1. Overview

2. The Drum Units (Individual Drums)

2.1 Shell (Body)

• Typically constructed from hardwood​ such as birch, oak, or traditional Chunmu (Ailanthus), or from multilayer laminated wood for stability.
• The shape is generally a short straight cylinder​ or slightly tapered barrel, shorter in depth than a full-size Tanggu to allow clearer pitch definition.
• The interior is often untreated or minimally finished to preserve natural resonance.
• Shell thickness and diameter vary across the five units: smaller drums for higher pitches, larger drums for lower pitches.

2.2 Batter Head (Playing Membrane)

• Made from natural animal hide, most commonly water buffalo or cow skin.
• The hide is processed, soaked, and stretched over a flesh hoop​ before being mounted on the shell.
• Thickness is selected according to pitch range: thinner hides for higher drums, thicker hides for lower drums.
• This membrane is the primary vibrating surface struck by the player.

2.3 Resonant Head (Optional Back Head)

• Some models include a second head on the opposite side of the shell; others are open-backed or have a non-playable decorative head.
• When present, the resonant head influences sustain, pitch stability, and overall tonal balance.
• It is usually made of the same material as the batter head but may be slightly thinner.

2.4 Hoops (Rims)

• Metal or wooden hoops​ that hold the drumhead in place.
• In modern versions, counterhoops​ with holes for tension rods are used.
• The hoop must distribute tension evenly to avoid warping the head or shell.

2.5 Tension System (Mechanical Lug Tuning)

• Tension rods​ (tuning bolts) pass through the hoop and screw into lugs​ anchored to the shell.
• Lugs are typically inserted into or bolted onto the shell at evenly spaced intervals (usually 8–10 per drum).
• A claw hook​ or direct-lug system may be used depending on the manufacturer.
• This system allows precise, symmetrical adjustment of head tension to control pitch.

3. The Rack System (Frame)

3.1 Main Vertical Support(s)

• One or two central vertical metal tubes​ (often steel or aluminum) form the backbone of the stand.
• These may be telescopic to allow height adjustment.

3.2 Horizontal Crossbars / Arms

• Extend from the vertical support to hold individual drum cradles.
• Usually adjustable in angle and sometimes in horizontal spacing.
• Designed to position the five drums in an ergonomic arc facing the player.

3.3 Drum Cradles / Mounts

• Each drum sits in a padded cradle​ or on a tilting platform attached to the crossbar.
• Cradles often have memory locks​ or set-screws to fix position.
• They allow independent angle adjustment so each drum can be tilted toward the player for optimal striking.

3.4 Locking Mechanisms

• Wing nuts, thumbscrews, or lever locks​ secure the height, angle, and spread of the frame components.
• Quality racks use positive-locking collars to prevent slippage during vigorous playing.

3.5 Base and Stability Structure

• The bottom of the rack flares into outrigger legs​ or a wide tripod/base plate.
• Equipped with rubber feet​ or spiked feet (for stage use) to prevent movement.
• Heavier models may include sandbag anchors or weight-bearing cross-members for large-format drums.

  

4. Hardware and Ancillary Components

4.1 Memory Locks

• Small collars placed on telescoping tubes to mark preferred height/angle settings for quick replication during setup.

4.2 Tuning Keys / Wrenches

• Specialized tools (usually square or hexagonal) for adjusting tension rods.
• Often stored on the rack or in a attached holder.

4.3 Protective Padding

• Felt, rubber, or neoprene padding​ lines the cradles to protect drum shells and improve grip.
• Edge tape or rim protectors may be applied to hoops to reduce stick wear.

4.4 Transport Accessories (Optional)

• Some professional racks include integrated wheels, folding joints, or detachable segments for portability.
• Custom cases or padded bags protect the rack and drums during transport.

5. Material and Finish Considerations

• Wooden shells:​ Finished with traditional Chinese lacquer (red, black, or natural wood grain) for protection and aesthetics.
• Metal hardware:​ Chrome-plated, powder-coated, or anodized for corrosion resistance.
• Hide heads:​ May be left natural or treated with light oils to resist drying; synthetic heads (PET-based) are sometimes offered as alternatives.

6. Assembly Hierarchy (From Smallest to Whole)

1. Drumhead + Flesh Hoop
2. Hoops + Tension Rods + Lugs → Mounted on Shell
3. Individual Drum Unit (Shell + Heads + Hardware)
4. Drum Placed in Cradle → Attached to Crossbar
5. Crossbars Mounted on Vertical Support(s)
6. Base/Legs Deployed → Entire Rack Stabilized
7. Five Drums Arranged Left-to-Right (Low to High Pitch) → Final Angle/Height Adjusted

   

7. Variations in Design

• Traditional Hybrid:​ Some models retain partial rope-tuning elements combined with a simplified rack.
• Compact Student Models:​ Smaller shells, lighter rack, fewer adjustment points.
• Professional Concert Models:​ Heavy-duty lugs, double-hoop systems, memory locks, outrigger stabilization, and high-grade hide selection.
• Synthetic-Head Versions:​ Use mylar-type heads with identical mechanical fittings but different acoustic properties.

8. Summary Table of Structural Components

9. Conclusion