Classic Ghaval
Our classic ghaval shell, a turned maple frame with a decorative exotic wood outer flitch, is 13 3/4″ in diameter, 2 5/8″ deep, 1/2″ thick. This shell features a precision turned bearing edge, and a rolled bottom edge to reduce stress on the player’s finger joints.
We’ve fitted our Classic model with 20 brass rings, divided into 5 groups, each beginning and ending with a small pellet bell. These rings and bells are mounted on small hooks so that they make contact with the wood shell, but not the head, and so avoid any unwanted buzz sound.
A half-moon arch cut in the shell at the 6 o’clock position allows for ease of play with both hands. This design also enables a stable grip for the less traditional playing style, where the ghaval is held flat (like a pandeiro) in one hand and shaken back and forth, so that the rings hit the inside of the shell in rhythm, while the drum is playing with the other hand.
PLEASE NOTE IMPORTANT DELIVERY INFORMATION
Cooperman drums are crafted in small batches. Except for the instruments featured in our "Drums Available to Ship Now" section, it may take up to 4 weeks to build your drum from log to finished instrument. Please contact us if you have a specific scheduling issues about your purchase. Follow this link to view our Shipping Policy.
Cooperman Hand Drums start in the Vermont woods where we select native hardwood trees to mill, using methods passed down through generations of sawyers and drum builders to create our single-ply steam-bent wood shells. We mill a variety of wood species - primarily cherry, ash, and maple. We specify the wood for each model drum based on a variety of considerations, including sound characteristics of the shell, weight, and appearance.
Similarly, Cooperman offers drums with a variety of drumhead materials. We recommend synthetic heads - natural skin drumheads have a traditional and unique sound, but they are a great vexation to drummers since swings in temperature and humidity greatly effect tuning and playability. In many cases (as with the AIS series) we specify a particular drumhead (ie. REMO Renaissance or REMO Weatherking Clear). We use, exclusively, REMO synthetic products, choosing from their extensive catalog of options to suit the sound characteristics of the various drum models. We can mount a skin head at your request.
The drumhead is secured into an exterior groove, which is then covered with a colored cord. The default color is black, though in some cases we coordinate the color with other design features or decorative inlays.
All Cooperman drums are tunable. The tuning mechanism (US PATENT # 5,517,890) was developed and patented to address the evolving requirements of frame drummers. We believe it is the best system possible for keeping the drum in a desirable range while retaining the sound and visual aesthetic of a traditional frame drum. All drums are sold with a tuning wrench included.
Our standard finish is a clear, musical instrument grade lacquer. This finish protects and brings out the extraordinary grain of our native Vermont hardwoods. For some models, our drums are specified with decorative and colorful stains, inlays, or overlays. In most cases, you may choose to personalize your drum with a custom finish.
Many of the design specifications can be customized - wood choice. head material, diameter, depth, etc.. Contact us by email or phone to discuss your ideas.
We hope you will have a lifetime of satisfaction with your drum and spread the word about the instruments we make.
