Choosing the Right Drum Shell Thickness

When deciding on a thickness level for your new drum shells, it’s a wise idea to keep in mind the type of venue where they are mostly going to be played. Simply put, the bigger the performance space, the denser the shell should be.

The lowest level of thickness is the aptly named “Thin,” which is most appropriate for intimate performance settings and is ideal for studio recording. What a thin shell lacks in volume, it makes up for in its warm sound and lasting resonance.

The next level up is “Medium,” and as one can assume, it’s a good middle-of-the-road choice. These shells do not vibrate nearly as much as “Thin,” which means the sound is not as warm as it would be with a thin shell; however, the resulting projection is noticeably stronger.

Last but not least, the highest thickness is predictably called “Thick,” and it’s good for three things: Volume, volume, and more volume! Thick shells are perfect for large-venue performances like concert halls and stadiums, and your snare will rival a metal snare in terms of sound propulsion.