what is a virgin bass drum?

[The Swish Knocker]

Someone posted that on an MRX you can get a "virgin bass drum" whereas on an SRX that option isn't available. I'm kinda in the middle between which one of these kits is the better buy, since supposedly they sound the same.

so, what is virgin bass?

[jonesie196]

its a bass without a b3 mounting plate and un drilled

[Virulence]

a bass drum that has'nt had sex. :o

[yourpointis]

lol

[Joey]

Originally posted by Virulence
a bass drum that has'nt had sex. :o
I was just gonna put "It's a bass drum that hasn't been penetrated", but you ruined it! ARGHHHHHHHH!

[Raymond Massey]

Hi Swish Knocker,

You are correct, the SRX Bass drums all come standard with BB-3 mounts.

Virgin Bass Drum:
As far as the bass drum having a mount or not - my thoughts are if you muffle it and cut a hole in the front head - it makes no difference - however if you are tuning it wide open with a long sounding note - you may notice a little dampening.

You can get a great sound either way - it may be more about ease of setting up.

SRX VS MRX:
I've posted this before but just to clarify - please allow me to do so again for all interested parties.

There is a difference in sound, here's how these kits compare to find out why!

Hardware:
Hoops: Masters-Die Cast / SRX SuperHoop II
Tension Rods: Masters- Stainless Steel / SRX - Cast
Lugs: Masters-Low Mass Bridge Style / SRX - regular
# of lugs on BD/SD: Masters-10 / SRX -8
Mounts: OptiMount Both
Rubber lined BD claws: Masters Only
Heads: Masters Remo Clear Ambassadors /SRX Pearl ProTone

Mounts
The mounts are the same with all the great benefits for both by supplying added sustain and tone, while still allowing for close-nit set ups between your toms.

Maple:
The shells of each are 100% Maple and are from the same lot of wood, however they use planks with a better cosmetic appearance on the Masters. This is especially noticeable on the inner and outer plies of the shell. Both offer the classic Maple sound of a “warm tone” with slightly boosted low-end characteristics. The MRX will feature the same kind of projection because of the shell thickness (6-ply 7.5mm). The MMX is 4-ply 5mm with Maple reinforcement rings-great "near-field" application .

Die-Cast VS SuperHoopII –plays a big roll
Die-cast increases the focus, projection and clarity of the toms. This is really noticeable when playing fills with lots of notes - the separation is fantastic. However, you may notice a stiffer feel to your hands with these on the snare. The SuperHoops produce a very open sound with a little less projection separation between the notes. They also softer feel. They’re both great – just a matter of choice.

Tension Rods
The advantage of stainless steel tension rods are; they’re not plated and are precision cut out of a single-piece of stock for incredible consistency. The brass swivel nut is not plated also thus creating a perfect fit between the two.
Classic tension rods are made by joining two half’s together, they also have to be made smaller so when the plating is applied it will be brought up to tolerance/size. Sometime even with the best intentions, this can vary.

Lugs
The low-mass Bridge Style Lug on the Masters adds to the overall sustain by allowing the shell to vibrate more.

Number of lugs
This falls more under tuning; with 10 you can better fine-tune your pitch. This is really noticeable on the snare more than the bassdrum. This could also open the tone of both drums a little.

Heads
Big difference here! The SRX uses Pearl ProTone heads a 2-ply batter and a single ply bottom. The 2-ply batters lend themselves to a fat mid to low-end tone. These really sound different than the Remo clear Ambassadors that come stock on Masters -which are brighter and have a nice fuller range.

Sound
In conclusion the main factors that contribute to the overall sound differences between the two series are; the Hoops, Heads, and Lugs. Out of the box the Masters will be brighter with enhanced clarity, projection, and a wider tuning range. The SRX comparably will be slightly darker with a more open sound.

The main features that account for the price differences are; the quality of inner/outer Maple Veneer; Lugs; Hoops; Heads; Quality of Finish; Lug Gaskets; Tension rods, Number of Lugs on SD & BD; Bass drum claws. Which I should mention that the rubber lined D-054 that are standard on all Masters Series really protect the hoop and don’t create memory indentations associated with older style claws!


Finish
Generally speaking the overall finish on the Masters is of higher quality with added steps and to the amount of lacquer and polishing - there are 9 lacquer colored finishes to choose from. Plus with Masters you have your choice of color-plated hardware; Chrome, Gold, Satin Chrome, Black Chrome and more color choices "of lacquer color finishes".

With SRX chrome hardware is featured with 5-lacquer colored finishes.

I hope this helps.

[The Swish Knocker]

thanks alot