Tuning Bass ('Kick') Drums for Drummers
How you tune your bass drum(s) depends on
preference and musical setting.
Evans
heads make 'matched pairs' of heads for a variety of different
applications e.g., studio use.
Other manufacturers such as Remo and Aquarian also make a variety of high quality
heads for Bass Drums.
Tensioning the heads evenly at each tension point until they are just wrinkle-free
produces a big, warm thud with plenty of attack and few unwanted overtones.
This is a good starting point for however you wish to tune your bass drum.
To make the drum sound TIGHTER, tension the FRONT head
SLIGHTLY HIGHER than the batter head.
To INCREASE the 'BOTTOM END' de-tune the FRONT head
slightly.
To INCREASE the 'BOOM', tension the BATTER head slightly
HIGHER
To INCREASE the 'CLICK', tension the BATTER head slightly
SLACKER.
For non-miked gigs it is worth tuning in a bit
more 'boom' (drum resonance) to increase the impact of
the drum within the music.
Some drum technicians comment that slanting the bass drum too much
can influence the sound, reducing bottom end: it will certainly affect
the 'feel' of your bass drum pedal as the beater will be striking the
head before it is in the vertical position.
When miking-up, a bit less resonance and a bit more click works
well.
Avoid filling the bass drum with grandma's duvet. This reduces
the resonance AND makes the drum a lot QUIETER (unless that is
your aim).
It's better to learn to play quietly and have a better sounding
drum. Then, IF damping is necessary keep it SUBTLE.
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