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How does a frame drum differ from a tubular drum?
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percussion instrument
Flemish rommelpot friction drum; in the Musical Instruments Museum, Brussels.
The primary difference between a frame drum and a tubular drum lies in the depth of the shell and its ability to function as a resonator for sound.1
- Tubular Drums: These instruments feature a shell—typically made of wood, metal, or pottery—that acts as a resonator for the vibrating membrane. They come in various shapes, including cylindrical, barrel, conical, hourglass, and goblet forms.12
- Frame Drums: These are defined by a shell that is so shallow that it cannot effectively act as a resonator. A frame drum is generally a small, handheld instrument consisting of a narrow frame with one or two membranes, and it may include attachments like jingles or snares.13
While tubular drums are categorized by their diverse structural shapes, frame drums are distinguished specifically by their lack of depth, which prevents the shell from resonating the sound produced by the drumhead.1