The Basel drum also known as the Basler or Basle drum is a two-headed rope-tension drum. This percussion instrument is best known from the Carnival of Basel , where it is played by more than drummers.
There is no typical number of players for marching-bands including this instrument. Anything between three and fifty drummers may be seen in such a formation. Drums of the same pattern are used throughout Switzerland in fife and drum or drum only societies as well as in Swiss Army bands. They are also known as 'Swiss drums' or 'Ordonance 82'. Until the late 18th century drums were primarily made of wood.
However, it has been demonstrated that brass frames were in use in Prussia since the early 18th century. In the 19th century, copper, tin, and nickel silver were also used. Nowadays, the frame is usually made of chromed brass. There are also frames made from non-chromed brass, aluminum weight advantage , and recently even carbon fiber. For some time, the wooden drum has been gaining popularity. Not only because of the look, but also because of its much lower weight. In addition, the drier sound of the wooden drum is perceived as pleasant by many drummers.
The counterhoops of the metal drums are mostly painted in black and white diagonal stripes β black and white being the heraldic colors of Basel. In other cantons districts of Switzerland other colors are used accordingly. The Swiss army uses red and white striped hoops. Colors of guilds or family crests are only rarely used today. The hoops on wooden drums are usually left natural. While the color scheme formerly strictly obeyed heraldry and an exception was tolerated only for wooden drums, today anything goes.
However, chrome frames with black and white tires and black or white tugs continue to dominate the scene. There are two drumheads, which are stretched over the two open ends of the frame also called "kettle" or "bucket" in Basel. The heads are made of plastic or calfskin parchment. Calf skins are enjoyable to play on due to their softer rebound. However, natural drumheads can be used only in dry weather, otherwise they will be flabby.
