Drum Heads - Fitting & Tuning - Part One

Drum Heads - Fitting & Tuning - Part One

Drum Heads - Fitting & Tuning - Part One

I am constantly amazed at the amount of new pupils I teach at home who can play drums to a competant level, but cannot tune their 'kits. I don't know many Guitarists that can play, but not tune their instrument.

So, here are a few tips to help you through the 'mystical art' of drum tuning:

Firstly; The Drums ARE a tuned instrument. I've lost count of the number of people who've said; "I didn't know you had to tune them!". YES, YOU DO. If you want your drums to sound good, that is...

Starting off; What batter (top) heads you use is really down to personal choice and what drumkit/music you're playing (some are more resonant than others, depending on many factors; Age/Quality/Shell Material, etc.?). So, as a rule of thumb; If you're a hard-hitter - Use a twin-ply/pre-damped head (eg. Remo Emperor/Evans G2, etc.). If you're a lighter player - Use a single-ply head (eg. Remo Ambassador/Evans G1, etc.). Simple!

Next;

Fit the new heads to you drums by removing all the 'tension rods', with a 'drum key' and lifting off the 'hoop' that secures the old drum head to the shell. A handy tip before fitting a new head, is to rub candle wax around the bearing edge (the pointed part at the top of the drum shell that the skin rests on.). This will make life a little easier when you come to tuning.

Then, after you've tipped the drum upside down, to ensure the surplus wax shavings are out of the drum (!), place on your new drum head.

Replace the hoop and tighten the tuning rods until finger-tight all the way round the drum. (words: Glen Buck)

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