heads.

blazendreadlocks · Alley Cat Joined: 03 Aug 2003 Posts: 184

Im wondering what the hole in the front of a bass drum does. Cause i was thinking about maby putting one in if i t works like a speaker box. meaning it allows the bass drum to be louder and not rattle as much. (the ringing afterwards.) Thanks ttyl

Saurencaerthai · King Kong Joined: 24 Sep 2002 Posts: 2609

There are a number of reasons why people have holes in the front heads. First off, having one or more holes tends to result in a dryer sound (less sustain) and more defined attack. Second, it can help increase projection of the sound. Third off, many like to mic their kick drums from inside the drum, rather than in front to get more of the drum's attack. I've also found that it makes internal muffling (IE: Pillows) significantly easier to adjust, as you don't have to take the head off again and again until you achieve the right muffling.

There are a few methods you can use to achieve the holy kick head: First, you can just buy a head with a precut hole in it (many companies offer them.) Second, you can use some circular object (splash cymbal, or cd, as some people suggested) and cut a hole in the head using a knife. Please note: I would get reinforcement rings for the head if you are going to cut the hole yourself using these means.) Third (and I credit this to GDawson) you can do the following: Take a coffee can and heat it up red hot on the stove. Then, CAREFULLY pick it up with heat gloves, tongs, what have you, and use the hot can to burn the hole in the head. Finally, there are hole-cutting kits you can buy (such as the Holz kits) which have reinforcement rings and such to keep the head from tearing.

Hope this helps!

Premier Artist · Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2003 6:13 am Post subject:

Hm, just a reflection:

Cutting a hole ("porting") does NOT make the bass drum louder. It allows the air to escape the shell faster when the drum is played and this will shorten the sustain. The sound will go from "booomaa" to "bum".

Be careful not to cut a too wide hole! A great "pro method" (ha ha) is to use an ordinary CD to measure the port width. The port should not be more than 5-6" wide (for a 20-22" Bass Drum). It's important since a too wide hole will puncture the drum totally. The air that "bounces" inside the shell is the air that will create the head-front-head resonance, and if the air escapes too fast the sound will get flat and thin.

The position of the port is another critical issue. A common tip is to port the drum "at 7 o'clock" (for right hand drummers) if You're micing the set, since that's the point on the bass drum that is furthest away from the cracking snare, preventing some snare drum leakage to the bass drum mic. Never port the head in it's center! I'd suggest "7 o'clock" or "5 o'clock", about 3-4 inches from the rim for best result.

Don't sufficate the bass drum! Pillows, blankets and rugs are the most common mufflers of all times, and some people stuff the drum full of it. The drum will go from "bum" to "thump". It will resonate as much as a brick wall when you throw a pingpong ball at it. My personal tip: Roll a blanket to a compact roll, duct tape it together a couple of inches from the edges and in the middle so it holds it's shape, lay it against the inside of the batter head and duct tape it to the head with as little tape as You can. That's it. Tune the batter head real low, almost "slacky" and try it out. If this doesn't get the maximum punch out of your bass drum - nothing will!

Advanced tips: Since more air will escape faster with a port, be sure to stick your bass drum mic (if You mic the set) closer to the batter head. My mic is mounted 2" from the head. I see a lot of people sticking the mic just inside the port, just about halfway into the drum. This is not good for 3 reasons:
1. The air may affect the sound, creating a distortion (similar to blowing into a singing mike).
2. The air may affect the mic. The membranes in mic's are pretty sensitive and a whole gig with the mic positioned straight in the bass drums escape air stream may very well silence that $300 pro mic for good.
3. The front head resonates, but different from the batter head. From the drummers seat, You will only hear the batter head sound. Also, that sound is most of the sound that the drum (should) deliver, but if You put a mic too close to the front head it will pick up more of the front heads sound. Since the front head often will have a different sustain (especially if You use my muffler tip mentioned above) the outcome will differ A LOT from how You tuned Your bass drum.

So in conclusion - rather small port (5-6"), don't overmuffle, and be sure to put any mic's as close to the batter head as possible.

Peace!
_________________
My Premier Artist Maple set!

TaYl0r · Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2003 10:56 am Post subject:

My kick came with a hole in the front head, and i think it is too big. It is probably around 8 inches in diameter. Should I get a new front head for my bass?

Saurencaerthai · King Kong Joined: 24 Sep 2002 Posts: 2609

If you think it's too big, then replace it. It's your decision, basically.

nlberg · Posted: Sun Apr 11, 2004 8:40 am Post subject:

Gee silly me I always thought the only good reason to put a hole in the front of your kick was to mike it.