Drums and percussion instruments are an essential part of music across cultures and genres. While they are often associated with rhythmic accompaniment, they can also be used for melody, harmony, and texture. In this article, we will explore what drums and percussion instruments are, their history and evolution, and their roles in music.

Drums are membranophones, which means they produce sound by vibrating a stretched membrane or skin. The most basic drum consists of a hollowed-out object with a membrane stretched over one or both ends. The sound is produced when the membrane is struck with a hand or a drumstick. Drums can vary in size and shape, and can be made from materials such as wood, metal, and plastic.

Percussion instruments, on the other hand, produce sound by being struck, shaken, or scraped. They can be made from a wide variety of materials, including wood, metal, and animal hides. Percussion instruments can be divided into two categories: idiophones and membranophones. Idiophones are instruments that produce sound by vibrating the entire instrument, such as bells and maracas. Membranophones are instruments that, like drums, produce sound by vibrating a membrane or skin.

The history of drums and percussion instruments dates back thousands of years. They have been used in many cultures for various purposes, such as communication, ritual, and entertainment. The earliest drums were likely made from animal hides stretched over hollowed-out logs. As civilizations developed, drums and percussion instruments became more sophisticated, with different shapes, sizes, and materials being used.

Drums and percussion instruments play an important role in many musical genres, from classical to rock to world music. In many cultures, they are used to accompany dance and other forms of performance art. They can also be used for solo performances, as well as for creating complex rhythms in ensemble settings.

Drums and percussion instruments can be used for a variety of musical purposes, such as creating rhythm and groove, adding texture and color, and providing accents and punctuation. In some styles of music, such as jazz and world music, they can also be used for improvisation and soloing.

Here are some companies that manufacture drums and percussion.

Pearl Drums - Pearl Drums is a renowned manufacturer of drum kits and percussion instruments. The company was founded in Japan in 1946 and has since expanded to become a global leader in the industry. Pearl's drum kits are known for their high-quality sound and durability, and are used by musicians across all genres of music. The company offers a wide range of products including drum sets, snare drums, hardware, and accessories. Pearl also produces electronic drums, marching percussion, and orchestral percussion instruments. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, Pearl continues to set the standard for drum and percussion instruments worldwide.

Mapex Drums: Mapex Drums is a leading brand in the drumming industry, known for their high-quality acoustic and electronic drums, hardware, and accessories. Founded in 1989, Mapex has earned a reputation for innovation and excellence in design and sound. They offer a wide range of drum sets, from entry-level to professional-grade, that cater to different playing styles and genres. Mapex's signature drum sets include the Saturn V, Black Panther, and Armory series, all of which boast superior sound quality and durability. Additionally, the company offers a vast selection of hardware, including pedals, stands, and racks, as well as percussion accessories such as cymbals and drum heads.

Meinl Cymbals: Meinl Cymbals is a renowned brand of high-quality cymbals and percussion instruments that has been in the industry for over 60 years. The company offers a wide range of cymbals, including ride, crash, hi-hat, splash, china, and effects cymbals, all of which are made from top-grade materials and crafted with precision to deliver superior sound and performance. Meinl Cymbals cater to the needs of different drummers and music genres, from jazz to metal to Latin music, and are trusted by professional musicians and drummers worldwide.

Meinl Percussion - Meinl Percussion is a German-based percussion company that produces a wide range of instruments, including cymbals, percussion, and accessories. They are known for their commitment to quality and sustainability, and they use only environmentally friendly materials in their production process. They also have a strong focus on education and offer a wide range of instructional resources for percussionists of all levels.

Latin Percussion: Latin Percussion refers to the family of percussion instruments commonly used in Latin music genres such as salsa, merengue, and samba. These instruments include bongos, congas, timbales, maracas, and guiro, among others. They are typically made from wood or metal and produce a wide range of rhythmic and tonal variations. Latin Percussion is characterized by its intricate rhythms and improvisational nature, requiring skilled players who can weave complex rhythms into a cohesive musical experience. The sounds of Latin percussion are essential to the vibrancy and energy of Latin music, adding depth and texture to the music and providing a foundation for dancers to move to the beat.

In conclusion, drums and percussion instruments are an integral part of music across cultures and genres. From the earliest drums made from animal hides,  to the modern electronic drum sets, drums and percussion instruments have continued to evolve and play a vital role in music. Whether used for rhythm, melody, harmony, or texture, they add depth and complexity to music and are essential for any musician or music lover to understand.

When you purchase any drums and percussion instruments from Furtados Music, you can expect to receive a high-quality instrument that has been thoroughly inspected and tested by our expert staff.  Overall, Furtados Music is a reputable music retailer that provides high-quality instruments, exceptional customer service, and a wide range of services to help you make the most of your purchase.