3 Terms
Contributors in Drums
Drums
Beat displacement
Musical equipment; Drums
A term popularised in drumming over the last 10 years. It refers to permutation where all beats will move forward say, one eighth note. This method will create numerous variations of rhythmic ...
Bele (bamana: gele, fulbe: celen)
Musical equipment; Drums
(African term) prosopis africana, a very dense, heavy, melodic wood considered great for djembe but rare
Bells
Musical equipment; Drums
An instrument that consists of tuned metal bars mounted on a rectangular frame such as the glockenspiel, xylophone or marimba.
Bass
Musical equipment; Drums
(African term) The bass note on a djembe. This is played in the centre of the drum. See our other article for more information on djembe technique. According to Eric Charry's book Mande Music this ...
Bearing edge
Musical equipment; Drums
The edge of the drum that the head sits on. Bearing edges are often sharpened to a smaller angle for greater attack, projection and evenness of tone.
Batter head
Musical equipment; Drums
Typically referring to a drumhead that has a coated surface. It's also a term referring to the "playing" side of the drum.
Bata drums
Musical equipment; Drums
A double headed, hour glass shaped drum originating from Nigeria. It later migrated to Cuba and eventually to the US. These drums can be played in the lap or with a strap around the neck.
