Patent Publication Number: US-11651755-B2

Title: Acoustical musical devices

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of, and claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/462,143, filed on Aug. 31, 2021, which claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/074,030, filed on Sep. 3, 2020. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure generally relates to musical devices, systems, and related methods. Embodiments are described herein in the context of acoustical musical devices, systems, and related methods, such as a low volume acoustical drum, a low volume acoustical drum set, and related methods. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Musical instruments are utilized in a wide variety of professional and recreational contexts. Acoustical musical instruments are a type of musical instrument that does not rely on external power for operation, as do electronic musical instruments. In general, acoustical musical instruments include a driver and a resonator. To produce sound, the driver applies energy to the resonator which responds to the applied energy by vibrating for a period of time. The frequency of the resulting vibration at the resonator can vary depending on the size and material of the resonator. One example of an acoustical musical instrument is an acoustic drum. 
     However, traditional acoustic drums have a number of characteristics that complicate their use. For one, traditional acoustic drums are generally high volume, relatively loud instruments. As such, the use of traditional acoustic drums is typically confined to select environments where high volume output is permitted. This can restrict utilization of a traditional acoustic drum set, for instance to only select hours or complete nonuse at one&#39;s home. Another characteristic that complicates the use of traditional acoustic drum sets is the relatively robust and complex setup. Traditional acoustic drum sets are relatively heavy and the setup to support the relatively heavy drum components includes a large number of parts needing to be independently interconnected during setup. This can make portability of such traditional acoustic drum sets difficult and, as a result, further restrict their utilization. 
     SUMMARY 
     In general, various embodiments relating to musical devices, systems, and related methods are disclosed herein. In particular, disclosed herein are embodiments of acoustical musical devices, systems, and related methods, such as an acoustical drum, an acoustical drum set, and related methods. 
     The embodiments disclosed herein can provide a number of useful advantages over traditional acoustical musical devices. For example, acoustical drum embodiments disclosed herein, when played, can provide the same, or similar, tactile feel as a traditional acoustical drum but at the same time produce a comparatively lower volume sound output. This can provide an acoustical drum that plays like a traditional acoustical drum but is quieter, thereby enabling increased utilization of the acoustical drum while maintaining feel and other performance characteristics typically associated with a louder, traditional acoustical drum. As another example, acoustical drum and drum set embodiments disclosed herein can be relatively light weight and easier to setup as compared to traditional acoustical drums and drum sets. For instance, certain acoustical drum and drum set embodiments disclosed herein can include light weight components needing relatively few interconnections. This, in turn, can make such acoustical drum and drum set embodiments disclosed herein more portable, thereby enabling increased utilization. 
     One embodiment includes a low volume acoustical drum. This low volume acoustical drum embodiment includes a low volume drum head and a drum shell. The low volume drum head includes a first complementary connector and the drum shell includes a second complementary connector, and the low volume drum head is secured to the drum shell via the first and second complementary connectors. The low volume drum head can include a material that is configured, when struck, to output a relatively low volume, as compared to a traditional acoustic drum head. The material included at the low volume drum head can be a closed cell polymer material having a density of 1 to 5 pounds per cubic foot. In some embodiments, this material can be included at the low volume drum head at a thickness of 0.5 to 5 inches (e.g., 1 to 3 inches). And, this material can extend along a width of the low volume drum head from one end secured to the drum shell to another opposite end secured to the drum shell. 
     Another embodiment includes a low volume snare drum. This low volume snare drum embodiment includes a low volume drum head and a pellet chamber. The low volume drum head and the pellet chamber can be secured together such that a bottom surface of the low volume drum head can define a closed top of the pellet chamber. The pellet chamber can enclose a plurality of pellets. The low volume drum head can include a material that is configured, when struck, to output a relatively low volume, as compared to a traditional snare drum. The material included at the low volume drum head can be a closed cell polymer material having a density of 1 to 5 pounds per cubic foot. In some embodiments, this material can be included at the low volume drum head at a thickness of 0.5 to 5 inches (e.g., 1 to 3 inches). And, this material can extend along a width of the low volume drum head from one end secured to the pellet chamber to another opposite end secured to the pellet chamber. 
     A further embodiment includes an acoustical drum set. This acoustical drum set includes a first low volume acoustical drum, a first mounting ring, a first stand, a second low volume acoustical drum, a second mounting ring, and a second stand. The first low volume acoustical drum is supported at the first mounting ring, and the first mounting ring is coupled to the first stand so as to support the first mounting ring, and first low volume acoustical drum supported thereat. Likewise, the second first low volume acoustical drum is supported at the second mounting ring, and the second mounting ring is coupled to the second stand so as to support the second mounting ring, and second low volume acoustical drum supported thereat. Each of the first mounting ring and the second mounting ring includes a plurality of cord holder mechanisms and an elastic cord strung through the plurality of cord holder mechanisms to configured to elastic cord to receive the respective low volume acoustical drum and hold the respective low volume acoustical drum at the respective first and second mounting rings. Each of the first low volume acoustical drum and the second low volume acoustical drum includes a low volume drum head. The low volume drum head includes a material that is configured, when struck, to output a relatively low volume, as compared to a traditional acoustic drum head. And, this material can extend along a width of the low volume drum head from one end secured to the drum shell to another opposite end secured to the drum shell. 
     An additional embodiment includes a drum (e.g., a snare drum). This drum embodiment a low volume drum head, a pellet chamber, and a magnetic choke. The pellet chamber is located beneath the low volume drum head. The pellet chamber is configured to hold a plurality of pellets, and the pellet chamber defines a plurality of apertures in a wall of the pellet chamber. The magnetic choke carries at least one magnet. The magnetic choke is configured to move relative to the pellet chamber so as to adjust a magnetic force imparted on the pellet chamber. 
     In a further embodiment of this drum, the low volume drum head includes a closed cell polymer material that has a density of one to five pounds per cubic foot. For example, in addition, such low volume drum head can have a thickness of 1 to 3 inches. 
     In a further embodiment of this drum, the pellet chamber includes a wall structure component and a selective sound control component positioned adjacent to the wall structure component. The wall structure component includes the wall and the plurality of apertures defined in the wall, and the selective sound control component includes at least one blocking baffle. For example, in addition, the at least one blocking baffle is configured to move relative to the plurality of apertures so as to close the plurality of apertures when the at least one blocking baffle is moved into alignment with the plurality of apertures and open the plurality of apertures when the at least one blocking baffle is moved away from the plurality of apertures. The selective sound control component can be coupled to the wall structure component, and the selective sound control component can be configured to move relative to the wall structure component so as to move the at least one blocking baffle relative to the plurality of apertures. In some examples, the selective sound control component can further include an actuation member, and the actuation member can be configured to move the at least one blocking baffle relative to the plurality of apertures. Also, in some examples, the pellet chamber can further include a chamber floor plate that includes a metallic material, and the chamber floor plate can be located at a first side of the pellet chamber and the low volume drum head can be located at a second, opposite side of the pellet chamber. 
     In a further embodiment of this drum, the drum can also include a throw off mechanism that is configured to move the magnetic choke relative to the pellet chamber. In some such examples, the throw off mechanism can be configured to move between an off position and an on position. When the throw off mechanism is in the off position, the magnetic choke can be positioned adjacent the pellet chamber. When the throw off mechanism is in the on position, the magnetic choke can be positioned further from the pellet chamber than when the throw off mechanism is in the off position. For instance, when the throw off mechanism is in the off position, the magnetic choke can be positioned adjacent the pellet chamber such that the at least one magnet is configured to impart the magnetic force on the pellet chamber to cause pellets to be held within the pellet chamber to resist movement within the pellet chamber. And, when the throw off mechanism is in the on position, the magnetic choke can be positioned further from the pellet chamber such that the at least one magnet is configured to impart magnetic force less than when the throw off mechanism is in the off position to permit the pellets to be held in the pellet chamber to move within the pellet chamber. The throw off mechanism can include a throw off lever and a throw off actuation arm, with the throw off lever connected to the throw off actuation arm via a throw off gear, and the throw off actuation arm configured to transfer a motive force from the throw off lever to the magnetic choke to move the magnetic choke relative to the pellet chamber when the throw off lever is moved. The throw off gear can include a first set of teeth that mesh with a second set of teeth at the throw off actuation arm to transfer the motive force from the throw off lever to the magnetic choke. The throw off mechanism can further include a throw off support member, and the throw off support member can be configured to serve as a stop for the magnetic choke such that the magnetic choke comes to rest at the throw off support member when the throw off mechanism is in an on position. The throw off support member can be configured to move independent of the throw off lever. 
     In a further embodiment of this drum, the drum can also include a rim and a securement structure. The rim can include a metallic material. The securement structure can be configured to removably retain the rim at the snare drum at a position spaced apart from the low volume drum head. In some such examples, the securement structure includes a securement arm and a securement base, with the securement arm defining a first rim receptacle and the securement base defining a second rim receptacle aligned with the first rim receptacle. The rim can be received at the first rim receptacle and the second rim receptacle to removably retain the rim at the snare drum at the position spaced apart from the low volume drum head. In addition, in some such examples, the drum can also include an accessory holding mechanism configured to hold a musical accessory. The accessory holding mechanism can include an arm bracket and an accessory holding lever. The arm bracket can be configured to couple to the musical accessory, and the arm bracket can be configured to be secured at the securement arm. The accessory holding lever can be rotatably coupled to the arm bracket such that the accessory holding lever can rotate relative to the arm bracket to a locked position at which the accessory holding lever is configured to lock the arm bracket in place at the securement arm. 
     In a further embodiment of this drum, the drum can also include a leg. The leg can support the low volume drum head and the pellet chamber. The leg can define a carrying handle configured to receive a hand of a user to carry the drum, and the leg can define a weight receptacle configured to receive one or more weight elements to add additional mass to the drum. In addition, in some such examples, the leg includes an adjustable leg structure. The adjustable leg structure can include a movable foot, a foot locking mechanism coupled to the movable foot, and a foot support coupled to the movable foot. The movable foot can include a leg fitting, and the leg can includes a foot receptacle at which the leg fitting is received. The leg fitting can move relative to the foot receptacle to move the foot support relative to the leg. 
     The details of one or more examples are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of the present invention and, therefore, do not limit the scope of the invention. The drawings are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following description. Embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements. The features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, though embodiments within the scope of the present invention can include one or more of the illustrated features (e.g., each of the illustrated features) at the scale shown. 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of an embodiment of an acoustical drum set. 
         FIGS.  2 A- 2 L  show an embodiment of a snare drum that, for instance, can be included in the acoustical drum set of  FIG.  1   .  FIG.  2 A  is a perspective view of a top region of the snare drum.  FIG.  2 B  is a perspective view of a bottom region of the snare drum.  FIG.  2 C  is an exploded view of the snare drum.  FIG.  2 D  is a cross-sectional view, along a longitudinal centerline, of the snare drum.  FIG.  2 E  is a perspective view of a head latch feature of the snare drum.  FIG.  2 F  is an exploded view of the magnetic choke, magnets, and magnet plugs of the snare drum.  FIG.  2 G  is a perspective view of the snare drum with the drum head and a chamber floor plate removed.  FIG.  2 H  is a perspective view of the snare drum along with a sound reflector plate.  FIG.  2 I  is an exploded view showing assembly lines between the snare drum and the sound reflector plate.  FIG.  2 J  is a perspective view of a holder component attached to a leg of the snare drum.  FIG.  2 K  is an exploded view of the holder component, fastener, and leg of the snare drum.  FIG.  2 L  is a perspective, partially transparent view of the holder component to illustrate exemplary fastening apertures thereat. 
         FIGS.  3 A- 3 E  show an embodiment of an acoustical drum that, for instance, can be included in the acoustical drum set of  FIG.  1   .  FIG.  3 A  is a perspective view of the acoustical drum.  FIG.  3 B  is a cross-sectional view, along a longitudinal centerline, of the acoustical drum.  FIG.  3 C  is perspective view of a bottom region of a drum head of the acoustical drum.  FIGS.  3 D and  3 E  are perspective views of a bass acoustical drum. 
         FIGS.  4 A- 4 J  show an embodiment of a mounting ring that, for instance, can be included in the acoustical drum set of  FIG.  1   .  FIG.  4 A  is perspective view of the mounting ring without an elastic cord component.  FIG.  4 B  is a perspective view of the mounting ring with the elastic cord component.  FIG.  4 C  is a perspective view of a pulley clamp, pulley wheel, and spacer of the mounting ring.  FIG.  4 D  is a perspective view of the pulley clamp, pulley wheel, and spacer installed at the mounting ring.  FIG.  4 E  is an exploded view of the pulley clamp, pulley wheel, and spacer.  FIG.  4 F  is a perspective view of a clutch clamp and elastic cord clutch of the mounting ring.  FIG.  4 G  is an exploded, partially transparent view of the clutch clamp and elastic cord clutch to illustrate exemplary assembly therebetween.  FIG.  4 H  is a perspective view of a diagram illustrating exemplary pathways, shown with the arrow lead lines, for threading one or more elastic cords through the clutch clamp and elastic cord clutch.  FIG.  4 I  is a perspective view of the diagram of  FIG.  4 H  from an opposite side of that shown in  FIG.  4 H .  FIG.  4 J  is a perspective view of an acoustical drum secured in place at the mounting ring. 
         FIGS.  5 A- 5 F  show an embodiment of a stand that, for instance, can be included in the acoustical drum set of  FIG.  1   .  FIG.  5 A  is perspective view of a stand leg of the stand.  FIG.  5 B  is an exploded view of the stand leg.  FIGS.  5 C and  5 D  are exploded views, from opposite sides, of a stand ring coupler.  FIG.  5 E  is a perspective view of an exemplary stand.  FIG.  5 F  is a close-up perspective view of two mounting rings and a double ring connector of the stand of  FIG.  5 E . 
         FIGS.  6 A- 6 L  show another embodiment of a snare drum that, for instance, can have some features similar to the snare drum embodiment shown in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 L  and can be included in the acoustical drum set of  FIG.  1   .  FIG.  6 A  is a perspective view of a top region of the snare drum.  FIG.  6 B  is perspective view of a bottom region of the snare drum.  FIG.  6 C  is an exploded view of the snare drum.  FIG.  6 D  is perspective view of a throw off mechanism of the snare drum.  FIG.  6 E  is an exploded view of the throw off mechanism and associated magnetic choke of the snare drum.  FIG.  6 F  is a perspective view of the throw off mechanism in one exemplary off position.  FIG.  6 G  is a perspective view of the throw off mechanism in one exemplary on position.  FIG.  6 H  is an exploded view of an adjustable leg structure of the snare drum.  FIG.  6 I  is a perspective view of a securement structure in a locked position.  FIG.  6 J  is a perspective view of the securement structure, of  FIG.  6 I , in an unlocked position.  FIG.  6 K  is an exploded view an accessory holding mechanism of the snare drum.  FIG.  6 L  is a perspective view of the accessory holding mechanism secured at the snare drum. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description provides some practical illustrations for implementing embodiments of the present invention. Examples of constructions, materials, and/or dimensions are provided for selected elements. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the noted examples have a variety of suitable alternatives. 
       FIG.  1    shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an acoustical drum set  100 . The exemplary acoustical drum set  100  shown in  FIG.  1    includes a snare drum  101 , a high rack tom  102 , a low rack tom  103 , a floor tom  104 , and a bass drum  105 . To support one or more of these drum components, the acoustical drum set  100  includes a support system that includes one or more stands  106  and one or more mounting rings  107 . 
     One or more (e.g., each) of the drum components  101 - 105  can include one or more features configured to output a relatively low volume when energized (e.g., struck, such as with a drum stick) as compared to traditional acoustic drums. Accordingly, the one or more drum components  101 - 105  that include the one or more features configured to output a relatively low volume can thus be referred to as a “low volume acoustic drum”. In one example, each drum component  101 - 105  of the acoustical drum set  100  is a low volume drum. In another example, some, but not all, of the drum components  101 - 105  of the acoustical drum set  100  can be a low volume drum. In yet a further example, a single drum component  101 - 105  of the acoustical drum set  100  can be a low volume drum. Herein, the term low volume drum can refer to any one or more (e.g., each) of the drum components  101 - 105  that include one or more features configured to output a relatively low volume, as compared to traditional acoustic drums, when struck. 
     The low volume drum can include a drum head (“low volume drum head”) that is configured to provide a surface to be struck when played. The drum head can include one or more features configured to produce a relatively low volume, as compared to traditional acoustic drum head, when struck. 
     For example, the low volume drum head can include a material that is configured, when struck, to output a relatively low volume, as compared to traditional acoustic drum head yet at the same time can provide a similar feel to a user as a traditional acoustic drum head. Such material of the drum head can be a material having a density of 1 to 5 pounds per cubic foot, 1.5 to 4.5 pounds per cubic foot, 2 to 4 pounds per cubic foot, 2.5 to 3.5 pounds per cubic foot, or 3 pounds per cubic foot. Such a material, with the noted density, of the low volume drum head could be, for instance, a closed cell polymer, or closed cell foam, material. For example, the low volume drum head can include (e.g., be made of) a closed cell foam such as: ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA, also known as PEVA, polyethylene-vinyl acetate), polyethylene foam, expanded polyethylene foam (EPE foam), or cross-linked polyethylene (PEX, XPE or XLPE). 
     The low volume drum head can include the material that is configured, when struck, to output a relatively low volume at a particular thickness. For example, the noted material of the low volume drum head can have a thickness of 0.5 to 5 inches, 1 to 4 inches, 1.25 to 3.5 inches, 1 to 3 inches, or 1.5 to 3 inches. And, this material can extend along a width of the low volume drum head from one end secured to the drum shell to another opposite end secured to the drum shell. In one embodiment, the thickness of the material of the low volume drum head can be uniform along its width from one end secured to the drum shell to another opposite end secured to the drum shell. 
     Notably, one or more of the above described characteristics of the low volume drum head can create a low volume drum head while at the same time providing the same, or similar, feel as a traditional acoustic drum head when struck. Namely, the low volume drum head can provide the same, or similar, bounce and tactile feel when struck with a drum stick. This can allow a user to play the low volume drum head comfortably with the same technique as a traditional acoustic drum yet while producing a relatively low volume sound output. The low volume acoustic drum does not require a high-tension drum head surface, as does a traditional acoustic drum, to create this comfortable, familiar playability. A traditional acoustic drum head is pulled across the open end of a drum shell (typically a round cylinder made of wooden plies) by a series of threaded tension rods tightened into metal hardware attached around the circumference of the drum shell. When tightened, a traditional acoustic drum head creates a “bounce” when played with drum sticks. The low volume drum head, on the other hand, doesn&#39;t require the high-tension of a traditional acoustic drum head to create a comfortable, familiar playability. As such, the low volume drum head can be secured to the drum shell via a more simplistic complementary coupling therebetween. The bounce produced when striking the low volume drum head can instead be created by the structure (e.g., density) of the material that makes up the low volume drum head. It is not necessary to tighten tension the low volume drum head firmly against the drum shell, and instead the coupling therebetween may only need to be sufficient to provide securement between the low volume drum head and drum shell. Accordingly, the low volume drum head may not change tone with added, or otherwise changed, tension thereat. In certain embodiments, the pitch of the low volume drum can be determined by the size and shape of the drum shell to which the low volume drum head is secured. 
       FIGS.  2 A- 2 L  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a snare drum  200  that, for instance, can be included in the acoustical drum set  100 . The snare drum  200  includes a low volume drum head  201 , for instance as described above with respect to the low volume drum head, and a pellet chamber  202 . When struck, the snare drum  200  outputs a relatively low volume sound, due to the presence of the low volume drum head  201 , as pellets bounce within the pellet chamber  202 . 
     A traditional acoustic snare drum creates a “snare” sound by using a series of wires (snare wires) pulled across the bottom head of a snare drum. When the snare drum is struck, the wires buzz (rattle, resonate) giving the snare drum its&#39; distinctive sound. To create a sound similar to a traditional snare drum, the low volume snare drum  200  uses the enclosed pellet chamber  202  beneath the low volume drum head  201 . The floor of the pellet chamber  202  can be a removable and interchangeable metal plate. The pellets enclosed within the pellet chamber  202  can be small pieces of metal, such as small ball bearings, shelving nibs, etc. When the low volume snare drum  200  is struck, the pellets can bounce against the metal plate floor of the pellet chamber  202 . During use of the low volume snare drum  200 , the pellets bouncing on the chamber floor plate can create a snare-like sound but at a relatively lower volume as compared to a traditional snare drum that has snare wires and a tensioned mylar drum head. The snare-like sound produced by the low volume snare drum  200  at a relatively low volume can result from the unique structural configuration of the low volume snare drum  200 , including the low volume drum head  201  the pellet chamber  202 , and related mechanisms. 
     As shown in the low volume snare drum  200  embodiment of  FIGS.  2 A- 2 L , the low volume drum head  201  can be positioned at a top of the pellet chamber  202 . The low volume drum head  201  can be held in place by one or more head latches  209 . The pellet chamber  202  can include one or more chamber sections. In the illustrated embodiment, the pellet chamber  202  can be formed from a one-piece chamber component that is supported at the chamber floor plate  205 . In other embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure, the pellet chamber  202  can be formed from a multi-piece construction of components. This could, for instance, include four chamber section that are of the same configuration, each in the form of a section that is a 90 degree arc and interconnected to form a 360 degree enclosure (e.g., circle). The pellet chamber  202  can have a lower ledge, such as a lip support, to support the chamber floor plate  205  thereat. Another ledge, such as another lip support, can extend around the interior, such as a top interior, of a wall of the pellet chamber  202 . This ledge can support the low volume drum head  201  and the pellet chamber  202 . The walls of the pellet chamber  202  can define one or more apertures configured to permit increased sound output. Namely, the one or more apertures defined in the walls of the pellet chamber  202  can allow more sound to radiate out from the inside of the pellet chamber  202  when the low volume snare drum  200  is struck. 
     As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a base  204  can be formed at the drum leg structure  203 . The base  204  can support a spindle  207  positioned beneath the chamber floor plate  205  (e.g., beneath a center of the chamber floor plate  205  as shown in the illustrated embodiment). The magnetic choke  206  is secured (e.g., screwed) onto the spindle  207 . The magnetic choke  206  can include one or more magnets  208 . The one or more magnets  208  can be configured to alter movement of the pellets  212  inside the pellet chamber  202  by imparting a magnetic force between the one or more magnets  208  and the pellets  212  within the pellet chamber  202  and such that changing the extent of this magnetic force (e.g., by moving the one or more magnets  208  closer to or further from the pellet chamber  202 ) changes the degree of movement of the pellets  212  within the pellet chamber  202 . For example, the closer the one or more magnets  208  are to the pellet chamber  202 , the greater the magnetic force between the one or more magnets  208  and the pellets  212  within the pellet chamber  202  and, thus, the lesser degree of movement the pellets  212  have within the pellet chamber  202 . As a result, the snare-like sound produced by the low volume snare drum  200  can have a modified, tighter intensity and shorter duration. Similarly, the further the one or more magnets  208  are from the pellet chamber  202 , the lesser the magnetic force between the one or more magnets  208  and the pellets  212  within the pellet chamber  202  and, thus, the greater degree of movement the pellets  212  have within the pellet chamber  202 . As a result, the snare-like sound produced by the low volume snare drum  200  can have a modified, looser intensity and longer duration. 
     The magnetic choke  206 , as shown here, can be a flat, generally X-cross-sectional shape, with one or more of the legs of the X shape having one or more recesses to receive a magnet  208 . In the illustrated embodiment, one magnet  208  is included at each of the four legs of the X shape for a total of four magnets  208 . The magnets  208  in the magnetic choke  206  can, for instance, lay parallel to the chamber floor plate  205 . In the illustrated embodiment, each magnet  208  can be placed at a magnet plug  215 , and the magnet plug  215  can be configured to receive and hold the magnet  208  thereat. Each magnet plug  215  can have a complementary connector (e.g., threading) for securing to a complementary connector (e.g., threading) at a respective recess on the magnetic choke  206 . Thus, each magnet can be configured to be removably secured at a respective magnet plug  215 , and each magnet plug  215  can be configured to be removably secured at a respective recess on the magnetic choke  206 . Accordingly, this configuration can allow for customization of the low volume snare drum  200  by allowing for different magnets  208  to be interchanged. For instance, magnets  208  imparting varied magnetic force can be interchanged so as to vary the snare-like sound produced by the low volume snare drum  200  as desired for a particular application. The magnetic choke  206  can be threaded onto the spindle  207  (e.g., via a threaded bolt) which protrudes upward from the base  204  below. The magnetic choke  206  can be moved (e.g., spun) up or down, raising or lowering its proximity to the chamber floor plate  205  and, as a result, bringing the one or more magnets  208  closer to or further from the pellet chamber  202  and thus pellets  212  therein. As described above, when the magnetic choke  206  is spun closer to the chamber floor plate  205 , the movement of the pellets  212  inside the pellet chamber  202  can be increasingly restrained, and when the magnetic choke  206  is lowered, and thus spun further from the chamber floor plate  205 , the pellets  212  can move more freely. This can allow the drummer to adjust the duration and intensity of the snare buzz (rattle) produced by the low volume snare drum  200 . 
     A head latch  209  can be positioned at, or near, the top of one or more legs  203  of the base  204 , for instance with a spring loaded screw and nut. In the illustrated embodiment, four head latches  209  are included, with one head latch  209  positioned at a top portion of each of the four legs  203  of the base  204 . To secure the head latch  209  at the snare drum leg  203 , a male nub on the head latch  209  (e.g., at the bottom the head latch  209 ) can fit into a receiving socket on the top of the snare drum leg  203 . This connection of the head latch  209  and snare drum leg  203  can be configured so that the head latch  209  can rotate (e.g., spin, such as in a clockwise and/or counterclockwise direction) relative to the respective snare drum leg  203 . The head latch  209  can rotate, relative to the respective snare drum leg  203 , between rotatably spaced apart (e.g., by one hundred and eighty degrees) locked and unlocked positions. When the head latches  209  are in the unlocked position, the low volume snare drum head  201  can be lifted off the pellet chamber  202  so as to allow for convenient access to the pellet chamber  202 , for instance to inspect and/or change pellets  212 . Changing the type of pellet and/or quantity of pellets  212  can alter the sound of the snare effect output from the low volume snare drum  200 . As such, the head latches  209  can help to allow for customization of the sound output by the low volume snare drum  200 . 
     Another feature of the low volume snare drum  200  can be the interchangeability of the chamber floor plate  205 . Chamber floor plates of different material, for instance of different metallic material, such as aluminum, stainless steel, etc., can produce different qualities of the snare effect. As such, removing a chamber floor plate made of one type of material from the low volume snare drum  200  and replacing it with a chamber floor plate of made of another, different type of material can allow for additional customization of the low volume snare drum  200 . The low volume snare drum  200  can include the chamber floor plate  205  removably secured in place at the low volume snare drum  200  so that the different chamber floor plates can be interchanged. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, a sound reflector plate  213  is shown associated with the low volume snare drum  200 . The sound reflector plate  213  can be positioned beneath the low volume snare drum  200  (e.g., opposite the low volume drum head  201 ). The sound reflector plate  213  can be shaped as a parabolic disk, for example 4 to 24, 10 to 18, 12 to 16, or 13 to 14 inches in diameter. The sound reflector plate  213  can be made of a relatively hard material, such as metal, acrylic, wood, etc. The sound reflector plate  213  can be configured to reflect sound emanating from the underside of the low volume snare drum  200  upwards. As such, the low volume snare drum  200  is set on the sound reflector plate  213  creating a surface that bounces the sound output from the low volume snare drum  200  upwards towards the drummer. Sound reflector plates  213  of different materials produce different qualities (color, timbre, effect) to the sound reflected from the low volume snare drum  200 , thereby allowing for different material sound reflector plates  213  for preferential customization to the drummer&#39;s tastes. 
     The illustrated embodiment of the low volume snare drum  200  further includes a percussion piece holder  214 . The percussion piece holder  214  can include a base support  214  and one or more holders  217 . In the illustrated embodiment, the percussion piece holder  214  includes the base support  214  and two holders  217  extending out from the base support  214 . The holders  217  can be configured to receive a percussion instrument  218  thereat. The percussion piece holder  214  can be removably connected to the low volume snare drum  200 . The percussion piece holder  214  can be configured to hold the percussion instrument  218  (e.g., a clave as shown in the illustrated embodiment, and in other embodiments can be cowbell, pipe, drum stick, etc.), such as at the one or more holders  217 , near the low volume snare drum head  201 . This can provide the drummer with a number of (e.g., one to four) additional playing surfaces near the snare drum head  201 . The percussion piece holder  214  can be designed to hold different shaped percussion instruments. For example, the percussion piece holder  214  can include a circular groove for holding a cylindrical instrument (e.g., clave, pipe, drumstick, etc.) and a flat-top lip for a flat-bottom object (e.g., woodblock, etc.). The percussion piece holder  214  may also include holes so that a fastener cord (e.g., zip tie, rope, bungee, etc.) can be threaded through the percussion piece holder  214  and around the percussion instrument to further secure such percussion instrument in place at the percussion piece holder  214 . 
     In some cases, when so included, the percussion piece holder  214  can also be utilized as a “backstop” for the butt end of the drum stick. For example, this can be useful when the drummer wants to play a “layover rimshot,” a technique used in various types of musical genres. Typically, a layover rimshot is produced by resting the butt of the drumstick against the inside of a traditional snare drum&#39;s rim. The tip of the drum stick is laid over the drum head resting on top of the opposite rim. The drummer uses the butt of the stick as a pivot point, lifting the tip of the stick up and down to strike the rim. Using two percussion piece holders  214 , one as a backstop and the other as a holder of the opposite “rim” (a percussion instrument substitute) can allow for this technique to be used on the low volume snare drum  200 . 
     As shown in the illustrated embodiment, each leg  203  of the base  204  can have an accessory bolt  211  which screws tightly into the snare drum leg  203 . Each leg  203  of the base  204  can have a groove (e.g., channel) on its outward face. The percussion piece holder  214  can have a protruding tongue that slides into the leg&#39;s groove from above. The accessory bolt  211  can be unscrewed to allow the percussion piece holder  214  to be installed onto the low volume snare drum  200 . Then, the accessory bolt can be inserted through the percussion piece holder  214  and into the snare drum leg  203 . The accessory bolt  211  can then be sufficiently tightened to secure the percussion piece holder  214  in place. 
       FIGS.  3 A- 3 E  show an embodiment of a low volume acoustic drum  300  that, for instance, can be included in the acoustical drum set of  FIG.  1   . For example, the low volume acoustic drum  300  can be one or more (e.g., each) of the high rack tom  102 , the low rack tom  103 , the floor tom  104 , and the bass drum  105 . The low volume acoustic drum  300  includes a low volume drum head  301  and a drum shell  302 . The low volume drum head  301  can have characteristics the same as that described above with respect to the low volume drum head. 
     The drum shell  302  can be an opened top container, such as a cylinder or tube, made, for instance, of a polymer material, such as an injection molded plastic (e.g., polyethylene, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE, or plastic #2), low-density polyethylene (LDPE, or plastic #4), or polypropylene (PP, or plastic #5). The low volume drum head  301  can be secured onto of the drum shell  302  by a number of means, including any of clamps, elastic cord, etc. In the embodiment shown here, the open end of the low volume drum shell  302  includes a circular lip  320  extending around the circumference of the drum shell  302 , creating a “male” part, of the complementary connection to the low volume drum head  301 . Also in the embodiment shown here, the low volume drum head  301  has a corresponding “female” part, of the complementary connection to the drum shell  302 , in the form of a channel  321  formed into the bottom surface of the low volume drum head  301 . This channel  321  can receive the lip  320  extending around the top of the drum shell  302  thereby securing the low volume drum head  301  to the drum shell  302 . This connection between the low volume drum head  301  and the drum shell  302  can allow for easy attachment and removal without any tool. 
     The size of the drum shell  302  can determine the pitch, or tone, of the low volume acoustic drum  300 . For example, in general, the larger the internal volume of the drum shell  302 , the lower the pitch. For instance, the drum shell  302  of the high rack tom  102  can be the smallest internal volume, thus providing the highest pitch. As another example, the drum shell  304  of the bass drum  105 , referred to herein as the low volume bass drum  300 , can be the largest internal volume, thus providing the lowest pitch. In this way, the low volume drums disclosed herein can have the respective drum shell sizes configured to produce a pitch similar to those of traditional acoustic drums. In use, a drum stick striking the low volume drum head  301  (or low volume drum head  303 , in the case of the low volume bass drum  300 ) can creates a low volume, relatively quiet thud. This then causes the drum shell  302  (or drum shell  304 , in the case of the low volume bass drum  300 ) to resonate that thud, increasing the volume and adding tone. As a result, this combination creates a drum sound similar to a traditional acoustic drum, but at a lower volume due to the low volume drum head  301  (or low volume drum head  303 , in the case of the low volume bass drum  300 ). Moreover, in certain embodiments, the drum shell  302 ,  304  can be relatively thin-walled, lightweight structure that can help it resonate in a way that a heavier structure (e.g., wood, acrylic, metal) may not be able. 
     The low volume bass drum  300 , shown for example in  FIGS.  3 D and  3 E , includes the low volume bass drum head  303 , the bass drum shell  304 , a bass drum leg  305 , a bass drum pedal receiver bar  307 , and a pair of bass drum supports  306 . The bass drum pedal receiver bar  307  can be a metallic (e.g., aluminum) bar attached to the bass drum supports  306 . The bass drum pedal receiver bar  307  can be positioned to facilitate coupling to a traditional bass drum pedal for use with the low volume bass drum  300 . 
       FIGS.  4 A- 4 J  show an embodiment of a mounting ring  400  that, for instance, can be included in the acoustical drum set  100 . The mounting ring  400  can be configured to secure a low volume drums thereat. 
     Since the low volume drum can be relatively lightweight (and, in some cases, be somewhat flexible), traditional acoustic drum mounting hardware may not be needed. Traditional drum mounting systems use metal hardware connected to the drum shell (usually wood) at a single point. This type of heavy-duty mount may induce detrimental wear on the low volume drum, given the drum shell of the low volume drum is a more lightweight (and, in some cases, flexible) structure. 
     A mounting ring  400  can be used to mount each of the low volume rack toms  102 ,  103  and the low volume floor tom  104 . For instance, as shown in  FIG.  1   , each of the low volume rack toms  102 ,  103  and the low volume floor tom  104  can have an associated mounting ring  400 . The mounting ring  400  can include a ring  401  (e.g., circular), for instance made of a metallic material, such as aluminum. The ring  401  can be, for example, approximately 3 to 4 inches larger than the diameter of the low volume drum it is configured to hold. An elastic cord  409  (e.g., a bungee cord) is strung through a number of elastic cord sheaves  403 . In some examples, such as that illustrated here, the strung cord  409  can form a general star pattern inside the ring  401 . For instance, in the illustrated example, there are seven cord sheaves  403  resulting in the strung cord  409  forming an eight-point star shape. Once the cord  409  is appropriately strung through a suitable number if cord sheaves  403 , the ends of the cord  409  can be secured at the elastic cord clutch  408 . 
     Each elastic cord holder mechanism  450  can include of a pulley clamp  402  (e.g., generally “U” shaped as shown in the illustrated embodiment), an elastic cord sheave (“pulley wheel”)  403 , a spacer  404 , a screw bolt  405  and a locking nut  406 . The elastic cord  409  can be strung around the elastic cord sheaves  403 , of one or more of the mechanisms  450 , which can spin freely, allowing the elastic cord  409  to move freely at each of the contact points with the elastic cord sheaves  403 . As noted, the elastic cord clutch  408  can secure the ends of the elastic cord  409 . The elastic cord clutch mechanism can include a clutch clamp  407 , for instance that is generally U-shaped, the elastic cord clutch  408 , a screw bolt  410 , and a locking nut  411 . As can be seen in the diagrams shown in  FIGS.  4 H and  4 I , one end of the elastic cord  409  can be threaded through the elastic cord clutch  408  and out to the first elastic cord holder mechanism. The working end of the cord can then be threaded through other cord holder mechanisms to a star shape inside the ring  401 . The working end returns to the elastic cord clutch mechanism which can be configured to lock the elastic cord  409  into place thereat. The tension of the elastic cord  409  at the ring  401  can be conveniently adjusted by pulling the working end up from the elastic cord clutch  408 , and feeding more or less cord into the interior star shape slack of the elastic cord  409 . The working end of the elastic cord  409  is then pulled into the elastic cord clutch  408 , locking the elastic cord  409  in place at sufficient tension to enable supporting the respective low volume drum thereat. Of note, adjusting tension of the elastic cord  409  can adjust an amount of bounce when the low volume drum is played while supported at the mounting ring  400 . To secure the low volume drum at the mounting ring  400 , the low volume drum can be inserted into the interior of the elastic cord star shape inside the ring  401 . The mounting ring  400  can thus hold the low volume drum securely in place thereat without imparting undue stress onto the structure of the low volume drum, thereby reducing risk of compromising the integrity of the low volume drum shell and increasing the useful life of the low volume drum. 
       FIGS.  5 A- 5 F  show an embodiment of a stand  500  that, for instance, can be included in the acoustical drum set  100 . 
     The stand  500  is configured to support one or more mounting rings  400 , which in turn support one or more low volume acoustical drums. For example, a mounting ring  400  can be attached to two stands  500  via a stand ring coupler  550  at each stand  500 . In addition to the stand ring coupler  550 , the stand  500  can include a center tube  502 , two leg tubes  501  and an adjustable post  503 . The adjustable post  503  can have a spring loaded positioning adjustment button  504  mechanism which can selectively lock and unlock into corresponding holes in the center tube  502  to permit adjustment to the position (e.g., height) of the adjustable post  503 . These corresponding holes can be spaced apart from one another along a length of the center tube  502  (e.g., at one inch increments along the longitudinal axis of the center tube  502 ). The adjustable post  503  can slide into center tube  502  in a telescoping arrangement. The stand ring coupler  550  can be positioned at a top portion of the adjustable post  503 , such that adjusting the position of the adjustable post  503  correspondingly adjusts the position of the stand ring coupler  550 . 
     The stand ring coupler  550  can include an angle adjustment ring connector  506 , an angle adjustment post connector  505 , a ring connector anchor  507 , a ring stand connector knob and bolt  508  and a locking nut. The angle adjustment ring connector  506  can couple to (e.g., fit over, as shown in the illustrated embodiment) the ring  401  of the mounting ring  400 . The bolt  508  can extend from the ring connector anchor  507 , to the ring  401 , and to the angle adjustment ring connector  506 . The bolt  508  can be further secured with a locking nut, as appropriate, and the bolt  508  can secure together the ring connector anchor  507 , ring  401 , and angle adjustment ring connector  506 . A channel on the top of the angle adjustment post connector  505  can be provided to receive any extending portion of the bolt  508 . 
     The angle adjustment ring connector  506  can include a circular bevel-gear-shaped face running parallel to the outside of the ring  401  and at which the bolt  508  can be received. A corresponding, complementary gear-shaped face can be present on the top of the angle adjustment post connector  505 . The face on the angle adjustment post connector  505  can include a channel running from a top area to a center area of the bevel gear-shaped face, and the bolt  508  can be received within this channel and protrude out the opposite side of the angle adjustment post connector  505 . The ring stand connector knob  508  can be threaded over the bolt and tightened to connect the stand  500  to the mounting ring  400 . The complementary gear shaped faces can couple (e.g., nest) together. When the ring stand connector knobs  508  at the top region of the stands  500  are loosened, the mounting ring  400  can be released so as to permit adjustment to the orientation of the mounting ring. For example, this can allow the angular orientation of the mounting ring  400 , relative to the stand  500 , to be adjusted as appropriate for a specific user and/or application of the low volume drum set. Then, tightening the ring stand connector knobs  508  can secure the mounting ring  400  at the desired angular orientation relative to the stand  500  (e.g., at preset angular orientation increments of ten degrees). The configuration of the mounting ring  400  as coupled to the stand  500  can be useful in allowing the user to tilt the playing surface, such as the low volume drum head of the low volume drum supported at the mounting ring  400 , to an angular orientation suitable for that user&#39;s style and stature. 
     As shown in the embodiment of  FIGS.  5 E and  5 F , the double tom ring connector  509  can be configured to connect two or more mounting rings  400  together. This can allow two or more low volume drums to be mounted using two stands  500 , as shown, for example, in  FIG.  5 E . In the illustrated example, the ring  401  of each mounting ring  400  can be received through the double tom ring connector  509  at a channel defined therethrough. The two channels defined through the double tom ring connector  509  can be spaced apart and separated by and median wall of the double tom ring connector  509  as to provide added stability to the double tom ring connector  509  and, thus, the interconnection of the two mounting rings and low volume drums supported thereat. 
       FIGS.  6 A- 6 L  illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a snare drum  600 . Except as otherwise described and illustrated here, the snare drum  600  can have features the same as, or similar to, those described and illustrated previously with respect to the snare drum  200  and, as such, like numerals denote like elements. As with the snare drum  200 , the snare drum  600  can, for example, be included in the acoustical drum set  100  or used in isolation. 
       FIGS.  6 A and  6 B  show, respectively, top and bottom portion perspective views of the snare drum  600 . The snare drum  600  includes the low volume drum head  201  and the pellet chamber  202 , for instance as described previously. When struck, the snare drum  600  outputs a relatively low volume sound, due to, for example, the presence of the low volume drum head  201 , as pellets bounce within the pellet chamber  202 , as described previously. The low volume drum head  201  can be positioned at a top of the pellet chamber  202 , and the low volume drum head  201  can be held in place by one or more head latches  611 . In some examples, the low volume drum head  201  can have a smaller size than the head of a traditional snare drum. For example, the low volume drum head  201  can have a diameter of less than twelve inches, such as between eight and twelve inches (e.g., between eight and ten inches, such as nine inches). This relatively smaller sized low volume drum head  201  can be useful in reducing the footprint of the snare drum  600  thereby making the snare drum  600  easier to transport, easier to use with a resonator, and more cost effective to manufacture. 
     The pellet chamber  202  can include one or more chamber sections or components, and the pellet chamber  202  can be supported at the chamber floor plate  205 . Walls  250  of the pellet chamber  202  can define one or more apertures  251  configured to permit sound output from the pellet chamber  202 . Namely, the one or more apertures  251  defined in the walls  250  of the pellet chamber  202  can allow sound to radiate out from the inside of the pellet chamber  202  when the low volume snare drum  200  is struck. 
     As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the snare drum  600  can include a base  604 . The base  604  can be configured to support one or more structures of the snare drum  600 . For example, the base  604  can receive and support one or more (e.g., each) of the drum leg structures  203 A,  203 B. The base  204  can also support a throw off mechanism  605  and associated magnetic choke  606  positioned beneath the chamber floor plate  205 . As will be described further, the magnetic choke  606  can be moved, relative to the chamber floor plate  205 , by the throw off mechanism  605 . The magnetic choke  606  can include one or more magnets  208 , and the one or more magnets  208  can be configured to alter movement of the pellets  212  inside the pellet chamber  202  by imparting a magnetic force between the one or more magnets  208  and the pellets  212  within the pellet chamber  202  and such that changing the extent of this magnetic force (e.g., by moving the one or more magnets  208  closer to or further from the pellet chamber  202  via the throw off mechanism  605 ) changes the degree of movement of the pellets  212  within the pellet chamber  202 . For example, the closer the one or more magnets  208  are to the pellet chamber  202 , the greater the magnetic force between the one or more magnets  208  and the pellets  212  within the pellet chamber  202  and, thus, the lesser degree of movement the pellets  212  have within the pellet chamber  202 . As a result, the snare-like sound produced by the low volume snare drum  600  can have a modified, tighter intensity and shorter duration. Similarly, the further the one or more magnets  208  are from the pellet chamber  202 , the lesser the magnetic force between the one or more magnets  208  and the pellets  212  within the pellet chamber  202  and, thus, the greater degree of movement the pellets  212  have within the pellet chamber  202 . As a result, the snare-like sound produced by the low volume snare drum  600  can have a modified, looser intensity and longer duration. 
     As noted, the head latches  611  can be positioned at, or near, the top of one or more legs  203 A,  203 B. In the illustrated embodiment, head latches  611  are included at a top portion of each of the three total legs  203 A,  203 B. The head latches  611  and associated snare drum leg  203 A,  203 B can be configured so that the head latch  611  can rotate (e.g., pivot) relative to the respective snare drum leg  203 A,  203 B. The head latch  611  can rotate, relative to the respective snare drum leg  203 A,  203 B, between rotatably spaced apart locked and unlocked positions, as will be illustrated and described further. When the head latches  611  are in the unlocked position, the low volume snare drum head  201  can be lifted off the pellet chamber  202  so as to allow for convenient access to the pellet chamber  202 , for instance to inspect and/or change pellets  212 . Changing the type of pellet and/or quantity of pellets  212  can alter the sound of the snare effect output from the low volume snare drum  600 . As such, the head latches  611  can help to allow for customization of the sound output by the low volume snare drum  600 . 
     The magnetic choke  606 , as shown here, can be a flat, generally X-cross-sectional shape, with one or more of the legs of the X shape having one or more recesses to receive a magnet  208 . In the illustrated embodiment, one magnet  208  is included at each of the four legs of the X shape for a total of four magnets  208 . The magnets  208  in the magnetic choke  606  can, for instance, lay parallel to the chamber floor plate  205 . In the illustrated embodiment, each magnet  208  can be placed at a magnet plug  215 , and the magnet plug  215  can be configured to receive and hold the magnet  208  thereat. In some examples, each magnet  208  can be configured to be secured (e.g., removably secured) at a respective magnet plug  215 , and each magnet plug  215  can be configured to be secured (e.g., removably secured) at a respective recess on the magnetic choke  606 . Accordingly, in those embodiments where the magnets  208  are removably secured, this configuration can allow for customization of the low volume snare drum  600  by allowing for different magnets  208  to be interchanged. As previously noted, the magnetic choke  606  can be moved (e.g., up or down) relative to the chamber floor plate  205 , raising or lowering its proximity to the chamber floor plate  205  and, as a result, bringing the one or more magnets  208  closer to or further from the pellet chamber  202  and thus pellets  212  therein. As described above, when the magnetic choke  606  is moved closer to the chamber floor plate  205 , the movement of the pellets  212  inside the pellet chamber  202  can be increasingly restrained, and when the magnetic choke  606  is moved further from the chamber floor plate  205 , the pellets  212  can move more freely. This can allow the drummer to adjust the duration and intensity of the snare buzz (rattle) produced by the low volume snare drum  600 . 
       FIG.  6 C  shows an exploded view of the snare drum  600 . In the illustration at  FIG.  6 C , the throw off mechanism  605  and associated magnetic choke  606  of the snare drum  600  are not shown and instead can be seen in the illustration at subsequent figures. 
     In the illustrated embodiment of the snare drum  600 , the pellet chamber  202  includes a wall structure component  255 , a selective sound control component  260 , and the chamber floor plate  205 . In additional embodiments, the pellet chamber  202  of the snare drum  600  can additionally include a chamber ceiling plate positioned between the selective sound control component  260  and the low volume drum head  201 , and, in such embodiments, the ability to include such a chamber ceiling plate can allow for further acoustical customization as desired. The wall structure component  255  can include the walls  250  and the apertures  251  defined in the walls  250 . In the illustrated embodiment, the wall structure component has multiple (e.g., six) spaced apart aperture regions  258  where the apertures  251  are defined in the walls  250 . In between the aperture regions  258  are wall regions  259  where no apertures  251  are present. Thus, the aperture regions  258  are spaced apart from one another by the wall regions  259 . In fact, in the specific example illustrated, the aperture regions  258  and the wall regions  259  alternate around a perimeter of the pellet chamber  202 . The selective sound control component  260  can include one or more blocking baffles  261  and one or more actuation members  262 . The selective sound control component  260  can be movably secured to the wall structure component  255  such that the selective sound control component  260  can move relative to the wall structure component  255 . Namely, the selective sound control component  260  can be moved relative to the wall structure component  255  to selectively open or close some or all of the apertures  251 . For example, the selective sound control component  260  can be moved relative to the wall structure component  255  to align one or more of the blocking baffles  261  at at least a portion of one or more of the aperture regions  258  to thereby impede the output of sound from the pellet chamber  202 . Similarly, the selective sound control component  260  can be moved relative to the wall structure component  255  to align one or more of the blocking baffles  261  at at least a portion of one or more of the wall regions  259  to thereby permit the output of sound from the pellet chamber  202 . In the illustrated embodiment, the one or more actuation members  262  can be positioned at an outer perimeter of the wall structure component  255 , and the one or more blocking baffles can be positioned at an inner perimeter of the wall structure component  255 . The one or more actuation members  262  can be used by a user (e.g., by pushing or pulling the actuation member  262 ) to move the blocking baffles  261  relative to the apertures  251  to thereby control sound output from the pellet chamber  202 . 
     Also in the illustrated embodiment, the snare drum  600  includes a rim  660 . The rim  600  can be made, at least in part, of a metallic material (e.g., aluminum) suitable for desired sound output upon being struck by a drum stick. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the rim  660  can be secured in place at the snare drum  600 , and spaced apart from the low volume drum head  201 , by securement arms  209 A and securement bases  209 B. The head latches  611  can be rotatably (e.g., pivotally) connected to the securement arms  209 A. Each of the securement arms  209 A includes a rim receptacle  661 , and each of the securement bases  209 B includes a rim receptacle  662 . A corresponding securement arm  209 A can be aligned with a corresponding securement base  209 B such that the respective rim receptacles  661 ,  662  are aligned with one another. And, the rim  660  can be received at the rim receptacle  661  of each of the securement arms  209 A and at the rim receptacle  662  of each of the securement bases  209 B to thereby secure the rim  660  in place at the snare drum  600 . In the illustrated embodiment, the securement arms  209 A and the securement bases  209 B are configured to secure the rim  660  in place at the snare drum  600  such that the rim  660  lies in a plane that extends parallel to a plane in which the low volume drum head  201  lies. 
       FIGS.  6 D- 6 G  illustrate the throw off mechanism  605 . More specifically,  FIG.  6 D  shows a perspective view of the throw off mechanism  605  and associated magnetic choke  606  of the snare drum  600 ,  FIG.  6 E  shows an exploded view of the throw off mechanism  605  and associated magnetic choke  606 ,  FIG.  6 F  shows a perspective view of the throw off mechanism  605  in one exemplary off position, and  FIG.  6 G  shows a perspective view of the throw off mechanism  605  in one exemplary on position. 
     As noted, the magnetic choke  606  can be moved, relative to the chamber floor plate  205 , by the throw off mechanism  605 . The throw off mechanism  605  can include a throw off lever  670 , a throw off actuation arm  671 , and a throw off support member  672 . The throw off lever  670  can be connected to the throw off actuation arm  671  via a throw off gear  673 . In particular, the throw off gear  673  can include a first set of teeth  674  that mesh with a second set of teeth  675  on the throw off actuation arm  671 . The throw off actuation arm  671  can be configured to transfer a motive force from the throw off lever  670  to the magnetic choke  606 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the throw off actuation arm  671  is in contact with the magnetic choke  606  such that the throw off actuation arm  671  can act to move the magnetic choke  606  toward and away from the pellet chamber  202  (e.g., toward and away from the chamber floor plate  205 ) as the throw off lever  670  is moved. The throw off support member  672  can be configured to serve as a stop support for the magnetic choke  606  such that the magnetic choke  606  comes to rest at the throw off support member  672  and may not move further away from the pellet chamber  202  than the location at which the throw off support member  672  is located. 
     The throw off support member  672  can be movable independent of the throw off lever  670  (and the throw off support member  672  can also movable independent of the throw off gear  672  and throw off actuation arm  671 ). The throw off support member  672  can be supported at an adjustment shaft  676  which can be movable in a direction  677  such that as the adjustment shaft  676  moved in the direction  677  so too does the throw off support member  672 . For example, an adjustment shaft actuator  678  can be included as part of the throw off mechanism  605  to cause the adjustment shaft  676  to selectively move in the direction  677 . In one such embodiment, the adjustment shaft actuator  678  can be a knob that is rotated by a user to cause the adjustment shaft  676  to move in the direction  677  such that turning the adjustment shaft actuator  678  in one direction about a longitudinal axis of the adjustment shaft  676  causes the adjustment shaft  676 , and thus the throw off support member  672 , to move toward the pellet chamber  202  and turning the adjustment shaft actuator  678  in another, opposite direction about the longitudinal axis of the adjustment shaft  676  causes the adjustment shaft  676 , and thus the throw off support member  672 , to move away from pellet chamber  202 . To provide further support to the adjustment shaft  676 , a leg support  679  can be included to help provide additional stability to the adjustment shaft  676 . The leg support  679  can include a holding aperture  680  through which the adjustment shaft  676  can extend and move relative to. The positioning of the throw off support member  672  can thus be adjusted to define a further stopping point for the magnetic choke  606  from the pellet chamber  202 . 
     The throw off lever  670  can be actuated and, as a result, cause the magnetic choke  606  to move relative to the pellet chamber  202 . For example,  FIG.  6 F  shows the throw off mechanism  605  in one exemplary off position. To bring the throw off mechanism  605  to the exemplary off position, the throw off lever  670  can be moved in the direction  681 . As the throw off lever  670  is moved (e.g., pivoted) in a direction  681 , the throw off gear  673  can be caused to rotate, also in the direction  681 , about a throw off gear bearing  682  coupled to a bushing  683 , and thereby the first set of teeth  674  continue to mesh with additional teeth of the second set of teeth  675  (e.g., in a direction toward a bottom portion of the throw off actuation arm  671  and away from the pellet chamber  202 ). This rotation of the throw off lever  670  in the direction  681  can cause the throw off actuation arm  671  to move toward the pellet chamber  202  and, as a result, also move the magnetic choke  606  toward the pellet chamber  202  to an off position of the throw off mechanism  605 . When the throw off mechanism  605  is in an off position, the magnetic choke  606  can be adjacent the pellet chamber  202 , and thus adjacent (e.g., in contact with) the chamber floor plate  205 . In the throw off mechanism off position, the magnets  208  at the magnetic choke  606  can impart a magnetic force on the pellets  212  in the pellet chamber  202  to cause the pellets  212  to resist movement within the pellet chamber  202  due to the imparted magnetic force. As a result, the throw off mechanism off position can eliminate, or reduce, movement of the pellets  212  within the pellet chamber  202  and, thereby, eliminate, of reduce, the “snare” sound that would otherwise be output from the pellet chamber  212  when the low volume drum head  201  is struck. 
     As shown in  FIG.  6 G , the throw off mechanism  605  is in one exemplary on position. To bring the throw off mechanism  605  to the exemplary on position, the throw off lever  670  can be moved in a direction  682 . As the throw off lever  670  is moved (e.g., pivoted) in the direction  682 , the throw off gear  673  can be caused to rotate, also in the direction  682 , about the throw off gear bearing  682  coupled to the bushing  683 , and thereby the first set of teeth  674  continue to mesh with additional teeth of the second set of teeth  675  (e.g., in a direction away from the bottom portion of the throw off actuation arm  671  and toward the pellet chamber  202 ). This rotation of the throw off lever  670  in the direction  682  can cause the throw off actuation arm  671  to move away from the pellet chamber  202  and, as a result, also move the magnetic choke  606  away from the pellet chamber  202  to an on position of the throw off mechanism  605 . When the throw off mechanism  605  is in an on position, the magnetic choke  606  can rest at the throw off support member  672  and be spaced apart from the pellet chamber, and thus spaced apart from the chamber floor plate  205 . In the throw off mechanism on position, the magnets  208  at the magnetic choke  606  can be spaced far enough from the pellets  212  in the pellet chamber  202  such that any magnetic force imparted on the pellets  212  is insufficient to substantially resist movement of the pellets  212  in the pellet chamber  202 . As a result, the throw off mechanism on position can position the magnetic choke  606  further from the pellet chamber  202 , than in the throw off mechanism off position, such that the pellets  212  within the pellet chamber  202  can move more freely, than in the throw off mechanism off position, and create the “snare” sound output from the pellet chamber  202  when the low volume drum head  201  is struck. As one example, the throw off mechanism on position can position the magnetic choke  606  relative to the pellet chamber  202  such that some magnetic force from the one or more magnets  208  is imparted on the pellets  212  are free to bounce within the pellet chamber  202  when the low volume drum head  201  is struck yet prevented from freely rolling around, due to the imparted magnetic force, when the snare drum  600  is not being played. 
     In some embodiments, such as that illustrated, the throw off support member  672  can include a throw off magnet  685 . The throw off magnet  685  can be positioned at the throw off support member  672  such that the throw off magnet  685  has its polarity directed in the same orientation as the magnets  208  at the magnetic choke  606 . In this way, the throw off magnet  685  can act to attract the magnetic choke  606  via the magnetic attraction force between the throw off magnet  685  and the magnets  208  at the magnetic choke  606 . Accordingly, the throw off magnet  685  may be useful in retaining the magnetic choke  606  at the throw off support member  672  and thus in retaining the throw off mechanism  605  is in an on position. As one example, the magnets  208  and the throw off magnet  685  can be neodymium magnets, though in other examples other types of magnets can be suitable for use. 
     As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the snare drum  600  can include three leg structures  203 A,  203 B, this forming a tripod leg support for the snare drum  600 . The tripod leg support can be useful in suitably balancing the snare drum  600  for use and can allow for the inclusion of one or more leg adjustment features to permit support adjustment for the snare drum  600  at various (e.g., nonuniform) surface elevations.  FIG.  6 H  shows an exploded view of an adjustable leg structure  690  of the snare drum  600 . In some examples, each of the three leg structures  203 A,  203 B can include the adjustable leg structure  690 . 
     The adjustable leg structure  690  includes a movable foot  691 , a foot locking mechanism  692 , and one or more (e.g., two) surface foot supports  693 . A pin shaft  694  can extend through the movable foot  691  and surface foot supports  693 , and the pin shaft  694  can receive thereat a pin  695  to couple the surface foot supports  693  to the movable foot  691 . The movable foot  691  can include a leg fitting  697  that is received at a foot receptacle  696  defined at the leg  203 B. The leg fitting  697  can move relative to the foot receptacle  696  such that the movable foot  691  can move relative to the leg  203 B and thereby cause the surface foot supports  693  to move out from, and inward toward, the leg  203 B. The foot locking mechanism  692  can be actuated (e.g., pivoted) to both lock the movable foot  691  in place relative to the leg  203 B and unlock the movable foot  691  so that the movable foot  691  can move relative to the leg  203 B. As noted, multiple (e.g., each) of the legs,  203 A,  203 B can include the adjustable leg structure  690  which can allow the snare drum  600  to be suitably adjusted to provide a stable playing surface despite the underlying support surface at which the snare drum is rested. 
     As noted, the illustrated embodiment of the snare drum  600  includes three legs  203 A,  203 B. These three legs include one leg  203 A associated with the throw off mechanism  605  and two legs  203 B. In some examples, such as that shown here, one or both of the legs  203 B can include a carrying handle  698 . The carrying handle  698  can be a slot defined at the leg  203 B and configured to receive a hand of a user therein to hold and carry the snare drum  600 . Also in some examples, such as that shown here, one or both of the legs  203 B can include one or more weight receptacles  699 . The one or more weight receptacles  699  can be slots defined at the leg  203 B and configured to receive one or more weight elements to thereby add additional mass to the snare drum  600 . Such additional mass can be useful for stabilizing the snare drum  600  in place. Also, such additional mass from adding one or more weight elements at corresponding one or more weight receptacles  699  can be useful in altering the sound output by the snare drum  600  since this added mass can allow more efficient conversion of strike force via a drum stick into acoustic waves emanating from the snare drum  600 . Moreover, the weight receptacles  699  can allow for selective and convenient use of weight elements at the snare drum such that the sound output from the snare drum  600  can be more customized without adding complexities to transport or assembly of the snare drum  600 . 
       FIGS.  6 I and  6 J  show a securement structure  700  for removably retaining the rim  660  at the snare drum  600 .  FIG.  6 I  is a perspective view of the securement structure  700  in a locked position at the leg  203 B of the snare drum  600 . And,  FIG.  6 J  is a perspective view of the securement structure  700  in an unlocked position where the rim  660  can be removed from the snare drum  600 . When the securement structure  700  is in the unlocked position, the low volume drum head  201  can also be removed from the snare drum  600 . 
     The securement structure  700  can include the securement arm  209 A, the securement base  209 B, and a securement arm connector  701 . In the illustrated embodiment, the securement arm  209 A can include the head latch  611 . As shown in  FIG.  6 I , the head latch  611  is in a locked position, which can act to secure the rim  660  at the snare drum  600 . For example, when the head latch  611  is in the locked position, the head latch  611  can be configured to lock the securement arm  209 A at the leg  203 B to secure the rim  660  at the snare drum  600 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  6 J , the head latch  611  can be actuated to an unlocked position. For example, the head latch  611  can be actuated to the unlocked position by rotating (e.g., pivoting) the head latch  611  relative to the securement arm  209 A. When the head latch  611  is in the unlocked position, the rim  660  can be removed from the snare drum  600 . 
     As seen best in  FIG.  6 J , the leg  203 B includes the securement arm connector  701 . The securement arm connector  701  can form a connector complementary to a corresponding connector at the securement arm  209 A such that the securement arm connector  701  is configured to couple to the securement arm  209 A. In the illustrated example, the securement arm  209 A is configured to slide into a slot defined at the securement arm connector  701 , and the head latch  611  is located so as to interface with the securement arm connector  701  when the securement arm  209 A is at the slot defined at the securement arm connector  701 . This coupling of the securement arm  209 A at the securement arm connector  701 , along with the head latch  611  actuated to the locked position, can be configured to retain the rim  660  at the snare drum  600 . 
       FIGS.  6 K and  6 L  show an accessory holding mechanism  705  and an accessory  706  to be secured, via the accessory holding mechanism  705 , at the snare drum  600 . Specifically,  FIG.  6 K  is an exploded view the accessory holding mechanism  705  of the snare drum  600 , and  FIG.  6 L  is a perspective view of the accessory holding mechanism  705  secured at the snare drum  600 . In the illustrated embodiment, the accessory  706  is shown as a woodblock. Though, in other examples, the accessory  706  can be any variety of various types of percussion or other musical instruments, including a bell, clave, pipe, etc. 
     The accessory holding mechanism  705  can include an arm bracket  707  and an accessory holding lever  708 . The arm bracket  707  is configured to be secured at the securement arm  209 A, for example at an end portion of the securement arm  209 A opposite the head latch  611 . As shown in  FIG.  6 K , one or more retention pins can be used to secure the arm bracket  707  at the securement arm  209 A. The accessory holding lever  708  can be rotatably coupled to the arm bracket  707  such that the accessory holding lever  708  can rotate (e.g., pivot) relative to the arm bracket  707 . The accessory  706  can also be coupled to the arm bracket  707 . Thus, the arm bracket  707  can include both a holding lever connector portion  709  and an accessory connector portion  710 , where the holding lever connector portion  709  is configured to secure to the accessory holding lever  708  and the accessory connector portion  710  is configured to secure to the accessory  706 . As seen in  FIG.  6 K , the arm bracket  707  can also include an arm connector portion  711  that is configured to secure to the securement arm  209 A. In some examples, such as that illustrated here, each of the holding lever connector portion  709 , accessory connector portion  710 , and arm connector portion  711  can be spaced apart and define three separate connector portions. 
     The arm bracket  707  can be coupled to the securement arm  209 A by securing the arm connector portion  711  at an arm bracket connector portion  712 . With the arm bracket  707  placed at the securement arm  209 A and the accessory holding lever  708  secured at the arm bracket  707 , the accessory holding lever  708  can be actuated to a locked position, such as that shown in  FIG.  6 L . When in the locked position, the accessory holding lever  708  can be configured to lock the arm bracket  707  in place at the securement arm  209 A. With the holding lever  708  in the locked position, the accessory  706  can be secured at the accessory holding mechanism  705 . In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the accessory connector portion  710  can be configured to couple to the accessory  706  so as to retain the accessory  706  at the accessory holding mechanism  705 , and thus at the snare drum  600 . In this way, the accessory holding mechanism  705  can be useful in providing a quick and easy way to provide an accessory musical instrument at the snare drum  600 , and the accessory holding mechanism  705  can allow the particular accessory musical instrument to be easily interchanged with other accessory musical instruments at the snare drum  600 . 
     Various non-limiting exemplary embodiments have been described. It will be appreciated that suitable alternatives are possible without departing from the scope of the examples described herein.