Lookng for help with a Tama TensionWatch Drum Tuner

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designbyt

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I recieved a Tama TensionWatch Drum Tuner as a gift and I tried it for the first time this weekend. Eventhough I am following the instructions that came with it:

1. Fingertightend the lugs
2. Set the TensionWatch approx 10mm from the lug
3. Tighten to desired reading

I'm still not sure of its accuracy or if I'm even using it correctly. I am tuning in a criss-cross pattern as normal and am trying to tighten a little bit at a time. Does anybody have any usuful tips to make this an effective tool?

Thanks.
 
The only thing I can really say is as you start to reach your desired tension, tighten the lugs VERY slightly up to your desired tension. If you don't, it's really hard to get all the same tensions on each rod.

Some people hate these gadgets, others swear by them. I'm someone that swears by them. It seems the people that hate these things get frustrated with getting all parts of the head the same measured tension.
 
I prefer to use my ears...something you may want to try.

:D
 
Tension Watch

It is best to use the tension watch as a starting point and then tune by ear.

I use the Tama Tension Watch mainly when recording so i can keep tuning consistent if i have to switch out heads. It is rare that you will have the same tension on each rod . For the toms I use the tension watch first and tune between 60 and 65. Then i tune by ear.
 
Re: Tension Watch

Eric54 said:


It is rare that you will have the same tension on each rod .
Click to expand...

only for those who do not have a lot of patience :)
 
Due to various variations and that fact that NO drum is perfect:

Same tension does not always mean same pitch which is exactly what you are striving for in getting a head "in tune with itself". I would hate to see a guitar tuner that measured the tension of the string. :)

As it's been pointed out, even those that swear by these use them as more of a guide or starting point.
 
Awesome! I appreciate the input. In the 16 years I have been drumming, I have learned to tune my kit by ear rather well. However, my band mates have quite a low tolerance to listening to me do so. So they bought me this new toy.

Thanks again. This gadget will get me in the ball park, then I know to fine tune with my ear.
 
Make sure ALL the lug screws thread smoothly and evenly as they turn. You may want to oil all the screws and replace any sticky screws.
 
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