Bearing Edges
Bearing edges are the contours (angle or round) cut at the edges of the drum shell. The bearing edge is where the drum head "bears", or makes contact with the drum shell. The style and quality of the bearing edge has a great effect on the sound of the drum..
Tee Drums Single 45 degree bearing edge, Probably the most popular choice by many drum companies, however the shells point of contact is towards the outer part of the head (where the head starts to curve over). More information at
www.alantocknell-drums.com or visit Tee Drums on Facebook for more pictures
Single 45 degree edge
Probably the most popular choice by many drum companies, however the shells point of contact is towards the outer part of the head (where the head starts to curve over).
Single 45 degree with a round over
This edge had the same 45 degree angle with a slight round over allowing the head to sit nicely around the bearing edge.
Double 45 degree edge Many drum companies talk about 30 degree and 45 degree edges, this really does not effect the sound of the drum a great deal. The important part is the amount of shell that contacts the skin.A double 45 bearing edge is bringing the point of contact closer to the center of the drum, it also has less wood touching the shell making the drum much easier to control in tuning (too much shell contact will deaden the drum)
Double 45 degree edge
Many drum companies talk about 30 degree and 45 degree edges, this really does not effect the sound of the drum a great deal. The important part is the amount of shell that contacts the skin.
A double 45 bearing edge is bringing the point of contact closer to the center of the drum, it also has less wood touching the shell making the drum much easier to control in tuning (too much shell contact will deaden the drum)
Pictured above is my favourite edge, 45 degree inner with a small 45 degree to the outer shell 80/20 devide.
Snare Beds
Snare Bed on a Tee Drums custom snare drum shell
The snare bed is the indentation that is located on the bottom bearing edge of the snare drum shell and centered under both the snare strainer and the butt plate. The bed gives the snare wire/cord a relief so the wires lay evenly against the snare head.
