Best Wood For Drum Shells 2023

The drum kit is one of the most versatile instruments in music and can be played by a wide range of musicians regardless of their skill level. From a standard set of drums to electronic kits, there are different options to suit a wide range of needs.

When it comes to finding the best wood for drum shells, there are different options to consider depending on your sound preference and budget.

Read on to learn more about the best wood for drum shells and how to choose the right set for you.

# Preview Product Price
1 Piccolo Snare Drum 13 Piccolo Snare Drum 13″ x 3.5″ by GRIFFIN | 100% Poplar Wood Shell with Black Hickory Finish & Coated Drum Head | Professional Drummers Deluxe Percussion Instrument with Bright Tone & Brilliant Attack $46.95
2 Popcorn Snare Drum by GRIFFIN | Firecracker Acoustic 10 Popcorn Snare Drum by GRIFFIN | Firecracker Acoustic 10″ x 6″ Poplar Shell with Zebra Wood PVC | Soprano Mini Concert Marching Percussion Musical Instrument with Snare Throw Off, Drummers Key & Head $44.95
3 Meinl African Talking Drum with Mahogany Wood Shell and Wooden Beater-NOT Made in China-Large Size Goat Skin Heads, 2-Year Warranty, (ATD-L) Meinl African Talking Drum with Mahogany Wood Shell and Wooden Beater-NOT Made in China-Large Size Goat Skin Heads, 2-Year Warranty, (ATD-L) $99.99
4 Piccolo Snare Drum 13 Piccolo Snare Drum 13″ x 3.5″ by GRIFFIN | 100% Poplar Wood Shell with Black PVC & White Coated Drum Head | Drummers Acoustic Marching Kit Percussion Instrument with Snare Strainer Throw Off Set $46.95
5 GRIFFIN Snare Drum | Poplar Wood Shell 14 GRIFFIN Snare Drum | Poplar Wood Shell 14″ x 5.5″ with Flat Hickory PVC | 8 Metal Tuning Lugs & Snare Strainer Throw Off | Percussion Instrument with Drummers Key, Coated Head | Marching Kit Set $47.95
6 Deluxe Snare Drum by GRIFFIN | 14 Deluxe Snare Drum by GRIFFIN | 14″ x 5.5″ Poplar Wood Shell with Zebra PVC Glossy Finish | Percussion Musical Instrument with Drummers Key for Students & Professionals | 8 Tuning Lugs & Snare Strainer $47.95
7 Piccolo Snare Drum 13 Piccolo Snare Drum 13″ x 3.5″ by GRIFFIN | 100% Poplar Shell with Oak Wood Finish & Coated Drum Head | Professional Marching Drummers Deluxe Percussion Instrument with Bright Tone & Brilliant Attack $46.95
8 Piccolo Snare Drum 13 Piccolo Snare Drum 13″ x 3.5″ by GRIFFIN | 100% Poplar Wood Shell with Zebra Wood Finish & Coated Drum Head | Professional Marching Drummers Percussion Instrument with Bright Tone & Brilliant Attack $46.95
9 GRIFFIN Snare Drum | Poplar Wood Shell 14 GRIFFIN Snare Drum | Poplar Wood Shell 14″ x 5.5″ with Black PVC & Coated Head | Acoustic Marching Percussion Musical Instrument Set with Drummers Key, 8 Metal Tuning Lugs & Snare Strainer Throw Off $47.95
10 Snare Drum by GRIFFIN | 14 Snare Drum by GRIFFIN | 14″ x 5.5″ Black Hickory PVC & Coated Head on Poplar Wood Shell | Acoustic Marching Percussion Instrument Set, Drummers Key, 8 Metal Tuning Lugs & Snare Strainer Throw Off Kit $47.95

Table of Contents

Our Editor’s Best Wood For Drum Shells Reviews


Piccolo Snare Drum 13″ x 3.5″ by GRIFFIN | 100% Poplar Wood Shell with Black Hickory Finish & Coated Drum Head | Professional Drummers Deluxe Percussion Instrument with Bright Tone & Brilliant Attack

 Piccolo Snare Drum 13

Key Features:

  • This wood is good for drum shells because it is a premium piccolo snare drum. It is small and condensed, which gives it a high-pitched tone. The 6 tuning lugs allow you to achieve a tighter sound with brilliant attacks.

  • This drum shell is made of 7.5 mm, 3 ply poplar wood and has a white powder coated snare head. It is a durable and stylish drum that will be a great addition to any drum set.

  • The wood for these drums is versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes. Whether you’re a drummer in a band, a recording artist, a DJ, or a stage performer, this piccolo snare drum is a great choice for your needs. It’s perfect for pop, R&B, and rock music, and it would make an excellent addition to your percussion set.

  • This wood is good for drum shells because it is carved to reduce snare buzz and rattle. The installed snare beds are popular with drummers because they improve the sound of the snare drum.

  • The wood for these drum shells is carved so that the snare sound is tighter. The installed snare beds are very popular with drummers, as they reduce snare buzz and rattle. This makes all the snares rest flush alongside the bottom of the drum head.


Popcorn Snare Drum by GRIFFIN | Firecracker Acoustic 10″ x 6″ Poplar Shell with Zebra Wood PVC | Soprano Mini Concert Marching Percussion Musical Instrument with Snare Throw Off, Drummers Key & Head

 Popcorn Snare Drum by GRIFFIN | Firecracker Acoustic 10

Key Features:

  • The wood for these drum shells is a type of wood called “popcorn.” It is known for its ability to produce a bright, punchy sound with a lot of resonance. These shells are 10″ in diameter and 6″ in depth. They are great for use as a main or auxiliary snare in a band, or for use in a marching band.

  • This wood for drum shells is perfect for a shopper who wants a rich and warm sound from their snare drum. The extended depth and diameter of the wood provides a unique sound, while the 6 extra durable tuning lugs ensure a stable, high quality sound.

  • The wood for these drum shells is a deluxe throw off, which allows you to easily tighten, loosen, or even mute the snare drum snares according to your preference. The hardware finish is chrome, and the gross weight is 4 pounds.

  • The wood for these drum shells is a 3-ply, 100% poplar wood. It is 7.5 mm thick and has a beautiful, glossy zebra wood wrap. The white-coated head and meticulous attention to detail make this a great choice for a percussion kit.

  • This wood is good for drum shells because it is carved to create a tighter snare sound. The curved depressions are cut into the bottom bearing edge of the drum to reduce snare buzz and rattle.


Meinl African Talking Drum with Mahogany Wood Shell and Wooden Beater-NOT Made in China-Large Size Goat Skin Heads, 2-Year Warranty, (ATD-L)

 Meinl African Talking Drum with Mahogany Wood Shell and Wooden Beater-NOT Made in China-Large Size Goat Skin Heads, 2-Year Warranty, (ATD-L)

Key Features:

  • This wood is good for drum shells because it has a good tonal range and resonance.

  • This wood is for drum shells that are hand selected and made from goat skin. The heads are secured and tuned by nylon ropes, which are squeezed to bend the notes of the drum to offer warm tone for both high and low pitch.

  • The wood for these drum shells is of high quality and includes a wooden striker for proper technique and sound quality.

  • The wood for these drum shells is carved into an hourglass shape and decorated with a hand-carved motif in an earthy design.

  • This wood is used for drum shells because it has a traditional sound. It originated in West Africa and is still used today in the music of the Yoruba people.


Piccolo Snare Drum 13″ x 3.5″ by GRIFFIN | 100% Poplar Wood Shell with Black PVC & White Coated Drum Head | Drummers Acoustic Marching Kit Percussion Instrument with Snare Strainer Throw Off Set

 Piccolo Snare Drum 13

Key Features:

  • This wood snare drum is great for those who want to change up the sound of their acoustic set. It has a high-pitched tone and can be tuned tightly for a great sound. It’s perfect for rock bands, acoustic shows, and marching snare drummers.

  • This is a high-quality piccolo snare drum made of poplar wood. It has a white powder-coated snare head and a sleek style. It is durable and includes a drum key.

  • The wood for these drum shells is versatile and can be used for a variety of genres and settings.

  • The wood for these drum shells is selected for its ability to produce a tight snare sound. The curved depressions are cut into the bottom bearing edge of the drum to reduce snare buzz and rattle.

  • The wood for these drum shells is designed to produce a tighter snare sound. The installed snare beds are popular with drummers as they reduce snare buzz and rattle.


GRIFFIN Snare Drum | Poplar Wood Shell 14″ x 5.5″ with Flat Hickory PVC | 8 Metal Tuning Lugs & Snare Strainer Throw Off | Percussion Instrument with Drummers Key, Coated Head | Marching Kit Set

 GRIFFIN Snare Drum | Poplar Wood Shell 14

Key Features:

  • The wood for these drum shells is poplar, and it is 3-ply and 7.5 mm thick. It is a 100% poplar wood construction, which means it is a solid piece of wood. These drum shells are designed to produce a brilliant, powerful crack with beautiful overtones. They are perfect for any music style, including rock, metal, funk, gospel, or even pop.

  • The wood for these drum shells is hickory, and it has a flat wrap with a simple, matte finish. The craftsmanship is excellent, making this a great choice for any drummer, whether they are a beginner, student, or professional. The drum head is white on top and clear on the bottom.

  • The wood for these drum shells is top-notch and promises a smooth, quiet operation with every use. The hardware finish is chrome, and the gross weight is 6 pounds.

  • This wood is for drum shells that have more tuning lugs for a better sound. The hardware is very durable and promises a high quality sound.

  • The wood for these drum shells is designed to produce a tight snare sound. The snare beds are carved into the bottom bearing edge of the drum, parallel to the throw-off and butt plate. This design is popular with drummers as it reduces snare buzz and rattle.


Deluxe Snare Drum by GRIFFIN | 14″ x 5.5″ Poplar Wood Shell with Zebra PVC Glossy Finish | Percussion Musical Instrument with Drummers Key for Students & Professionals | 8 Tuning Lugs & Snare Strainer

 Deluxe Snare Drum by GRIFFIN | 14

Key Features:

  • The wood for these drum shells is poplar, a hardwood known for its strength and durability. The shells are 3-ply and 7.5 mm thick, making them sturdy and stable. They produce a brilliant, powerful sound with beautiful overtones. Perfect for any music style, these drums will complement your playing perfectly.

  • This is a 14 inch x 5.5 inch snare drum with a zebra wood wrap and a high-gloss finish. It is a deluxe musical instrument that is a worthy addition to any drummer’s collection. It is an excellent choice for beginners, students or professional musicians. The drum head top is white coated and the bottom is clear.

  • This wood for drum shells is made with a top-notch, smooth and quiet snare strainer that promises flawless operation and a fluid movement every time. With its easy to use design, you can tighten, loosen or mute the snares according to your preference, all without failing or locking up!

  • The wood for these drum shells is described as being very durable and creating a stable, high quality sound. The hardware includes a drum key and eight tuning lugs, which is more than most other drums on the market. This drum is also able to be tuned to a lower option, which creates a better sound.

  • The wood for drum shells is a hardwood that is designed to produce a tight snare sound. The wood is carved into the bottom bearing edge of the drum, parallel to the throw-off and butt plate. The installed snare beds are very popular with drummers as many drummers like a reduction of snare buzz and rattle.


Piccolo Snare Drum 13″ x 3.5″ by GRIFFIN | 100% Poplar Shell with Oak Wood Finish & Coated Drum Head | Professional Marching Drummers Deluxe Percussion Instrument with Bright Tone & Brilliant Attack

 Piccolo Snare Drum 13

Key Features:

  • This wood drum shell is perfect for anyone looking to change up the sound of their acoustic drum set. The small size and thinner body depth produce a high-pitched tone, while the 6 tuning lugs allow for a tighter sound with brilliant attacks. Perfect for rock bands, acoustic shows, concert, church drummers, or school performances as a marching snare drum.

  • This piccolo snare drum is made of 7.5 mm, 3 ply poplar wood shell and has a poplar wood finish. It offers a solid, durable wooden construction and a white coated drum head with a sleek style.

  • The wood for these drum shells is versatile and can be used for a variety of music genres. It is also durable and perfect for stage performances or practice sessions.

  • This wood is good for drum shells because it is carved to reduce snare buzz and rattle.

  • The wood for these drum shells is chosen for its ability to produce a tight snare sound. The wood is carved into curved depressions that are cut opposite each other into the bottom bearing edge of the drum. These installed snare beds are very popular with drummers as they reduce snare buzz and rattle.


Piccolo Snare Drum 13″ x 3.5″ by GRIFFIN | 100% Poplar Wood Shell with Zebra Wood Finish & Coated Drum Head | Professional Marching Drummers Percussion Instrument with Bright Tone & Brilliant Attack

 Piccolo Snare Drum 13

Key Features:

  • This is a high-quality piccolo snare drum that is perfect for adding variety to your acoustic drum set. It has a small, compact size and a shallow body depth that gives it a high-pitched tone. The 6 tuning lugs allow you to achieve a tighter sound with brilliant attacks. This drum is perfect for rock bands, acoustic shows, concert, church drummers, or school performances as a marching snare drum.

  • This wood is for a drum shell that is 13″ x 3.5″, is made of poplar wood, and has a white powder coated finish. The drum head is also included.

  • This wood is good for drum shells because it is versatile and can be used for different genres of music. It is also durable and will last long, making it a good investment for a shopper.

  • This wood is installed in order to create a tighter snare sound. The wood is carved into the bottom bearing edge of the drum, and the snares are placed in the depressions in order to reduce snare buzz and rattle.

  • This wood for drum shells is designed for a tighter snare sound. The snare beds are carved into the bottom bearing edge of the drum, parallel to the throw-off and butt plate. This design is popular with drummers as it reduces snare buzz and rattle.


GRIFFIN Snare Drum | Poplar Wood Shell 14″ x 5.5″ with Black PVC & Coated Head | Acoustic Marching Percussion Musical Instrument Set with Drummers Key, 8 Metal Tuning Lugs & Snare Strainer Throw Off

 GRIFFIN Snare Drum | Poplar Wood Shell 14

Key Features:

  • The wood for these drum shells is a 3-ply, 7.5 mm, 100% poplar wood construction. This wood is known for its brilliant, powerful sound with beautiful overtones. It is a versatile wood that can be used for a variety of music styles, including rock, metal, funk, gospel, or even pop.

  • The wood for these drum shells is black with a high-gloss finish. They are unrivaled in craftsmanship and make an excellent choice for beginners, students, or professional musicians. The drum head is white on top and clear on the bottom.

  • This wood for drum shells is equipped with a top-notch, smooth and quiet snare strainer that promises flawless operation and a fluid movement every time. You can easily tighten, loosen or mute the snares according to your preference, all without failing or locking up.

  • The wood for these drum shells is a high quality, durable wood that promises a stable and higher quality sound compared to six lug drums. The percussion hardware includes a drum key, as well as eight (8) very durable tuning lugs that allow you to achieve excellent sound in even the lowest tuning option.

  • The wood for these drum shells are installed with snare beds to create a tighter snare sound. The beds are curved and cut into the bottom bearing edge of the drum, parallel to the throw-off and butt plate. This is a popular choice for drummers as it reduces snare buzz and rattle.


Snare Drum by GRIFFIN | 14″ x 5.5″ Black Hickory PVC & Coated Head on Poplar Wood Shell | Acoustic Marching Percussion Instrument Set, Drummers Key, 8 Metal Tuning Lugs & Snare Strainer Throw Off Kit

 Snare Drum by GRIFFIN | 14

Key Features:

  • This wood for drum shells is made of 3-ply, 7.5 mm, 100% poplar wood, offering a brilliant, powerful crack with beautiful overtones. It is a great choice for rock, metal, funk, gospel, or even pop music styles.

  • This wood is black hickory with a simple high-gloss finish. It is a beautiful addition to any drummer’s collection. It is an excellent choice for beginners, students or professional musicians. This drum can be easily used as a primary or secondary snare. The top of the drum head is white and the bottom is clear.

  • This drum throw-off is made of wood and is equipped with a top-notch, smooth and quiet snare strainer. It promises flawless operation and a fluid movement every time. You can easily tighten, loosen or mute the snares according to your preference, all without failing or locking up.

  • The wood for these drum shells is excellent for creating a high quality sound. The hardware includes a drum key and eight very durable tuning lugs that will allow you to achieve excellent sound in even the lowest tuning option.

  • This wood is good for drum shells because it is carved to fit the snare tightly, reducing buzz and rattle. The installed snare beds are popular with drummers who like a clean sound.


Best Wood For Drum Shells Buying Guide

Before choosing the best wood for drum shells you should consider following options:

1. Ash: Ash is a very popular choice of wood for drum making because of its durability and affordability.

It is one of the heaviest woods available and this makes it perfect for creating deep, rich tones.

The wood is also very easy to work with and is available in a range of thicknesses.

2. Hickory: Another very popular wood that drummers love to use is hickory.

As you would expect with a wood that has hickory in its name, it is very hard.

This makes drums made from hickory very durable, perfect for heavy drummers.

3. Maple: Maple is a very popular wood for snare drums as it creates a very bright, crisp tone.

It is also very affordable and easy to work with.

4. Oak: Oak is a very strong wood that also creates a deep tone.

It is one of the most popular woods for making drum shells as it is also very affordable.

5. Swamp Ash: Swamp ash is one of the most popular woods for drum making as it is a very durable and affordable choice.

It is a medium strength wood that also creates a medium deep tone.

6. Poplar: Poplar is a very popular wood for drum making as it is very affordable and easy to obtain.

It creates a medium deep tone and is perfect for creating a wide range of different sounds.

7. Cedar: Cedar is a very strong wood that also creates a bright tone.

It is one of the most popular woods for making drum shells as it is very affordable and easy to work with.

8. Basswood: Basswood is a very popular wood for making drum shells as it is very affordable and easy to obtain.

It creates a very dark tone and is very easy to work with.

9. Ash Burl: Ash burl is the perfect wood for creating a wide range of different tones.

This is because the wood has a swirl in its grain that makes the drum create a different sound when hit on the top and bottom.

10. Red Oak: Red oak is a very strong wood that creates a deep tone.

It is also very affordable and easy to obtain.

11. Zebra Wood: Zebra wood is a very durable wood that creates a medium tone.

It is a very popular choice of wood for making drum shells because of its beautiful appearance.

12. Snakewood: Snakewood is one of the most popular choices of wood for drum building as it is very durable and creates a rich tone.

It is also very affordable and easy to obtain.

13. Aspen: Aspen is a very affordable and easy to obtain wood that creates a dark tone.

It is one of the most popular choices of wood for drum building because of its affordability and ease of working with.

14. Gmelia: Gmelia is a very durable wood that also creates a deep tone.

It is one of the most popular choices of wood for making drum shells because of its durability and affordability.

15. Black Limba: Black limba is one of the most popular choices of wood for drum making as it creates a very rich tone.

It is also very easy to work with and is available in a range of thicknesses.

16. Zebrawood: Zebrawood is a very durable wood that creates a medium tone.

It is a


Wood For Drum Shells FAQs

1) What is the best type of wood for drum shells?

The best type of wood for drum shells is typically maple because it provides a clear and focused sound with lots of attack. Other woods such as birch and beech can also be used, but they tend to produce a warmer sound with less attack.

2) How do different woods affect the sound of drums?

The different woods used to make drums can affect the sound of the drums. Different woods can produce different tones, and some woods are better at absorbing sound than others.

3) How important is the wood in the construction of a drum shell?

The wood in the construction of a drum shell is important, but not as important as the skins. The wood provides the structure and support for the skins, but the skins are what actually produce the sound.

4) What factors should be considered when choosing a wood for a drum shell?

Some factors that should be considered when choosing a wood for a drum shell are the weight of the wood, the hardness of the wood, the grain of the wood, and the color of the wood.

5) What are the benefits and drawbacks of different woods used for drum shells?

There are many different woods that can be used for drum shells, each with its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks. Some of the most popular woods used for drum shells include maple, birch, and mahogany.Maple is a very popular choice for drum shells because it is a very hard and dense wood. This makes it very durable and gives the drums a very full sound. However, maple can be quite expensive, and it is not always easy to find.Birch is another popular choice for drum shells. It is not as hard as maple, but it is still a very durable wood. Birch is also less expensive than maple, making it a good choice for those on a budget. However, birch drums can sometimes sound a bit thinner than maple drums.Mahogany is a softer wood than both maple and birch, but it is still very durable. Mahogany drums have a warm, full sound that is perfect for certain genres of music. However, mahogany can be difficult to find and is often more expensive than other woods.


Conclusion

There are many great wood for drum shells on the market. Our list of the best wood for drum shells will help you save time researching and choosing the best one for you.