The Raised Tongue Issue…….explained.

The issue of raised tongues versus flush tongues is a controversy emphasized by several drum makers.  We have done extensive closed door testing between “heat treated” and  raw “weldments”. These “weldments” are the welded tank halves. Let’s call them tanks. These tanks are what are made into drums. The DOT requires the tanks be treated to relieve stress prior to being certified for propane or pressure tanks. When a heat treated tank is cut to make tongues, the tongues remain flush because the stress in the tank has been equalized. When a tongue is cut in a “raw” tank, (that is one that has not been through the heat treating process), the tongue rises slightly above the tank body. MILLTONE has done extensive, closed door, side by side, sound tests between heat treated and raw steel tanks. Heat treating changes the hardness of the steel and the resulting sound it makes. There were subtle differences in timbre, tone, and sustain that were noticed during this controlled testing.

(Note the MFT models were made from non heat treated weldments and have been discontinued. 4G Models are not made from weldments of any kind)

MILLTONE drums have raised tongues for a number of functional reasons. The raised tongues move the sound away from the resonator body and change the angle of the radiated sound waves as they enter the “echo chamber” below. These sound waves are then reflected back up and out the top sound port to mix with the direct radiated sound waves. This process adds an order of fullness to the overall tone produced by the instrument. The “echo chamber”  created by the solid parabolic bottom is important and contributes to the “soul” of the instrument which has the unique timbre and rich blended tone. MILLTONE has “Tone” in the name and is dedicated to “form follows function” philosophy. MILLTONE drums are created to produce rich, soulful tones and sounds.  Any and all playing techniques can be used safely and comfortably. Because the tongues are raised they can even be plucked to create another unique sound.   The raised tongue tips, and side edges can be smoothly finished and well coated for long lasting protection and beauty. Just like raised keys on a piano, and most other instruments, playing a MILLTONE is tactile, intuitive, and responsive.

“The Best Tongue Around”