@tommmmmorello Looking at the dd501 snare I would say yes.It looks like their standard metal rimmed pad - there's one on my wife's 502 kit - it's the base drum.I haven't opened one up yet but I should imagine the principle is the same.Take it apart carefully first before you commit yourself!
It is just a bit different inside (it's not possible to screw out the jack-plug, unless you don't cut the wires) but for the rest i had to follow your work!
I've been wanting to do this to my Simmons SD5k (the first version with Mylar heads). I'm far from handy, but this looks like I could possibly manage. Thanks for this tutorial, I saw it a year ago and still haven't done anything though. As of right now, my e-drums have just been sitting in the corner since I've moved. I have some mute pads on them, but that isn't too helpful for the bass drum. I'm too courteous to my neighbors to play. Maybe one day I'll try to change the heads. Wish me luck !
Tbh no. I guess it's just a matter of experimenting.If you think about it though, all drum heads are stretched to a certain extent or it wouldn't be possible to get the tension for a 'bounce'.I suppose it comes down to the tensile properties of the material that you are using?
The candered wont stretch but the uncandered will a little but it is not as smooth. I just wonder if maybe it would be too thick. How thick is the material you use??
I was wondering re: your alternative mounting design...
With the dimensions you give (1/2" below the rim) it's obvious that the "soft" foam (2" high) must be highly compressed, and thus provide a lot of spring tension, when the head is fitted.
I wondered if we could substitute slightly less compliant foam and use less material, since it would inherently compress less under the same load?
I would say yes but the soft foam does more that act like a spring - it insulates the piezo from shell vibration,useful for adding rim triggers.You will need to experiment! I you find a good working threshold please share it here!
1:25 Is where I start getting confused :S. Also, im doing this mod for the Ion drum rocker. I know there the same model but will it affect my game play.
what about crosstalk? isn't the whole reason for having foam between the drum base and the metal plate and piezo to dampen vibration for other drums coming through the drum rack? if you tape the piezo directly to the base of the drum seems like it would trigger more on rim shots then on the actually head.. sort of like a dual zone pad but in reverse.. :-/
Good point.I personally don't get any xtalk issues but i see what you're getting at.The metal assembly is sitting on the foam pad which dampens it a little.Tbh This project was designed to use all the available parts without actually destroying or replacing them.The main thing is that it works.I have developed a new conversion from the same pad which is more sensitive and xtalk free.I put it up soon but if you send me your email address i could send you pics.
Ok i did this, but the rim is higher then the mesh pad. how did you keep the mesh level with the black rim you screwed in around it (with the 6 screws)
It can be tricky.try carefully bring the 2 faces next to a bolt together with a clamp - tighten just a few threads -then do the same to the opposite side and so on.Have you got the rim band upside-down?slightly longer bolts will do the trick too.Let me know if its giving you serious problems.
Hey its rename159. Would it be easier to do what you did in your video or to just buy mesh heads (and I don't like buying of the internet)? And which one is cheaper?
buying heads is a lot easier! They are not expensive.The self build solution was intended for those who live in parts of the world where they are not easy to get.
It is such a pain in the ass to get that builders band (or galvanized strapping) of the appropriate type outside of the UK. I finally got my hands on some 3/4 inch strapping used to move lumber around. the hardware store throws it away so they were nice enough to give me some for free. I'll be trying this project out on my drum kit this evening (assuming I have all the tools I need). Looks promising, thanks for posting this video =D.
Very well done with this. Davidshek pointed this out to me a while back and I ran with it on the Ion Drum Rocker. Though some alterations were needed, this is what got the ball rolling. I gave you propper credit in my tutorial threads about this DIY job in multiple forums.
Hi Strat! I was just going to buy a mesh head and replace the stock skin. Is that a problem? I seen another video where the head is replaced with additional foam added. He doesn't go into the surgery that you do. Is he risking damage to the heads? If not I was going to buy a mesh head and use my HQ mute pads from my acoustic set instead of the foam. You know, just cut out the mute pad and place it under the mesh head. Your process has me a little intimdated. What do you think?
Would I be right in thinking you just want to do a straight mesh/skin replacement?Thats fine, I think using the foam underneath helps to bulk out the skin and give it some tension.You need to give your idea a go and see how it works! The method I use gives you a true skin feel because the mesh head has some clearance like a real drum -you can also put it all back together if you want to sell the kit on.
Thanks for posting this, strat. I've pointed many many people to this video for modifying their Ion Drum Rocker drum sets for Rock Band, since that kit uses the same DD505 pads.
how did you arrive at that conclusion?It was written for and transmitted on sky a few years back.Listen, I have nothing against constructive criticism,but in the interests of keeping these vids informative you will be blocked if you cant be civil.
This is brilliant! I added a small modification. ON the bearing edge of the metal strap, use some plastic weather strip to create a bearing edge. The weather stripping can be found at any hardware store for under $5 for @ 20 ft. If The end looks like a small "P". cut thru one edge of the tube, being careful not to cut thru , then slip the metal band loop into the cut slot in the strip. Tape in place. put a few pieces of tape around the edge to help hold it in place. helps with head life
Hi, it does 2 things: 1 cushions the piezo from percussion damage and 2 has the correct density of foam to transmit the vibrations to the piezo.Oh, and sorry 3 it's dirt cheap!
i have a session pro dd506 and i wanted to know how i would add mesh heads onto the snare as it has a dual trigger (normal snare shot and rim shot) any ideas?
Hi im0a0badman, I think you will find that the 'rim' trigger is separate from the drum.Try it,the separation will be due to a separate piezo pickup located on the side or the rim itself.You should be able to convert the drum pad and leave the rim pickup intact.Hope that helps
Hey stratocaster539, i heard that the alesis trigger io cannot handle dual trigger(Piezo/Piezo) on ohne pad very good.Have you build your snare as a head/rim piezo/piezo ?
What about double triggers when you hit the rim or head of the snare? Is there a way to control that ?
I have a dual triggered snare with 2 piezos.The Alesis has no trouble handling this its just a matter of configuring the parameters.Unfortunately the manual (like most) is a little basic and does not do it justice.I've just found out it can handle variable hi-hats but this is not explained well in the manual.
Just for reference:Commercial 'mesh' heads are made from fibreglass coated with plastic.You can by then as insect screen by the metre for about £6.00 weave is 18 x 16 per inch or finer.
This is pretty cool. I am using the DD908 pads to add to my Acoustic set which is becoming a beast, so I have no room for some drums that would normally take up much more room. I have watched this video several times. Clear as day, thanks! However with the mesh heads, it looks to me if you hit the foam with the stick, which is keeping the tension, eventually it will lose tension, no?
Hi drumdudeny, nope, the tension is created by the outer ring pulling down on the inner band.The black foam just makes it look better.The fixing method for the mesh works well, you can use glue or stitching as well.the inner band is needed to raise the rim slightly and also helps to bring the mesh flush with the top of the drum.
Well done, I did a conversion for my DD-502, I removed the metal plate from the plastic one, stuck several furniture foam pads together to make cones for all the pads, cut down the height of the lugs on the bottom of the plastic base, then simply fitted mesh heads from Koby and voilà:
One mesh head kit, its much quieter with a good bounce and stick response.
What kind of mesh do you use? is a metal mesh?
carlessneo 7 months ago
@carlessneo You can buy comercial mesh heads, I have used 'anti thrip' netting from Alplas.
stratocaster539 7 months ago
Can I have your old rubber heads?
beaulolp 1 year ago
what is the name song????
jota0897 1 year ago
Check that song from Super Mario RPG.....sounds like the "star piece"....piece.
Agatonga 1 year ago
@Agatonga will do -this was written about 10 years ago so I might be able to take them for copyright!
stratocaster539 1 year ago
@Agatonga hey! you're right! there is a bit in there that is very similar.
stratocaster539 1 year ago
@Agatonga or you can save yourself a ton of brain damage and buy a Mesh pad from Roland??
007818mjg 1 year ago
hello! I have a Medeli DD501,
could I make the mesh-head for my snare?
tommmmmorello 1 year ago
@tommmmmorello Looking at the dd501 snare I would say yes.It looks like their standard metal rimmed pad - there's one on my wife's 502 kit - it's the base drum.I haven't opened one up yet but I should imagine the principle is the same.Take it apart carefully first before you commit yourself!
stratocaster539 1 year ago
@stratocaster539 thank you very much, i made it!
It is just a bit different inside (it's not possible to screw out the jack-plug, unless you don't cut the wires) but for the rest i had to follow your work!
ciao
tommmmmorello 1 year ago
@tommmmmorello Great! Got any pics?
stratocaster539 1 year ago
I've been wanting to do this to my Simmons SD5k (the first version with Mylar heads). I'm far from handy, but this looks like I could possibly manage. Thanks for this tutorial, I saw it a year ago and still haven't done anything though. As of right now, my e-drums have just been sitting in the corner since I've moved. I have some mute pads on them, but that isn't too helpful for the bass drum. I'm too courteous to my neighbors to play. Maybe one day I'll try to change the heads. Wish me luck !
ImmortalicBrad 1 year ago
@ImmortalicBrad good luck man!
stratocaster539 1 year ago
is that octavarium?
012345678963258741 1 year ago
@012345678963258741 no.But in 30 years time I'll be 'octogenarian' - frightening.
stratocaster539 1 year ago
hey, where can i buy some decent mesh heads for the dd502?
mattandbat 2 years ago
They are pretty widely available on the net. I use w w w * thomann * de
stratocaster539 2 years ago
Have you heard of anyone using trampoline fabric for a head. It is made of polypropolene and will not stretch.
vronus65 2 years ago
Tbh no. I guess it's just a matter of experimenting.If you think about it though, all drum heads are stretched to a certain extent or it wouldn't be possible to get the tension for a 'bounce'.I suppose it comes down to the tensile properties of the material that you are using?
stratocaster539 2 years ago
The candered wont stretch but the uncandered will a little but it is not as smooth. I just wonder if maybe it would be too thick. How thick is the material you use??
vronus65 2 years ago
try 'anti thrip' mesh from allpas
stratocaster539 1 year ago
i wonder if it would be possible to put those annotations in more annoying places!
Drihscol 2 years ago
how is the rebound....if it is good can you do a video on the rebound?
hondas111 2 years ago
Because you have a proper tight skin the rebound is comparable to a real drum.
stratocaster539 2 years ago
I am too afraid to try this
JKiscooliest 2 years ago
you are the best!!!
3xp3rt 2 years ago
Stoppit! I'm blushing!!
stratocaster539 2 years ago
hey strato-man :)
I was wondering re: your alternative mounting design...
With the dimensions you give (1/2" below the rim) it's obvious that the "soft" foam (2" high) must be highly compressed, and thus provide a lot of spring tension, when the head is fitted.
I wondered if we could substitute slightly less compliant foam and use less material, since it would inherently compress less under the same load?
ShigawireStudios 2 years ago
Do you mean stiffer foam?
I would say yes but the soft foam does more that act like a spring - it insulates the piezo from shell vibration,useful for adding rim triggers.You will need to experiment! I you find a good working threshold please share it here!
stratocaster539 2 years ago
can the same be done to the DD502?
mcloum 2 years ago
yes. the only difference is the 502 may have some padding under the skin.
stratocaster539 2 years ago
can you buy these anywhere pre-made?
mcloum 2 years ago
Is the mesh fastened well inside the ring?
stratocaster539 2 years ago
i caNT GET THE MESH TIGHT. I DONT KNOW WHAT IM DOIN WRONG
vivatotti10 2 years ago
any luck?
stratocaster539 2 years ago
no. im gonna just buy some off the net. do u know any sites that sell 8 inch heads??
vivatotti10 2 years ago
Yep. w w w dot thomann dot de.
stratocaster539 2 years ago
Im confused right after u peel the rubber pad :S.
Also
1. Does Fiberglass insect mesh last long? How long?
2. Does this mod increase sensitivity
3. Any crosstalk?
4. Why do people use earplugs instead of a sanding block?Any difference?
5. Any double hits?
MrHoyte9 2 years ago
Hi,what is confusing you?
1.The mesh is very tough
2. the mod is definitely more sensitive
3.Crosstalk is reduced
4. the sanding block give better transmission
5.Zero double hits.
quite a few people have used this mod with really good results - I get a lot of feedback.
I have another conversion method that involves discarding parts and moving the piezo.Coming soon!
stratocaster539 2 years ago
1:25 Is where I start getting confused :S. Also, im doing this mod for the Ion drum rocker. I know there the same model but will it affect my game play.
MrHoyte9 2 years ago
Also, is it better to use a bigger sanding block?
MrHoyte9 2 years ago
I don't believe so.You don't want to dampen the mesh too much with a big block.
stratocaster539 2 years ago
alright. And will this work well with the ion durm rocker's gameplay?
MrHoyte9 2 years ago
As far as I can see yes.If you click on the video response below my vid it should tell you what you need to know.
stratocaster539 2 years ago
thanks so much for your help!Your great!
MrHoyte9 2 years ago
No - thank you for your interest!
stratocaster539 2 years ago
hey! is it possible 2 buy the brain 4 the dd505 seperate and does it work with any other brain device ,do u know,cheers!
falseflag08 2 years ago
what about crosstalk? isn't the whole reason for having foam between the drum base and the metal plate and piezo to dampen vibration for other drums coming through the drum rack? if you tape the piezo directly to the base of the drum seems like it would trigger more on rim shots then on the actually head.. sort of like a dual zone pad but in reverse.. :-/
brandon9271 2 years ago
Good point.I personally don't get any xtalk issues but i see what you're getting at.The metal assembly is sitting on the foam pad which dampens it a little.Tbh This project was designed to use all the available parts without actually destroying or replacing them.The main thing is that it works.I have developed a new conversion from the same pad which is more sensitive and xtalk free.I put it up soon but if you send me your email address i could send you pics.
stratocaster539 2 years ago
I'd love to see it! you a member on any of the Edrum forums?
brandon9271 2 years ago
Yep - there is some limited stuff on 'drumshed' in the forums.
stratocaster539 2 years ago
Ok i did this, but the rim is higher then the mesh pad. how did you keep the mesh level with the black rim you screwed in around it (with the 6 screws)
krad1313 2 years ago
It can be tricky.try carefully bring the 2 faces next to a bolt together with a clamp - tighten just a few threads -then do the same to the opposite side and so on.Have you got the rim band upside-down?slightly longer bolts will do the trick too.Let me know if its giving you serious problems.
stratocaster539 2 years ago
Hey its rename159. Would it be easier to do what you did in your video or to just buy mesh heads (and I don't like buying of the internet)? And which one is cheaper?
rename159 2 years ago
buying heads is a lot easier! They are not expensive.The self build solution was intended for those who live in parts of the world where they are not easy to get.
stratocaster539 2 years ago
It is such a pain in the ass to get that builders band (or galvanized strapping) of the appropriate type outside of the UK. I finally got my hands on some 3/4 inch strapping used to move lumber around. the hardware store throws it away so they were nice enough to give me some for free. I'll be trying this project out on my drum kit this evening (assuming I have all the tools I need). Looks promising, thanks for posting this video =D.
Simoyd 2 years ago
good luck!
stratocaster539 2 years ago
what size of these pads?
l2azer5h0t 2 years ago
8" my friend.
stratocaster539 2 years ago
Very well done with this. Davidshek pointed this out to me a while back and I ran with it on the Ion Drum Rocker. Though some alterations were needed, this is what got the ball rolling. I gave you propper credit in my tutorial threads about this DIY job in multiple forums.
karmajack 2 years ago
Hi Strat! I was just going to buy a mesh head and replace the stock skin. Is that a problem? I seen another video where the head is replaced with additional foam added. He doesn't go into the surgery that you do. Is he risking damage to the heads? If not I was going to buy a mesh head and use my HQ mute pads from my acoustic set instead of the foam. You know, just cut out the mute pad and place it under the mesh head. Your process has me a little intimdated. What do you think?
angleraxel 2 years ago
Hi Angleraxel!
Would I be right in thinking you just want to do a straight mesh/skin replacement?Thats fine, I think using the foam underneath helps to bulk out the skin and give it some tension.You need to give your idea a go and see how it works! The method I use gives you a true skin feel because the mesh head has some clearance like a real drum -you can also put it all back together if you want to sell the kit on.
stratocaster539 2 years ago
Thanks for posting this, strat. I've pointed many many people to this video for modifying their Ion Drum Rocker drum sets for Rock Band, since that kit uses the same DD505 pads.
davidshek 2 years ago
Thanks for that man! It would be interesting to see if the sensitivity and output improves.
stratocaster539 2 years ago
yea.thanks aot.i am looking forward to do this very soon as it is a great tutorial.
vivatotti10 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
gay song..
kaoneo 3 years ago
how did you arrive at that conclusion?It was written for and transmitted on sky a few years back.Listen, I have nothing against constructive criticism,but in the interests of keeping these vids informative you will be blocked if you cant be civil.
stratocaster539 3 years ago
well said
vivatotti10 2 years ago
This is brilliant! I added a small modification. ON the bearing edge of the metal strap, use some plastic weather strip to create a bearing edge. The weather stripping can be found at any hardware store for under $5 for @ 20 ft. If The end looks like a small "P". cut thru one edge of the tube, being careful not to cut thru , then slip the metal band loop into the cut slot in the strip. Tape in place. put a few pieces of tape around the edge to help hold it in place. helps with head life
downlowpunisher 3 years ago
Nice one! I shall look into that.
stratocaster539 3 years ago
how quiet r those
vivatotti10 3 years ago
A lot quieter than pads or skins.
stratocaster539 3 years ago
hey what is the sand block for?
jamalroxdasox 3 years ago
Hi, it does 2 things: 1 cushions the piezo from percussion damage and 2 has the correct density of foam to transmit the vibrations to the piezo.Oh, and sorry 3 it's dirt cheap!
stratocaster539 3 years ago
hey
i have a session pro dd506 and i wanted to know how i would add mesh heads onto the snare as it has a dual trigger (normal snare shot and rim shot) any ideas?
thanks
im0a0badman 3 years ago
Hi im0a0badman, I think you will find that the 'rim' trigger is separate from the drum.Try it,the separation will be due to a separate piezo pickup located on the side or the rim itself.You should be able to convert the drum pad and leave the rim pickup intact.Hope that helps
stratocaster539 3 years ago
Hey stratocaster539, i heard that the alesis trigger io cannot handle dual trigger(Piezo/Piezo) on ohne pad very good.Have you build your snare as a head/rim piezo/piezo ?
What about double triggers when you hit the rim or head of the snare? Is there a way to control that ?
BackboneNF 3 years ago
Can you make a video of your snare/tom mesh heads with middle triggers seen in the videos?
BackboneNF 3 years ago
I have a dual triggered snare with 2 piezos.The Alesis has no trouble handling this its just a matter of configuring the parameters.Unfortunately the manual (like most) is a little basic and does not do it justice.I've just found out it can handle variable hi-hats but this is not explained well in the manual.
stratocaster539 3 years ago
Hey good work!
I want to convert my pads of the DD506 too. Have bought me 4x 8" Meshheads...
BackboneNF 3 years ago
Nice one.You will find a big improvement in the overall feel of the pads.
stratocaster539 3 years ago
no, the noise, e.g. a real drum kit noise, snare tom 1 tom 2 etc
888MapeX888 3 years ago
I guess anything.Depends on what you like
stratocaster539 3 years ago
what is the loudest material you could use???
888MapeX888 3 years ago
what do you mean by loudest? A drum skin I guess
stratocaster539 3 years ago
is the mesh heads quiter than the rubber pads???
888MapeX888 3 years ago
Yep.A LOT quieter and they have better bounce.
stratocaster539 3 years ago
Just for reference:Commercial 'mesh' heads are made from fibreglass coated with plastic.You can by then as insect screen by the metre for about £6.00 weave is 18 x 16 per inch or finer.
stratocaster539 3 years ago
This is pretty cool. I am using the DD908 pads to add to my Acoustic set which is becoming a beast, so I have no room for some drums that would normally take up much more room. I have watched this video several times. Clear as day, thanks! However with the mesh heads, it looks to me if you hit the foam with the stick, which is keeping the tension, eventually it will lose tension, no?
Thanks!
drumdudeny 3 years ago
Hi drumdudeny, nope, the tension is created by the outer ring pulling down on the inner band.The black foam just makes it look better.The fixing method for the mesh works well, you can use glue or stitching as well.the inner band is needed to raise the rim slightly and also helps to bring the mesh flush with the top of the drum.
Cheers, thanks for the comment.
stratocaster539 3 years ago
Thanks for the info passtheparcel why not put it up for all?
stratocaster539 3 years ago
Hi, I sent some pics to u via youtube, did u get em.
Parcel
passtheparcel2008 3 years ago
nope sorry, perhaps i'm looking in the wrong place?
stratocaster539 3 years ago
Well done, I did a conversion for my DD-502, I removed the metal plate from the plastic one, stuck several furniture foam pads together to make cones for all the pads, cut down the height of the lugs on the bottom of the plastic base, then simply fitted mesh heads from Koby and voilà:
One mesh head kit, its much quieter with a good bounce and stick response.
Pics available to anyone interested.
passtheparcel2008 3 years ago
Thanks passtheparcel2008. how do we get your pics?
stratocaster539 3 years ago
I,ll send em, dont how yet, any ideas, i could use email.
Let me know.
thanks
passtheparcel2008 3 years ago
Wow, great tutorial bro! Really helpful! Thanks!
gmscott 3 years ago
I was wondering where you get the mesh from, not the premade mesh heads. I cant find any anywhere!
seanwhitley2000 3 years ago
THANKS!
poosinass 4 years ago
thankyou for your feedback
stratocaster539 4 years ago
Thankyou
ritnbk 4 years ago
Thankyou for your comment tbwff!Time and patience shows in your drumming skills.Any chance of some online pointers?
stratocaster539 4 years ago
Hi stratocaster539...you have done a great job with this and have more time and patience than me!!! They sound pretty good and like the snare sound!!
tbwff 4 years ago