How Do OS and NS Drumming Techniques Differ in Terms of Physics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the differences between Old School (OS) and New School (NS) drumming techniques, particularly in relation to the physics involved in drumming. Participants examine aspects such as fulcrum placement, material properties of drum heads, and the impact of these factors on sound production and control in drumming.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that OS techniques are more grounded in physics, particularly regarding fulcrum placement and control over the drumstick's motion.
  • One participant questions the sound variation produced by different drum head materials, specifically comparing kevlar and mylar, and seeks clarification on which produces clearer notes.
  • Another participant suggests that more compliant materials like mylar may allow for higher frequencies, potentially resulting in a brighter sound.
  • It is noted that the vibration modes of the drumstick itself could influence sound, with NS techniques allowing for more freedom in vibration due to fulcrum placement near the node.
  • Participants discuss the factors affecting drum head vibration, including density, tension, and striking technique, and how these relate to sound clarity and harmonic content.
  • There is a consideration of how stiffness might influence the force exerted on the drum head and stick, potentially affecting vibrations.
  • One participant introduces the concept of moment of inertia in relation to the drumstick's rotation, although its relevance to drumming is questioned by another participant.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the physics of drumming techniques and sound production, with no consensus reached on the superiority of OS or NS techniques or the implications of material properties on sound clarity.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge that various factors, such as tension and striking technique, influence the outcomes discussed, but these factors are not fully resolved or quantified in the conversation.

Sko
In drumming there are 2 conflicting points of view-New School (1980's to present; referred to as NS from now on) and fading Old School (dominated 1960's-1970's; referred to as OS). OS's techniques are generally more founded in physics.

I'm going to go through some of the physics in drumming 1 issue at a time and was hoping for some of the more knowledgeable to eloborate/correct...

The OS place their fulcrum (thumb and forefinger) about an inch from the CG, and NS place their's usually about 2 inches from the end. Since rotational inertia (tendency of an object to resist change in its rotational state of motion) for an object rotating about its CG (OS style) is [tex]I=\frac{1}{12}mL^2[/tex] and [tex]I=\frac{1}{3}mL^2[/tex] for a object rotating about its end, OS'ers will be able to start and stop their stick faster than NS'ers (more control).
 
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Ok, now I have a question for you...

There are 2 main types of drum heads, kevlar and mylar. Kevlar is very stiff (used in bulletproof vests) and mylar is more flexible (used in weather ballons). Which can produce more variation in magnitude of sound (haven't done this in physics yet maybe not the right term)? If it's possible to explain which can produce clearer notes?
 
Re your second post, more compliant material allows higher frequencies, so I'm guessing the mylar heads will give a brighter sound.

Re your first post, you are leaving out some of the physics. The drumstick itself has vibration modes too. The NS technique places the fulcrum nearer the node, allowing the drumstick to vibrate more freely. My guess is that although this is nice when drumming close to the stick's natural frequency, it impedes other beat rates.
 
Density of the drum head is only one of the parameters which would effect the frequency of vibration. A drumhead can vibrate in many different modes. The mode of vibration determines the frequency and amplitud of the vibrations. Other factors are tension, how the head is fastened, area of the head and even where and how hard you strike the head.

Given equality in all other factors I believe that the denser material will vibrate at lower frequencies.

I would interpret "Clearer notes" to mean fewer harmonics. This is a hard one to call. More harmonics are generatated when greater forces are involved.

I am not sure how "Stiffness" enters into the equations, that would be different from density, perhaps someone else can add something.
 
I'm assuming stiffness would increase the force exerted on the head and the stick, but cut down on vibrations.

Here's a link that talks more about each type of head, though not in physics terms. http://www.drumdojo.com/kit/heads.htm
 
Also ever heard of moment of inertia and how it would relate to drumming?
 
Moment of intertia has to do with thing rotating, your drum stick has a moment of inertia that effects how it spins. Not sure that has anything to do with drumming, only the visual effects! :smile:
 
http://users3.ev1.net/~rbeckham/m1.jpg

Heres an article that talks about it I am not sure I understand it tho...
 
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