How Does a Bearing Edge Affect Your Drum's Sound

Shopping for a new kit can be exciting. 


 Choosing a brand, the colour, the number of drums, your hardware, pedals, cymbals... the selection and options seem endless. I have helped hundreds of drummers with their purchase over the years, but not one has ever asked me about bearing edges. I find this interesting because the type of bearing edge on your new kit has a huge impact on the sound of the drums. 

 Pearl and Yamaha in the last few years have begun to cut different bearing edges onto drums of different sizes. A rack tom under 14 inches will have sharp 45 degree bearing edges, while floor toms and kicks receive 30 degree bearing edges that have been well rounded. Other makers stay with the tried and true like Gretsch who have cut 30 degree bearing edges into all their lines for decades. 

 What impact do these different styles of bearing edges have on the sound of your drums? There are four basic types of bearing edges. 

 1. 45 degree angle - cut into the inside edge of shell these offer minimal shell contact which allows the head to vibrate longer thus increasing the drum’s sustain. This limited contact with the shell provides a more “modern sound” with increased “cut” and “attack.” The drum sounds brighter, as the bearing edge is in contact with the head at a single point allowing for more harmonics to develop and a perception of a brighter tone. The disadvantage is the drum is more difficult to tune and sounds less warm. 

 2. Double 45 degree bearing edge - by cutting a 45 degree angle into both the inside and outside of the shell this moves the point of shell contact away from the edge of the drum and the collar (bend) in the head film. This increases the sustain and allows a wider tuning range. 
Disadvantage: the bearing edge can be more easily damaged causing unwanted buzzing or deadness and tuning difficulties. 

 3. 45 degree roundover bearing edge - Those drummers looking for that “classic sound” the rounder bearing edge is what you should be looking for. More shell contact provides the shell with the most opportunity to provide that woody warmth so characteristic of the 1960/70’s drum tones. Many makers still use this style of bearing edge on their jazz and vintage offerings. 
Disadvantage: less attack, fewer overtones and less definition. 

 4. 30 degree full roundover bearing edge - this offers the most shell contact with the head. These drums are easy to tune, offers the most control of overtones and that “fat” drum tone. Many kick drums and floor toms use this type of bearing edge. 
Disadvantage: “Fat” can turn to “tubby”, less drum definition and muddier tones. 

 5.  Some snare makers will combine the roundover on the batter head with a 45 degree on the resonant head looking for the advantages of both. 
Disadvantage: Tuning becomes a more difficult task. 

 I recommend you visit your favourite drum retailer and have a listen to some well tuned brands to see which kind of bearing edge you prefer. 

 As most new drums are sold with single ply heads this allows you to really hear the differences. I would play a 12” tom and a 16” floor tom as this will give you some reference points on the most common sized drums. Take notes and try not to let the badge (Brand) influence you. 

 Listen for the fundamental tone, the harmonics, the attack and the sustain of each type of bearing edge and this may go a long way in helping you make the best decision about the bearing edge you prefer. 

 When you are purchasing used drums it is advisable to look at the bearing edges. If possible take the batter heads off and sit the bearing edge of the drum on a glass table. If you see daylight under the drum or if it rocks, the bearing edges need work and the drum price should be adjusted accordingly. 


Bearing Edge by Brand and Line 

DW Classic  30 degree 
DW Collectors 45 degree 
DW Jazz 30 degree 
DW Performance 45 degree 
DW Design 45 degree 
DP Concept 45 degree 
PDP MainStage 45 degree 

 Ludwig Legacy Classic 30 degree roundover 
Ludwig Classic Maple 45 degree 
Ludwig Club Date full roundover 
Ludwig Keystone dual 45 roundover 
Ludwig Accent 45 degree 

 Sonor SQ Customer choice 
Sonor Vintage Full Rounded Bearing Edges 
Sonor ProLite 45 degree 
Sonor Selectforce 45 degree 
Sonor Essential Force 45 degree 
Sonor Smart Force 45 degree 

 Pearl Masterworks Customer choice of 5 styles 
Pearl Reference Differs by drum size from 45 degree to full roundover 
Pearl Music City Custom differs by drum size from 45 degree to full roundover 
Pearl Session Studio Classic 45 degree 
Pearl Export 45 degree 

 Tama Star double 45 rounded 
Tama StarClassics double 45 
Tama SuperStar double 45 
Tama Silverstar double 45 
Tama Imperialstar double 45 

 Yamaha Absolute Hybrid Maple 45/30, 30/30 degree roundover 
Yamaha PHX 30 degree with different roundover 
Yamaha Recording Custom 30 degree 
Yamaha Live Custom 45 degree 
Yamaha Stage Custom 45 degree 
Yamaha Rydeen 45 degree 

 Gretsch USA Custom 30 degree 
Gretsch Broadkaster reverse roundover 
Gretsch Brooklyn 30 degree 
Gretsch Renown 30 degree 
Gretsch Catalina 30 degree 
Gretsch Energy 30 degree

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