Andy the idea of the thinner shell resonance always intrigues me, all things being equal (construction method, shell thickness, hardware mass etc...) how would you describe the sound characteristics e.g. tone color, response, dynamic range- of maple vs walnut vs mahogany?
Thanks for asking such a simple to answer question Jeremy - NOT!!!
All things being equal, so as not to derail this thread, here's the abridged version using your categories:
Maple:
Tone colour = fairly bright highs, pronounced midrange, balanced lows, medium length note.
Response = that's a construction issue.
Dynamic range = broad, but hugely influenced by other factors
Walnut:
Tone colour = muted highs, balanced midrange, enhanced lows - short length note.
Response = that's a construction issue.
Dynamic range = medium, but hugely influenced by other factors
Mahogany (African):
Tone colour = balanced - slightly muted highs, balanced upper midrange, enhanced lower midrange & upper lows, balanced lows, medium length note.
Response = that's a construction issue.
Dynamic range = broad but hugely influenced by other factors
Hope that helps
Back to Ronn's excellent drums please.