Side drum

From DIMA

History

The side drum is one of the oldest instruments of the Orient which was brought to Europe during the colonization of Southern Italy by the Greeks and the Spain occupation by the Arabs. In the time of the Middle Ages its use was connected with the military area. It was the instrument of the infantry. In the symphonic orchestra, the side drum was used only later, around the 19th century, and became widely used due to the precise sound which imparts the rhythm.

Manufacturing

The side drum is made of a wooden or metal cylinder, especially of aluminum. The ends of the cylinder are covered in two leather or plastic heads. Their attachement to the shell is made with the help of two wooden or metal bolted hoops which allow a certain pitch with indefinite sounds. The feature of this membranophone instrument relies in the attachement on the lower head, by a special mechanism, of a set of 8-10 metal snares, which resonate when the upper head is struck.