drums and tuning

Ron Koval drwoodwind@hotmail.com
Fri, 03 Mar 2000 06:55:58 PST


Hi everyone


Yes, drums can be tuned to pitch.  BUT, having said that, there are many 
variables that come to play as to whether a pitch can be identified in 
"normal" playing.

When 'tuning' a drum, assuming the rim isn't bent, and the lugs are working 
correctly, one normally brings tension up a little at a time rotating 
criss-cross fashon with the lugs.  (kindof how you are supposed to tighten 
the lugs on a car tire.)  Once the drum pitch gets close to where it 
'should' be, then by using a drumstick, lightly tapped about 1" from the 
rim, adjustments are made one lug at a time to balance the pitch from one 
side of the head to the other.  The pitch will be clear (as long as there 
are no muffler strips or pads being used) and should match all the way 
around the drum.

However, when the drum is struck in the middle, tone is lost, and you hear 
the familiar 'thunk'.  Drums that the tone preferred are struck nearer the 
edge. (tympani, bass drum)


not at all complete, but it's a start!

Ron Koval

Chicago



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