A large cylindrical frame of oak or ash, with two ox-hide heads laced or nailed tight across the top and bottom. Struck with wooden mallets or hard sticks, a bass drum produces a deep, booming thud that carries across a square or battlefield. Armies employ bass drummers to mark marching cadence and signal maneuvers; minstrels use smaller versions to anchor the rhythm of a band.
Drum, bass
Large oak-ash cylinder with ox-hide heads; deep boom signals maneuvers and cadence.