What is the Big Fat Snare Drum Quesadilla 14"?

It is a canvas drum accessory designed to be placed on top of a 14-inch snare or tom to alter its sound. It specifically aims to provide a vintage, deep, and warm tone instantly.

What material is the Quesadilla made from?

The Quesadilla is made from canvas. This specific fabric choice provides a unique dampening effect compared to plastic or rubber alternatives.

Does the Quesadilla require any adhesive to stay on the drum?

No, it does not require adhesive. It is designed to sit freely on top of the existing drum skin, making it easy to add or remove between songs.

How does it change the pitch of the drum?

The Quesadilla lowers the fundamental pitch of the drum. It achieves this by adding mass to the drum head and dampening the high-frequency vibrations.

What era of music is the Quesadilla's sound inspired by?

The manufacturer describes the sound as being inspired by the 'beefy' snare tones of the 1970s. It provides a dry, deep sound common in classic studio recordings.

How do you remove the Quesadilla quickly during a performance?

The device is equipped with a pull tab. This allows the drummer to grip and lift the canvas head off the drum in a single motion without needing tools.

Can the Quesadilla be used on instruments other than snare drums?

Yes, while primarily for snares, it can be placed on 14-inch toms. This can help achieve a deeper and warmer floor tom sound.

What is the typical price for this accessory?

The typical price range for the 14-inch Quesadilla is approximately GBP 25. This makes it a cost-effective way to change a drum's sound without buying a new kit.

Does the Quesadilla affect the feel of the drum sticks?

Yes, playing on canvas feels different than playing on a standard drum head. The rebound is generally reduced, contributing to the 'fat' and controlled playing style.

Is the Quesadilla compatible with the British Drum Co. Maverick snare?

Yes, as long as the Maverick snare is the 14-inch model. It fits on the top of the drum to transform the maple shell's natural resonance into a drier tone.

How does the Quesadilla compare to the Sela Melody Tongue Drum?

They are fundamentally different products. The Quesadilla is a dampening accessory for existing drums, whereas the Sela Melody Tongue Drum is a standalone tuned percussion instrument.

Can I use the Quesadilla on a Junior 3 Piece Drum Kit?

It can be used if the snare or tom on the kit is exactly 14 inches in diameter. However, many junior kits use smaller sizes, so you must verify the drum dimensions first.

Gear article

Big Fat Snare Drum Quesadilla 14"

The Big Fat Snare Drum Quesadilla 14" is a specialized drum accessory designed to instantly lower the fundamental pitch of a snare or tom. Constructed from canvas, it provides a vintage, warm tone reminiscent of 1970s studio recordings without requiring tuning adjustments.

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Overview

The Big Fat Snare Drum (BFSD) Quesadilla is an acoustic drum dampening device specifically engineered to sit atop an existing drum skin. Unlike traditional dampening methods such as gels or tape, the Quesadilla covers the entire surface of a 14-inch drum. This design focuses on changing the fundamental character of the instrument, shifting it toward a 'beefy' 1970s aesthetic that is frequently sought after in both live and studio environments.

Material and Operation

The device is constructed from a canvas head, a material choice that distinguishes it from the standard plastic or polyester film used in many other BFSD products. To use the Quesadilla, the drummer simply places the canvas disc onto the snare or tom batter head. The weight and texture of the canvas instantly absorb high-frequency overtones and lower the perceived pitch. For ease of use during performances, it is equipped with a pull tab, allowing for rapid removal if the player needs to return to their original drum sound mid-set.

Sound Character

The sonic profile of the Quesadilla is defined by warmth and depth. By suppressing the initial snap and ring of a snare drum, it creates a 'thuddy' and dry sound that emulates vintage recording techniques. While it is most commonly associated with snare drums, it is also effective on 14-inch floor toms, where it enhances the low-end resonance and shortens the decay.

Compatibility and Alternatives

While the Quesadilla is a standalone accessory, it is frequently used with high-quality wooden and metal snares to provide a secondary sound option. Examples of compatible drums include the maple-based British Drum Co. Maverick or the Sonor AQ2. It also works effectively on metal shells, such as the DW Drums Collectors Series Stainless Steel snare, to tame harsh metallic overtones. For those seeking different textures, users might look at standard BFSD plastic rings or specialized percussion like the Remo Lollipop Frame Drum for varied acoustic effects.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Big Fat Snare Drum Quesadilla 14"?: It is a canvas drum accessory designed to be placed on top of a 14-inch snare or tom to alter its sound. It specifically aims to provide a vintage, deep, and warm tone instantly.
What material is the Quesadilla made from?: The Quesadilla is made from canvas. This specific fabric choice provides a unique dampening effect compared to plastic or rubber alternatives.
Does the Quesadilla require any adhesive to stay on the drum?: No, it does not require adhesive. It is designed to sit freely on top of the existing drum skin, making it easy to add or remove between songs.
How does it change the pitch of the drum?: The Quesadilla lowers the fundamental pitch of the drum. It achieves this by adding mass to the drum head and dampening the high-frequency vibrations.
What era of music is the Quesadilla's sound inspired by?: The manufacturer describes the sound as being inspired by the 'beefy' snare tones of the 1970s. It provides a dry, deep sound common in classic studio recordings.
How do you remove the Quesadilla quickly during a performance?: The device is equipped with a pull tab. This allows the drummer to grip and lift the canvas head off the drum in a single motion without needing tools.
Can the Quesadilla be used on instruments other than snare drums?: Yes, while primarily for snares, it can be placed on 14-inch toms. This can help achieve a deeper and warmer floor tom sound.
What is the typical price for this accessory?: The typical price range for the 14-inch Quesadilla is approximately GBP 25. This makes it a cost-effective way to change a drum's sound without buying a new kit.
Does the Quesadilla affect the feel of the drum sticks?: Yes, playing on canvas feels different than playing on a standard drum head. The rebound is generally reduced, contributing to the 'fat' and controlled playing style.
Is the Quesadilla compatible with the British Drum Co. Maverick snare?: Yes, as long as the Maverick snare is the 14-inch model. It fits on the top of the drum to transform the maple shell's natural resonance into a drier tone.
How does the Quesadilla compare to the Sela Melody Tongue Drum?: They are fundamentally different products. The Quesadilla is a dampening accessory for existing drums, whereas the Sela Melody Tongue Drum is a standalone tuned percussion instrument.
Can I use the Quesadilla on a Junior 3 Piece Drum Kit?: It can be used if the snare or tom on the kit is exactly 14 inches in diameter. However, many junior kits use smaller sizes, so you must verify the drum dimensions first.