Basel drum

There are also frames made from non-chromed brass, aluminum (weight advantage), and recently even carbon fiber.

While the color scheme formerly strictly obeyed heraldry and an exception was tolerated only for wooden drums, today anything goes.

There are two drumheads, which are stretched over the two open ends of the frame (also called "kettle" or "bucket" in Basel).

The drumheads are held together and tuned by a rope, made of polyester or hemp, which passes through the holes in the hoops.

Today, the hemp rope has a carbon core to minimize weather-related tension differences.

In earlier times the rope was simply wrapped around the tires or attached by means of an iron hook on it.

In the snare drums,the snare-sound is produced by gut and metal strings, which vibrate against the bottom drumhead.

Another damping method involves a strip of felt, which is clamped transversely under the batter head.

In Switzerland church festivals, carnival parades, guild ceremonies, and public events incorporating dancing, games and entertainment have traditionally been accompanied by the sound of the Basel snare drums.