The Fundamental Policy of CANOPUS and the Zelkova Snare Drum Project
The Zelkova hollowed snare drum is CANOPUS' flagship model. In the primary development process we first experimented with traditional drum crafting theory.Originally we cut the drum's edge at an angle of 45 degrees on both the inside and outside of the drum's shell. Our first try was insufficient in resonance and was rather dull in regards to the drum's sensitivity.
We continued to experiment with several different edge angles. Including 70. 60 and 60 degrees. After our trials and errors. we have finally completed an unprecedented edge shaping process. The end result is a hand crafted snare drum with maximam resonance and a delicate yet fat sound with sharp response.(see figure)
Our new edge shaping is very sharp. This overturns existing edge shaping theory. What we learned through comprehensive. In order to pull the best potential sound out of the drum. the edge shaping must be determined by the material. thickness and structure of the shell.
These lessons learned contributed to establish the framework for CANOPUS' development policy. These encounters have shaped our attitude towards the drum crafting process. Accordingly. when we are engaged in oour drums and accessory development project we doubt the widely accepted drum production theoly from the fundamental level.
Why are most snare drums made of plywood?
In order to pull out the best natural resonance. it is essential that the vibrating object must consist of a single element. In other words. a hollowed solid piece of wood is the ideal drum shell. When you compare the beating sound of a piece of solid wood to a piece of plywood the difference in sound quality is obvious.
A one piece snare drums is very fragile due to its struction. To cover up these shortcomings plywood shells are widely utilized. By plying several pieces of wood together with glue the drum shell is several more times durable than a one-piece shell. Consequently. natural resonance is therefore impaired in exchange for durability.
Throughout the world drum manufacturers have tried several approaches to combat the issue of a single element and durability. A block method is one approach and is closer to a one-piece shell. Another approach is to place a reinforcement hoop inside the bent piece of wood. One-piece wood is the most ideal in terms of pulling out the intrinsic natural resonance. Because of technical problems such as shell alteration and cracking. which may occur several years after the drums production. only a few manufacturers are producing hollowed one-piece wood snare drums.
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