GMS SE 8-Piece Double Bass Standard
Shell Pack
Throughout the years, the GMS Drum Co.
has developed a reputation for innovative and functional products for
drummers. Through much testing, GMS developed the Special Edition (SE)
lug. Designed with no springs to rattle and no cavities to create ugly
harmonics, the SE lug has a very small footprint but retains the
stress-relieving properties of the Grand Master Series lug. The SE lug
has the same swivel nut as the GM lug, but diverts shell stress by
tensioning from the bottom of the lug casing, rather than the
top.Shells GMS Special Edition drums are made up of select 8-ply North
American maple. GMS does not graduate the thickness of the shell as
the diameter gets larger. Through extensive research, GMS decided that
8-ply shells performed best all around the kit. Thinner shells
(without reinforcement rings) have a tendency to be too thin to handle
the vibrations in all dynamic situations. They can distort at higher
volume levels, and also are weak, because of the thinness of the body.
Some companies use thin shells in conjunction with reinforcement
hoops, to stabilize the shell. Reinforcement hoops give a shell
thicker tops and bottoms. The result is that the thicker edges
resonate at different frequencies than the body of the shell. Through
testing, GMS found that the company prefers the resonance of the
straight shell, where the whole shell resonates as one. GMS found that
the 8-ply shell offered all the properties the company was looking
for: thin enough for wide tonal ranges and strong enough to not need
reinforcement hoops, but not too thick to raise the frequency to a
higher pitch. If the shell is too thick, it raises the pitch (just as
thicker cymbals have a higher pitch). So, when floor toms and bass
drums are made thicker, the pitch of the shell is raised.Also, all
Special Edition 8-ply maple shells are cross-laminated for strength.
GMS uses a staggered-seam construction so none of the ply seams line
up on each other. This produces one of the best shells available
today.GMS bearing edges utilize a 45 ° cut on the inside of the shell
and a shallow 45 ° counter-cut on the outside. GMS drum kits feature
a graduated bearing edge around the set. In essence, the edges are
sharper on smaller diameter toms and get rounder as the diameters get
larger. This exclusive process enhances the drums' attack and sustain,
while offering larger drums more low end and punch.Finishing All GMS
drums go through an intense finishing process, to become Special
Edition high-gloss drums. All raw shells are hand-sanded to give the
paint a good surface to adhere to. If the drums are to be stained, it
is done at this point. If not, they are primed with a clear primer and
allowed to dry. They are then sanded flat and smooth, and are ready
for color. The color or sparkle is then applied to the drum, followed
by the clear coat. The drums are then set aside in the GMS drying area
for 10-14 days until they are thoroughly dry. At this point, they go
to the sanding
