What is the diameter of the Schlagwerk RTS61 Frame Drum?

The drum has a diameter of 60 cm, which is approximately 24 inches, providing a large surface for a wide range of tones.

What material is used for the drum frame?

The frame is constructed from high-quality layered beech wood, which is designed to be both durable and extremely lightweight.

What type of skin is used for the playing surface?

The instrument features an authentic goatskin surface, providing a traditional sound and responsive feel.

What is the purpose of the wooden cross on the drum?

The wooden cross acts as a handle and structural support, ensuring that handling the large 60 cm frame is comfortable and effective for the player.

Can the Schlagwerk Frame Drum be tuned?

Yes, it features integrated tuning screws, allowing the player to adjust the tension of the goatskin for optimum sound and versatility.

How does the sound differ across the drum surface?

Striking the outer rim produces high-pitched sounds, while striking the middle of the 24-inch surface produces deep, low tones.

Is this drum suitable for beginners?

While it is a professional-grade instrument, its lightweight design and comfortable wooden cross make it accessible to players of various skill levels.

What is the typical price for this model?

The Schlagwerk Frame Drum 60 cm with Wooden Cross typically retails for approximately £369.

How does it compare to a standard snare drum like the Sonor AQ2?

Unlike the Sonor AQ2, which is a maple snare drum designed for a kit, the Schlagwerk is a hand-held frame drum focused on traditional acoustic resonance.

Does the large size make it heavy to hold?

No, the frame is specifically designed to be extremely lightweight to ensure that handling remains comfortable despite the 60 cm diameter.

Is the goatskin head pre-tuned?

While it comes assembled, the integrated tuning screws allow you to fine-tune the tension to your specific preference upon arrival.

What musical styles is this drum best suited for?

The RTS61 is versatile but is particularly well-suited for world music, folk, therapeutic drumming, and acoustic performances where authentic wooden tones are required.

Gear article

Schlagwerk RTS61 Frame Drum (60 cm with Wooden Cross)

The Schlagwerk Frame Drum RTS61 is a 60 cm (24-inch) percussion instrument featuring a goatskin surface and a layered beech wood frame. It incorporates a wooden cross-brace for ergonomic handling and an integrated tuning system for precise tonal control.

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Overview

The Schlagwerk Frame Drum RTS61 represents a fusion of traditional percussion design and modern manufacturing techniques. As a large-format frame drum measuring 60 cm in diameter, it is designed to provide a broad resonant surface while maintaining a lightweight profile. The inclusion of a wooden cross-brace distinguishes this model, offering players a stable grip that facilitates extended playing sessions and varied performance techniques.

Construction and Design

The instrument is constructed using a high-quality layered beech wood frame, chosen for its structural integrity and acoustic properties. The playing surface consists of a natural goatskin head, which is traditionally preferred for its warmth and responsiveness. Despite its significant 24-inch size, the frame is engineered to be extremely lightweight. The integrated tuning screws allow the player to adjust the tension of the skin, ensuring the drum can adapt to different environmental conditions and musical requirements.

Acoustic Characteristics

Due to its large 60 cm surface area, the RTS61 offers a wide frequency range. The acoustic character is defined by:

High Tones: Produced by striking the area near the outer rim of the frame.
Low Tones: The centre of the 24-inch surface yields deep, resonant bass frequencies.
Versatility: The goatskin and beech wood combination provides an authentic, organic timbre suitable for various genres.

User Experience and Ergonomics

A primary design focus of the Schlagwerk Frame Drum is handling. The wooden cross-brace serves two purposes: it reinforces the large frame and provides a comfortable handle for the player. This design ensures that the handling is both effective and comfortable, reducing fatigue during performance. The integrated tuning system further enhances the user experience by providing a level of tonal versatility not found in fixed-skin frame drums.

Market Context

The RTS61 sits in a specialised category of professional percussion. While it shares a category name with simpler instruments like the Remo 10 Lollipop Frame Drum or Sela Melody Tongue Drum, the Schlagwerk 60 cm model is a full-scale professional instrument. It is priced significantly higher than entry-level kits, such as the Junior 3 Piece Drum Kit by Gear4music, reflecting its specialised construction and materials.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the diameter of the Schlagwerk RTS61 Frame Drum?: The drum has a diameter of 60 cm, which is approximately 24 inches, providing a large surface for a wide range of tones.
What material is used for the drum frame?: The frame is constructed from high-quality layered beech wood, which is designed to be both durable and extremely lightweight.
What type of skin is used for the playing surface?: The instrument features an authentic goatskin surface, providing a traditional sound and responsive feel.
What is the purpose of the wooden cross on the drum?: The wooden cross acts as a handle and structural support, ensuring that handling the large 60 cm frame is comfortable and effective for the player.
Can the Schlagwerk Frame Drum be tuned?: Yes, it features integrated tuning screws, allowing the player to adjust the tension of the goatskin for optimum sound and versatility.
How does the sound differ across the drum surface?: Striking the outer rim produces high-pitched sounds, while striking the middle of the 24-inch surface produces deep, low tones.
Is this drum suitable for beginners?: While it is a professional-grade instrument, its lightweight design and comfortable wooden cross make it accessible to players of various skill levels.
What is the typical price for this model?: The Schlagwerk Frame Drum 60 cm with Wooden Cross typically retails for approximately £369.
How does it compare to a standard snare drum like the Sonor AQ2?: Unlike the Sonor AQ2, which is a maple snare drum designed for a kit, the Schlagwerk is a hand-held frame drum focused on traditional acoustic resonance.
Does the large size make it heavy to hold?: No, the frame is specifically designed to be extremely lightweight to ensure that handling remains comfortable despite the 60 cm diameter.
Is the goatskin head pre-tuned?: While it comes assembled, the integrated tuning screws allow you to fine-tune the tension to your specific preference upon arrival.
What musical styles is this drum best suited for?: The RTS61 is versatile but is particularly well-suited for world music, folk, therapeutic drumming, and acoustic performances where authentic wooden tones are required.