Snare Drum and Tenor Drum
The standard size of a snare or tenor drum is 14 inches in diameter with a shell depth of 5 to 7 inches. A tenor drum is essentially a snare drum with the snare mechanism turned off, creating a more mellow, clear tone. There are many other sizes for snare and tenor drums, including piccolo drums as small as 10 inches in diameter. Drum shells are made of metal or wood while the snares can be made of wire, cable, or gut. Drumhead choice is the third aspect, in addition to shell material and size, that can drastically alter the sound of the snare drum. There are different types of head thicknesses and coatings with synthetic heads. Calfskin heads are expensive and can be difficult to maintain, but offer a rich sound that is preferred by many orchestral percussionists. Stick size and design can also have an effect on the sound of the drum, but most percussionists select sticks based upon personal preference. Stands for snare drums come in two basic varieties: concert stands (which adjust for players who stand) and drum set stands (those that adjust for players in a seated position).
