A metal shell and metal inserts of an acoustic drum. In some examples, an acoustic drum having a metal shell can include one or more metal inserts configured to control the tone of the drum. In some configurations, the one or more inserts can form a portion of a bearing edge at one or more openings of the shell. Moreover, in some examples the inserts can be fitted to be in contact with the shell. The shape and configuration of the metal inserts can therefore control and refine the tone of the drum, allowing, for example, a drum with a metal shell to have a tone resembling that of a wooden drum with the sensitivity and power of a metal drum.