A potentially stupid question concerning the drum tuning bible...

[FattMusiek]

"Using two keys 180 degrees apart (or in the case of an odd number of lugs use 1 key in a star type pattern), tighten in half turn increments together until you've put 2 complete turns on all rods of the drum. The musical note is not important."

For two years I was borrowing a friend's Pearl Forum kit. Recently I bought my own kit (Tama Starclassic Birch). After attempting to tune properly, I ran into a problem. When the author says "half turn increments", does this mean 180 degree turns (half of a complete 360 degree turn) or half of a 180 degree turn (90 degrees)? After four 180 degree turns, the resonant head seemed too tight.

Thanks for your time. Go easy on me...

[FattMusiek]

I tried again thinking he meant a 180 spin was a "turn". Now my problem is in the pitch of each lug. He says:

"Tap with the drum key, lightly and with even force about 1.5” (40mm) from the edge. ALWAYS tap with equal force and in the same place at each lug. LISTEN to an element of resonance of the tap. There will be several tones. You need to focus on one element or frequency band heard. Remember, even force at an identical distance from the lug. Now adjust each lug so the pitch of the resonance is identical. "

Great. Tried that. Some lugs are identical but others simply will not conform. When I tighten or loosen these "trouble lugs", the whole pitch of the head changes. The uniform lugs change notes but stay together, but the trouble lugs don't. I cannot make them the same and it's pissing me off greatly. Can anyone give me advice before something very valuable in my house is broken? (sarcastic smile)

[ez_willis]

I am not a drummer by trade, but I bought a kit that I use to record at home, so take this for what it's worth. I've noticed that if I tune the lug that is on the opposite side of the drum from the 'trouble lug', it will help get the 'trouble lug' into the pitch I'm looking for. Also, are the heads new, and are they the heads that came with the kit? It was recommended to me to replace the cheap stock heads, by a friend, not a salesman. Seating the head on the drum is as important as anything else, too. I also use one of
these guys to get me close, too. Hope this helps.

[andrew321]

tape op had a great article on drum tuning an issue back...

[FattMusiek]

Thanks for the replies. I bought Remo coated Emperor heads shortly after I bought the kit. That tuning tool interests me...

[donkeystyle]

sometimes you'll have to loosen a lug thats flat and tune the one directly across from it higher to get it in tune with the rest of the lugs.

[RecordingMaster]

The easiest/quickest way to tune drums I've found in 10 years.
1. loosen both heads til they are not active
2.finger tighten top head
3.push your index finger down in the middle of drum to see wrinkles
4.keeping your finger pressed, tighten each lug (like tire rotation) so there are no wrinkles.
5. now your head is properly 'seated' on the drum. Tune it to your prefered pitch (usually just a bit higher).
6. repeat steps 2-4
7. tighten it to the same pitch as top, or even higher to get a 'dip' sound.

This is for the toms (the hardest drums to tune).

[chrisjorge]

I did a series of tuning video tutorials for toms. It helps illustrate some of the concepts in the DTB. I found that in practice, the steps I take in these videos works pretty well. Of course I cheat sometimes and just do a quick and dirty tuning. ;-)

I plan on adding a section on snare and kick tuning soon.

- Christopher Jorge

http://www.VideoDrumLessons.com

(Just click on the 'Free Video Tutorial' button)