Thank you so much for this video Bob! I watched this about 2 years ago when I first started playing and had no idea how to tune and this helped me so much! I still use this tuning method to this day! :)
And he tunes an Evans head! Big deal they always tune easy. Too bad you have to tune them every song. Sorry Bob but the real deal is Remo. Coated ambasadors on the batter side of toms and clear diplomats on the resonant. Snares need an emproer on the batter and the dip does well on the small side. Crank it up though. Tune to the shell.
@bobgatzen Sorry Bob. I was in a bad mood and I guess you got the bad side. I will agree with you on resonace though. A mediocre drummer can benefit from good sound. I play wide open live and use moongel if I have to in the studio. I just never had luck with the Evans heads. They always tune fast but just do not seem to have the staying power. Peace.
hey, i do heavy drumming, (like deathcore, hardcore, etc.) i have some used drum heads currently, and i know how to tune them, but i don't know how to make them deep/ higher or resonate more/ less without it sounding weird.
which side controlls pitch and which side controlls resonence, and how tight/ loose should i tune both sides? or do i need to tune them both to a similar tuning?
I often use this tuning formula… 14"@ "D", 10" same pitch an octave higher.16"@B and the 12" octave higher. This way I utilize only octaves and 3rd's. Octaves are powerful, easy for the listener to digest.
Sorry Cad, the real deal is Tama, all other drums are sub standard. No, wait, that's just my bias arrogant opinion talking.
How the hell can a bad mood warrant such an completely unnecessary comment to a drumming legend! Remove your head from your anus before you make more stupid comments, especially where the uploaded in this case, Bob himself, actually replies.
i have a question about any tom smaller than 13 inch. so i like my toms low but it seems my 12 inch doesnt like to sound good low but it sounds excellent when i tune it higher (keep in mind i have Evans EC2 sst on the batter side and g1 on the reso side). what should i do? i have a 200$ drum set.
@zzzzzushi GENERALLY... the 12" tom is comfy when pitched between B-D flat. You might get it to go down a bit lower (1/2 step) if you replace the reso head with an EC-reso. Please keep in mind the condition of the drum shell itself dictates the RANGE of usable tunings. Hope this helps zzzzz
Bob, I have to thank you for all these videos. If it weren't for you and the top quality videos you produce, I'm not sure where I would be. You are helping drummers every where, and that is truly important.
PS.
Does anyone think Daniel Tosh looks like a younger Bob? Just a thought.
I am having trouble getting my toms to not ring so much, I read that if you tighten the bottom head tighter than the top head the drum will not ring as much but that is not working for me. I would like that sound when you play the drum and it has that note drop off sound what is the tuning method to produce that sound with no muffle rings?
@BMOG Tune the batter & resonant heads to the lowest possible pitch. Then match them. There are 2 pitches to pay attention to... individual & overall pitch.
1.Individual - pitch of each head with one head muffled.
2.Overall- striking the batter head on the kit with both heads vibrating.
Set “batter” pitch slightly higher & than the reso, listen.. then reverse the order with the “reso” higher. There are. 2 different “pitch bend” sounds…ooo-bah (bend up) & bah-ooo (bend down).
This really works... not in every case, as sometimes you really do need to bring up the low side, but very often what is needed is to shift the head on the drum. Bob is a great thinker in this area.
i use an "evans torque" key. best investment i have ever made really. i can get the tension even all the way around my kit. and i just write down what settings i used. on top of that. i found your video about the "rack mount toms" cradle . how they needed to be bent to allow them to move freely. WOW> worked such a charm. thanks. any tips? you recommend torque keys? cheaper than tension watch. and doesnt scratch your skin if used wrong.
Hey. Can you please tell me what kind of head combo i should get for my snare and two toms? I have a 14 inch snare drum and i just bought a remo coated pinstripe. Only problem is my reso head is denting and so i GOTTA replace it. any tips on how to get a crisp 'clack' sound like in metal and rock with that top head? And also i got 12 and 16" toms and I'm gonna get the money for black ebony pinstripe top heads. Any tips on reso head for the future toms for the same genres?
@ACompetitiveHalo I suggest the Hazy 300 snare-reso combined with the new "Hybrid" batter. It's a bit pricey but sounds great and is very durable. The ST-ST Dry is another possiblilty for less $'s
@bobgatzen i have a question though. sometime i wanna get rid of my drum set and replace it with another one. im going to keep the stands and cymbals, the bass head and possible the tom heads and replace the 2 snare heads. My cymbals are all HHX and AAX Sabian Cymbals, excpet for my china which is not a sabian or any popular brand. what set is a bit on the cheeper side but still sounds great? my drum shells arent cutting it. any sugestions?
@bobgatzen but i mean what brand should i buy for new drum shells if i want something cheaper? thnks for the head combos. i have the power center reverse dot snare.
Hi Bob, you are old one, who feels young, H? %) you are the perfect teacher, because I had a lot of questions, and you answered from videos, but, I have one question, when I have 4 toms,:10;12;13;14; and floor tom 16, how should I get good sound to not be close to other drum? I decided to tune toms by tones, that there is difference between toms two half tones; F.E.:10" tom is C#; 12" is A#; 13" is G; 14" is E; can be? or it's not for all toms good? I use on the top G2 clear, and bottom G1 clear
@promilovic Hi P...thanks for the nice comment. Here are "Overall" tom pitches can vary, but will get you in the ballpark. Depending on musical style & heads. There is some flexibility on these pitches due to the style of the drum, drumheads and mounting system. Again, these will give you something to shoot for.
Toms- 16"> B-C, 14"> D-Eb, 12"> F-Ab, 10" > C-D and 8” F-G. The 13” is generally happy around an "E".
Hey Bob, Any ideas for tuning using only single heads? Should I just try to find the tone the drum wants to be or make it what I want it to be? I've used single heads in the studio for years and with proper mic'ing I've been able to get pretty descent sounds but here lately I've been wanting a more melodic tone and to achieve that I've been forced to tune higher than I really like. I'm pretty "old school" and prefer a natural sound as opposed to "digitally enhanced". Any ideas would be great!!
@Lydirius Single headed drums rely very little on shell vibration. My suggestion is very simple, but true...tune the head through all the ranges (hi & lo) until you hear and FEEL something that agrees with your personal taste.
The tom toms and floor toms in my drum kit are VERY old. I haven't replaced the reso heads in years, although I have replaced the batter heads. I'm trying to get a very low-pitch floor tom sound that has a nice boom but that isn't too papery, and I'm having trouble with the toms getting a solid pitch that is audible under the other instruments (guitar/bass/vox)
@GuruPremierGangStarr Thanks so much G! Have you tried the new Evans EC-2 SST's. I think it's a sound your after. You can use a traditional reso head (G-1 or Genera reso) or the mate to the SST the EC-reso. The EC willprovide more focus, less sustain. Hope this is helpful
Greetings from Bellingham, Bob. I just wanted to thank you for all your help in tuning and playing. You explain things in a way much easier to understand than most, and I appreciate it. Drums sound great thanks to you!
Hey, Bob, thanks a lot for so many useful tips. Here is one question: I saw Dave Weckl tuning his tom here on Youtube, and he first of all matched the 2 heads tuning, then he demonstrated how to control the resonance by bringing up the pitch of the reso head. But you teach to always match the batter and reso heads. I noticied that your drums have more resonance that what I like to have on my kit. Is it possible to have a controled resonance with the heads matched in pitch? Thank you very much!
Tune the batter & resonant heads to the lowest possible pitch. Then match them. There are 2 pitches to pay attention to... individual & overall pitch.
1.Individual - pitch of each head with one head muffled.
2.Overall- strike the batter head on the kit with both heads vibrating.
Next… pitch the batter slightly higher & than the reso, listen. Reset the pitches evenly then reverse the order with the reso higher. There are. 2 different “pitch bend” sounds…ooo-bah & bah-ooo
Hey Bob - really enjoying your tuning and tips vids. I have a question about drums with odd numbers of lugs (I've a 12" Gretsch tom with 5 lugs, and an 8" Pearl tom also with 5 lugs). As there's no opposite lug does this tuning method still apply?
@MrBoxkitty Here's the tuning rule: The largest (14"&16") and smallest (8"&10") diameter toms have the least amount of tuning range. Make very small drum key turns and do your best to match the pitches of batter and reso heads. One small turn of the drum key can lock make the difference between a good and bad drum sound. Easy now...be gentle! Above all....don't give up!
Ok, all fine, when you are in silent room. Hows do you tune your stuff in a room before a gig, full of noise, like other muscians playing and tuning, sound checking and seting up gear?
The drum dial will get you in the ballpark but there’s no substitute for ear training…pitch recognition and intervals. The best situation is to play a secondary instrument like piano or guitar to develop your “Tonal” skills.
Check out the “Tonal Tuning” series on the channel. I think you’ll find it helpful.
@sticksbass Relying "totally" on the DD prevents the opportunity to develop your ears for tuning. "Ear Training" is very important. Pitch Recognition and Rhythmic Articulation go hand in hand to become a "complete" drummer... a musician.
@HDiiNsaniTy I would loosen all the t-rods, then rotate the head 90 degrees 912:00>3:00 o'clock) and retune. Sometimes this process produces astounding results...give it a try and let us know how it works out
I have a question. I want to tune my drums to d minor, (d,f&a) like Danny Carey, from tool. I have a 7 piece kit..; 8" 10" toms, 14" 16" floor toms, 13" snare, and 2 22" bass drums. But I just don't know what notes go with what drums to make them sound right,
"Pitches" vary depending on head combos, suspension systems and shell types. My fave tom pitches are 8">Eb-F, 14">F-G, 10">F-G same pitch, octave higher, 12" between C-D.16”>C-Octave lower than 12”Largest 14-16-(18) & smallest 8-10” diameter drum offer "least" amount of tuning range... tune reso than batter
BD- tune to lowest possible pitch for both heads, than raise the batter slightly.
Snare Drum- Resonant / “A” Batter / between A to C will get you in the ballpark.
May i ask how long does it take u to tune the whole 5 pc kit from scratch?? ur tuning awfully fast and dang. that looks like 20 or 30 years of drum tuning experience.
@skanerost Best to think of the Drumdial as "cane", a tool that helps you walk. However, you'll want to get rid of the cane and walk on your own.
Ear training is the key to drum tuning. {practice singing basic intervals (maj-minor 3rd, Perfect 4th & 5th's) and pitch recognition. Sing an "A" 440, then move upwards in 1/2 steps.
Finally, check the "Tonal Tuning vids on the channel. No sub for ear training, just got to commit yourself to it. It's well worth the effort.
Thank-You for the video and for the insight contained within... This information is especially valuable to me. Back a few years ago, with time and finance permitting, I decided to take my existing kit and, along withsome extras that I had in storage, assemble a monster kit that to this day, now numbers 45 pieces. So, you can imagine the task of tuning this beast is no small endevour. Thanks again for your expertise...-R-
which drum head do u prefer? an evans onyx drum heads or a evans ec2 sst coated heads? im looking into buying new drum heads and i thought id ask you first. thank you bob
@MrStockholmz I like both...Currently I'm using Powercenters on the 12" and EC-2-SST's on the 8, 10 &16" floor tom and the Onyx on the 14". Test the Onyx on your 12 and/or 14" and compare... nothing wrong with different heads on different drums. Each drum has it's own character.
@aatefmagic The head paks are generally "batter" heads. The basic rule is to replace your "reso" heads at least once a year. I suggest testing 2 types of resos...the Evans G-1 and the EC-reso. Test them on your 12" drum before investing into a complete set. Many drummers use the G-1 or genera-reso the rack tom 8,10,12,13. and the Ec-reso on the large diameter drums 14,16,18. Hope this helps
hey bob its been a long time and i am just irritated of my snare sound any suggestions how many turns for each batter and resonant side head that woukd be helpful
@bobgatzen Bob....THAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANK YOU!!!!! man, i was ripping my hair out years ago when it came to tuning! you gave me back the 5 years that stressing over tuning had taken off my life!! question for you- what do you think of using a drum watch/dial sort of device?
@cechevez The "drum dial" is one the best tuning aids because it measures the amount of pressure applied to the surface of the head. However, it's important that drummers develop their ears and break away from tuning aids (devices). Play a secondary instrument and SING, SING...SING!
@bobgatzen Exactly the response i hoped for- as always, Bob, your insight and expertise is much appreciated. I'm a self-taught drummer and it's amazing how in the dark you can be. You've shed such great light on so many things, thank you. I've bee using a drum dial for a while now and have been trying my best not to rely on the dial alone.
@flyingcows547 thanks Ulghart. Brilliant?...nah... just experience and common sense. Always a pleasure to help out... discovering your drum sound is a big deal!
Right Bob, I got some problems, Jus got 2 new evens G2's and i tune em and theyre fine and then they slam right outta tune like 5-10 mins later...it annoys me alot coz then i fly out of the equal tuning and sit and tune one lug higher/lower pitch to the other lugs? U reccomend i do something about it man>?
@KieranJBeatz you could try applying pressure on the heads before tuning them so that they're already stretched out before tuning. the heads arn't gonna be fully stretched out brand new, so if you just slap em on and tune them, the tightness is gonna fall
hey bob i have ben using remo my whole life i started drums at 6 and no im 19 check out my band and my drumming on my channel honestly i suck at tuning but am i better of at remo or evans i like remo but i have heard evans and wow haha punch to the chest every hit haha
Man, i have watched many of your videos since i came back to drums (i stoped playing about five years ago) and I learned a lot of things i have never been teached about !!! You are an inspiration for me! Thanks a lot for all this videos.
Bob, thanks to your videos i have my toms tuned perfectly. My 16 floor is in octave with my 8x7. my 14 is in octave with my 8x9. and my 10x9 and 12x10 are working with the rest of it.
hahaha It's really fun when many people become dumbfounded when they see girls like me hit the drums. haha :D Ooh Cindy Blackman? I'm gonna check her out yeah \m/
Hello again Bob! another simple yet effective vid here! but basically, im a bit new to drumming and i own a pretty crappy starter kit... but can you make some thing as basic as my kit sound good with just heads? Or can you only get that really crisp sound with better/expensive shells. Cheers, Mike
Drumheads are the single most important component of the kit. So yes, head selection is a key element in discovering your (personal) sound... regardless of the quality of the kit. Surely, a 5K DW custom kit is going to sound "different" than it's far less expensive counterpart, Pacific. The fact is, both kits can be configured to fit your taste by making proper head selection. Out on clinics I often end up playing on a Pacific kit. No problem, re-head it and BAM... sounds & feels great!
yo bob i picked up a 10" a custom splash and a 18" oriental china i played sabians for yrs but i was never disappointed in any zildjian cymbals i have played they are awesome
Loosen all tension rods then rotate the head 90 degrees to the left or right and try retuning. Also, be certain to apply equal pressure at each tension rod by going back and forth across the head surface i.e. 12:00.6:00, 3:00>9:00. etc. Hope this helps ya
hi bob! im having trouble with my floor tom... it sounds fine when i hold it in the air and play it but when i set it on the floor with its legs, it sounds terrible, like its dampened. do you have any advice?
Best to check out the "Quik-Tips" on the channel. I explain and demo how to "cushion" the floor tom for max resonance.
You need to place foam pads under each leg or a thick carpet under the drum. You'll be amazed in the difference in sound once the drum is cushioned. Another option is Pearl's patented rubber feet which can be purchased separately... just need to be sure they'll fit onto your floor tom legs.
Frankly, I can't remember which Quik-Tip has the tom demo. There are Pt. 1,2 ,3 & 4 Quik-tips on the channel... it wouldn't be a waste of time to view all of them. The spelling is "Quik-Tips" not "Quick" tips
Don't beat yourself up! If drums shells and heads were perfectly round and flat, tuning would be a breeze. Tuning is a challenge... you gotta be up for it!
Nothing like good news in the morning. Thanks iL!
bobgatzen 3 weeks ago
Thank you so much for this video Bob! I watched this about 2 years ago when I first started playing and had no idea how to tune and this helped me so much! I still use this tuning method to this day! :)
iLoveAltNation 3 weeks ago
And he tunes an Evans head! Big deal they always tune easy. Too bad you have to tune them every song. Sorry Bob but the real deal is Remo. Coated ambasadors on the batter side of toms and clear diplomats on the resonant. Snares need an emproer on the batter and the dip does well on the small side. Crank it up though. Tune to the shell.
87cadillachearse 2 months ago
@87cadillachearse Everyone has their boogie, identity... that's the beauty of it all. Evans...Remo...Attack...whatever floats your boat man
bobgatzen 2 months ago 2
@bobgatzen Sorry Bob. I was in a bad mood and I guess you got the bad side. I will agree with you on resonace though. A mediocre drummer can benefit from good sound. I play wide open live and use moongel if I have to in the studio. I just never had luck with the Evans heads. They always tune fast but just do not seem to have the staying power. Peace.
87cadillachearse 2 months ago
@87cadillachearse I understand...no problem...we're all searching for a "voice". Good or bad, is in the eyes of the beholder
bobgatzen 2 months ago
@bobgatzen
hey, i do heavy drumming, (like deathcore, hardcore, etc.) i have some used drum heads currently, and i know how to tune them, but i don't know how to make them deep/ higher or resonate more/ less without it sounding weird.
which side controlls pitch and which side controlls resonence, and how tight/ loose should i tune both sides? or do i need to tune them both to a similar tuning?
very confused...
Gr1zz3m 2 months ago
I often use this tuning formula… 14"@ "D", 10" same pitch an octave higher.16"@B and the 12" octave higher. This way I utilize only octaves and 3rd's. Octaves are powerful, easy for the listener to digest.
Bob
bobgatzen 2 months ago
@87cadillachearse ok so we all know what this guy thinks...
munkeefork69 1 month ago
@87cadillachearse "Sorry Bob but the real deal is Remo"
Sorry Cad, the real deal is Tama, all other drums are sub standard. No, wait, that's just my bias arrogant opinion talking.
How the hell can a bad mood warrant such an completely unnecessary comment to a drumming legend! Remove your head from your anus before you make more stupid comments, especially where the uploaded in this case, Bob himself, actually replies.
AAinsworth255 2 weeks ago
i have a question about any tom smaller than 13 inch. so i like my toms low but it seems my 12 inch doesnt like to sound good low but it sounds excellent when i tune it higher (keep in mind i have Evans EC2 sst on the batter side and g1 on the reso side). what should i do? i have a 200$ drum set.
zzzzzushi 2 months ago
@zzzzzushi GENERALLY... the 12" tom is comfy when pitched between B-D flat. You might get it to go down a bit lower (1/2 step) if you replace the reso head with an EC-reso. Please keep in mind the condition of the drum shell itself dictates the RANGE of usable tunings. Hope this helps zzzzz
bobgatzen 2 months ago
Bob, I have to thank you for all these videos. If it weren't for you and the top quality videos you produce, I'm not sure where I would be. You are helping drummers every where, and that is truly important.
PS.
Does anyone think Daniel Tosh looks like a younger Bob? Just a thought.
jnich91 2 months ago
@jnich91 I love messages like yours... thanks BIGTIME my friend!
bobgatzen 2 months ago
thank you^^
lumyingluo 3 months ago
@lumyingluo I just love SIMPLICITY". Big thanks for the 2 word letter li!
bobgatzen 3 months ago
I am having trouble getting my toms to not ring so much, I read that if you tighten the bottom head tighter than the top head the drum will not ring as much but that is not working for me. I would like that sound when you play the drum and it has that note drop off sound what is the tuning method to produce that sound with no muffle rings?
BMOG 4 months ago
@BMOG Tune the batter & resonant heads to the lowest possible pitch. Then match them. There are 2 pitches to pay attention to... individual & overall pitch.
1.Individual - pitch of each head with one head muffled.
2.Overall- striking the batter head on the kit with both heads vibrating.
Set “batter” pitch slightly higher & than the reso, listen.. then reverse the order with the “reso” higher. There are. 2 different “pitch bend” sounds…ooo-bah (bend up) & bah-ooo (bend down).
Hope this helps
bobgatzen 4 months ago
oh, so thats how you do that, :) thanks bob!
I'm a newb
signorelli21 4 months ago
@signorelli21 Cooooola....that was easy! Thanks for writing signore!
bobgatzen 4 months ago
AWESOME teacher, Bob!!! These clips have really taught me a lot.
starbearer76 5 months ago
8 guys, miss his ok boton!!! excelent!!!...
max200184 5 months ago
This really works... not in every case, as sometimes you really do need to bring up the low side, but very often what is needed is to shift the head on the drum. Bob is a great thinker in this area.
pfliegaphonic 5 months ago
@pfliegaphonic I should add that discovering this through Bob's videos has saved me a lot of irritation when tuning. Thanks Bob.
pfliegaphonic 5 months ago
@pfliegaphonic Your exactly correct... this is a method that works by "getting you into the Ballpark". Thanks for writing P!
bobgatzen 5 months ago
is it just me or does he look like he should be on the starship enterprise at the start of that vid....
JonNicholsDrumblog 6 months ago
@JonNicholsDrumblog Ooooo I trade those "seats" anytime!
bobgatzen 6 months ago
@bobgatzen wait...i'm confused lol!
JonNicholsDrumblog 5 months ago
@bobgatzen HA brilliant! a drummer in star trek, that would be awesome!
JonNicholsDrumblog 5 months ago
i use an "evans torque" key. best investment i have ever made really. i can get the tension even all the way around my kit. and i just write down what settings i used. on top of that. i found your video about the "rack mount toms" cradle . how they needed to be bent to allow them to move freely. WOW> worked such a charm. thanks. any tips? you recommend torque keys? cheaper than tension watch. and doesnt scratch your skin if used wrong.
RobotDrums 6 months ago
Bob Gatzen is a genuis
Eltimbalero7499 6 months ago
i wasatching this at 4 in the morning was half asleep he yelled wake up and it scared me cause i thought it was my dad
MrMusic793 6 months ago 9
@MrMusic793 ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!
bobgatzen 6 months ago
Hey. Can you please tell me what kind of head combo i should get for my snare and two toms? I have a 14 inch snare drum and i just bought a remo coated pinstripe. Only problem is my reso head is denting and so i GOTTA replace it. any tips on how to get a crisp 'clack' sound like in metal and rock with that top head? And also i got 12 and 16" toms and I'm gonna get the money for black ebony pinstripe top heads. Any tips on reso head for the future toms for the same genres?
ACompetitiveHalo 7 months ago
@ACompetitiveHalo I suggest the Hazy 300 snare-reso combined with the new "Hybrid" batter. It's a bit pricey but sounds great and is very durable. The ST-ST Dry is another possiblilty for less $'s
Toms- EC-batter w/ EC-reso or G-1 reso
Hope this helps
bobgatzen 6 months ago
Can't take this stuff to seriously... takes the fun out of it! Thanks for the laugh jackson!
bobgatzen 7 months ago
and he scores? lol
1963ajackson 7 months ago
EC2 SSTs sound great!
zzzzzushi 7 months ago
@zzzzzushi Agreed...Got my thumbs up!!!!
bobgatzen 7 months ago
@bobgatzen i have a question though. sometime i wanna get rid of my drum set and replace it with another one. im going to keep the stands and cymbals, the bass head and possible the tom heads and replace the 2 snare heads. My cymbals are all HHX and AAX Sabian Cymbals, excpet for my china which is not a sabian or any popular brand. what set is a bit on the cheeper side but still sounds great? my drum shells arent cutting it. any sugestions?
zzzzzushi 7 months ago
@zzzzzushi If I understand you correctly you are after (2) snare drum head combinations.
1. Hazy 300 reso/ Powercenter-RD
2. Hazy 300 - G2 or G+ Coated
Hope this helps zzzzzzz
bobgatzen 7 months ago
@bobgatzen but i mean what brand should i buy for new drum shells if i want something cheaper? thnks for the head combos. i have the power center reverse dot snare.
zzzzzushi 7 months ago
@bobgatzen I have a Tama Rockstar Kit (All Poplar Shells) that I play with in church. Is there any evans heads you recommend for the tom toms?
DeDaBlake6 6 months ago
@zzzzzushi mapex orion or for more money mapex saturn great kits and really not THAT expensive.
MikeDrumsForFun 6 months ago
Hi Bob, you are old one, who feels young, H? %) you are the perfect teacher, because I had a lot of questions, and you answered from videos, but, I have one question, when I have 4 toms,:10;12;13;14; and floor tom 16, how should I get good sound to not be close to other drum? I decided to tune toms by tones, that there is difference between toms two half tones; F.E.:10" tom is C#; 12" is A#; 13" is G; 14" is E; can be? or it's not for all toms good? I use on the top G2 clear, and bottom G1 clear
promilovic 8 months ago
@promilovic Hi P...thanks for the nice comment. Here are "Overall" tom pitches can vary, but will get you in the ballpark. Depending on musical style & heads. There is some flexibility on these pitches due to the style of the drum, drumheads and mounting system. Again, these will give you something to shoot for.
Toms- 16"> B-C, 14"> D-Eb, 12"> F-Ab, 10" > C-D and 8” F-G. The 13” is generally happy around an "E".
bobgatzen 7 months ago
Spock!!
supdenfoosukka 8 months ago 7
@supdenfoosukka Whoa...I'll take that as a thank you sf! Spock's on of my faves!
bobgatzen 8 months ago
@bobgatzen Just looking spiffy.
supdenfoosukka 8 months ago
Bob that was great! It really showed a stark difference. I learned something. Thanks!
Jacob3328 8 months ago
@Jacob3328 Coola! That's what I want to hear... nothing beats a success story where everybody wins!! Keep up the good work jacob!
bobgatzen 8 months ago
What do you think about drum dials??!!
Thecrazymetalhead1 9 months ago
Hey Bob, Any ideas for tuning using only single heads? Should I just try to find the tone the drum wants to be or make it what I want it to be? I've used single heads in the studio for years and with proper mic'ing I've been able to get pretty descent sounds but here lately I've been wanting a more melodic tone and to achieve that I've been forced to tune higher than I really like. I'm pretty "old school" and prefer a natural sound as opposed to "digitally enhanced". Any ideas would be great!!
Lydirius 9 months ago
@Lydirius Single headed drums rely very little on shell vibration. My suggestion is very simple, but true...tune the head through all the ranges (hi & lo) until you hear and FEEL something that agrees with your personal taste.
bobgatzen 9 months ago
My subwoofer went ape sh*t!
DdrumZildjian 9 months ago
@DdrumZildjian ooops...no comment from me!!
bobgatzen 9 months ago
Dear Bob, I
I drum in a punk band and I love your videos!
The tom toms and floor toms in my drum kit are VERY old. I haven't replaced the reso heads in years, although I have replaced the batter heads. I'm trying to get a very low-pitch floor tom sound that has a nice boom but that isn't too papery, and I'm having trouble with the toms getting a solid pitch that is audible under the other instruments (guitar/bass/vox)
GuruPremierGangStarr 11 months ago
@GuruPremierGangStarr Thanks so much G! Have you tried the new Evans EC-2 SST's. I think it's a sound your after. You can use a traditional reso head (G-1 or Genera reso) or the mate to the SST the EC-reso. The EC willprovide more focus, less sustain. Hope this is helpful
Let's stay in touch
Bob
bobgatzen 11 months ago
My pleasure E! Let's stay in contact
bobgatzen 1 year ago
Greetings from Bellingham, Bob. I just wanted to thank you for all your help in tuning and playing. You explain things in a way much easier to understand than most, and I appreciate it. Drums sound great thanks to you!
earthlyinfodotcom 1 year ago
Hey, Bob, thanks a lot for so many useful tips. Here is one question: I saw Dave Weckl tuning his tom here on Youtube, and he first of all matched the 2 heads tuning, then he demonstrated how to control the resonance by bringing up the pitch of the reso head. But you teach to always match the batter and reso heads. I noticied that your drums have more resonance that what I like to have on my kit. Is it possible to have a controled resonance with the heads matched in pitch? Thank you very much!
danielcruz108 1 year ago
@danielcruz108
Tune the batter & resonant heads to the lowest possible pitch. Then match them. There are 2 pitches to pay attention to... individual & overall pitch.
1.Individual - pitch of each head with one head muffled.
2.Overall- strike the batter head on the kit with both heads vibrating.
Next… pitch the batter slightly higher & than the reso, listen. Reset the pitches evenly then reverse the order with the reso higher. There are. 2 different “pitch bend” sounds…ooo-bah & bah-ooo
bobgatzen 1 year ago
Bob you are the man. I've been playing for five years and my drums have never sounded better. You are the man!
seattlesounddrummer 1 year ago
@seattlesounddrummer Fantastic! Always a pleasure to help out... keep the positive, uplifting comments coming... I need it!!
bobgatzen 1 year ago
Hey Bob - really enjoying your tuning and tips vids. I have a question about drums with odd numbers of lugs (I've a 12" Gretsch tom with 5 lugs, and an 8" Pearl tom also with 5 lugs). As there's no opposite lug does this tuning method still apply?
dscurll 1 year ago
dose this apply to a floor tom? Because i can't tune mine if my life depended on it!
MrBoxkitty 1 year ago
@MrBoxkitty Here's the tuning rule: The largest (14"&16") and smallest (8"&10") diameter toms have the least amount of tuning range. Make very small drum key turns and do your best to match the pitches of batter and reso heads. One small turn of the drum key can lock make the difference between a good and bad drum sound. Easy now...be gentle! Above all....don't give up!
bobgatzen 1 year ago
hay bob just a quick question u look like your balls stick to your thighs is this true????
ironballsmcgee83 1 year ago
thats it im sellin my drums i cant figure out how to tune them back to guitar..
ironballsmcgee83 1 year ago
@ironballsmcgee83 I'm sorry to hear that. All I can say is follow the "Tunings" vids, take your time and duplicate what I'm demonstrating.
As Peter Gabriel said...."Don't Give Up".
bobgatzen 1 year ago
@dylanTjohn I almost woke up my parents from laughing at that.
Calibur43 1 year ago
Thanks a lot bob, my drums sound a whole lot better!
DieHardGardenFan 1 year ago
@DieHardGardenFan that's what I like to hear. Thanks for the good news Phillip
bobgatzen 1 year ago
Hey Bob, What set are you using? What wood?
DTxOctavariumx 1 year ago
Ok, all fine, when you are in silent room. Hows do you tune your stuff in a room before a gig, full of noise, like other muscians playing and tuning, sound checking and seting up gear?
Hemail 1 year ago
@Hemail Focus my friend. Over the years I've trained myself to focus, blocking out anything that's going around me...takes some practice.
Here's a good exercise... create a distraction.... play some music in the background while your tuning your drum... it worked for me.
bobgatzen 1 year ago
@bobgatzen Good idea Bob, it never crossed my mind. Thnx for sharing.
Hemail 1 year ago
@Hemail My pleasure!
bobgatzen 1 year ago
whats your opinion of the tuning dial?
sticksbass 1 year ago
@sticksbass
The drum dial will get you in the ballpark but there’s no substitute for ear training…pitch recognition and intervals. The best situation is to play a secondary instrument like piano or guitar to develop your “Tonal” skills.
Check out the “Tonal Tuning” series on the channel. I think you’ll find it helpful.
bobgatzen 1 year ago
@bobgatzen i was imagining its a quick way to get a perfect tuning.
sticksbass 1 year ago
@sticksbass Relying "totally" on the DD prevents the opportunity to develop your ears for tuning. "Ear Training" is very important. Pitch Recognition and Rhythmic Articulation go hand in hand to become a "complete" drummer... a musician.
bobgatzen 1 year ago
I just wanted to thank you for uploading these! Your methods have made my drums sound 10 times better! Thanks!!
retardedo 1 year ago
@retardedo That's what I want to hear... thanks for writing retardo
bobgatzen 1 year ago 17
Okay... So everytime I hit my tom it rings how do i fix this?
HDiiNsaniTy 1 year ago
@HDiiNsaniTy It should be ringing...what seems to be the problem HD?
bobgatzen 1 year ago
@bobgatzen Well... When it rings its sounds long and rough. It doesnt have a soft ring tone to it. It just sounds teeth grinding haha.
HDiiNsaniTy 1 year ago
@HDiiNsaniTy I would loosen all the t-rods, then rotate the head 90 degrees 912:00>3:00 o'clock) and retune. Sometimes this process produces astounding results...give it a try and let us know how it works out
bobgatzen 1 year ago
@bobgatzen Wow, thanks! im just a 14 year old drummer so it took some time. Haha. But I got it! Sounds A LOT better! Your Great! Keep making videos!
HDiiNsaniTy 1 year ago
I have a question. I want to tune my drums to d minor, (d,f&a) like Danny Carey, from tool. I have a 7 piece kit..; 8" 10" toms, 14" 16" floor toms, 13" snare, and 2 22" bass drums. But I just don't know what notes go with what drums to make them sound right,
shanecombs1993 1 year ago
@shanecombs1993
"Pitches" vary depending on head combos, suspension systems and shell types. My fave tom pitches are 8">Eb-F, 14">F-G, 10">F-G same pitch, octave higher, 12" between C-D.16”>C-Octave lower than 12”Largest 14-16-(18) & smallest 8-10” diameter drum offer "least" amount of tuning range... tune reso than batter
BD- tune to lowest possible pitch for both heads, than raise the batter slightly.
Snare Drum- Resonant / “A” Batter / between A to C will get you in the ballpark.
bobgatzen 1 year ago
Oh I'm fast at it these days... I can scope out a kit in few minutes...never timed myself...hmmm..interesting
bobgatzen 1 year ago
May i ask how long does it take u to tune the whole 5 pc kit from scratch?? ur tuning awfully fast and dang. that looks like 20 or 30 years of drum tuning experience.
nevermoregg 1 year ago
Woah what was all that bass?!!?!? nice video ;)
Sc0ttPrian 1 year ago
@Sc0ttPrian Good news...thanks for writing scott!
bobgatzen 1 year ago
@Sc0ttPrian Yeah, my subs were going crazy, i had to pause it a couple times to figure out it was this video
Ryoubreathingnow 1 year ago
If i were to use a drumdial, what measures do you rechon i should use to get the best results, and fine tune the last part by ear ?
Im using Evans EC1 as batters on my toms and Resonant glass.
And Evans Genera Dry as batter on the snare and reso side is a normal 300 mil!
Hope you could help me out a little bit here :)
skanerost 1 year ago
@skanerost Best to think of the Drumdial as "cane", a tool that helps you walk. However, you'll want to get rid of the cane and walk on your own.
Ear training is the key to drum tuning. {practice singing basic intervals (maj-minor 3rd, Perfect 4th & 5th's) and pitch recognition. Sing an "A" 440, then move upwards in 1/2 steps.
Finally, check the "Tonal Tuning vids on the channel. No sub for ear training, just got to commit yourself to it. It's well worth the effort.
Hope this helps
Bob
bobgatzen 1 year ago
Thank-You for the video and for the insight contained within... This information is especially valuable to me. Back a few years ago, with time and finance permitting, I decided to take my existing kit and, along withsome extras that I had in storage, assemble a monster kit that to this day, now numbers 45 pieces. So, you can imagine the task of tuning this beast is no small endevour. Thanks again for your expertise...-R-
1stRogInAz 1 year ago
@1stRogInAz All I can say is WOW!!! 45 piece kit!!
bobgatzen 1 year ago
@bobgatzen If you would like to see it, I have photos on my M.S. profile...
1stRogInAz 1 year ago
Respond to this video... and forgot to say you're welcome... always my pleasure to help out
bobgatzen 1 year ago
@TheCooldude779 That's great news... keep em coming...I'm smiling!
bobgatzen 1 year ago
which drum head do u prefer? an evans onyx drum heads or a evans ec2 sst coated heads? im looking into buying new drum heads and i thought id ask you first. thank you bob
MrStockholmz 1 year ago
@MrStockholmz I like both...Currently I'm using Powercenters on the 12" and EC-2-SST's on the 8, 10 &16" floor tom and the Onyx on the 14". Test the Onyx on your 12 and/or 14" and compare... nothing wrong with different heads on different drums. Each drum has it's own character.
bobgatzen 1 year ago
I LOVE YOU BOB (NO HOMO)!!!!!!!!!
PearLDrummeR1871 1 year ago
@PearLDrummeR1871 Oh gosh...I'm blushing!! heh heh...I really appreciate your message...thanks BIG time!
BTW- Cool on the NH... as Jerry Seinfeld said..."not that it matters!" Been married for 40 years..whew!
bobgatzen 1 year ago
@bobgatzen you welcome bro and you've been married for 40 years =O (thats what you call dedication)
PearLDrummeR1871 1 year ago
@PearLDrummeR1871 Time goes by fast when your having fun... corny but true!
bobgatzen 1 year ago
@bobgatzen lol
PearLDrummeR1871 1 year ago
@aatefmagic The head paks are generally "batter" heads. The basic rule is to replace your "reso" heads at least once a year. I suggest testing 2 types of resos...the Evans G-1 and the EC-reso. Test them on your 12" drum before investing into a complete set. Many drummers use the G-1 or genera-reso the rack tom 8,10,12,13. and the Ec-reso on the large diameter drums 14,16,18. Hope this helps
bobgatzen 1 year ago
What a difference....I always am half an hour tuning only one tom and now I tuned two in about 10 minutes.....thanks Bob, you're the man
Fr3dJ0rd 1 year ago
@Fr3dJ0rd Thank you Fr3d! That's so cool... great hear to hear success stories.
bobgatzen 1 year ago
WAKE UP!
TheDirectorofFoo 1 year ago
@TheDirectorofFoo LOL!!!
bobgatzen 1 year ago
AND HE SCORES. hahaha, nice. thanks for the help.
TheRevIsLegend 1 year ago 11
@TheRevIsLegend Always my pleasure!
bobgatzen 1 year ago
hey bob its been a long time and i am just irritated of my snare sound any suggestions how many turns for each batter and resonant side head that woukd be helpful
aditwi 1 year ago
@aditwi Anything I write here is embedded in the videos...best to watch the "snare drum" videos closely and mimic the procedures.
bobgatzen 1 year ago
Bob is THE man !!!
Windeltester 1 year ago
@Windeltester oh com'n you're making me blush! Thanks Windel!!
bobgatzen 1 year ago
@bobgatzen Bob....THAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANK YOU!!!!! man, i was ripping my hair out years ago when it came to tuning! you gave me back the 5 years that stressing over tuning had taken off my life!! question for you- what do you think of using a drum watch/dial sort of device?
cechevez 1 year ago
@cechevez The "drum dial" is one the best tuning aids because it measures the amount of pressure applied to the surface of the head. However, it's important that drummers develop their ears and break away from tuning aids (devices). Play a secondary instrument and SING, SING...SING!
bobgatzen 1 year ago
@bobgatzen Exactly the response i hoped for- as always, Bob, your insight and expertise is much appreciated. I'm a self-taught drummer and it's amazing how in the dark you can be. You've shed such great light on so many things, thank you. I've bee using a drum dial for a while now and have been trying my best not to rely on the dial alone.
cechevez 1 year ago
@cechevez That's great hear...you won't regret it!
bobgatzen 1 year ago
i never would have thought of this.. brilliant
flyingcows547 1 year ago
@flyingcows547 thanks Ulghart. Brilliant?...nah... just experience and common sense. Always a pleasure to help out... discovering your drum sound is a big deal!
Bob
bobgatzen 1 year ago
as an engineer Bob's video change it all tnx bob
danielobrien8 1 year ago
@danielobrien8 You're too kind daniel..thank you...my pleasure!
bobgatzen 1 year ago
Right Bob, I got some problems, Jus got 2 new evens G2's and i tune em and theyre fine and then they slam right outta tune like 5-10 mins later...it annoys me alot coz then i fly out of the equal tuning and sit and tune one lug higher/lower pitch to the other lugs? U reccomend i do something about it man>?
KieranJBeatz 1 year ago
@KieranJBeatz G-2's generally hold pitch quite well. What brand drums are you using?
bobgatzen 1 year ago
@bobgatzen Gretsch Catalina Club mod drums, its only on the tom tom i need it like perfected and it keeps slopping out of the tune i finally like...
KieranJBeatz 1 year ago
@KieranJBeatz hmmm... G-2's shouldn't detune. Need more info...
What brand drums? Have you had this problem with other head types? Are you tuning to the lowest possible pitch? What are you using for the reso head?
Bob
bobgatzen 1 year ago
@KieranJBeatz you could try applying pressure on the heads before tuning them so that they're already stretched out before tuning. the heads arn't gonna be fully stretched out brand new, so if you just slap em on and tune them, the tightness is gonna fall
idaho777 1 year ago
holy crap man, this is gold :D it will REALLY help me with tuning drums, thank so so much
StratovariusFTW 1 year ago
@StratovariusFTW Wow...that's great to HEAR...let's stay in touch Strat!
bobgatzen 1 year ago
Thank you master!, your videos gimme more and more passion for my instrument!
TheRodrigoaquino 1 year ago
that is genious, i wish i woulda watched this when i didn't have an hour to be at my gig ='\
phantomrash 1 year ago
@phantomrash not sure about the "genius" part but, great that you discovered something new and helpful... that's what counts!
bobgatzen 1 year ago
evans skins much respect
shitforbrains121 1 year ago
Agreed!
bobgatzen 1 year ago
hey bob i have ben using remo my whole life i started drums at 6 and no im 19 check out my band and my drumming on my channel honestly i suck at tuning but am i better of at remo or evans i like remo but i have heard evans and wow haha punch to the chest every hit haha
SmurfDrums310 1 year ago
Well nows the time to experiment with Evans to make a comparison. Try the new EC2-SST's on you 12" drum.. .it will be a worthwhile investment.
bobgatzen 1 year ago
Man, i have watched many of your videos since i came back to drums (i stoped playing about five years ago) and I learned a lot of things i have never been teached about !!! You are an inspiration for me! Thanks a lot for all this videos.
Cheers from Argentina !!
Ulghart 1 year ago 2
It's a 2-way street... my pleasure...I enjoy sharing. Thanks again Ulghart!
bobgatzen 1 year ago
@Ulghart That's the kind of message I like to hear...thank you..my pleasure U!
The effort has always been and will continue to "keep drummers drumming"!
bobgatzen 1 year ago
Bob, thanks to your videos i have my toms tuned perfectly. My 16 floor is in octave with my 8x7. my 14 is in octave with my 8x9. and my 10x9 and 12x10 are working with the rest of it.
CalTamaDrummer 1 year ago
Love success stories...keep em coming!
bobgatzen 1 year ago
Love success stories... thanks for sharing that with us
bobgatzen 1 year ago
woohoo awesome thanks
gladzy11 2 years ago
You deserve it...good job! I think it's great that females give this male-driven industry a kick in the butt! ... Cindy Blackman is one of my faves!
bobgatzen 2 years ago
hahaha It's really fun when many people become dumbfounded when they see girls like me hit the drums. haha :D Ooh Cindy Blackman? I'm gonna check her out yeah \m/
gladzy11 2 years ago
Cindy's the slam, gotta check her out!
bobgatzen 2 years ago
Hello again Bob! another simple yet effective vid here! but basically, im a bit new to drumming and i own a pretty crappy starter kit... but can you make some thing as basic as my kit sound good with just heads? Or can you only get that really crisp sound with better/expensive shells. Cheers, Mike
casubla99 2 years ago
Drumheads are the single most important component of the kit. So yes, head selection is a key element in discovering your (personal) sound... regardless of the quality of the kit. Surely, a 5K DW custom kit is going to sound "different" than it's far less expensive counterpart, Pacific. The fact is, both kits can be configured to fit your taste by making proper head selection. Out on clinics I often end up playing on a Pacific kit. No problem, re-head it and BAM... sounds & feels great!
bobgatzen 2 years ago
woah thats weird, but thanks for the tip bob!
skanarchy2 2 years ago
Can't take this stuff too seriously... good to laugh at yourself every so often.
bobgatzen 2 years ago
and i see u play dw drums too! awesome!
ShroomSamich 2 years ago
im looking forward to my a custom hi hats on my 18th b day
ShroomSamich 2 years ago
Hope you get em
bobgatzen 2 years ago
yo bob i picked up a 10" a custom splash and a 18" oriental china i played sabians for yrs but i was never disappointed in any zildjian cymbals i have played they are awesome
ShroomSamich 2 years ago
No argument from me... i've been a Zildjian endorser for over 3 decades!
bobgatzen 2 years ago
what should i do if my drum head has wrinkles on it?how do i fix that?
m0nk3yh3al3r 2 years ago
Loosen all tension rods then rotate the head 90 degrees to the left or right and try retuning. Also, be certain to apply equal pressure at each tension rod by going back and forth across the head surface i.e. 12:00.6:00, 3:00>9:00. etc. Hope this helps ya
bobgatzen 2 years ago
hey bob! can you tell me which type of tom skins that give a tear drop sound. If you have any idea please tell me. thanks
mexsamoan 2 years ago
Tear drop sound? please describe it
bobgatzen 2 years ago
SO SIMPLE BUT BRILLIANT!!!!
moodydan72 2 years ago
Happy to hear that on this New Years day... thanks mood!
bobgatzen 2 years ago
hi bob! im having trouble with my floor tom... it sounds fine when i hold it in the air and play it but when i set it on the floor with its legs, it sounds terrible, like its dampened. do you have any advice?
flesongo 2 years ago
Best to check out the "Quik-Tips" on the channel. I explain and demo how to "cushion" the floor tom for max resonance.
You need to place foam pads under each leg or a thick carpet under the drum. You'll be amazed in the difference in sound once the drum is cushioned. Another option is Pearl's patented rubber feet which can be purchased separately... just need to be sure they'll fit onto your floor tom legs.
bobgatzen 2 years ago
i cant find the video could you please send me the link?
thank you bob
flesongo 2 years ago
Frankly, I can't remember which Quik-Tip has the tom demo. There are Pt. 1,2 ,3 & 4 Quik-tips on the channel... it wouldn't be a waste of time to view all of them. The spelling is "Quik-Tips" not "Quick" tips
bobgatzen 2 years ago
its ok i found it.. it was on the more horsepower video thanks alot this will definently improve my drums sound and feel
you the man bob!!!
flesongo 2 years ago
Great! Thanks... always try to do my best
bobgatzen 2 years ago
You da man Bobby!!!!!
GentleGrenade 2 years ago 11
I want You to tune My drums!!! you rule i suck
MWSfreak 2 years ago 2
Don't beat yourself up! If drums shells and heads were perfectly round and flat, tuning would be a breeze. Tuning is a challenge... you gotta be up for it!
bobgatzen 2 years ago