| Many different types of wood are used to make | | | | On the less expensive side, there are a number |
| drums and experts generally agree that they | | | | of woods that are seen as comparable with the |
| type of wood used can make a significant | | | | high end ones, including Basswood, Falkata, Lauan, |
| difference in the sound generated. Opinions differ | | | | and Poplar. Basswood is fairly common and is |
| on precisely what woods create the best sounds, | | | | frequently used as a low cost substitute for Maple |
| but there are general standards that most | | | | or Birch. Falkata is usually considered an excellent |
| professional drummers and drum experts agree | | | | substitute for Maple, sharing the same sound |
| on. Not surprisingly, these general conclusions also | | | | characteristics, but at a lower price. Lauan, also |
| significantly impact the price of the drums, with | | | | known as “Select Hardwood”, is usually |
| drums made of more desirable woods being more | | | | considered a suitable substitute for Birch. Poplar |
| expensive. | | | | can substitute for Birch or Mahogany, but is much |
| On the high end, most drummers tend to agree | | | | less expensive. |
| that the best sounds come from Birch, Maple, or | | | | Although only professionals can really tell the |
| Mahogany. Birch is preferred by recording studios | | | | difference in sounds coming from different |
| because it has a sharper, brighter sound than is | | | | woods, the wood used has a direct bearing on |
| found with many other woods. Maple is by far the | | | | the drum’s initial price and resale value. If you |
| most popular wood for making high quality drums | | | | can not really tell the difference in sounds, you |
| and has a well balanced sound that drummers | | | | should probably use one of the less expensive |
| commonly prefer. Mahogany also generates a well | | | | substitute woods, although this will also undermine |
| balanced sound, but is said to have a more | | | | the resale value of your drums. Buying top of the |
| traditional, or “vintage” feel than Maple. | | | | line drums with high quality wood is really overkill |
| Oak is also included with the higher end woods | | | | for most hobbyists and non-professionals. |
| although it sounds similar to Maple. | | | | |