Strainer buzz from toms.

  • Thread starter Thread starter Rassoodocks
  • Start date Start date
R

Rassoodocks

New member
Ok, does anyone have the problem of strainer buzz when they play their first tom hanging over their snare ?

I've cut some snares off the strainer because i like the sound a little more nutty... that seemed to decrese the buzz from the offending 10" tom, but there's still a little bit of buzz. I mic my snare from underneath for definition as i find the overheads pic up the pop of the snare just fine... i guess that's contributing to the problem slightly but i'm just interested to know if anyone else has this problem and what they've done to solve it... should your snare be dead quiet when you play your toms ? The tension of the strainer doesn't seem to make a difference only when it's really loose it'll fizz more...

Thanks in advance,
Rory.
 
There isn't much you can do really, I know it's annoying. I actually like the sound of my toms with the snare on for some reason. It doesn't pick up in recordings, so I'm happy. I'v seen people tape the strainer, but I don't bother.
 
Try putting some shims between the strainer and the bottom head (old business cards work) so the wires only contact the head when it gets hit. If you like your bottom head real tight and/or play a lot of soft stuff on the snare it probably won't work though.
 
There are several things that could help.

1. Detune the lugs on each side of the snare wires (4 lugs total).
2. Adjust the tuning of the toms to get away from the frequency that's causing the vibration
3. Hang a towel between the toms and the snare to absorb some of the sound from the toms.

Naturally, tuning the snare heads tighter or looser can also help. However, if you are happy with the tuning of the drums and the recorded sound, it is probably best to simply accept the "buzz" - unless it is a problem in your recordings.
 
ahuh!

ok guys... thanks for that input.. i do agree with the 'frequency of the tom' business... that is definetley something that does help but there's always some buzz still there, which i guess is natural. I listened to some old recordings i've done and solo'ed the snare mic.. guess what ? still buzzes... but, when i play the whole song altogether you can't notice it. I think maybe it's the actual drum riff that is also effecting it. The songs i'm recording now have tom grooves and aren't too busy. I've got it at a reasonable level i suppose.

So this jazz buff must accept the buzz.

Thanks again.
Rory.
 
ahuh!

ok guys... thanks for that input.. i do agree with the 'frequency of the tom' business... that is definetley something that does help but there's always some buzz still there, which i guess is natural. I listened to some old recordings i've done and solo'ed the snare mic.. guess what ? still buzzes... but, when i play the whole song altogether you can't notice it. I think maybe it's the actual drum riff that is also effecting it. The songs i'm recording now have tom grooves and aren't too busy. I've got it at a reasonable level i suppose.

So this jazz buff must accept the buzz.

Thanks again.
Rory.
 
AHA! Post Padder!!!!! Just kidding just kidding, hmmmm, or maybe I'm the post padder.....DUM DUM DUM!!!!!!!!!! (scary organ playing in background)
 
Back
Top