Hipgig Tuning

[mikemoritz]

Our band's drummer is using a Yamaha hip gig set. We have done some recording, and it actually holds up in the "studio" quite well (assuming you single out all the squeaks, etc. etc.). Anyways, right now, he tunes his toms by just tightening the hell out of the resonator head and guessing with the batter head. I have actually tried tuning these toms after practice and what not to try and get a deeper tone. Unfortunately, the toms are quite small, and I can't seem to get a better tone. Also unfortunately, the drummer never likes to spend more than 5 minutes tuning. Any advice on how to tune up relatively small toms to get decent tone and results? Right now they sound like rototoms.

Thanks a lot,
Mike

 

[mikeh]

I've use a Hip Gig kit a few times and as you have found, the trade off of conveniance (small size) comes at the expense of tone. However, many studio drummers prefer smaller size drums for the control of sound.

Keep in mind that any drum has a basic "range" that it sounds good at (if you go too high you choke the sound - if you go too low you mute the sound) - although it is easier to get a small drum to tune low than a big drum to tune high.

Here are some basic suggestions:

1. Use double ply heads (Remo Pinstripes of Evans G2) for a lower tone.
2. Tune the top (batter) head down until the head is almost wrinkled (almost).
3. Tune the bottom (resonant) head down the same way (or a little tighter for resonance).

Note: You may have to bring the toms back up a little to bring back some resonance (also if your drummer hits hard - or uses poor technique loose heads will dent easily).