The improved batter head on the Rio Aluminum Surdo improves the fundamental, deep tone needed from this drum, and eliminates the need to muffle the head in order to control ringing overtones. Ten tuning lugs give you great control over the tuning of the drum, and a curved rim adds overall strength to the instrument. The aluminum shell will withstand all the weather you can throw at it, and mounted adjustable legs let you play this drum without holding it!