Bass and drums (kits) have a greater dynamic range than a lot of the smaller more portable instruments which are stereotypically associated with folk music.

Dynamic range however is not inversely proportional to melodic capacity and "musicality".

In a classical orchestral situation or in a Gamelan orchestra bass sounds and percussion are integral to the music.

Folk musicians need to embrace a broader view of "folk" and instrumentation if a younger more diverse audience is desired.

Bass and drums are instruments and its how you use them.

As they say Bass and drums dont kill music "People Do!"