A Question

[bklynfinest]

It seems that mixing shells is the new creation or next level in drum making, and is almost becoming the new standard for kits.

After hearing the new PHX series in a previous post, and learning and watching clips about the Bubinga series from Tama, Which do you think is a better blend or should this be done more often by drum companies?

[j_kay]

Well tuned drums are well tuned drums.  Poorly tuned drums are poorly tuned drums.  I don't make a decision based on blended woods - I just go by how it sounds when tuned well.

Drums sounded (and still does) great before blended wooden shells.  It's just another color, but not the end all-be all of drum making, as the participating companies may imply.

[Jedi3]

Those kinds of questions are always subjective.  Fifty different people will give you fity different answers.  As with any gear related question, I think it comes down, ultimately, to your own personal taste and your specific application.  And many times also to how deep your pockets run.  To each his own though...plain old maple does me just fine. 

[SabianKnight]

Its just like any other wood instrument ie pianos, guitars, basses, violins etc it is all about the sound of the player. If the player does not know how to bring the tone out of his/her instrument it doesn't matter if it is the greatest made instrument in the world he/she will sound mediocre at best and like crap simply on great gear. The lack of ability to play through and instrument degrades the instrument itself. Tuning, Approach/Touch and Listing are the key to making any instrument sound good and making a great instrument sound magnificient.

Answering ur question directly though the sonic needs of the piece of music or playing situation will determine the subjective "best blend". Which also includes the head choices and mic choice(s) & mic placement as well as EQing. Not to mention the often overlooked stick choice.

Blending woods is not new to drumming. Technology has just expanded the number of choices we have. Now woods that were very hard to work with are able to be tamed. Watch what is going on with guitar making to get a glimpse to where drum making may go in the near future.

[bklynfinest]

Ok