Description

Designed by The Early Music Shop of Bradford, England, this cylindrical drum features two heads, one equipped with a snare. When struck with drumsticks, the snare adds a vibrational element to the drum’s sound. Characterized by a tension rim that holds the skin head, and a snare positioned on the bottom head, this drum style has a rich history as a traditional military instrument. During the Renaissance period in England, similar drums were known as tabors. In the United States, the shallow tabor associated with the American Revolutionary War is sometimes referred to as a tom-tom. In France during the 18th century, these drums were known as tambours or tabrets and were closely linked to political resistance and rebellions against the French monarchy.

As a military instrument, this drum was frequently employed in conjunction with a wooden or metal pipe, played by a single individual, akin to a one-man band. The three-hole pipe was held and played with one hand, while the other handheld the drumstick and played the tabor suspended from the wrist, shoulder, or arm. Such snare drums remained an integral part of military bands until the 19th century, when they transitioned into orchestral instruments.

Presently, this style of snare drum is commonly utilized in parades and processions. Originally crafted from solid timber, these drums were quite heavy. Modern replicas, crafted from aesthetically pleasing half-inch laminates for strength and lightweight, feature mulberry top and bottom rings. Each drum comes equipped with a pair of drumsticks and a brass hook for suspending the drum from a belt or strap while playing.