How to Tune a Drum Set

How to Tune a Drum Set

How to Tune a Drum Set

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Selecting and purchasing the proper head can be overwhelming. Drum heads are made of many materials and thicknesses for various uses and sounds desired. When seeking a bright and lively sustainable sound a clear thinner and single layer, 1 ply head is used. If a deeper, darker, flatter or heavier tone is desired, thicker coated heads, or heads with two layers with fibrous material or hydraulic fluid between the two layers should be chosen. Coated heads produce a slightly warmer sound and thicker and multi layered heads with fluids or fiber between the heads, will self muffle some of the ringing sound.

Let's go down the middle with an average situation

Let's assume you are playing basic Rock music on a medium hardness drum shell in a medium size room with average acoustics. Yes, this is very average, and not committing to any specific sound or style. Simply put, this is a good starting place for understanding how to tune a drum set.

When applying the chosen head to the tom, place the logo where you like it the best because this can NOT be changed later. Place the rim on the head and equally finger-tighten all the lugs on the rim around the head. It is crucial to maintain balancing and centering throughout. Next, use a drum key in a criss-cross pattern to increase the tension patiently and equally. A turn, 180 degrees, on each lug is recommended. Then repeat until desired tune is reached. A clock like approach is recommended. For example, tighten lugs at 12 clock and 6 o'clock, then 2 o'clock and 8 o'clock, then 4 o'clock and 10 o'clock, back to 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock, and so on. The equality of the tension levels can be checked with a tension rod tool. Each drum head will have a recommended tension and pitch provided on the box that is provided.

Muffling and Dampening

Regardless of head type chosen, and regardless of tension, it's not uncommon to experience a ringing sound that echoes. To eliminate this issue, the next step in successfully tuning a drum head is MUFFLING. Mufflers exist in various formats, from commercially available foam and moongel to homemade varieties made of medical bandages and tape. The size, thickness and placement of mufflers on the head will adjust the degree of dampening. For example, the larger the pad, and the closer it is to the center of the drum head, the more it will muffle or stop the ring. The smaller and closer the pad is to the rim, the more it will allow the head to resonate. Try starting with a X inch square of a medical Steri-Pad bandage for a 10 inch tom, and a X 1 inch pad for a 12 inch tom, and a 1 X 1.5 inch pad for a 16 inch tom, and so on. Place the pads about an inch to 1 to 2 inches from the edge of the drum. Adjust to your liking from there. Again, personal preference will prevail; however, any muffler must be of a breathable material, or it may diminish the quality of the sound being produced.

In summary

To achieve a properly tuned, tonal tom-tom, select the appropriate head based on music type, drum thickness, venue and acoustics. Continue with careful and equal tension adjustments and follow-up with effective muffling. There are no right and wrong answers. If your drums sound good to you, and those around you, you have done a good job tuning. Ultimately, when these issues are addressed, a quality sound will be achieved.

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