Ply or Stave?

T$ · Not So Newbie Joined: 01 Jan 2007 Posts: 9

I have been looking at all the custom companies (Conway, C&C, SJC, etc. etc) and I have been comparing them to some stave companies like Joshua Tree and HardBob. I rerally like the idea of stave drums. The principal of less glue makes sense to me. I wanted to know about the warm tone of 6 ply shells vs. stave shells. Does anyone have experience with stave shells? These are a couple of the bands I am currently playing in and I need these drums to do at least double duty. Thanks in advance.

www.cdbaby.com/cd/superbald
www.cdbaby.com/cd/rivergods

Peace,
T$

bytor · Admin Joined: 12 Aug 2003 Posts: 5248 Location: Kansas

I have several ply shell snare drums and one stave shell. I like all of them, but for different reasons. My all-around, workhorse snare has a ply shell, but the stave shell snare sounds fantastic on certain songs. Granted, the stave snare was never really intended to be an all-around snare. It's made of zebrawood, is 1/2" thick, and has a 13" diameter, so you could say it's more of a specialty drum.

Generally, I think stave snares have a slightly wider tuning range than ply drums and are therefore quite versatile. Tuned low, they're fat and thick. Tuned high, they can pop like no other. The bottom line is that if the shell is well made, the drum is going to sound good no matter what type of construction it has. I can tell you first hand that Keller makes great ply shells, and JTP makes great stave shells. You can't go wrong with either. If I could only have one snare drum, though, I think I would probably have to go with a stave. Just my opinion.

T$ · Not So Newbie Joined: 01 Jan 2007 Posts: 9

Thanks for replying to this and my other post. I have read a lot of your replys in several threads and I respect your opinion. As I said in the other post, I will keep you posted on my decision and the progress of the final kit.

Peace,
T$

bytor · Admin Joined: 12 Aug 2003 Posts: 5248 Location: Kansas

Thank you for the compliment. Good luck in your drum search, and welcome to the forum. If you have any more questions, by all means ask, and I'll try to help if I can.

T$ · Not So Newbie Joined: 01 Jan 2007 Posts: 9

Well, to keep you all informed, I went with the American made Ludwigs. I got 4 shells in the following sizes:

18X22 Virgin Kick
9X12 Rack tom with Vibraband mount and the mount that attaches to a cymbal stand.
12X14 Floor tom with vibraband
14X16 Floor tom with Vibraband
Double tom stand with 10mm posts

I ordered them with mini classic lugs and Elite brackets (10.5mm) on the vibrabands.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot the killer part. I ordered them with the Quilted Makore and gloss laquer. Makore is an African Cherry. And with the quilting it is just beautiful. My buddy who owns the store I purchased them from cut me a great deal. 45% off list. So the whole thing came to $2100 with tax. Now I have to wait. Ludwig says about 10 to 12 weeks but he usually gets laquer kits in about 4 to 6 weeks. I will post a pic when they come in.

Peace,
T$

bytor · Admin Joined: 12 Aug 2003 Posts: 5248 Location: Kansas

Wow, excellent choice. They sound like they're going to be beautiful, and Ludwig makes some of the best sounding drums I've ever heard. Definitely do post pictures when you get them.

T$ · Not So Newbie Joined: 01 Jan 2007 Posts: 9

Will do. I just went down today to pay him the rest of the money. Now it's just waiting for what will seem like an eternity.

Peace,
T$