Drum Tuning

DoWn SiStem · Posted: Sat Feb 01, 2003 2:40 pm Post subject: Drum Tuning

OK...

I always have trouble tuning my drum set.

I've spent a few hours before giving up tinkering with the sounds. Even if I do get the sound that I want, THE *Holy Censor, Batman* SNARE ALWAYS RINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tips, please...

gdawson44 · Posted: Sat Feb 01, 2003 4:14 pm Post subject: Drum Tuning

I have a piece of napkin that I folded up and taped to the top of the batter head. Tape a small piece near the snare's rim. It may not look so cool but it works wonderfully and is practically free.

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

Well, first off, if you want a rather quick method to dampen the snare, just do as gdawson44 does. You don't need much towel or tape to do it either.

A few things to think about, though: First, what kind of heads are you using? Some types of heads tend to lend themselves to ring more than others. There are heads that are specifically designed to kill ring, as well as rings of mylar to be placed on the drum which helps eliminate it as well. Also, a very extreme solution would be to go out and buy a snare that doesn't lend it's self to ringing as much.

A third thing to chew on though: Often, drums have two sounds; one which is close up, and one which is what everyone else hears. Sometimes, the two are vastly different from eachother. Perhaps the ring isn't as audible? As well, when other instruments are playing, there is a bit of frequency masking which takes place, cancelling out some.

crowley35 · Posted: Sun Feb 02, 2003 4:16 pm Post subject: Drum Tuning

"Funky Tune" your snare.

Find the pitch you like, whether it rings or not. Then loosen the tuning rod or two closest to you sitting at the kit. These should be the ones that would be hit in a rimshot. Lemme try a drawing for you.

...1----2
../........\
./..........\
8............3
|............|
|............|....(my apologies for all
7............4.....the periods, it was
.\........../.......the only way to make
..\......../........a sorta round shape)
...6----5

[drummer sitting here]

To funky tune this drum, loosen 6 and 5.

Another thing: tightening the bottom (snare side) head will help this problem a bit.

Good luck.

[This message has been edited by crowley35 (edited February 02, 2003).]

[This message has been edited by crowley35 (edited February 02, 2003).]

[This message has been edited by crowley35 (edited February 02, 2003).]

straymoose · Sea Monkey Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 10

.
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Try this method.
http://www.peavey.com/media/pdf/misc/drumtuning.pdf
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carrollhach · Posted: Thu Feb 06, 2003 9:29 pm Post subject: Drum Tuning

If you have an extra hundred bucks, invest in Yamaha vintage wood hoops. They are the best thing to happen to snare drums since the calf head was replaced. They make any drum sound rich and full with a killer rimshot and great clarity but no overtones. I am amazed.