Instrumental History of the Drums The first instrumental drum was called a timpani or kettledrums. This drums origin is of Eastern origin. Small kettledrums were introduced into Europe as The European kettledrum , which is used in American orchestras also, derives its special sound from the size and shape and diameter of its bowl. This bowl is usually made of copper or fiberglass. Another primary drum is the snare drum. It was developed drom double-skinned drum of medieval times known as the tabor. This drum, also called a side drum , has its distinctive feature several gut or wire strings that stretch across the instrument