On drums...

Designer

EQ4 batter 67-68
Fiberskyn reso 72

I don't measure those often - usually set the batter where tone begins to appear, then tune the reso to suit the room, but those are starting numbers, and where the Designer is currently set.

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Gregory

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Cliff

River City Trio

What if we did all have the same opinions?

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Cliff

River City Trio

What if we did all have the same opinions?

Are you asking if I can get lower numbers consistently around the head, Cliff? The reso can surely go lower, but I find that tuned lower it does not necessarily sound lower in pitch, which perhaps means it is not resonating well below that frequency. Since I don't often use the DD on the kick, those numbers fall simply where the bass drum resonates in itself and with the kit in a way I like.

The Gretsch batter is tuned a bit lower, but until this moment I had not measured it, and readings are between 64 and 69: part of the joy of a bass drum with the old style T handle rods that get knocked about when carrying. The reso is more consistent because I check it by ear, and is tuned at 75, higher than I like the Designer. I suspect that is because the smallest Gretsch tom is 14". The Gretsch kick tuning can go up or down without suffering.

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Gregory

You guys using the tuning dials, do you tune the drums first by ear then check settings or do you tune by numbers?
I think with smaller bass drums (i've got a 20 and a converted 16 floor tom) like Greg says, i'd just go for tone over low end - the great thing about 20s is that they can do both - go quite low but also get great tone.
I would say tune the drum in the centre of a room if it's a smaller room rather than up against a wall, if it's a bigger room aim it into a corner from around 7-10 feet, also get someone else to play it so you can get a perspective from at least 10 feet away. Two single ply heads should sound awesome on an 18 maybe with no dampening whatsoever...if there is a twang just add a felt strip.

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http://percusski.co.uk/

When reheading the toms I always go to the numbers first, then check by ear. Rest of the time it depends; if they're starting to get whacky, I pull out the dial. On the bass, I don't often use the DD. Most of the time the kick is at the wrong angle anyway.

Goki, was just talking to Cliff. I didn't read your post very clearly. I guess I should ask what sound you are looking for, but whatever sound it may be, I don't think the PS3 is a good reso head, unless you really like fast decay, but a reso that resonates less than a batter is an inversion of the usual system.

The clear PS3 is an excellent batter head, particularly on the birch Classix, and I always tuned it low, providing more thud than tone. The tone is mostly going to come from your reso, and I prefer the slight muting provided by a Fiberskyn with no felt damping. If that's too lively, try the felt strip. An Ambassador or G1 reso would probably need a felt.

I spent a lot of time trying many heads on the 22 Classix. Really did not like the PS3 on the reso.

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Gregory

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Cliff

River City Trio

What if we did all have the same opinions?

I lowered the patch (REMO, came with the SONOR head) for an inch, and the tone is immediately different.
More lows, and the rattle is almost gone..


Success. I hope I'll have the time to play with the drum tuning this upcoming week, since I'll be using part of my vacation... No work duties - GREAT...

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Goki - short from Goran

Let the good drums roll!!!