So I am in the process of making a 16 inch BD for a friend of mine. He is a singer/songwriter who has expressed interest in a BD to play during his solo gigs - just playing while standing. He wants it small. He like a punchy thud sound. Has no problem stuffing it with something.

Meanwhile, here I am, in recent years running wide open to get the most punch/thump as we have all the muffling we need now built in to the heads.

I originally was going to use a 14in BD from a child's kit, but decided I have the 16 shell to spare from an old Pearl stencil. So, I decided to go with the 16 because I have never heard of a 14in BD having enough punch/thud.

Question is - right now the shell us 16 dia with a 15in depth. Should I leave it as is, or cut it down to a 14? Now - I am going to use wood hoops and want to be sensitive to size because ultimately I want him to be able to use a FT case and fit everything in there: some type of cradle, pedal, drum, etc.

So, those wood hoops is going to add depth as well and that needs to be considered.

My next decision I need to make is what heads to use. If he is going to just stuff it full of crap, is it even necessary to buy an Aquarian with the foam around the edge (like an SKI) or even Remo Muffls, etc. Perhaps that would not be necessary and not be used if he is just going to stuff it. Not sure if he will be MICing or not. I would think he would in some case, sometime not.

Thanks for any advice.