New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-05-29
DRUMS FOR WAR TIMES.
DEALERS EXPECT AN INCREASE IN THE
DEMAND FOR THEM


As the preparations for war go forward the
drum advances in Importance. The primitive
musical instrument has undergone little change
since It was us ID in the Civil War, and the rub.
a-dub-dub calls and marches to which the vet.
Grams OF that conflict responded may be heard
to-day wherever troops assemble or march.
Drum manufacturers Rave experienced no
boom in their business yet but all anticipate
great activity and are making preparations to
meet an abnormal demand.
Men who were In the business in the sixties"
say that as the war went the demand for
drums became greater Not so much because
OF the demands OF the Government but because
marching clubs, boys military organizations
and drum corps were formed all over the coun-
try and all wanted drums. The toy drum 10
always a staple article at Christmas time. but
the demand becomes douby great when there
are signs of war in the air. and greater still with
actual war going on
Drums vary in price from 81 to $65. which Is
the price OF a 17-nch representation drum
which is described in a drum catalogue as fol-
lows:
Rosewood or white holly shell Oh inches high.
extra fine hard polished shell with an elaborate
inlaid design OF varicgated woods in 'front.' fancy
tnta10 DdnuS anu nOopS, hHcSe Huohey oico~i1ee
cord. twenty four nickel plated roller hooks
twelve braces. ten rawhide snares, new pattern
snare strainer two extra fine calfskin heads
The regulation drum has mahogany shell
sixteen inches in diameter but there are large
sales also for maple. redwood. white holly and
metal shell drums el-plated. brass and Ger
man silver shell drums with fancy trimming
are used In private" and 'ndependent" min.
hcy lonk u.all
help to dress that part of the procession; but
for Army the more serviceabe hardwood
with two calfskin heads Is used.
The drum plays an important part in every
military function. From "reveille' to "taps"
the drum calls the soldier to duty and to rest
1t helps him on his march. it inspires him at
the charge its roll adds volume to his cheers
and It's mulIied tap resounds on the air when
he has been relieved from earthly duty. Inc
awkward squad as well the veteran corps
appreciates the value OF the drum. and the de-
serter or the coward knows It's force when II
performs It's part in the "Rogue's March.
The bass drum is made in various sizes. from
"a to ~ inch shell. and ranges in price from $40
to 500 The material is the same as in the snare
drums
Carl Fischer. a manufacturer of drums, says
"a To this instrument and the man who plays it:
although it is not absolutely necessary for
bass drummer to have any knowledge OF nota-
ton he must be we'll versed in the rudimentary
principles 81 music, time and rhythm OF drum
beats. it being in his power to spoil the effects
OF the bands performance either on the march
or In concert Most amateur musicians thihk
the drummer inferior to other instrumentalists
imagining that any one can beat the bass drum,
but when 1t is taken into consideration that
ofttimes he has to count whole movements Or
from ffty to hundred bars rest and perhaps
come in with a crash note upon the eighth part
OF "A bar II can be seen that he should have
knowledge OF time and must keep his eyes open
or he will mar the effects Of the piece. on the
march the bass drummer is king OF the stua'
ton and upon him depends the steadiness OF Inc
paraders the band being compelled to follow M
beats either fast or slow.