"Drummers Only" Bob Gatzen Tuning Tip #5 Snare Drum

[bobgatzen]

It's a solid investment. Look for a thicker hoop (3/16th)

[92pearlexport]

Thank you for this vid my hoops are already bent when there off the drum so I need to buy new ones

[lumyingluo]

helpful^^

[bobgatzen]

@lumyingluo Cool!

[bobgatzen]

The best approach would be to check out my "Tonal Tuning Series" Simply search "youtube" for bob gatzen tonal tuning. This will prompt a 1/2 dozen videos on snare drum tuning and maintenance After going through the videos if your still uncertain about snare drum tuning, contact me.

[ACompetitiveHalo]

Hey! I just can't get my snare drum sound right. I like a clack sound like in rock, so I put a e-ring on my snare drum and tuned the drum high (both heads). But for some reason, when I press the snares againt the head and put the e-ring on, It gives off a tom like ring that really ruins the sound. any tips on reducing that tom-ring? Could the bottom head be too tightly tuned, or could the snares be pressing to hard on the bottom head? Ty for the help. your tips have made my drums 10000x better!

[skippyskatestuff]

@bobgatzen i took off my snares to tune the drum and my snare like rattled wayyy tooo much. I tightend the snares and it just wouldnt work i had to put tape on the snares and tape them to my resonant head.. But i was playing around with it and got the snare back.. SLIGHTLY. Help fixing this?

[ChapMouse]

Hey, thanks for the great video. I've been trying to get my snare drum sounding good, but whenever I put the snare on I get a horrible rattling sound and I can't fix it. Any help would be appreciated.

[bobgatzen]

@ChapMouse and thank you for the good news... we all need it in this day and age.

[AikkuKun]

Hey, Bob.

Love the video, but I haven't exactly been able to execute it with my snare drum.

I know you recommended the note A as a good note to use for the resonant side, but it is physically impossible for me to reach an A - the hoop's hole simply lies too close to the head itself. I have no problems with the batter side - that has plenty of room (about 7mm) from the head to the hoop, but the resonant side has barely 1-2mm. Is this a manufacturing problem?

[bobgatzen]

@AikkuKun Thanks A! Keep in mind that the thin skinned reso (2-3 mil) head stretches 2-3 times more than the batter (10-12 mil). Sounds like you need to to replace the snare head.

[AikkuKun]

@bobgatzen

Ah, ok. I may as well as just upgrade already.

Thanks a lot, Bob!

[bobgatzen]

@AikkuKun Please let us know how it works out for you

[1973scott]

Hey bob,

I have the new dw steel shell 13" snare with the three way throw.1-what pitches should the top/bottom be and how do I adjust the throw to get the 3 seperate wire tensions?? Help.

[bobgatzen]

@1973scott The "G" > B tuning range for the reso sticks. I suggest tuning to an "A" then match the batter tot the smae pitch and slowly raise the batter in 1/2 steps until you find the sound and feel that works best for you. Spend some playing time at each tuning degree.

I set the 3-step tensioning in the middle (#2) and set the tension for general use. This way #1 is a loose setting and #3 tight.

Hope this helps

bob

[rhspercussionistguy]

thank you so much for your tips, so far all the drums ive bought have some kind of defect unfortunately, but with this im confident i can make them sound phenomenal.

[bobgatzen]

@rhspercussionistguy My pleasure...thanks for all the thanks rh!

[looklikemagic]

that's what i though. anyways thank you for the information bout the key.. thank you for sharing... God bless --Looklikemagic (Philippines)

[bobgatzen]

@looklikemagic Big Thanks for the blessing...I need all the help I can get!

[looklikemagic]

bob, have you ever tried to use evans tourque key? what can you say bout that key? i got one here. can you have video demo for that key?

and bob, i would like to thank and congratulate you for your videos, to be honest it helps me a lot specially your drum tips and troubleshooting drums demo. i tried all your tips on drum tuning and troubleshooting and it ends with a good quality sounds. thank you very much. don't stop helping us..

[bobgatzen]

@looklikemagic

Love you comment...."don't stop helping us"... consider it stolen!!

The drumkey can be helpful (to get you in the ball park) but there's no " Silver Bullet" when it comes to tuning. Develop your EARS like you do your drum chops by singing and matching pitches, practice intervals and melodic motifs. One of the most helpful tuning tools is the Drum Dial by Tama.

Thanks for the morning coffee comment ... really made me chuckle!

Bob

[danielyou50]

Hi bob!! i love your videos, really useful , i got a question, i want my snare to sound nice bot no to hard because of neighbors, i put some foam on it, but it killed the snare sound, what can i do?

(i make the same thing with my left and right tom se you!!

[bobgatzen]

Low tunings produce less attack. The attack characteristic is what penetrates the airwaves. Also, placing a couple of Evan's MIN-EMAD Mufflers does a nice job of controlling sustain.

Other than that I'd consider sound absorbent materials placed in the room/ around the kit to soak up the db's

[danielyou50]

thank you bob, i really appreciate your help :)

[bobgatzen]

My pleasure, as long as it helps is what matters

[Mossey5]

Hi Bob, Tks for the great vids. Any ideas on converting a 10" tom to a snare drum for a 'cocktail kit'?

Martin

Oh...its a yamaha BCA with nouveau lugs

[bobgatzen]

Thanks Mossy... Appreciate it!

Sure... why not? You need to cut and shape small snare bed, mount a strainer and your in. Though It's a job for a pro drum tech.

One way or the other you have to purchase a set of 10" snares. I'd experiment by slipping 2 thin nylon straps through the snares than under the counter hoop and across the upper bearing egde...placing the snares under the batter head. I do this with my DW mini-timbales... interesting sound. Only one tension adjustment, worth a try.

.

[DrummerCheek]

Hey Bob, I'm in the process of changing heads for my snare. I was wondering if you could recommend me a nice batter and resonant head.

Thanks from Matt.

[bobgatzen]

Since I'm Evans...the constant is the Hazy 300 snare reso. Batters: i'd experiment with 4 batter head types testing them for Sound-Feel & Durability.

1. Powercenter-RD coated, G+ Coated (single ply) Then the ECS-RD Coated & G-2 coated (2 ply) will provide a broad range of sounds to choose from. Spend at least a few days / week on each category before making your final rating.

[casubla99]

Hi Bob! you're video's are amazing and have taught me so much! But i am pretty new to drumming and i have a problem. When hitting other drums such as my floor tom, i can hear my snares rattle. My snares aren't loose and it is so fustrating! Anything i can do or is it faulty tuning on my behalf?

[bobgatzen]

Well thank you very much! Best to view the "Broken opportunities" Pt's 1 & 2. It's all about sympathetic snare buzz. Let is know what you think.

[TheBigjon1213]

Thinks for the tips man, I really learn alot from your videos. Before I found these videos I was asking a drummer about how to tune my snare drum and he said, go around the drum, (in a circular motion) and tap where each lug is, and match the pitch. He never mentioned cross tuning, His snare by the way, sounds like a crack, with no tone. Errghh it makes me shiver in horror just thinking about it.

[bobgatzen]

Thank you John... happy to help out.. .my pleasure!

Looking forward to 2010, been working on new ideas and concepts. Can't wait to start uploading vids again!

Happy Holidays!

[TheBigjon1213]

Cool man, It's always good to stay informed., The vids have filled in a lot of grey areas for me as far as tuning and just making my kit sound better overall. I seen your video on the puresound snare wires and I remembered buying some wires for a old snare drum I was refurbishing. I was like, hold on. I got the snare wires I had bought and replaced brand new snare wires with the puresound ones and noticed how the drum really opened up so much right away... Happy Holidays btw and thanks again.

[bobgatzen]

You're very welcome. We (Puresound) have a revolutionary snare design coming out in the first quarter of 2010!

Thanks for taking the time write

[frietjericcardo]

I love your video's because they are all very clear!!!

[bobgatzen]

That's a very nice compliment... thank you Riccardo!

[just4thelolz]

Hey Bob, where do these videos come from?, I don't think they're from your 1994 video, or are they in the bonus videos in that dvd or something like that?, cheers.

[bobgatzen]

i opened up my YT channel by posting clips from the 1994 & 2003 "Tuning, Sound & Design" videos and DVD. Then decided to shoot vids in my studio.

I'm looking forward to 2010 as plan on shooting new, innovative videos on rhythm & sound DVD package that I will share with on YT

[whiterhinozero9]

Mr. Gatzen.. ( i guess in away im continuing my short story) anyway, i for one greatly appreiciate all the videos you have posted and enjoy watching them to help keep your ideas fresh in my mind because all of which are necessary. i too am a firm believer in drum experimentation, my thumbs are up... take it easy

[bobgatzen]

Great comment.... experimentation.. .hear that guys!?

Thanks W! and please call me Bob... no formalities on my channel!

[whiterhinozero9]

Mr. Gatzen (continuing my original post). i have tried the cliping method with Metrix black coated wires. i currently own 2 different puresound wires, the equalizer 16 strand and the twisted both of which i enjoy the sound they produce but i prefer the twisted more. i guess my point being that i wish that puresound (and im not trying to knock them) would put a little bit more effort and patience into there perduction resulting in perfect alined wires. ive being dying to try grover snare cables..

[bobgatzen]

I decided to use Gibraltor snares due to there popularity. Puresound was acquired by Evans last year so we are working very hard on quality control and innovation. Soon, you'll see a new snare design that will knock your pants off!

[whiterhinozero9]

Mr. Gatzen... i understand where your coming from in the brief topic (in this video) about perfect alinement of the snare wires. But (altho and correct me if im wrong i dont think that those are puresound wires) every time i get puresound wire there always 1-4 wires that are some what longer than one another (i have seen your video about cliping them) and if desiding not to clip the wires this causes slight tweeking to get them all perfectly alined.

[trainmandan05]

wow good tips.

[bobgatzen]

Thanks Daniel appreciate it!

[Typhoon610]

Bob, at 1:26, when the red lines appear on the drum showing high and low spots, you accidentally drew those lines form the tip if the rim, to where the tip of the rim is reflected onto the head, not where the rim meets the head.

[bobgatzen]

The idea is to display, pinpoint the area where the snare bed meets the flat plane of the head and to match that angle to the opposite side of the the bed. It may not be the best depiction but we tried... it's subtle.

[Cesarhihat]

Sorry, I wrote shells instead of lugs

[Cesarhihat]

Mr. Gatzen, your videos help me a lot, but i have a question according to the snare, Is there any difference between tunning a snare with six shells and a snare with eight shells? I mean, a difference between tones? Thank you for your videos.

[bobgatzen]

The rule isless lugs... coarser tuning. What I mean by "courser" is actual pitch is less detectable due to more overtones generated from the edge of the head. This of course affects "timbre"... the nature of the drum sound. A 10-lug drum is far easier to tune than a 6 lug. However, a 6 lug drum will produce a more "colorful" sound than the 10.

[doublebass15]

is that a matt jonhstan signature snare

[bobgatzen]

no, it's a Noble & Cooley Aluminum casted shell

[sanchetti75]

Almost forgot Flo Mournier, got to check him out last year, pretty mind blowing also :P

[bobgatzen]

Cool, thanks for the tip. I'll be sure to check out Gene Hoglan, I've heard of him and some of the metal bands he's been involved with both on a writing and performance levels.

[sanchetti75]

I listen to heavier music Bob, just curious who you may consider to be drummers setting the bar in that Genre? Drummers like Kevin Talley, Raymond Herriera, Igor Cavaliera, Nick Barker, George Kollias, Thomas Hawke, Danny Carey etc, My favorite may be Gene Hoglan, He has the speed, but still keeps a warm drum sound, his nick name is the Atomic Clock, and its well deserved :)

[bobgatzen]

I'm sorry it's an genre I've not paid too much attention too. It's an era/ age thing. When it comes to aggressive music/drumming, I like Stewart Copeland (original Poiice Trio) Jo Jo Meyer with Screaming Headless Torsos, Gavin Harrison from Porcupine Hat, etc and yes...Danny Carry both in solo and group formats.

[tripleguy031]

Hi Bob, im planning to buy more drums/accesories/cymbals etc. as an addition to my kit, can you tell me what Evans double bass pedal thats best that ranges from 0USD to 200USD. Thanks ive tried ebay, not so helpful.

[bobgatzen]

What is the value of 0USD to 200USD in US currency?

[tripleguy031]

im sorry i didnt make myself clear enough, USD ment the US Dollar.

i ment i wanted the best double bass pedal that costs from 0 US dollars, to 200 US dollars. Thanks.

[bobgatzen]

The problem is the 'mid-line" pedals just aren't as accurate and durable as the high end pedals like, DW 5000, 8000 & 9000 or the BOA. These are pedal systems that retail between 800-$1000 but can be purchased on the street @ 40% off. I'd look for a used high-end pedal. eBay is an option. You might find one used in your price range.

[tripleguy031]

thanks for taking time to write back. Last one, i decided to get a pearl demon drive for $648 but i couldn't get it so i was thinking if there were any you knew...thanks ill take a look at the BOA. I might go for the axis, i havent tried that yet.

[sanchetti75]

I found DW 4000 double kick (for the single bass drum) pedals on ebay for 104 dollars american and was only 40 dollars to ship, so for 144 dollars I think I made out pretty well, It all timing and patience, always keep looking but dont get fustrated, it'll come to you eventually :)

[bumjmm]

It is a Remo Quadura snare. It was made in the mid 90's I think.

[bobgatzen]

I'd try the Evans ECS-RD. It's durable and produces a distinctive sound that works well by cutting through "hi-volume/density" musical settings. The hazy 300 is a good snare side choice..

[bumjmm]

Hey Bob, I have a question about the sound of my snare. It sounds fine but I just don't seem to like the sound. I am looking for a nice, powerful sound, kind of like 80's arena rock snares. Do you have any suggestions on how to get this sound? Thanks

[bobgatzen]

A lot of it is in the drum itself. What brand and model snare drum are you using?

[Randez27]

THANK YOU BOB, I'M LEARNING COMPUTER AND RE-LEARNING MY FIRST LOVE. YOUR TIPS HELP IMMENSLY ON MY MEDIOCRE SET Randez27

[bobgatzen]

You're welcome...good for you! I was fortunate in using computers for music composition when Apple was just blossoming not realizing just how important computers play a role in our lives today.

[bonzo1251]

Great job, Bob. Great job.

I'm learning how to play the xylophone and i can't find any notes for any song i search for. Can you please help me?

[bobgatzen]

Thanks B

Not sure what you mean by "can't find any notes" Can you clarify that?

[LOGonover]

try searching for piano sheet music, you might find more you can play.

[owaaaa984]

hey bob i hav an order form to get a custom snare and was wondering wat kind of bearing edges to get. I'm looking for a snare with a good bite and a lot of dynamics. They say you should hav a 45 degree bearing edge on the batter to give you more attack since theres less shell contact but on the bottom should I get a rounded 45 degree bearing edge so theres more shell contact? could that make your snares buzz more?

[bobgatzen]

It's a delicate balance. The more dynamic range the more snare buzz is encouraged. The middle road is 45 degrees inside of bearing edge and a "short" 30 degree angle on the outside edge. This will provide minimal dampening effect. Frankly, I'd never compromise DR for SB. This edge design is a good balance.

[owaaaa984]

sorry, wat do u mean by inside and outside? And wat does DR and SB stand for?

[bobgatzen]

Inside is the 45 degree angle facing towards the inside of the shell. The 30 degree is much shorter facing the outside edge of the shell. Dynamic Range & Snare Buzz

[owaaaa984]

ah, thanks. also just out of curiosity, have you ever played xylophone or type of mallet percussion?

[bobgatzen]

Yes. After graduating fro Hartt College of Music. I studied with world re-known vibist Gary Burton. I quit drums, played vibes for 10 years then switched back to drums. Best educational move I ever made. Every drummer should play a secondary instrument, preferably piano or guitar.

[owaaaa984]

wow.

[owaaaa984]

also, wat r the specs on this "G -Plus" head I'm hearing about?

[Bryan200822]

I just bought a Roland TD20 electrickit just because i couldnt

tune my Acoustic kit,it was well worth the buy !! i called The DW drum CO to ask about the TIMBRE matching, so i can figure out how too get those sounds on my roland electric kit anyway the guy i talked to at DW had a fit and was getting mad at me because i kept wanting a list of tunings for the timbre matching drum sets,im a really nice person that just wants some info man!!can someone please post some DW notes!!Thanks God Bless

[bobgatzen]

Hi Bryan, check out the "Tonal-Tuning" series on my channel. You might find it helpful.

[Bryan200822]

I was thinking to myself Bob ... what can a hired drum tech do to my drum that i cant and what exactly would he tune my drums to ?

[bobgatzen]

Drummers should be tech's. Think it about it, the first lesson for guitar, bass, violin..any of the stringed instruments is how to tune the instrument. Are drums any different?

[Bryan200822]

It is really good to hear from you bob ! ,yes it was a DW Kit :)do you know the rest of the notes inside ,I just checked out the "Tonal tuning" Video and let me start by saying thank you !! there are so many Drum tuning Videos that are really Vague with information ... you really broke down that musical Barrier !! i started tuning my drums right away along with your video and let me just say you've inspired me to play live and i will definitely be giving shout outs to you Many thank From L.A.

[Bryan200822]

Dear Bob i am a big fan of yours !! and the videos you post on you tube ,i have a tuning question for ya ... ive seen drum heads with notes stamped inside of them like the snare was a Bb and the first tom an Eb and so on what do you recommend and can you post a comment on what notes to tune each drum to ? i know you use the A pitch technique... but can you please explain the notes stamped inside the drum head please..and i cant remember the rest of the notes stamped inside the drum.all the best

[bobgatzen]

Hi Bryan,

Are you speaking of DW drums where a pitch is stamped on the inside of the shell?

For drum pitch suggestions check out the "Tonal Tuning" series on the channel where I fully explain pitches and ear training techniques.

[Destructos]

Great series, Bob. Thank you very very much for your contributions. I've favorited this.

[bobgatzen]

Thanks D, that means a lot to me!

[kyjello12]

bob i gots a question. i have a pork pie ittle squealer which has ike 3026 portholes. so its realy sensitive, and it makes its hard for me to play quiet ghosts notes. is there any way i can make the drum more sensitive with out changing my sound. and by the way its CRANKED, its reay shocked but thats the way i like it. any insight to my probem woud be great, thanks.

[bobgatzen]

Venting

1.Diminishes mid-range frequencies that "fatten" the overall sound of the drum (dynamic range). Ghost notes (soft dynamics) are easier to execute on a drum with lots of dynamic range. 2.The "piston" motion is less efficient requiring more thrust at the stick to put the heads in motion. Extreme venting works well for hi volume levels and vice versa (no vents) for maximum sensitivity at low volume levels.

Experiment with 20 strand snares with a clear single or 2-ply batter

[kyjello12]

thanks bob, your always a great help.

[drejadrums]

Hey Bob!

I have trouble getting the snare wires and snare head working together, to say it like that. Or the snares are buzzing, or the drum is choked! I tune my bottom head to G. I have new 12 strand wires and new Ambassador snare head. I measured drum just like in your video "Know where your drum is at" and it looks ok. Drum has 1/8" deep snare bed with a 2" flat part, total 6" wide.My guess is: i tune the head wrong.Can you give me some hints how to tune head evenly when snare bed is so deep?

[bobgatzen]

If you viewed both snare tuning vids than I take it you understand the tuning technique. Tune the head as evenly as possible aiming for a pitch between G-Bb. Go to the 4 adjacent t-rods to the snare bed and try to match pitches by tuning in a "X" pattern (left rod lower position) to Right Rod upper & vice versa. Be very gentle, tune in small precise increments until the pitches match. You might have to re-adjust other t-rods

[thanksmisfortune]

Bob, ive replaced my reso snare head twice due to it RIPPING right in half. Obviously im doing something wrong, most likely tightning it wayyy to much. Also, the snare wires are popping off. What am i doing wrong, im being very cautious. Please help

[bobgatzen]

That's unusual. must be over-tensioning or uneven tension. Start with a new head and use the tuning technique I demo on the Evans Snare tuning vid. As you tension up place your thumb about an 1" off the edge and press down. You should feel it give and then, hit a "stop". If there's hardly any "give" you've over-tensioned it.

Look's like the snares are old and needy of replacement.

[mapexmadman]

For that sort of Black Album sound, you need to take into account the fact that the snare used was DEEP and Brass. The room was covered in plywood, for resonance, and there were 50 mics in the room. That's before you even take tuning into account. It is IMPOSSIBLE.

[Lili0000007]

i want a sound like like ulrich in the black album....how do i get that?

[bobgatzen]

That's difficult to answer. Best bet is to listen closely (headphones) experiment and be yourself

[seizetheday71]

for that ull actually need a deep snare and a dry batter head, maybe buying his signature snare drum, but in this case i can recommend u an evans genera dry wich sound awesome and is as dry as hell!

btw Thanks BOB!

[Lili0000007]

thanks..but i dont want this sound anymore..i have to create"" my own sound...thanks:P

[arrivadercci]

Bob, I just want to say thank you so much for your help. I have been playing for 20yrs, but still mannage to learn new tips from pro's like yourself. I think your videos are really great. THX

[connorerhart]

I have a question!

my rim is bent really low from my rim shot and its almost level to the head.

What can i do to keep the tuning ok?

( No money for new rim )

[bobgatzen]

Try hanging 1 ise (1/2) over the edge of a counter, table and try to bend it back into true

Good luck

[connorerhart]

Thanks man i tried that and it helped a little, but i just baught a new rim and it's doing good.

[bobgatzen]

Thanks for sharing the good news...these days, all of us really need it

[Ntla062]

If you are really bob gatzen then I am letting you know that you are losing money by posting your videos on the internet instead of people buying it from the store.

[Karedge]

Now it seems to me this is rather normal I suposse particularily with wood shells, and I want to give that old snare drum another try. Since the bearing edges are lower at those points, is it better then to tune the reso snare head using your eyes, as oposed to taping at the tension rods and tone matching the head all around? Thank you for your time.

[bobgatzen]

Pitch-wise,tune as evenly as possible, do the eyeball thing and closely observe the overall sound. If the drum is really out, uneven tension might end up working best.

The final test is to rotate the head 90 degrees and check for improvement. Remember, heads are not perfectly flat

Good luck!

[Karedge]

Bob, thanks for the videos. Tuning has been a bit of a problem area for me over the years. I have an older Pearl maple snare drum that I always believed to be damaged from excessive snare wire tensioning because the reso head is wrinkly around the snare bed.

[bobgatzen]

Pull the heads off the drum and place it on a flat surface. It might be necessary to place a light source inside the shell. Compare the snare bed depths and contour. Beds are easy to screw up in mass production.

[cldt1990]

after i changed the top head of my snare, it sounds really chocked (evans), i checked the snares nd they seem fine so im thinking its my tuning problem. Any hints? because iv tuned it for awhile now nd it still sounds choked

[bobgatzen]

Tune the snare head to an "A" as a starting point. Than tune the batter to a pitch that not sounds good but "feels" good to you. Than go back to the snare side, lower the "A" pitch to a "G". Observe! than raise the pitch to a "B". All U have to do is to decide which tuning works best.

[cldt1990]

but shud the top head be lower or higher then the bottom head?

[Krmelj]

Hello, thought I ask a question. Does the resonant side of the snare drum make any difference to the tuning? i.e. Does the bottom head serve any other purpose other then to react to the snares? I am asking just in case so I don't waste money on expensive head. Cheers!

[bobgatzen]

Yes, snare (reso) heads play an important role in regards to tonal character. and Yes again, pitch relationships relate to how much force it takes to extend the snares properly without choking. Sounds confusing but it's all about Pitch=Tension. I wouldn't be concerned about price, pop brands are all about the same price. The choice is 2mil & 3 mil thicknesses? 2 will create an open, brighter tone. 3 will create a darker, denser tone.

[Krmelj]

Brilliant, thanks for your expertize :D

[Lebreton566]

Bob, prehaps you can help me with something. I currently use a 14" yamaha brass snare. Its a great drum, but i can't tune it to a low pitch without getting an abnoxious buzz from the snare wires. I bought new wires which didn't help in the least bit. I'm thinking about selling it and buying a new one. Would a Maple shell get me closer to what i want to hear?

[bobgatzen]

Theoretically, shell types control timbre(tone) and shouldn't affect snare response. However, it is far easier to cut beds on wood drum vs. metal. Often metal snare drums have shallow beds that are easier to form. Many companies use smaller(length) and shallower beds on their metal drums. This could be the case with the Yamy.Try a set 12-16 strand snare wires instead of 20-strand before giving up on the Yamy.

[Lebreton566]

Bob, i can finally make my drums sound great. your videos are awesome.

[bobgatzen]

Music to my ears...ahhhh....thank you!

[jcdrumkey]

the snare drum in our drums is making a really irritating sound...sounds like bong!!!

how do i resolve this problem?? plz help..

[bobgatzen]

Sorry JC, could be a number of things going wrong... not enough info to guide you to snare drum bliss. Watch this vid again with your snare drum in hand. Let me know how you make out.

[baytamusic]

Just wondering. I have a serious problem of the lug nearest to myself loosening itself tremendously as I play. I do hit rather hard and do mostly rim shots. Is there anything to keep this from happening? I heard to put pariffin wax on the lug. I tried it, no dice. Any suggestions would help. thanks.

[bobgatzen]

Common problem. 2 suggestions. Google "Drum Tension Rod locks" and you'll find several commercial products. "Tight Screw" is available on-line. Or...you can "very carefully" file the threads at a "single point" at the "portion of the T-rod" that makes contact with the receiver.Slight flattening of the threads will create resistance.

[baytamusic]

thanks bob! I think i'm gonna try some tension locks first.

[drumbum12345]

hi bob what do you think is better a tight reso or a loose reso on the snare

[bobgatzen]

Tuning the snare head to an "A" pitch is a good starting point for most playing situations. Overly loose reso tuning is not particurly good for hard hitters..extends the snare head too much. I tune between a "G"-B" and vary the batter head pitch for sound/tone variations.

[drumbum12345]

ok thanks heaps

[drummer43210]

Bob, how would you recommend seating a brand new snare head?

[bobgatzen]

I don't believe in over-tensioning a new head. It can damage the head if not tensioned properly. I tune using the sequential tuning pattern tensioning just above where I'd like it (for instance "B pitch)...play it for awhile, then detune it to a pitch I prefer (A pitch).

[iskra20]

It's really cool to see someone how should I say... famous like you answering our question's and email's, trying to help us out with our drums, that's really nice of you:)! Now I know how I'll ask something about drums and stuff!

[BlaznAznCrazn]

hey bob im new to tuning drums and im trying to tune my churches drums for praise and i dont know what sound is right. your vids help so much but everytime i hit the snare, it makes some kind of echo that just ruins everything! could it be the snare head? plz help me with this problem

[bobgatzen]

Snare buzz is a classic problem. I'll send you some suggestions on e-mail

[drumline777]

hey....i dont get why he is tuning round when your suppose to go across.....

[SQaudiophile]

cool video on the evans site...

[DrumCatt44]

Ok Bob, I tried the MinEMADs for my MX snare and it did help the overtones a bit, but this snare is a real problem for me. Are these PDP snares made well? Time for an upgrade to the kit? As I was playing on my last gig, the tension rods (both on each side of the strainer) were loosening and I am not a heavy hitter. Any ideas on what else I could do? The drum just makes horrible buzzing sounds and it sounds like a "toy." The toms sound GREAT! This snare is killin me

[PSP1623]

you could also use more moongels drum catt

[bobgatzen]

Snare buzz is largely due to the contour of the snare bed, distorted snare wires or simply tuning. Replace the snare head with a 3-mil (300) head. Tune it no lower than an "A" pitch. If this cuts down buzz, raise the pitch of the snare head to "B" and compare. Be sure the snares are not distorted. If so, replace them with a 16-strand set or less (12strand) snare wires, less buzz. Place the Minimad on the snare side. If detuning persists pick up a few T-Rod locks (nylon stops) Let me know.

[DrumCatt44]

Hey Bob! First of all I have to tell you that I love your videos and your input is a constant benefit.. I recently have purchased a brand new Pacific MX series drum kit to use for gigs only. I am having some trouble with the snare as I cannot get rid of my overtones. I have followed all previous tips and methods from my other drum kits and I am starting to lost patience. Any tips? Dampening? Any information would be greatly appreciated!

[bobgatzen]

The Evans "Reverse Powercenter" batter head along with a Min-EMAD muffler is a great combo for controlling resonance without killing the drum.

Also the Min-EMAD can be placed on the snare side as well.

Next, I would experiment in pitching your "rack" toms differently.

[DrumCatt44]

I will definitely check them out! I have a reverse powercenter on there right now so I will try the Min-EMADs. Thanks again! I will be in touch....

[petechadwick]

Thanks, great tips i have found a solution to my ratling snare-the skin wasnt even all the way around.

Thanks Bob

[bobgatzen]

Your very welcome

[JorshWarshington]

Good stuff. Thanks.

[sikory]

previously I had a great sounding tension on my snare but then I wanted too loosen the head a bit and what ever I did it just got a nasty ringing sound and i din't got away, I use a 2 ply head, if it matters

[ChuckImania]

drum dial works too

[brianthedrummer]

It does, but it's hell on the resonance head of the snare. I damaged my head just by sliding the dial around. Oops.

[grantoldblueeagle]

thankyou for your knowledge some of that i didnt know

[irishdrummer01]

when your tuning you snare,how come you dont tighten the tension bolts in a "star" shape like all the other drums?

[bobgatzen]

I'll send you an E-Mail

[Ogrim88]

Hey Bob! I ordered your DVD, and I just have to say it's so magnificent!! I'm wathcing it right now ;) Thank you for giving me your knowledge, Bob! You rock :D

[thegreatbasher]

Hey Bob, good stuff. Could you just help me here. Should the lugs beside the snare bed be the same, lower or higer than the rest of the drum. I have tight all around and nice wires with some annoying rattly buzz (Puresound Blasters). How can i remidy this with out chocking the drum.

[bobgatzen]

Thanks! Snare buzz problems stem from 3 issues

1.The amount & evenness in head tension (tuning) 2.Uneven snare wire tension (contact) due to wear,improper installation or manufacturing

defect 3.Sympathetic vibration from the overall "tonality" of the toms.

I plan on addressing this issue in upcoming "Quik-Tips" I'll be posting.

[linckan]

This dvd is a life saver. I gott it towdays ago, and i lave it.

[bobgatzen]

When the snare wires stretch out of shape due to wear & tear, u will automatically apply more snare tension to stop excessive buzzing. This will apply more pressure against the snare (bottom) head, dampening the sound of the drum. That's your cue to replace those bad boys.

[charliearmstrong]

how do snares choke i dint get that o and the nascar comment was ace

[drummermikemccraw]

I like the "NASCAR" comment!

[Superfro2]

Bob knows drums!!!!