GB2539223A

GB2539223A - Percussion instrument

Info

Publication number: GB2539223A
Application number: GB1510034.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Bragen Howard
Original assignee: LOGJAM MUSIC Ltd
Current assignee: LOGJAM MUSIC Ltd
Priority date: 2015-06-09
Filing date: 2015-06-09
Publication date: 2016-12-14
Also published as: GB201510034D0

Abstract

The drum 1 comprises a chamber comprising a housing, one surface of which is a percussion surface 2, and a snare 5 comprising a strand, the strand being compressed such that it bows towards the percussion surface. The drum may have a plurality of strands, each being parallel and metal, with their apexes contacting the percussion surface. The drum may have a slotted snare bracket and a wing nut or screw 17, 18 for adjusting the snare. The snare may be mounted on angled blocks 11, 13. The percussion surface may be attached to the housing by screws. The drum may be connectable to an amplifier, microphone or transducer. Also claimed is an amplified instrument system comprising the drum and an amplifier. Also claimed is a stage, comprising a percussion surface floor, a snare comprising a strand, the strand being compressed such that it bows towards the stage. Also claimed is a method of constructing the drum.

Description

PERCUSSION INSTRUMENT

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a percussion instrument, particularly a foot snare drum.

Background

Musicians, particularly guitarists, often want to be able to produce a drum beat to accompany their music. Originally this was achieved by tapping a microphone positioned on the floor to provide a basic drum-like sound. This simple method has since been replaced by foot operated percussion instruments that more accurately mimic the sound of a bass drum.

Stompers are well known percussion instruments that generally consist of a small wooden box that forms a resonance chamber. When tapped with a foot a stomper produces a bass drum sound. Typically a microphone, or a transducer, is placed inside the box to allow the sound to be amplified.

So far, however, stompers has not been able to replicate the more complicated sound of a snare drum. An alternative method of operating a synthesised drum sound with a foot pedal has been used, but does not produce the authentic snare drum sound. A real snare is needed to produce a true snare drum rattle.

Snares are generally fitted inside drums in one of two ways. In a traditional snare drum, a snare, consisting of one or more wires, is tensioned across the resonant surface of the drum. US7956266 provides an example of this type of fitting. A second type of fitting uses a snare that is open at one end, making a snare "carpet". The open ends of the wires of the "carpet" rest against the tapping surface of the drum. This method is typically employed in a cajon, as described for example in US7482522 B2.

Both of these methods provide snares that are adapted to produce a rattle in a large resonant chamber, not the small chamber of a stomper. It has been found that when the traditional methods are used to fit a snare in a stomper-like instrument, the sound produced does not match that of a normal snare drum.

One solution to this problem would be to increase the size of the stomper, and hence the size of the resonant chamber. This is not desirable, however, as a stomper must be small to be easily portable. There is therefore a need for a new method of fitting a snare into a small percussion instrument that produces a snare drum sound.

An additional problem of such a small resonance chamber is that small variations in the size of components will have a large effect on the sound produced by the instrument. Providing more precisely machined components to overcome this problem is prohibitively expensive.

Summary of the Invention

in accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided a percussion instrument comprising: a chamber comprising a housing, one surface of which is a percussion surface; and a snare comprising a strand; wherein the strand of the snare is under compression such that it bows towards the percussion surface. Alternatively the snare may comprise a plurality of strands, the strands of the snare being under compression such that they bow towards the percussion surface.

It has been found that by compressing the snare so that it bows, rather than placing the snare under tension as traditionally used, a more accurate snare drum sound may be produced by a small, stomper style, percussion instrument. Striking the percussion surface of the instrument transfers the impact to the bowed snare, which produces the rattle sound.

When compressed, the strands of the snare are preferably substantially parallel to each other. Preferably only a small amount of compression is applied to the snare. If the snare is compressed too much, the stands may distort and possibly cross over each other, affecting the quality of the sound.

The apex of the bowed strands may be in contact with the percussion surface even when the percussion surface has not been struck. Alternatively, the apex may be adjacent to the percussion surface, with a small gap between the apex and the percussion surface in such arrangements, striking the percussion surface causes a small deformation of the percussion surface so that the percussion surface is temporarily in contact with the snare, causing the snare to vibrate and produce a rattle sound.

The apex in contact with the percussion surface, either at rest or when the surface is struck, may comprise only a single point or narrow section of each strand of the snare, such that the compressed snare is shaped like a parabola, possibly slightly flattened parabola. Alternatively the apex in contact with the percussion surface may comprise a larger section of each strand, so that a substantially flat section of the strand rests against the percussion surface.

The bowed strands may be substantially symmetrical about the apex of the bow. In this arrangement a traditional snare drum sound may be replicated by the instrument. In alternative embodiments however, the bowed strands may be made asymmetrical about the apex. This may produce a different rattle sound to the symmetrical embodiment.

in some embodiments, the instrument may further comprise an adjustment means for adjusting the compression applied to the snare. The adjustment means may comprise a slotted snare bracket and a clamping member. The clamping member may be screw threaded; for example the clamping member may be a screw or a wingnut.

By providing an adjustment means for the snare, each individual instrument may be tuned to ensure it produces the desired sound. This may allow the problems associated with the manufacturing tolerances of the component parts to be overcome without requiring expensive, carefully machined components. Each instrument may be optimised to correct for small differences in component dimensions, such as snare length and/or the exact size of the chamber/housing.

The adjustment means may be operable from inside of the chamber. For example, the adjustment means may only be accessible by removing the percussion surface. This may substantially protect the adjustment means from knocks or strikes whilst in use or being carried that would otherwise loosen the adjustment means and de-tune the instrument. Alternatively, the adjustment means may be operable outside of the chamber, so that it is more easily operated by the user.

in some embodiments, the instrument may further comprise a first snare mounting block attached to the housing, and the first snare mounting block may comprise an angled surface. A first end of the snare may be attached to the first snare mounting block. The instrument may additionally comprise a second snare mounting block attached to the housing. The second snare mounting block may comprise an angled surface. A second end of the snare may be attached to the second snare mounting block.

The angled surface of at least one of the first snare mounting block and the second snare mounting block may have an angle of between 30-to 60' to the percussion surface. The angled surface of at least one of the first snare mounting block and the second snare mounting block may have an angle of substantially 45° to the percussion surface.

By mounting the snare on angled surfaces, the snare is forced to bow as required by the invention. It has been found that an angle of 45' allows the necessary bow to be achieved, whilst allowing sufficient space beneath the percussion surface to prevent the adjustment means and/or any means used to attach the snare to the angled surface from contacting the percussion surface, which would dampen the sound produced by the instrument.

The angled surfaces of the first snare mounting block and the second snare mounting block may be angled at substantially the same angle. In such embodiments, the bowed snare may be substantially symmetrical about the apex of the snare. Alternatively, if the angled surface on the first mounting block is angled at a different angle to the angled surface of the second mounting block, an asymmetrical bow may be achieved. Only one of the mounting blocks may have an angled surface.

in some embodiments, the instrument may be adapted to be struck by a foot. The instrument may be a foot snare drum. The percussion surface may be configured to withstand a strike from a foot. For example, the percussion surface may be a sheet of material, for example plywood or polymer material or the like. The percussion surface may be 2mm to 5mm thick, or may be 3mm to 4mm thick.

The percussion surface of an instrument intended to be operated by strikes from a foot must be robust enough to withstand a strike from a foot. A traditional drum skin, for example, would be likely to tear when struck, when used over time. Using plywood resolves this problem. However, this creates a problem for creating a snare sound. A plywood percussion surface does not deform much when struck. This makes it difficult to vibrate a snare attached to the percussion surface using the traditional means. Another advantage of the compressed snare of this invention is that the snare can be made to vibrate sufficiently by striking a plywood percussion surface to produce the rattle of a snare drum.

Alternatively or additionally, the instrument may be adapted to be struck by a hand, a stick, a brush, or a beater.

In some embodiments, the percussion surface is attached to the housing by means of screws. The screws may be loosened or tightened to vary the tone of the drum.

Additionally, some or all of the (adjustable) screws may be loosened or removed to allow the percussion surface to be removed, or partially removed, from the instrument, to permit access to an internal adjustment means for adjusting the snare.

The length of the instrument may be between 15cm and 45cm, or preferably between cm and 35 cm. This range of lengths provides a good balance between reducing the size of the instrument for portability, and increasing the size of the instrument to increase the size of the resonance chamber, which increases the acoustic volume of the instrument.

The instrument, and particularly the surfaces of the chamber, may be shaped and sized to prevent discomfort when the instrument is played using a foot. In particular, the minimum distance between a base surface of the chamber and the percussion surface may be 0 cm to 6 cm, or preferably 1 cm to 4 cm. The percussion surface may be inclined at an angle of between 0 and 60 degrees relative to the base surface, and preferably at an angle of between 8 and 28 degrees relative to the base surface.

in a preferred embodiment, the strands of the snare are metal wires. However other materials are possible, for example the strands of the snare may be made of a plastic or polymeric material.

The length of the snare may be between 15cm and 45cm. More generally, the length of the snare may be substantially the same as, or longer than, the distance between the first snare mounting block and the second snare mounting block. The snare may comprise between 2 and 22 strands, and particularly between 8 and 16 strands.

in some embodiments, the instrument may be adapted to be connectable to an external amplifier or public address system. For example, the instrument may further comprise a microphone or transducer. A connector may be connected to the microphone or transducer. The connector may be a mechanical connector, adapted to receive a connector on a wire from an amplifier or public address system. Alternatively the connector may be a wireless connector.

In some embodiments, the instrument may be adapted to be played acoustically. For example, the instrument may further comprise ports in at least one surface of the instrument, to increase the acoustic volume of the instrument.

The instrument may further comprise at least one pad attached to the base of the instrument, the pad configured to substantially prevent sliding of the instrument.

When the instrument is tapped with a foot, in particular, a longitudinal force may be applied to the instrument tending to push the instrument away from the user. The pad may increase the friction of the base of the instrument, to resist this force, and prevent the instrument sliding away from the user when being played.

The pad may substantially comprise a material selected from the group comprising rubber, natural rubber, plastic, polymer, and cork. The pad may be replaceable by the user when the pad has worn.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided an amplified instrument system comprising a percussion instrument according to any embodiment of the first aspect of the invention.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a stage comprising a floor configured to be used as a percussion surface; and a snare comprising a strand; wherein the strand of the snare is under compression such that it bows towards the percussion surface. The snare may comprise a plurality of strands, and the strands being under compression such that they bow towards the percussion surface.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of constructing a percussion instrument comprising the steps of: providing a chamber comprising a housing, one surface of which is a percussion surface; providing a snare comprising a strand or plurality of strands; and mounting the snare on the housing such that the snare is compressed and the strands bowed out of a flat plane.

The method may further comprise the step of placing the percussion surface on the housing such that the percussion surface touches or is adjacent to the bowed part of the snare. The snare may be compressed such that the strands remain substantially parallel to each other.

The method may further comprise the step of adjusting the compression of the snare to change the sound produced by the instrument. For example, the snare may be attached by means of a slotted snare bracket and a clamping member, and adjusting the compression may comprise: loosening the clamping member; sliding the slotted snare bracket to a new location; and tightening the clamping member.

In some embodiments, adjusting the compression may further comprises: at least partially removing the percussion surface from the instrument; replacing the percussion surface after sliding the slotted snare bracket to a new location; and testing the instrument to determine if the compression on the snare is correct.

Detailed Description

The invention is described in further detail below by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: figure I is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of an instrument according to the first aspect of the invention; figure 2 is schematic representation of an exemplary snare for use in the instrument; figure 3 is a schematic representation of an internal view from the rear of the instrument of figure 1; figure 4 is a schematic representation of an internal plan view of the instrument of figure 1; figure 5 is a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of a snare; figure 6 is a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of the instrument; figure 7 is an schematic representation of an internal plan view of the alternative embodiment of the instrument; figure 8 is a schematic representation of an internal plan view of an alternative embodiment of the instrument according to the first aspect of the invention; and figure 9 is a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of the instrument.

Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of an instrument 1 according to the first aspect of the invention. The instrument 1 comprises chamber comprising a wedge-shaped housing. The top surface of the chamber forms a percussion surface 2. Striking percussion surface 2 generates a sound from the instrument 1.

The instrument of figure 1 is particularly adapted to be tapped with a foot. The percussion surface 2 is angled upwards relative to the base surface 3 of the chamber, and is a minimum height of between 1cm and 4cm above the base surface 3. This arrangement allows a user to rest their heel on the ground whilst tapping the percussion surface 2 with the ball of their foot, and so may substantially prevent the user becoming tired whilst playing the instrument.

In other embodiments, the instrument may be any other shape and size. In particular, the instrument may not be wedge shaped, but may instead be a flat box shape. Although a flat box shape may not produce as loud a sound of the instrument when played acoustically, it may be suitable for use with a microphone or transducer, as described below.

The instrument may be played by striking the percussion surface 2 with a foot, hand, stick, brush, or beater. The percussion surface 2 may be struck near an edge of the percussion surface to produce a sound akin to a "side-stick" sound on a traditional snare drum.

in a preferred embodiment, the percussion surface 2 is formed of 3.5 mm Baltic Birch Ply. This thickness is of ply is both sufficiently robust to withstand a strike from a foot, and sufficiently deformable to create sound in the resonance chamber formed by the chamber. The remainder of the housing is preferably formed from a hardwood such as Sapcic. The percussion surface 2 and the remainder of the housing may be formed of any other materials, and may be formed of the same material or different materials.

In the embodiment illustrated in figure 1, the percussion surface 2 is removably attached to the remainder of the housing by means of adjustable screws 4a-j. Although six screws are shown in the illustrated embodiment, any number of screws may be used, or any other means used for removably attaching the percussion surface 2 to the remainder of the housing. The adjustable screws 4a-j may be tightened or loosened to alter the tone of the instrument, or may be removed to allow access to an internal adjustment means, as described below.

internally, the instrument comprises a snare, such as the snare 5 shown in figure 2. Snare 5 comprises a first end 6, a second end 7, and a plurality of strands 8. Although 12 strands are shown in the present embodiment, any number of strands may be used, for example 2 to 22 strands, and particularly between from 8 to 16 strands. Snare 5 may for example be a conventional 12-strand, 12-inch (30.5cm) long snare. The length of strand 5 is chosen to be slightly larger than the space available inside the chamber, so that strand 5 bows when in place in instrument 1.

In a preferred embodiment, strands 8 are 1-2mm thick metal wires. Strands 8 may be any other thickness, and formed of any suitable material, including a plastic or polymeric material.

in the illustrated embodiment, the first end 6 of snare 5 comprises a slotted snare bracket comprising mounting slots 9a, 9b. Mounting slots 9a, 9b may facilitate adjustment of the compression applied to the snare 4 when in place in instrument 1, as described below. The second end 7 of snare 5 comprises a non-slotted snare bracket comprising substantially circular mounting holes 10a, lob. In alternative embodiments, both the first end 5 and the second end 6 of snare 4 may comprise a slotted snare bracket, or both the first end 5 and second end 6 may comprise a non-slotted snare bracket.

Snare 5 is shown in place inside the instrument 1 in figure 3. Figure 3 shows an internal view of instrument 1, as seen from the rear surface of instrument 1 (the surface connecting the percussion surface 2 and base surface 3 at their largest separation that is not shown in figure 1).

Snare 5 is attached to the instrument 1 using snare mounting blocks 1I and 13. Snare mounting block 11 comprises an angled surface 12. Snare mounting block 13 comprises an angled surface 14. Snare mounting blocks 11, 13 may be attached to the housing of the instrument in any suitable way, for example using screws or adhesive. Alternatively, snare mounting blocks II, 13 may be integral to the housing, for example comprising a rebate cut into sides 15 or 16 of the housing. Although snare mounting blocks 11, 13 are shown attached to sides 15 and 16, they may be attached to another part of the housing. For example mounting blocks 11, 13 may be attached to the base surface 3. Snare mounting blocks 11, 13 do not need to be placed adjacent to the sides 15, 16 of the housing, but may instead be located so that there is space between snare mounting block 11 and side 15, and/or snare mounting block 13 and side 16.

The first end 6 of snare 5 is attached to the angled surface 12 of snare mounting block 11. In the embodiment shown, a fastener 17 such as a screw clamps the first end 6 between fastener 17 and angled surface 12. The second end 7 of snare 5 is similarly attached to the angled surface 14 of snare mounting block 13. in the embodiment shown, a fastener 18 clamps the second end 7 between the fastener 18 and angled surface 14. However, any other suitable means may be used to attach ends 6 and 7 to snare mounting blocks 11 and 13, including adhesive.

The angled surfaces 12, 14 force the snare 5 to bow out of a flat plane towards the percussion surface 2. in the embodiment shown, the apex of the bowed snare 5 is adjacent to, but not touching, percussion surface 2. When percussion surface 2 is struck to play instrument 1, percussion surface 2 deforms so that it bends towards and temporarily comes into contact with snare 5, causing snare 5 to vibrate. The vibration of snare 5 in the resonance chamber formed by the chamber of instrument 1 creates a snare drum sound. It has been found that compressing the snare 5 in this manner, rather than tensioning the snare as used in other methods of attaching snares, produces a snare drum style rattle in the small space of instrument 1, which is not produced by those other methods in a small resonance chamber.

In a preferred embodiment, the angled surfaces 12, 14 are angled at 45" relative to the percussion surface 2. It has been found that this angle produces a suitable bowing of snare 5, whilst allowing sufficient space between the fasteners 6, 7 and percussion surface 2 to prevent the fasteners 6, 7 fouling on the percussion surface 2 when that surface is struck. However other angles may be used, particularly angles of between 30' and 60 relative to the base surface 3. In the embodiment shown, angled surfaces 12, 14 are shown as being angled at the same angle, but in other embodiments angled surfaces 12, 14 may be angled differently to each other.

In some embodiments, snare mounting blocks 11 and 13 may comprise brackets attached to the first and second ends of the snare, one or both of the brackets being partially bent to produce the angled surfaces described above.

Figure 4 shows a top-side view of instrument 1, as seen with percussion surface 2 removed.

in the illustrated embodiment, first end 6 of snare 5 is attached to snare mounting block 11 using a slotted snare bracket, so that the compression applied to snare 5 may be adjusted.

The first end 6 of snare 5 comprises a slotted snare bracket comprising slots 9a, 9b.

Fasteners 17a, 17b pass through slots 9a, 9b, and attach to snare mounting block 11. For example, fasteners 17a, 17b may be screws which attach to threaded holes in mounting block 11. Slots 9a, 9b allow the first end 6 of snare 5 to be attached to snare mounting block 11 in a range of longitudinal positions. Positioning the snare further away from side 15 increases the compression of the snare, whereas positioning the first end 6 nearer to side 15 reduces the compression of the snare. Fasteners 17a, 17b may be loosened so that first end 6 of snare 5 may be repositioned.

When constructing instrument 1, it may be necessary to adjust the compression applied to snare 5 to ensure the intended sound is produced by instrument 1. For example, snare 5 may be attached to snare mounting bracket II, and the percussion surface 2 attached to the instrument. The percussion surface 2 is struck to test the sound produced by instrument 1. If the sound is not correct, percussion surface 2 may be removed, fasteners 17a, 17b loosened, and first end 6 repositioned. Fasteners 17a, 17b may then be fastened again and the instrument re-tested. This procedure may be repeated until the instrument produces the desired sound. In a preferred embodiment, the snare 5 is only slightly compressed, so that snares 8 remain substantially parallel. if snare 5 is compressed too much, snares 8 will bend towards each other, and may cross over each other, limiting the quality of the sound produced.

In alternative embodiments, the adjustment means for adjusting the compression applied to the snare 5 may be operable from outside of the chamber, that is, without requiring the percussion surface 2 to be removed. For example an external mechanism may be provided to control the position of first end 6, or to allow the mounting block 11 to be moved away from the side 15 to adjust the compression applied to the snare 5.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second end 7 of snare 5 is fixedly attached to snare mounting block 13. In this embodiment, the second end 7 comprises a non-slotted snare bracket comprising substantially circular mounting holes 10a, 10b. Fasteners 18a, 18b, that are shaped to substantially match the mounting holes 10a, lob, pass through the mounting holes 10a, 10b and attach to snare mounting block 13. For example, fasteners 18a, 18b may be screws which attach to threaded holes in mounting block 13. There is thus only a single longitudinal position at which second end 7 may be attached to snare mounting block 13.

In alternative embodiments, the position of snare mounting block 11 may be adjustable to produce the compression adjustment described above. For example, snare mounting block 11 may be attached to the housing, for example to a rebate formed in the housing, using fasteners such as screws. Snare mounting block 11 may comprise slots similar to slots 9a, 9b. Fasteners may pass through these slots and attach to threaded holes in the housing of the instrument. In this way, the position of the snare mounting block 11 relative to the housing may be adjusted in a similar way to the slotted snare brackets described above. Snare mounting block 13 may be similarly attached to the housing, for example a rebate formed in the housing. Snare mounting block 13 may comprise circular mounting holes similar to mounting holes 10a, lob. Fasteners such as screws may pass through these mounting holes, and attach to threaded holes in the housing, for example a rebate formed in the housing. Snare mounting block 13 may thus be fixedly attached to the housing of the instrument.

Figures 5-8 show an alternative method of attaching a snare to an instrument. In figure 5, an alternative snare 19 is shown. Snare 19 comprises a plurality of coiled strands 20. It is to be noted that snare 5 may also comprise coiled strands. Snare 19 further comprises mounting brackets 21 and 22 attached to first end 23 and second end 24 of snare 19 respectively.

Mounting bracket 21 comprises a connection section 25 and an angled surface 26. The angled surface 26 is displaced from the plane of the connection section 25, as described below. Connection section 25 comprises slots 27a and 27b, similar to slots 10a and 10b of snare 5.

Mounting bracket 22 comprises a connection section 28 and an angled surface 29. The angled surface 29 is displaced from the plane of the connection section 28, as described below. Connection section 28 comprises circular mounting holes 30a and 30b, similar to mounting holes 10a and 10b of snare 5.

Snare 19 is shown in place inside an alternative embodiment of the instrument 31 in figure 6. Figure 6 shows a vertical cross sectional view of the instrument 31.

Instrument 31 comprises a percussion surface 32, base surface 33, and sides 34 and 35. Rebates 36 and 37 are cut into sides 34 and 35 respectively, in order to attach snare 19 to the instrument 31.

The connection section 25 of mounting bracket 21 of snare 19 is located within rebate 36, and is attached to rebate 36 by fastener 38. Similarly, the connection surface 28 of mounting block 22 is located within rebate 37, and attached to rebate 37 by fastener 39.

Angled surface 26 is displaced from connection surface 25 in a direction away from the percussion surface 32. This may allow rebate 36 to be cut less deep, whilst sill allowing space under the percussion surface 25 for the snare 19. Angled surface 29 is similarly displaced from connection section 28. In other embodiments, the connection section of the snare mounting bracket may not be displaced from the angled surface.

Angled surfaces 26 and 29 may be at any angle suitable to compress snare 19. In particular, angled surfaces 26, 29 may be at an angle of between 30 and 60 degrees to the percussion surface 32.

Figure 7 shows a top-side view of the instrument 31, with the percussion surface 32 10 removed.

Mounting bracket 21 is attached to rebate 36 using fasteners 38a, 38b, such as screws. Fasteners 38a, 38b pass through slots 27a and 27b, allowing mounting bracket 21 to attached to rebate 36 in a range of longitudinal positions, similar to slotted mounting block 11 in instrument 1. Loosening or removing fasteners 38a, 38b allows the compression of snare 19 to adjusted, as described above for other embodiments of the instrument.

Mounting bracket 22 is fixedly attached to rebate 37 using fasteners 39a, 39b, such as screws, which pass through circular mounting holes 30a, 30b. In other embodiments, both mounting brackets may be slotted, or both mounting brackets may comprise circular mounting holes.

in the embodiments illustrated in figures 3, the strand 5 is positioned so that it stretches across the instrument between side 15 and side 16. However, in other embodiments, the snare may be otherwise positioned within the instrument. For example, the snare may be positioned so that it stretches between the front and the rear of the instrument. Alternatively, the snare may positioned so that it stretches diagonally across the inside of the instrument. This arrangement may be particularly advantageous, as it allows a longer snare to be used for a given size of box. Snare 19 may be similarly arranged inside instrument 31.

The instrument may further comprise a microphone inside the chamber. Figure 8 shows an exemplary embodiment of a microphone 40 inside instrument 1. Instrument 31 may also comprise a microphone. Microphone 40 may alternatively be a transducer, such as a piezo transducer. Microphone 40 may allow the sound produced by instrument 1 to be amplified.

In the illustrated embodiment, microphone 40 is electrically connected to a connector 41. Connector 41 passes through a surface of instrument 1. An external amplifier or public address system may be plugged into the external side of connector 41, and thus be electronically connected to microphone 40. In alternative embodiments, microphone 20 may be connected to a wireless connector that may wirelessly transmit a signal to an external amplifier or public address system. The external amplifier or address system may comprise equaliser controls that may be used to alter the pitch of the sound produced by instrument 1.

Microphone 40 is positioned in instrument 1 so that it does not contact percussion surface 2 or snare 5. Microphone 40 may be located in any suitable position inside instrument 1. In a preferred embodiment, microphone 19 is attached to base surface 3, for example using adhesive.

Alternatively, instruments 1 or 31 may be played acoustically, without using an external amplifier. Some embodiments of the instrument may comprise holes or ports through one of the surfaces of the instrument to increase the acoustic volume of the instrument. For example, ports may be drilled in the rear surface of the instrument.

If the instrument is not intended to be played acoustically, then the size of the resonance chamber may be reduced. For example, the instrument may not be wedge-shaped, as shown in the illustrated embodiments, but may instead be a flat box shape.

In these embodiments, the instrument may be very thin, as the only the snare and a microphone or transducer need to fit into the housing; additional space for resonance is not required. This may have the advantage of increasing the portability of the instrument.

In some embodiments of the instrument, the chamber may not comprise a base surface, but may instead be open at the bottom on the instrument. Additionally, one or more of the surfaces covering the sides of the instrument may instead be open. The chamber may comprise only a frame supporting the percussion surface and the snare.

Figure 9 shows an alternative embodiment of an instrument 42. Instrument 42 comprises a percussion sheet 43 having a percussion surface 44. A snare 45 comprising at least one strand is attached to the percussion sheet 43. The strands of snare 48 are under compression such that they bow towards the percussion surface 44.

In this embodiment, the housing of the instrument comprises the snare mounting blocks 46, 47, which attach the snare to the percussion sheet 43. Snare 45 may be attached to mounting blocks 46, 48 using any suitable method, for example mounting brackets 48, 49, with angled surfaces to provide compression to the snare 45. Mounting blocks 46, 48 may be attached to percussion sheet 43 using nay suitable method, such as screws or adhesive. Mounting blocks 46, 48 arc preferably attached at the edges of percussion sheet 43 to maximise percussion surface 44, but may be attached to percussion surface 43 at any point.

Embodiments of the instrument without a base surface may further comprise a microphone or transducer. The microphone or transducer may be attached to a side surface or the frame of the instrument. Alternatively the microphone or transducer may be attached to the percussion surface.

The instrument may be shaped to fit into a recess built into a stage. Alternatively, the instrument may be built into a stage. For example, a snare according to the invention may be built under a fake floor on a stage. The floor of the stage may be used as the percussion surface. In these embodiments, the instrument may be substantially larger than the instrument illustrated in figure 1, as portability may no longer be a consideration. For example, the instrument could stretch substantially along the length of a stage, or half or part way along a stage. The whole stage, or part of it, may comprise the instrument. These embodiments may be useful to allow multiple members of a band to produce a snare drum sound, or for a musician to be able to move around the stage whilst still being able to produce a snare drum sound. These embodiments may further comprise any of the features of the other embodiments described above.

It is to be noted that any of the embodiments described above may comprise a plurality of snares. Additional snares may be placed in the instrument in any manner. For example, the additional snares may be compressed such that they bow towards the percussion surface. Alternatively they may be compressed such that they bow towards another surface; this surface may form an additional percussion surface. Additional snares may be placed adjacent and/or parallel to the first snare. This may have the effect of increasing the number of strands in the instrument, without requiring a single snare to have more strands. Alternatively, additional snares may be fitted in accordance with one of the traditional methods of fitting snares. For example an additional snare may be tensioned across the percussion surface, or another surface of the instrument.

Other embodiments are intentionally within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSA percussion instrument comprising: a chamber comprising a housing, one surface of which is a percussion surface; and a snare comprising a strand; wherein the strand of the snare is under compression such that it bows towards the percussion surface.
2. The instrument of claim 1 wherein the snare comprises a plurality of strands, and wherein the plurality of strands are under compression such that they bow towards the percussion surface.
3. The instrument of claim 2, wherein the strands arc substantially parallel to each other.
4. The instrument of any of claims I to 3, wherein the apex of the bowed strand or strands is in contact with the percussion surface.
5. The instrument of any preceding claim, wherein the bowed strand or strands are substantially symmetrical about the apex of the bow.
6. The instrument of any preceding claim, further comprising an adjustment means for adjusting the compression applied to the snare.
7. The instrument of claim 6, wherein the adjustment means comprises a slotted snare bracket and a clamping member.
The instrument of claim 7, wherein the clamping member is screw threaded.
9. The instrument of claim 8, wherein the clamping member is a screw or wingnut.
10. The instrument of any of claims 6 to 9, wherein the adjustment means is operable from inside of the chamber.
11. The instrument of any of claims 6 to 9, wherein the adjustment means is operable outside of the chamber.
12. The instrument of any preceding claim, further comprising a first snare mounting block attached to the housing, wherein a first end of the snare is attached to the first snare mounting block.
13. The instrument of claim 11, further comprising a second snare mounting block attached to the housing, wherein a second end of the snare is attached to the second snare mounting block.
14. The instrument of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the first snare mounting block comprises an angled surface.
15. The instrument of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the second snare mounting block comprises an angled surface.
16. The instrument of claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the angled surface of at least one of the first snare mounting block and the second snare mounting block has an angle of between 30° to 60° to the percussion surface.
17. The instrument of claim 16, wherein the angled surface of at least one of the first snare mounting block and the second snare mounting block has an angle of substantially 451 to the percussion surface.
18. The instrument of claim 15 as dependent upon claim 14, wherein the angled surfaces of the first snare mounting block and the second snare mounting block are angled at substantially the same angle.
19. The instrument of any preceding claim, wherein the percussion surface is configured to withstand a strike from a foot.
20. The instrument of any preceding claim wherein the instrument is a foot snare drum.
21. The instrument of any preceding claim, wherein the percussion surface is sheet of plywood or the like.
22. The instrument of claim 21, wherein the percussion surface is 2mm to 5mm thick.
23. The instrument of claim 22, wherein the percussion surface is 3mm to 4mm thick.
24. The instrument of any preceding claim, wherein the percussion surface is attached to the housing by means of adjustable screws.
25. The instrument of any preceding claim, wherein the length of the instrument is between 15cm and 45cm.
26. The instrument of claim 25, wherein the length of the instrument is between 25 cm and 35 cm.
27. The instrument of any preceding claim, wherein the minimum distance between a base surface of the chamber and the percussion surface is 0 cm to 6 cm.
28. The instrument of claim 27, wherein the minimum distance between the base surface and the percussion surface is 1 cm to 4 cm.
29. The instrument of any preceding claim, wherein the percussion surface is inclined at an angle of between 0 and 60 degrees relative to the base surface.
30. The instrument of claim 29, wherein the percussion surface is inclined at an angle of between 8 and 28 degrees relative to the base surface.
31. The instrument of any preceding claim, wherein the strands of the snare arc metal wires.
32. The instrument of any preceding claim, wherein the length of the snare is bctwccn 15cm and 45cm.
33. The instrument of any preceding claim, wherein the length of the snare is substantially the same as, or longer than, the distance between the first snare mounting block and the second snare mounting block.
34. The instrument of any preceding claim wherein the snare comprises between 2 and 22 strands.
35. The instrument of claim 34, wherein the snare comprises between 8 and 16 strands.
36. The instrument of any preceding claim, wherein the instrument is adapted to be connectable to an external amplifier or public address system.
37. The instrument of claim 36, wherein the instrument further comprises a microphone or transducer.
38. The instrument of claim 37, further comprising a connector connected to the microphone or transducer.
39. The instrument of claim 38 wherein the connector s a mechanical connector.
40. The instrument of claim 39, wherein the connector is a wireless connector.
41. The instrument of any preceding claim, further comprising ports in at least one surface of the instrument.
42. The instrument of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one pad attached to the base of the instrument, the pad configured to substantially prevent sliding of the instrument.
43. The instrument of claim 42, wherein the pad substantially comprises a material selected from the group comprising rubber, natural rubber, plastic, polymer, and cork.
44. The instrument of any preceding claim, wherein the instrument comprises a plurality of snares.
45. The instrument of any preceding claim, wherein the instrument is adapted to fit into a recess in a stage.
46. An amplified instrument system comprising: a percussion instrument according to any of claims 1 to 41; and an amplifier connected to the percussion instrument.
47. A stage comprising: a floor configured to be used as a percussion surface; a snare comprising a strand; wherein the strand of the snare is under compression such that it bows towards the percussion surface.
48. The stage of claim 47, wherein the snare comprises a plurality of strands, and wherein the strands are under compression such that they bow towards the percussion 20 surface.
49. A method of constructing a percussion instrument comprising the steps of: providing a chamber comprising a housing, one surface of which is a percussion surface; providing a snare comprising a strand; and mounting the snare on the housing such that the snare is compressed and the strand bowed out of a flat plane.
50. The method of claim 49 wherein the snare comprises a plurality of strands. 30
51. The method of claim 49 or claim 50, further comprising the step of placing the percussion surface on the housing such that the percussion surface touches or is adjacent to the bowed part of the snare.
52. The method of any of claims 50 to 51, wherein the snare is compressed such that the strands remain substantially parallel to each other.
53. The method of any of claims 49 to 52, further comprising the step of adjusting the compression of the snare to change the sound produced by the instrument.
54. The method of claim 53, wherein the snare is attached by means of a slotted snare bracket and a clamping member, and adjusting the compression comprises: loosening the clamping member; sliding the slotted snare bracket to a new location and tightening the clamping member.
55. The method of claim 54, wherein adjusting the compression further comprises: at least partially removing the percussion surface from the instrument; replacing the percussion surface after sliding the slotted snare bracket to a new location; and testing the instrument to determine if the compression on the snare is correct.
56. A foot snare drum made by the method of any of claims 49 to 55. 20
57. A percussion instrument as substantially described herein, with reference to figures 1 to 5.
58. A method of constructing a foot snare drum as substantially described herein, with reference to figures I to 5