A Look at Bearing Edges with Jeff Kirsch - Drum History Podcast 

It's true that tastes change but edges aren't really about taste. To use guitars an analogy, if your tastes change from fender sound to Gibson sound, you still need functional and precise neck, fret and intonation. These things don't make a fender sound like a Gibson. In the same way, if you put different edges on a batch of Pearl drums, they all still sound like a bunch of pearls. Except one will have easier and way more stable tuning. Edges aren't about sound. They're about availability of sound options and range. The biggest myth about edges is that they're used for sound. They shouldn't be. You can limit or expand the existing brand sound with edges but sound is not the purpose.

@@portlanddrums I'll agree to disagree with you here. For example, regardless of the shell construction...I like what some edges do to a drum sonically. Now shells sound different as well. I like to use edges and wood/metal to achieve what i'm looking for. Throw heads, rims and wires in that bag as well. All of it has altered the sound I can get from a particular drum. There is no right or wrong way. I enjoy and plan to continue using all of IT at my disposal.

We're essentially saying the same thing. You like one edge more than the other because it's probably the correct edge. Which compared to an incorrect edge, can certainly sound better. That's the proof there are no options. They affect sound because they effect function but they don't effect brand sound. Dw sounds like Dw and pearl like pearl. The one with edges will sound better but only because it functions better

Luan is definitely a softer wood. Did I say otherwise? I think it largely depends on what era of imperialstar you have. These changed multiple times over the years.

Yes, I agree. I think that drums sound is affected by the VIBRATING COLUMN OF AIR inside the shell. Like Pan Pipes... Or like if you have a set of congo drums: they are both the same length, but different diameters. Using the Pan Pipe concept: The little drum has a LOWER PITCHED COLUMN of air, and the larger diameter drum has a higher pitched VIBRATING COLUMN OF AIR. You can hit the center of the congo drum with your fist, or the palm of your hand, and test my theory. It usually bears true, but some times not. I think that is due to changing atmospheric conditions. Sonor Phonic, and Premier Resonator drums have thick shells and a different dimension VIBRATING COLUMN OF AIR, and I think they sound better. But the shell it's self? No the SHELL does not really resonate. IMHO