. Twisting the adjustable pull rods one direction extends the length of them, twisting the opposite direction retracts them thereby shortening the overall length of the framework in relation to the depth of the drum shell. Offset rim rollers help align the inner hoop and rotating actuator rings to offer more precise tuning and free movement.

Abstract: A drum tuning stabilizer including a threaded lug screw shaft which can be rotated along its axis to adjust the tension on a drum head by changing the position of a drum hoop relative to the shell. At least one of a lug casing of the drum shell and a rim portion of the drum hoop has a threaded hole configured to receive the threaded lug screw shaft for rotation. A lug screw lock is threaded on the lug screw shaft adjacent the threaded hole of the lug casing and the rim portion of the drum hoop and can be rotated to tighten the lug screw lock against a surface adjacent to the threaded hole of the lug casing and the rim portion of the drum hoop to provide an interference fit to lock the threaded lug screw shaft to the surface adjacent the lug casing and the rim portion of the drum hoop having the threaded hole therein.

Abstract: A drumhead tuning rim apparatus for securing and tuning a drumhead on a drum shell of a drum, the apparatus comprising a plurality of housing grooved bearing wheels rotatably installed spaced along a rim of the drum, the rim being configured for seating over the drumhead on the drum shell, a plurality of lug grooved bearing wheels configured to be rotatably installed spaced about the drum shell substantially between the respective housing grooved bearing wheels, a tensioning cable configured for alternately passing between and about respective housing grooved bearing wheels and lug grooved bearing wheels substantially about the perimeter of the drum shell, and a means for selectively adjusting the tension in the tensioning cable.

Abstract: A cam operated drum tuning system which is rotatable clockwise or counterclockwise to tunes a musical drum. A cam ring mechanism employs multiple helical tracks. A removable radius plate and tool facilitates rotation. The tuning system may be attached directly to drum lugs, to a retrofit ring attached to the lugs, or to a full floating I or II framework which use edge or full floater rings, and/or adjustable pull rods to connect the top and/or bottom tuning systems so that nothing need contact the drum shell. Eccentric micro tuners adjust the rim rollers which ride on the inner hoop, which has a lip on the underside to add overlap. Elevators are used to raise and/or lower the cam ring to align it perpendicular to the bearing edge of the drum shell.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tuning system for tuning a hand percussion instrument having a head and a shell. The tuning system comprises a rim, the rim secured to the head of the instrument, the rim comprising at least one receptacle, the receptacle positioned at outer periphery of the rim such that the receptacle body is below the plane of the rim, a side plate assembly, the side plate assembly secured to the shell of the instrument, a tuning rod, the tuning rod having a first end secured to the receptacle for varying the tension on the head, and the tuning rod having a second end secured to the side plate assembly.

Abstract: A percussion instrument includes a mainframe having a bottom part defining a lower surface. A head is tensioned over an inner part of the mainframe. A hoop structure is arranged over the outer periphery of the head and applies tension to the head. The hoop structure has a lower surface provided with a plurality of recesses. Female threaded connector parts are contained within the recesses. A plurality of bolts extend through the bottom part of the mainframe and engage the female threaded connector parts, to affix the hoop structure to the mainframe. The bolts extend into the bottom part of the mainframe, such that exposure of the bolts on the upper surface side of the hoop structure can be avoided.

Abstract: A hybrid drum as described combines the characteristics of both acoustic and electronic percussion apparatus enabling a musician to have a single instrument and have either acoustic or electronic output. A hybrid drum includes a multilayer drum head with a built-in FSR sensor such that the FSR drum head replaces the drum head of the acoustic drum and can be used to perform acoustically and or electronically. The FSR sensor is built into a double layer, double-head acoustic drum head, wherein one layer of the double head system has the FSR element printed on it, while the other layer of the double layer head has the inter-digiting conductive fingers printed on it and facing the FSR element. A conductive tail extends from one of the drum head layers and is operably connected to an electronic module secured to the drum shell.

Abstract: An acoustic-drum tuning assembly includes a single adjustment feature to vary the drumhead tension uniformly around the drumhead's periphery. The tuning mechanism includes multiple rings located between the end of the drum shell (or support ring) and the “underside” of the drumhead, which is otherwise restrained with respect to the drum shell by a hoop or rim fixed in place by threaded tension rods and lugs or other hoop-fixing mechanism. The single adjustment feature varies the circumference of a wedging ring, which generates an axial force “expanding” or “retracting” the tuning assembly along the central axis of the drum. When the tuning assembly axially “expands”, it pushes increasingly “upward” against the drumhead, variably increasing its tension and the musical pitch of the drum. When the tuning assembly axially “retracts”, it decreases the “upward” push, variably decreasing the drumhead tension and lowering the musical pitch of the drum.

Abstract: A drum tuning stabilizer including a threaded lug screw shaft which can be rotated along its axis to adjust the tension on a drum head by changing the position of a drum hoop relative to the shell. At least one of a lug casing of the drum shell and a rim portion of the drum hoop has a threaded hole configured to receive the threaded lug screw shaft for rotation. A lug screw lock is threaded on the lug screw shaft adjacent the threaded hole of the lug casing and the rim portion of the drum hoop and can be rotated to tighten the lug screw lock against a surface adjacent to the threaded hole of the lug casing and the rim portion of the drum hoop to provide an interference fit to lock the threaded lug screw shaft to the surface adjacent the lug casing and the rim portion of the drum hoop having the threaded hole therein.

Abstract: An acoustic-drum tuning assembly includes a single adjustment feature to vary the drumhead tension uniformly around the drumhead's periphery. The tuning mechanism includes multiple rings located between the end of the drum shell (or support ring) and the “underside” of the drumhead, which is otherwise restrained with respect to the drum shell by a hoop or rim fixed in place by threaded tension rods and lugs or other hoop-fixing mechanism. The single adjustment feature varies the circumference of a wedging ring, which generates an axial force “expanding” or “retracting” the tuning assembly along the central axis of the drum. When the tuning assembly axially “expands”, it pushes increasingly “upward” against the drumhead, variably increasing its tension and the musical pitch of the drum. When the tuning assembly axially “retracts”, it decreases the “upward” push, variably decreasing the drumhead tension and lowering the musical pitch of the drum.

Abstract: The present invention enhances acoustic drum tone quality with consistently clear high-definition sound while introducing a 3-dimensional, real-time pitch change capability to any size or style or number of drums. The present invention also enables the production of an endless array of fully acoustic percussive musical effects, such as clear polyphonic tuning pitch bends, clear chord progressions and clear harmonies, all while performing in real-time. The present invention easily installs and operates on any size or style or number of drums while adding a clearly tuned and accurately pitched, fully acoustic dynamic to percussion performance.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically tuning a drum are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods and systems include the following: (a) exciting a drum head to cause it to resonate; (b) sensing a vibration frequency at one or more points relative to each tension rod; (c) determining a global average vibration frequency of the vibration frequencies for the points relative to each tension rod; (d) comparing the vibration frequencies of each of the points relative to each tension rod to the global average vibration frequency to determine a correction value for each point relative to the global average vibration frequency; (e) automatically turning each tension rod based on the correction value for the relative points; (f) automatically repeating steps (a)-(e) until each of the vibration frequencies of each of the points relative to each tension rod is substantially similar; and (g) automatically turning each tension rod in a uniform direction substantially simultaneously.

Abstract: A musical instrument comprising a shell and a rim for tensioning a head across an open end of the shell, for example a drum, is improved by forming one or both of the shell and the rim using a primary material having an axially oriented grain structure together with an auxiliary layer of secondary material having greater hoop strength than the primary material. The primary material can be a natural plant material, such as hardwood with the naturally occurring grain structure being oriented in an axial direction by assembling the annular rim using a stave construction. The secondary material can comprises a composite material including carbon fibre to reinforce the stave construction.

Abstract: A drum tuning device (10) comprises a drive head (14) adapted to engage a head of a drum skin tension control device, a motor (24, see FIG. 6) for rotating the drive head and control means for controlling rotation of the drive head. The control means includes three push buttons (16,18,20), which each control rotation of the drive head (14) to different pre-selectable angles of rotation.

Abstract: A system for spacing structural members of a drum head of a drum apart from the drum shell, thereby eliminating a source of distortion to the tonal qualities of the drum. One or more adapting brackets having a series of inner and outer holes are provided. The bracket is fastened to the lugs of the drum shell using the inner holes. An oversize drum head is substituted for the conventional drum head.

Abstract: A hoop for securing a drum head to a drum, the hoop having a lower portion configured to mount the hoop to a shell of the drum and a flange formed in the lower portion of the hoop. The flange being configured to receive a tension control device for tuning the drum head. The hoop may also include an upper portion that is above and normal to the flange and an annular upper edge formed on the upper portion of the hoop that is rolled over and bent inward toward an inner peripheral surface of the hoop. The upper portion may be fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the hoop be welding or another method of fixing.

Abstract: A snare positioner configured to extend proximate a drum head comprising an elongated bar means having a length to extend crosswise of the head, first and second holders proximate opposite ends of the bar means, snare wires having opposite ends connected to the holders, the first holder integral with the bar means, the other holder slidably connected to the bar means, and first adjuster means associated with the other holder and bar means for adjusting the position of the other holder lengthwise of the bar means, to adjust the tension of the snare wires.

Abstract: A hybrid drum as described combines the characteristics of both acoustic and electronic percussion apparatus enabling a musician to have a single instrument and have either acoustic or electronic output. A hybrid drum includes a multilayer drum head with a built-in FSR sensor such that the FSR drum head replaces the drum head of the acoustic drum and can be used to perform acoustically and or electronically. The FSR sensor is built into a double layer, double-head acoustic drum head, wherein one layer of the double head system has the FSR element printed on it, while the other layer of the double layer head has the inter-digiting conductive fingers printed on it and facing the FSR element. A conductive tail extends from one of the drum head layers and is operably connected to an electronic module secured to the drum shell.

Abstract: A system for stretching and tuning a drumhead includes a plurality of bolts each provided with a threaded shank and at least one associated nut threaded thereon. Each bolt is secured circumferentially and substantially equi-angularly about the periphery of the drum shell. The system includes a flexible, elongate member that is woven alternatively between the drumhead and each of the bolts until the elongate member is taut. Thereafter, the bolt shanks may be rotated relative to the bolt nuts so as to pull the elongate member into a more taut tension, whereby the condition of the drumhead increases. A drum including the system, a kit for implementing the system, and a method of implementing the system are also disclosed.