Octobans

About Octobans

Octobans are narrow, single-headed tom drums known for their distinctive, focused sound. Their long, tube-like shells give them a different character to conventional rack or floor toms, producing clear, punchy notes that can add another dimension to an acoustic drum kit. They’re commonly used as supplementary drums, giving you extra tonal options for fills, accents, and more creative rhythmic parts.

One of the main differences between octobans is shell length. Rather than relying primarily on shell diameter to change pitch, octobans use different shell depths to produce a range of notes while retaining their characteristic narrow shape. This makes it possible to arrange several drums together as a melodic set, with each one providing its own pitch. Their compact diameter also means you can add multiple octobans to a setup without taking up the same amount of space as conventional toms.

You’ll find octobans available individually and in sets, making it easy to choose an arrangement that suits your kit. Smaller configurations are handy if you simply want a couple of additional voices, while larger sets provide a broader tonal range for more detailed patterns and extended fills. Mounting hardware can also help you position each drum within comfortable reach alongside your existing toms and cymbals.

If you want to expand the sounds available around your acoustic kit, octobans offer a practical way to do it. Their focused tone, unusual construction, and range of pitches give you more room to experiment without replacing the drums you already use.

FAQs

What are octobans used for?

Octobans are used for adding high-pitched, melodic tom sounds to drum kits and percussion setups. Their long, narrow shells create distinctive tones. Drummers use them for fills, accents and tonal effects.