Maple's rich lustrous lows and evenly-balanced mid and high frequencies have made it the preferred hardwood for wide sonic range and acoustic balance, and the most accepted premium drum shell material. Its fine grain and smooth, even texture also make it an excellent canvas for transparent finishes. 

A straight grained wood with a fine, even texture, Birch is known for its strength and resilience. It provides a lively interior springboard for sound waves, which in turn creates a noticeable increase in the higher frequencies. This makes it the perfect interior for smaller tom-toms. Birch’s tightly bound network of cells also promotes a perfect balance of mid-range frequencies, with a smooth transition from the lower register to middle register.

African Mahogany is a relatively “soft” hardwood that offers a dramatic boost in lower frequencies. This bass boost effect is most likely due to its loosely packed cellulose network, creating a natural resonator for powerful lower frequencies. This predisposition for powerful lows and bass response makes it a logical tone wood for larger toms and bass drums, as well as for smooth sonic transition into the mid-range frequencies.

Pearl's standard 45° bearing edge creates a tightly focused shell contact area. This creates an ultimate sonic balance between power, sensitivity, volume, and resonance.

The Rounded 45° bearing edge creates an increased level of contact between the shell and shoulder of the head, increasing attack, projection, and sonic punch. It also creates a balanced interaction between each wood ply, allowing smaller toms to sing with amazing clarity, without premature delay. The journey of the energy from the head to the shell is given a much more direct path with the rounded edge.

The Fully Rounded bearing edge raises the overall contact area from the shell to the head. This allows maximum kinetic energy transfer from the strike, resulting in maximum punch and wide low-end response. This creates sound pressure levels that are felt just as much as they are heard, making it excellent for bass drums and larger toms to increase punch.