FUQ (eff -yu - cue) - FAQ's with an EDGE

Tagged As: Snare Drum Tuning

Question:
I've recently gotten back into drumming after taking a break for about 7 years after high school. I mostly did symphonic percussion then, but I decided to get a drum set to play with this time. I purchased a new Pearl 5 piece ELX-825 set. I'm having a problem getting my snare drum to sound how I want it. Spefically I'm getting a drastically different sound on hits in the center of the snare drum, than hits on the edge. The hits on the center of the drum sound like a crisp snare hit I'm used to, but hits on the edge don't seem to trigger the snare hardly at all and the drum sounds more like a tom. Is this an indication either of heads is too loose or too tight? I've fooled around with both head tensions and the tightness of the snares and I can't seem to get this sympton to go away while maintaining an acceptable sound on center snare hits.

Answer:
Don't expect to get a perfectly uniform sound across the entire surface of the head. Most drummers use this to their advantage, getting more timbres and sounds to play with etc. In terms of tuning tips, I'm sure someone else can send you to the relevant links, I can't remember them. Your snares are too tight; they're choking the snare (bottom) head. Loosen the snares. Now tighten the snare head tighter than you think is possible. Now readjust the snares. You may have to play with the tape/string going into the strainer once you crank up the bottom head Depends on one's definition of tighter than you think is possible- I guess. I don't go with the cranked so high it screams for its lawyer theory. Each snare has a sweet spot where it speaks best (both heads). Experiment with tuning and you'll find this spot. Once you find it, you'll know.