Drum Percussion
How to properly tune a drum and be glad you did.
If you’ve always wondered how to get your drums sounding right then you’ve come to the right place. A lot of drummers will allow their drum sets to get out of tune, which can then make everything else sound out of whack.
The goal of this article is to help percussionists learn how to keep their drum sets in tune. You’ll also learn the basic tools that are used to tune the drums such as a drum key and a drum dial.
The drum set has many parts that can be tuned. However, cymbals cannot be tuned, so it’s always better to spend a little extra money when buying cymbals. The Snare Drum, kick drum, toms and Floor Tom all need to be tuned from time to time. Most drums are tuned using the same basic principle and the same method. Every time a drum head needs to be replaced or sounds out of pitch, it will need to be tuned. On every drum there is a rim (hoop), a tension rod, a tension rod holder (lug) and the drum head itself. A drum key will be needed to tighten the tension rods, although a drum dial is strongly recommended to get an excellent sound from your drum kit.
1) Begin with the drum head and the rim off your drum with the drum itself on the floor. First, clean the edge of the shell with a dry cloth to remove any dirt or dust.
2) Place the drum head on the drum & the rim (hoop) over the head. Tighten the lugs by hand until approximately hand tight. Work with the lugs by going across the drum in a crisscross pattern. For example, start at the top then go to the bottom, go back to the 1 o’ clock position, down to the 7 o’ clock position and so forth until you make it all the way around the drum. This routine will ensure that the head is evenly set on all sides of the drum.
3) Push down on the rim over each lug as you tighten them by hand & follow the same pattern around the drum. Once the lugs are all hand tightened, slightly press down the center of the head with the palm of your hand until you hear the glue cracking on the head. This will guarantee that the head is properly seated & force it to make full contact with the shell.
4) Use the drum key to work your way around the drum using the same method described in the previous step. Turn each lug one-quarter to one-half a turn until all the wrinkles & creases are gone from the head. Now check the drum’s pitch by hitting the center of the drum head. Continue going around the drum head using one-quarter turns until you hear a tone that rings freely. If you hear any overtones or if the pitch isn’t clear, gently tap the head with a stick about one inch from each lug, as they should all have the same pitch. If not, continue to adjust the lugs until they all sound the same.
5) Repeat this method on the bottom drum head if your drums have two heads. It’s usually best to get both heads tuned to the same pitch but this is generally a matter of preference. Some drummers like to loosen the bottom head slightly and then tighten the top head to get a different pitch or tone.
Learn more about setting up your drums and how to select the best drum kits by visiting my website at http://www.bestdrumkits.com
drums and percussion
|
|
Pacific Drums by DW Mini Timbale, Chrome Plated Steel, 4X8 $49.99 8″ Mini Timbale. Made by Pacific Drums.Perfect for incorporating into a drum set, the PDP Mini Timbale provides authentic Latin percussion in a compact configuration…. |
|
|
Pacific Drums by DW Mini Timbale, Chrome Plated Steel, 4X10 $49.99 Perfect for incorporating into a drum set, the PDP Mini Timbale provides authentic Latin percussion in a compact configuration….. |
|
|
Authentic Models AM123 Short Rain Drum – AM123, Short Rain Drum – AM123… |
|
|
Neil Peart Taking Center Stage: Lifetime of Live Performances $24.59 Neil Peart – Taking Center Stage was filmed in various locations over the course of a year. In it, Neil Peart takes you on a behind-the-scenes look at Rush’s 2010-11 Time Machine tour. This includes rare and exclusive footage of Neil’s personal pre-tour rehearsals and backstage events at a Rush concert (including a visit to the soundcheck, and an unprecedented backstage interview as Neil warms up … |
|
|
Getting Started on Drums Featuring Tommy Igoe DVD – Setting Up / Start Playing $10.68 Tommy Igoe brings his 25 years of teaching and playing experience to bear, creating the first DVD for beginner drummers! He takes you on a journey that starts with taking a brand new drum set out of the box and gets you started making music right away. Setting Up! (Part 1) is dedicated to understanding your new drums. All of your drums and hardware, along with Tommy’s unique “Power Square” concept… |
|
|
Tommy Igoe Great Hands for a Lifetime $12.76 Save BIG when you buy today!… |
|
|
Drums & Percussions: Working It Out 1 [VHS] $39.95 … |
|
|
African Percussion presents WEST AFRICAN DJEMBE DRUMMING $24.95 This video uses a unique “player’s eye view” technique to present: Rhythm building exercises that tap into the player’s internal clock; Hand drum strokes to produce musical drum tonality; Technique building exercises for a fluid style; Instrumentation includes parts for Djembe, Kenkeni, Sanba, Djun Djun, Shekare and Bell; Repertoire covering the seven principal and most popular Djembe rhythms part… |
|
|
The Ultimate Beginner Series: Drum Basics Step One [VHS] $3.10 Drum Basics – Step 1 From Warner Bros. Ultimate Beginner Series comes Drum Basics – Step 1 with Sandy Gennaro A member of the Drummers Collective in New York and an experienced studio and live drummer with such artists as Cyndi Lauper, Joan Jett and may others, Sandy Gennaro is nationally renowned as a teacher and player Drum Basics covers all the first steps that a beginning drummer needs to star… |
|
|
Drum SET Wall Mural Decal Sticker Music Drums Drummer Band Drumstick Percussion $24.99 Better than wallpaper, wall stickers are a perfect way to decorate your room and express yourself. They are a fun, easy and removable decor solution. These stickers are pre-cut and will only take you several minutes to apply on any surface – walls, doors, windows, and more. When you want to remove them,they won’t damage your paint or leave any mess. Perfect for homes, nurseries, dorms, and anywher… |
|
|
Solid Wood Bongo Drums $80.99 If you really want to be cool, you need to get yourself this Bongo Drum setBongo set will give you everything you need to learn all the techniquesYou’ll be the life of the party when you show off your new Bongo skills |
|
|
Brick o’ Sticks Drum Sticks (Pack of 12 Pair) $44.99 Play with lightning speed with drum sticks that are stronger and last longerMaple nylon-tip drum sticks come with a pro-quality nylon carrying bag Get ready to make some thunder with the Brick o’ Sticks drum sticks |
|
|
Junior’s 4-piece Drum Set $185.99 Let your child rock to the beat with a junior’s 4-piece drum set Musical instrument is available in black, blue and red color optionsDrum set includes a mail-in coupon good for three pairs of drumsticks |
|
|
Planet Z by Zildjian Cymbal Setup Pack $164.99 Create an exciting sound with this cymbal pack from Planet Z by Zildjian. These percussion cymbals will add flair to your drum set. |
|
|
Planet Z by Zildjian 3-cymbal Setup Pack $110.99 Create an exciting sound with this 3-cymbal pack from Planet Z by Zildjian. These percussion cymbals will add flair to your drum set. |
|
|
Junior 3-Piece Complete Drum Set With Cymbal, Pedal, Throne, and Sticks $142.99 This 3-piece kids drum set is the perfect size for kids ages 3-10. It includes everything you need to get rockin’ right out of the box: a drum throne, bass drum pedal, a crash cymbal, and a pair of sticks. |
|
|
Sabian B8 Cymbal Set (Pack of 2) $176.05 Materials: BronzePack includes: Two (2) cymbalsPerfect for beginners or as a secondary cymbal pack for your practice kit |
|
|
PylePro Professional Electric Drum Kit – Double Braced Folding Padded Drum Throne/Keyboard Bench/Guitar Stool. $229.99 Professional Electric Drum Kit . + Double Braced Folding Padded Drum Throne – Keyboard Bench – Guitar Stool. |
|
|
GP Percussion Silver 3-piece Cocktail Drumset $255.99 Create a great backbeat with this GP Percussion 3-piece drumset. This musical instrument features a silver color and cowbell. |
|
|
Childrens 3-piece Complete Drum Set $113.99 This 3-Piece Kids Drumset is the perfect size for kids ages 3-10. It includes everything you need to get rockin’ right out of the box – a drum throne, bass drum pedal, a crash cymbal, and a pair of sticks. |
|
|
GP Percussion Wine Red Complete 5-piece Drumset $306.54 Keep time stylishly with this durable, attractive 5-piece drumset from GP Percussion. This musical instrument features poplar/basswood shells and a wine red color. |
|
|
GP Percussion Black Complete 5-piece Drumset $333.5 Keep time stylishly with this durable, attractive 5-piece drumset from GP Percussion. This musical instrument features poplar/basswood shells and a black color. |
|
|
GP Percussion Wine Red 3-piece Cocktail Drumset $255.99 Create a great backbeat with this GP Percussion 3-piece drumset. This musical instrument features a wine red color and cowbell. |
|
|
GP Percussion Midnight Blue 3-piece Cocktail Drumset $246 Create a great backbeat with this GP Percussion 3-piece drumset. This musical instrument features a midnight blue color and cowbell. |
|
|
Wooden Drum $26.94 This wooden drum, brought to you by House of Marbles, rings true to the aesthetic of top quality craftmanship, with a nod to the past and an eye on the future. This drum is wonderfully crafted for your little budding one-man band. |
|
|
Mahogany and Blue Rope Professional Level Djembe Drum (Indonesia) $128.99 This professional level djembe drum is made of environmentally friendly, legally certified plantation Mahogany hardwood. With absolutely fantastic sounds this djembe is built to perfection. |
|
|
Medium Djembe Drum (Ghana) $30.99 Handcrafted by artisans in Ghana of native wood and goatskin, this medium Djembe drum accentuates your decor with international beautyThe Djembe drum is the traditional communication drum of ancient West Africa |
|
|
Full D Medium Jembe Drum (Ghana) $75.53 Whether you use it as a musical instrument or as an elegant accent to your home decor, the African Jembe Drum is sure to impressExotic drum features goat skin stretched over a hand-carved wooden frameJembe drum is made in Ghana |
|
|
Mahogany Celtic Labyrinth Djembe Drum (Indonesia) $49.99 Handmade by Musical artisans of BaliMusical instrument is made of one-piece mahogany with a hand-carved Celtic Labyrinth designDrum is made from legally harvested certified mahogany |
|
|
Handcrafted 20-inch Djembe Drum (Ghana) $81.99 Have hours of fun with this handcrafted Djembe drum Musical instrument creates a piercing soundHobby item is the prominent percussion instrument in African dance ensembles |
|
|
Kenyan Kalimba Thumb Piano (Kenya) $16.49 Traditional African instrument is a Kalimba, or finger pianoInstrument is handmade in Kenya, East AfricaMusical instrument measures 6.5 inches long x 2.5 inches high x 1.5 inches deepJedando Modern Handicrafts |
|
|
Handcrafted Wood ‘Ahenfo’ Djembe Drum (Ghana) $104.99 You will be astonished by the piercing notes of the Ahenfo Djembe drum. A power sound to stimulate your sense of music, the Djembe drum is usually the lead or principal percussion instrument in African dance ensembles. |
|
|
Handcrafted Big Bang Djembe Drum (Ghana) $69.99 You’ll have hours of fun playing this Djembe drum with a boom soundThe Djembe drum is the prominent percussion instrument in African dance ensemblesHandmade by Brama, a professional drummer who makes and tunes his own drums |
|
|
Baby Brown Djembe Drum (Ghana) $29.99 Perfect for percussionists and drum enthusiasts this baby Djembe drum is a unique item. Made of sesse wood and goat skin, this is a skillfully handcrafted drum. |
|
|
Sese Wood Djembe Mask Drum (Ghana) $41.49 Handcrafted by artisans in Ghana, this African djembe drum is carved from a single piece of sese wood with a goatskin head and lacings. Today, this drum is gaining popularity as a great addition to drumming circles, rituals, and more. |
Musical Instruments | admin | 
February 16, 2012 6:49 am
Subscribe