Tuning

Yes, even a drummer needs to tune. In the following tuning method, it will be assumed that you are replacing your old heads.

1. After you've taken your old heads off, take a dry rag and wipe away any debris from around the top of the shell.

2. Place the new head on the shell, and spin it so it seats itself into place. Then replace the rim and tension rods.

3. Finger tighten the tension rods around the drum.

4. Using the cross method, as if you were changing a car tire, tighten the tension rods 1 to 1 1/2 turns so your drumhead is above desired tuning. Place the drum on the floor and apply pressure to the center of the drumhead. (It is best to leave the drumhead this way for 24 hours). This will stretch the drumhead eliminating any unwanted slack.

5. Loosen the tension rods to the point where the drumhead is wrinkled.

6. Using the cross method, tighten the tension rods 3/4 to 1 turn.

7. Place a finger in the center of the drumhead to control overtones, and lightly tap in front of each tension rod with a drumstick. When you find the desired pitch you can adjust the rest of the tension rods to match.

8. The bottom drumheads should be tuned slightly above the pitch of the top drumhead. *****

*****Note that the bottom drumhead will also dictate resonance in the drum sound. The tighter the bottom drumhead is, the longer the resonance.

HOME