1. Tone:
- Felt beaters: Felt beaters produce a warm, full, and mellow sound with a smooth attack and decay. They are known for their ability to generate a low-end thump and a rich resonance.
- Wood beaters: Wood beaters, particularly those made from hard woods like hickory or maple, produce a brighter, more pronounced attack with a shorter sustain. They often provide a crisp and punchy sound.
2. Volume:
- Felt beaters: Felt beaters generally produce a quieter sound compared to wood beaters. The softer material of felt dampens some of the higher frequencies, resulting in a warmer and rounder tone.
- Wood beaters: Wood beaters tend to be louder and more pronounced due to their harder surface. They produce a clear and defined attack, making them suitable for situations where projection and clarity are needed.
3. Articulation:
- Felt beaters: Felt beaters often provide a smoother and more legato sound due to their softer attack and longer sustain. They are well-suited for jazz, fusion, and orchestral settings where a warmer and less-articulated bass drum sound is desired.
- Wood beaters: Wood beaters offer better articulation and definition with a more pronounced attack and shorter sustain. They are preferred in genres like rock, pop, and funk where a precise and punchy bass drum sound is important.
4. Durability:
- Felt beaters: Felt beaters are generally less durable than wood beaters due to the softer nature of the material. They may wear out more quickly with frequent use, especially when playing hard-hitting styles.
- Wood beaters: Wood beaters are more durable and long-lasting due to their harder construction. They can withstand heavy playing and are preferred by drummers who require a consistent and powerful sound.
Overall, felt rubber and wood bass drum beaters produce different timbres depending on the drummer's playing style, the size and tuning of the bass drum, and the desired musical context. Drummers often select beaters based on their personal preferences and the specific sound they want to achieve for their genre of music.