The snare drum finds its earliest incarnation in the early 15th century. Known as the medieval tabor, it was used on battlefields as a distraction and psychological tool against the enemy. Used in rock, country, pop, blues and jazz music, the heads are made of fiberglass or plastic. Across the bottom, a cluster of adjustable stainless steel snares are fastened which make the very sharp and bright sound its known for.
Invented between 1795 and 1805, the bass drum is the backbone of modern music. Coming in sizes of 16 to 28 inches in diameter, it is the lowest tuned drum out of all and used in marching bands as well as symphonies.
Brought to Europe in the 15th century, the tympani is almost exclusively used in classical music. Also known as the kettle drum, they are made of copper and its diameter can be anywhere from 20 to 32 inches in diameter.
Bongos can be traced back to the Cuban music styles Changui and Son which orginated in the Orient area of Cuba in the late 19th century. Believed to have evolved from the Abukua drum trio 'bonko,' which is still used in the Abukua religion in Cuba, they come in pairs,one slightly bigger than the other, usually held between the legs. The larger drum is called a hembra while the smaller is the macho (Spanish for female and male).
The djembe is an West African drum believed to have come from the Malinke, a culture of people that now occupy Liberia, the Ivory Coast and parts of Guinea. It goes back to 9th century during the reign of the Mali empire. Shaped like a Y, its top is stretched over with dried goat skin. It is a popular drum outside of Africa.
Originating in the Middle East and north Africa, the dumbek is similar to the djembe in shape. However, the head is designed like a snare. Its usually played under the arm and is second in world music popularity to the djembe.