Concert percussion instruments have benefitted from a number of innovative design and material improvements in recent years and educators, student musicians, and professional performers are more able to find the equipment that suits their needs easier than ever. These large instruments don’t display easily, however, and the market is highly specific, requiring a more nuanced and targeted approach from both suppliers and retailers.
We recently spoke with reps from three of the biggest names in this segment of MI to learn specifically about trends impacting some of more “boomy” and “low end” instruments in concert percussion: symphonic concert bass drums and concert toms.
Have there been any significant, recent developments in the design and manufacturing of Concert Toms & Symphonic Concert Bass Drums?
Nic Milliner: In recent years, the design and manufacturing of concert toms and symphonic concert bass drums have seen notable advancements aimed at enhancing tonal quality, resonance, and durability. Focusing on innovative shell compositions, bearing edge designs, and mounting systems to meet the evolving demands of performers.
At Majestic, with the Prophonic Series Concert Toms, for example, the integration of hybrid shell materials such as combining maple and walnut leverages the bright, articulate characteristics of maple with the warm, rich tones of walnut, resulting in a more balanced and versatile sound suitable for a wider range of performance settings. Refined bearing edges over the years have also enhanced the drumhead’s contact with the shell, promoting better sustain and tonal clarity as well as a much more stable and wide tuning range.
Modern suspension mounting systems have been developed to maximize a drum’s resonance by minimizing contact between the hardware and shell, allowing the drum to vibrate more freely and produce a fuller, more resonant tone. While tom suspension systems have been a focus in drum kit design for years, their impact on concert drums is often overlooked. For concert bass drums specifically, achieving the perfect balance of low end, projection, tone, and sustain is crucial. A large, somewhat thin shell designed to resonate freely won’t perform optimally on a basic metal X-stand with nylon straps. The development of advanced suspension systems has greatly enhanced the sound quality, unlocking the drum’s full potential.
Joel Tetzlaff: The most recent changes to the market include high-end mounting systems and hardware upgrades. Including dual-headed toms instead of single-headed concert toms is more of a trend. Yamaha is focused more on creating larger sounds with 36-inch bass drums that have a little bit more impact or punch while using fewer resources than larger drums. We’ve also created a line of floor bass drums or impact drums sizes 18/20/22/ 24 inches that bridge the gap between concert tom and full-size concert bass drums, used in many percussion ensembles. They provide a consistent sound and look for the ensemble.
Jeff Huffman: Concert toms in the past were typically only single-headed drums, but double-headed concert toms have become much more popular over the past decade. While deeper and larger diameter concert bass drums gained in popularity for a while, the trend now seems to be leaning back more toward the traditional 36”x22” size.
What are some features that today’s players of these types of drums are looking for?
JT: We focus on the sound of the drums and the hardware experience, as positioning concert toms and bass drums is extremely important, especially with unique percussion ensemble literature. It’s common to see various sizes of toms split into smaller groupings, splitting parts among several players. Ensuring the drums are easily adaptable to any configuration or setup is essential for the player and the performance. While creating unique sounds like the impact bass drums that can punctuate a low-end fundamental and reach mid-low fundamentals. For concert bass drums, we feel it’s important that the hardware allows the position of the drum to stay in place without interfering with the performer. Our goal with the current concert drums is the simplicity of movement and positioning.
JH: Depending on the concert setting and sound desired for a specific piece of music, players will either choose single headed drums for the quick cut and articulation, or double-sided toms for a more full, resonant sound. Concert tom mounting specs can also play into the resonance of the shell. The Tama Flexi-Mount allows the shell to resonate more freely, providing full sustain and a smooth decay.
NM: Today’s concert percussionists seek instruments that offer a balance of tonal richness, projection, and versatility. In concert toms, players often prefer shells that deliver both warmth and articulation, along with mounting systems that maximize sustain while remaining practical for various setups. The choice between single- and double-headed designs is driven by performance context, with single-headed toms favored for clarity and attack, while double-headed versions provide more depth and resonance.
For symphonic bass drums, players look for deep, resonant tones, making shell composition and bearing edge design critical. Suspension systems that allow the drum to vibrate freely are highly valued, as are frame options that accommodate a wide range of setups, allowing for both traditional and more experimental multi-percussion configurations. Ease of transport and durability remain key considerations, particularly in educational and touring environments as well.
For your brand, what are the hottest selling of these toms and bass drums?
JH: For concert toms, the CCLT4M Mid-Range set of Double-Head Maple concert toms has been our best-selling. For concert bass drums, schools typically use the same drum for marching band and concert band, so the BSBD04T 36”x22” Maple Concert Bass on Field Frame tends to be our most popular. This drum is available on a suspended concert frame as well.
NM: Majestic’s Concert Black Series and Prophonic Series remain strong performers in their respective markets. The Concert Black Series Concert Toms are particularly popular with schools and institutions due to their durability, projection, and practical single-headed design. Likewise, the Concert Black Series Bass Drums – available in both concert and field configurations – are widely chosen for their rugged build and versatility in both indoor and outdoor settings.
On the professional side, the Prophonic Concert Toms continue to gain traction among percussionists who require a richer, more nuanced sound. The availability of both single- and double-headed options allows them to adapt to diverse performance settings, from orchestral and wind ensembles to chamber and solo multi-percussion works. The Prophonic Bass Drums, with their proprietary suspended frame system, remain a favorite for ensembles seeking maximum resonance and tonal depth.
This balance of rugged reliability for educational use and refined craftsmanship for professional applications keeps Majestic’s concert toms and bass drums in high demand across a broad range of players.
JT: The best sellers for our percussion line are still the single-headed 8000 concert toms and 7000 concert bass drums, perfect for High School and Collegiate levels; the products offer tremendous value with exceptional hardware. Make sure that the drums are easy to position and stable for the lifetime of use.
What are some effective strategies when it comes to displaying and promoting these drums on the MI retailer side of the equation?
JT: They are typically bid products for schools and institutions. There are only a few educators shows that Yamahas may display. Our schools service music dealers, and road representatives are always looking for opportunities to help educators find the right product; this has been the most effective way to get this in front of educators who are looking to replace older gear or augment their current gear.
NM: The reality is that many retailers don’t have the space to fully set up and display large concert percussion instruments, so it’s on us as the manufacturer to find creative ways to showcase them to the right audiences. The last several months, we’ve made a point to feature our Prophonic Series drums in our physical displays at some of the most well-attended trade shows, including PASIC, Midwest, and TMEA. These events provide key opportunities for educators and performers to see and hear the instruments in a real-world setting.
Beyond trade shows, we’re continuing to invest in beautiful photography, high-quality video content, and artist-driven social media activity to highlight the sound, construction, and performance applications of these instruments. We’re also looking for more opportunities to get them in front of players through performances, clinics, and other events that allow audiences to experience them firsthand.
By combining these efforts, we’re making sure that even if a retailer can’t display these drums in-store, they still have the tools to effectively promote them to their customers.
Does your brand have any recent or upcoming models of either Concert Toms or Symphonic Concert Bass Drums you’d like to spotlight?
NM: We have been highlighting two models recently: The 28” Prophonic Concert Bass Drum and the Prophonic Single Headed Concert Toms. The 28” Prophonic Concert Bass Drum (MPB2818) is incredibly versatile, thanks to its thin walnut shell, which allows it to achieve a deep low note while maintaining excellent projection. Chris Lamb used one in his presentation at The Midwest in 2023, and we received such a great response from that drum’s sound and the uniqueness of the mounting system that we have continued to showcase it since at our main trade events.
The Prophonic Single Headed Toms have such a rich tone that players find they can really make them speak in a variety of ways just based on how they slightly adjust their touch or the implement they use. We also find that there are so many drum set players these days that are interested in adding this color to their setup but are not familiar with these drums. When they see and hear them, they are blown away by the sound and feel. So, for that reason, we are continuing to feature them as much as possible.
JT: The most recent addition to our concert percussion lineup is the floor bass or impact bass drums, which are essential to helping percussion ensemble literature and even front ensembles for the marching arts. At the same time, this product allows ensembles to have a professional sound and look with their existing concert toms and concert bass drums.
JH: Our most recent addition was our CCLT Single-Headed Maple Concert Toms. The drums feature our Direct Flexi-Mount, along with our Roadpro tom stands which feature our Stilt system and individual tom height extension, to give endless setup options for the multi-percussion setting.
Thoughts on this market segment and B&O percussion, overall, in the coming months?
JT: The educational percussion market is stable, and while we feel there is growth potential for Yamaha products, the overall demand is consistent with last year.
NM: The B&O segment is typically one where we see consistent demand, driven largely by institutional bids. However, in light of recent economic uncertainty, we’re noticing some shifts in the market. There seems to be less demand for specific products that appeal more to professionals or hobbyists, especially those with crossover appeal. On the other hand, for the most part institutional purchases remain steady, as schools, universities, and orchestras continue to invest in high-quality concert percussion instruments.
