As a drummer of 20 years who nerds out about this type of stuff, this channel's videos are invaluable for newcomers and pros alike. It's so nice to be able to pop a video like this up, grab some new ideas or just reinforce fundamentals. Thanks for all you guys do. Cheers!
Drummer of 30+ years. Never have I come across such practical and well-explained advice. You caused me, with this single video, to see completely differently the relationship between the two heads and the snare wires. On last night’s gig, I made a very quick “loosening” adjustment on my snare wires (completely counter-intuitive to me) and it “opened up” the sound of my drum immediately and immensely. Thank you thank you THANK YOU!!
You guys are the greatest help on the planet with teaching how to get drums to sound their best. Years of fussing and scouring the internet and music stores for advice and it's all right here! So in depth and easily digestible, you all really are doing the drumming world an immeasurably great service.
Thanks for taking the time Cody...great video with valuable info....and as a bonus, I learned a few new technical terms..."wiggleable" and "fiddley-side"......peace-out!
The four lugs being too loose used to freak me out for a long time, because I always thought it was not normal. Thanks for reassuring me on this particular point.
My first snare was 1st generation Pearl Free-Floating, back when they had the complicated snare mechanism and extra-long wires that went past the shell. The snare did not have beds. It kinda messed me up a bit when I got a normal snare.
Same, I would tune it up until I wouldn't see any wrinkles, before I knew it the hoop was way past beyond the bearing edge, I would mess up my heads pretty frequently and where I live these type of heads are the most expensive. After I saw this I tried with a fresh pack of heads and wires and it made wonders.
This feeling when you have perfectly installed the bottom hoop, leveled and everything and then realize that the snarewire holes are not aligned with the release mechanism... 😖😖😤🤬🥵
Some folks speak well, but miss the salient points, or deliver their message so quickly a listener feels as if their struggling to get the big picture. Not the case here. Thank you for the organized thought which so thoroughly informs and clarifies what you bring. Peace in pursuit of the groove!
Years now of brilliant advice and help and it is freely given.. I for one am extremely grateful.. As a drummer from the 60's and onward I thought I knew it all.. Oops.. I don't think younger drummers can appreciate the value of what is offered in these videos.. The best we had back when was perhaps a photo on an album cover and a very highly developed imagination.. Thank you... (Puresound T1320 Twisted Series) (13"x 6.5" Hip Pig Black Friday limited edition)
Great!!! Your channel is the only one I know who takes up the issue of snare wires. There are so many tuning tutorials up there, but nobody is going into details like you guys. Keep up the good work!
I'm just about to do my 2nd gig as a drummer, this pace for instructional videos is perfect. Whether I'm away or with my drums, it's exactly what I needed. Thank you!
15:48 was what I was waiting for. After a bunch of years and a bazillion snare installations, I agree 100% Really good job and enjoy your presentation.
I really like how you talk about the drums in terms of them having feelings, like "being happy". I feel like it sets a very personal and sensitive approach to tuning and playing them.
21:03 My woes and frustration was following all the exact steps after binge watching all your snare videos many times. And had the snare still sound a little "something missing"!! It took me a long time, hours, days, to just play around my snare tuning and discover how she likes to be tuned. To anyone who just started, don't give up! The videos on this channel are super amazing! It's my guide and go-to channel. We can binge watch and understand all the theory, but still, you need to spend more time to meddle and play with your own snare tuning to know how it best fit your ears and music ❤💛💚💙💜
A Yuu A good rule of thumb is to start with tuning the reso side 4 half steps up from the batter and if that doesn’t work try a 5th. I can get any of my snares sounding great using those 2 methods. I always start with a medium batter tension which works with most snares. If you go too tight on the batter then you have to crank up the snareside head to keep the tension relationship. You don’t have to have that 4th or 5th head tension relationship but snares usually sound their best when that method is used for me anyway. It helps to use a pitch pipe but knowing the notes the snareside should be is ideal.
I love this channel. It is nice to have somewhere to go to talk shop. My snare drum has tension dials on both ends, and small changes make a noticeable difference. It can buzz all the way to the rim if I tighten the far side, and relax the buzz and open more overtones towards the hoops if I loosen it. It really makes a difference in modern classical/concert/jazz music, but even solid back beats it creates a different feel.
The uneven length of the exposed string on the butt plate end has my OCD raging! I'll be breaking out the ruler for my next snare head replacement. Thanks for the tips!
Excellent video! The EQ wires sound really nice on this drum. I had a rough time with my Tama SLP Black Brass 6.5 x 14 snare. It came with 42 strand wires and... they sounded terrible. Choked, mushy, unclear, thin, etc. I tried a range of tunings, especially on the bottom head. I finally got it dialed in when I switched out the stock wires with Vic Firth (secretly Canopus-made) 26-strand wires. From 42 to 26. The snare now sounds EXACTLY how I wanted it to sound. Snappy and clear, but big and fat, with tons of aggressive projection. Almost don't need a mic in the rehearsal space! Proof positive that snares make a massive difference in how a drum behaves.
Nice upgrade! Yeah, 42 strand snare wires are waaay problematic for exactly the reasons you stated. I would add that their overall sound is always "sloppy" on every single drum I've heard them on, cuz due to the extra width, you can't get even tension at the edges compared to the center. This results in excessive uncontrollable snare buzzing. If you try tightening it up, the drum definitely chokes out.
Nunca fuí un baterista profesional, pero usé mi sentido común, y todo lo explicado aquí , lo he hecho muy parecido, sin ver tutoriales, buenísimo video, he reforzado mis conocimientos, ahora justo cuando estoy por retomar este instrumento maravilloso 🙌
Summary: 19:40 1) Heads are fundamentally *leveled* on the drum, there isn't a part of the hoop that is under way less tension than somewhere else 2) Wires are in the *center* when they're engaged on the head, Not twisted 3) *Enough room* on the mechanism to adjust the wires the way you want
I'm glad I'm not the only one who doesn't like snare cord with a metal core (Puresound, et al.). It ruined my snare bed. I use a plastic strap now, but I've been wanting to switch to cloth. I think it's easier to use than string, because you only have to pull on one thing. Although, maybe it's easier to make tiny adjustments with string, once you have it on - you can loosen just one screw and pull on one end. You can also do what Noble & Cooley does, which is to put the string through the holes the "wrong" way, and tie knots at the ends to keep the string from falling out. That way, you have a loop of string instead of the two ends to pull on. That's probably the best of both worlds.
LOVE! Your drum sound forum! I have found that your instruction is very well laid out and easy to follow! Keep up the good work because we are listening!
enjoy the attention to all the details [ geek out ] on this stuff when you get it right its good , when you dont , its like wtf gotta go back and try again so thank you so much for taking the time to explain it as well as you do keep going and dont stop !!!
The Blaster wires are a full set (none missing in the middle). This model is the Equalizer series, meant to cut back a bit on sympathetic snare buzz. They’re also just a bit drier in general.
Thanks for another great video! This is my favorite drum channel ever and I always get happy when you post a new video. I myself play a great Pearl 14x8" Maple Free Floating snare from the mid 80's.
Hi, still using my original nylon strings 1968 Ludwig 400 snare drum ,most people have the tension to tight and it chokes the drum,but I have done wrong things in the past but the strings are still working Chicago well done
As someone who's ignored my tuning game for a long time, I will say this page has helped me a lot. However, I tried experimenting with measuring the snare bed hoop height and it would add to my frustration. I tried it on my 5" Renown maple and 6" Aluminum Starphonic (which has DEEP snare beds). I tried tuning to get the hoop even on both drums around the beds and can't say it helped much and I fared much better with just ignoring that part. However, it's an interesting concept and I will definitely look into that more in the future
You could use a heat gun on the wrinkles and they'll shrink away. I find it mandatory to do that on some snares, especially ones with deep and wide snare beds, because I like to tune my snare side head relatively low (77 on a drum dial) in order to obtain a good amount of body out of the drum. Also, when installing and adjusting snares, I max out the tension knob on the throwoff, disengage it, and install the snares that way. Attach on the butt plate first (you usually have to set the snares a little closer to the buttplate side 2-3mm when doing it this way so the spacing equals out in the end) then pull them through the throwoff and clamp it down with snares tensioned fairly tight by hand. Finally start slowly engaging the throwoff while backing off on the tension knob until you can fully engage it then fine tune from there. I find this method works great and lowers the chances of the throwoff disengaging.
Many thanks as always, Cody - these vids are always clear and objective. I find snare side tuning and wire adjustment a real pain, but this has been enormously helpful!
This is really helpful stuff. Just got my first snare last month and I'm having a bit of a hard time with a process for dialing in a sound I really like. I'll definitely be referencing this video once I make another tuning attempt 💪🏽
Id love for you guys to touch on the topic of out of round drums and how to address them. I have a Yamaha Tour Custom snare i got for a ridiculously low price at a pawn shop, but later found out it's out of round. I still want to keep it and work with it despite its imperfections
Tip for stringing your snares: I tie a reef knot in the loose ends of the strings so you have a tiny "handle" to pretension the snare before clamping then in. Stringing the string OUTSIDE the pair of bolts results in extra stability to the wires and its easier to do. Especially if you reef knot it! Snare bed wrinkles can be (slightly) reduced with a hairdryer.
I have a Yamaha Rock Tour Custom snare from the 90s I got for dirt cheap. Thing rips when I get it working. However, I noticed the snare wires weren’t centre, So I fiddled with it, got them center but now I don’t have any tension on the wires no matter how I spin the dial. They are the Puresound custom 14s. I had a method with the throw off in the off position but that made them too tight and got snare sound even in the off position.
I have not come across a video that talks about wrinkles. Much appreciated! Particularly on my 12" snare, the snare beds seem particularly dipped. I was going with the "cranked" setting that many drummers recommend. Sure, if you keep tightening, you reach a point where you get the head levelled somewhat. But to my ears, the tone may end up choked, first of all, and too bright and thin, as well. So, I reckon I'd better start at this point and allow the hoop and head to adapt to the tuning and check the tuning after some time.
I have a number of snares, Sonors, Tamas and Ludwigs. My Ludwig Black Magic is the only one that has been designed to jam the string that holds the snares between the snare head and the hoop when the hoop is tightened. This means the throw off won't work unless I attach the snare wires with ribbon. It's my favourite sounding snare, but also the most annoying when you have to change the bottom head or snare wires.
Yeah…we disagree with that approach because of how limiting it can be while also promoting a lot of the harmonics that drummers tend to feel the need to muffle later on. A more relaxed snare side tension yields a range of positive attributes that we’ve highlighted and demonstrated in other videos.
I've always had a problem with getting the correct distance with the wires from side to side.It takes me along time to get equal distance but man when you get it right,you definitely know.!!! Those wires put on properly will make your drum sound like a million bucks,providing the bearing edges are great,the hoops are straight and the head collar is not bent.I definitely know how frustrating it can be. Thanks,guys.!!!
I know you addressed this in an episode, but I CANT find it - What’s going on when a snare drum sounds great when hit dead center, but has a raunchy twangy snare wire bwaaang when hit off center? (To be clear, I know every snare drum displays more overtones as you near the edges, but I’m talking about an unacceptable, dissonant, sustained WIRE sound) It’s an issue I’ve run into, and gotten past, but never understood the science of. Everyone has a different opinion, and I’d love to get to the bottom of this. Thanks guys!
I have the same problem, especially with my Tama Superstar Hyperdrive 14×5 maple. It's usually because the snare wires are slightly cockeyed due to the tension between the butt plate and throw off misaligning the metal plates that the wires are attached to. Its worse when you use plastic strips or ribbons to mount the snare. Try using string and being very careful to tension them evenly, preferably with the strings outside the tension screws on the butt plate and throw off. In my case, I just hate that fucking Tama snare, and it clearly hates me back. I can't get it to sound right whatever I do. All my others (mostly Ludwigs and Sonors) sound fine!
@@thepluggy1 Well in my case they came with my Sonor Protean snare, for which Gavin Harrison wanted less buzzing sound. I also tried it on a Pearl snare and they are amazing. Cleaner sounding and just the crack you need. I don´t have a raw track but I recorded this drum video with it: ua-cam.com/video/Cly60q-UBXs/v-deo.html
It's probably a good idea to use a ruler with rounded corners -- I've got some rulers that are sharp enough to poke through a head if I'm not being careful. They do make precise laser cut rulers out of plastic.
I enjoy your videos, very informative. I think there might be a better way to level the hoop.get a peice of 3/4 x 1/2 parting bead. glue two pieces together with the top piece extended to sit on the hoop with the lower piece laying on the head. should be easier and more accruate than reading a tape measure against a rounded rim top. just a thought, I,m going to try it myself. thanks for the videos.
I have a question!! at 7:05 you wind the looser rods more than the half turn you used on the first 4, but then what was the point of getting the ruler out and having eg the snare bed rods so much tighter? if they're just ending up closer in tension once you get to the next step? thanks for your help!
The first thing I do when I buy a snare that has diecast hoops on it, is remove the bottom one for a thin triple flanged. In fact it's rare I even keep it on the top also.
I have a bit different opinion on leveling. Leveling does not mean same tension on lugs. Hoops may have different height at different places. And this is not a rare thing. Checking with ruler is a good idea. But if trying to level with a ruler you're making like half a turn or even full turn on some of the lugs, this simply means your bearing edge is not good, or hoop.
Hello Cody, I'm a big fan of your videos and have a question for you about snare wires. Which one would you use for your taste on a 1979 Acrolite 5 x14. Puresound P1416 Custom Puresound P1420 Custom Puresound E1416 EQ. Canopus 14" Vintage Chrome 20 Wires I know tastes are different, but maybe you have a favorite??? Many thanks for your effort ! Kind regards from Austria Roland
No need if you've spent time practicing tuning and training your ear. The Tune Bot can be great for specific tuning recall if you took readings previously, but that's still relatively simple just by ear.
@@SoundsLikeADrum Thank You. I just picked up a tune Bot so I will see if it helps in my ear training and tuning ability like you mentioned. After using an app based tuner from my phone I can tell that it (the app like tunebot from my phone) could be a game changer in that some of the moves I had to make in order to get each lug in tune, were never moves I would have tried in the past. I tried a phone app and it was uncomfortable to hold the phone right up to each lug for 30 minutes but it got each lug in tune at the lowest tension.. I couldn't believe it. Barely past finger tension it had each lug in tune ..one lug I didn't even tighten at all. So I know that this is a scientific tool that I plan on getting more into. Great Channell and fun stuff. Congrats!!
![“Fixing” Your Snare Sound [Step by Step] | Season Five, Episode 40](/img/n.gif)
As a drummer of 20 years who nerds out about this type of stuff, this channel's videos are invaluable for newcomers and pros alike. It's so nice to be able to pop a video like this up, grab some new ideas or just reinforce fundamentals. Thanks for all you guys do. Cheers!
He really identifies some useful and fun studies and then takes them on as we get to see the results he finds. I love it too.
Even after 56 yrs of playing, I get a lot out of these. Thanks people!
Drummer of 30+ years. Never have I come across such practical and well-explained advice. You caused me, with this single video, to see completely differently the relationship between the two heads and the snare wires. On last night’s gig, I made a very quick “loosening” adjustment on my snare wires (completely counter-intuitive to me) and it “opened up” the sound of my drum immediately and immensely. Thank you thank you THANK YOU!!
Sick!
“Wrinkles are not the enemy.” Thank you for this poignant tip. As a frustrated & crappy tuner, this does put my mind at ease...
You're welcome! :) - Cody
Well thanks it really helped me out a lot
My Dad had a Slingerland snare like he was saying he never got the wrinkles out of the snare side head.
Dave Weckl uses wrinkles on his snare batter head for a quick detune between songs with just one or two lugs. Gives the snare a dead beefy sound.
I doubt you are any worse than I am. :) But lets make it a goal to become good at tuning.
You guys are the greatest help on the planet with teaching how to get drums to sound their best. Years of fussing and scouring the internet and music stores for advice and it's all right here! So in depth and easily digestible, you all really are doing the drumming world an immeasurably great service.
I worry that someday I will reach a Masterful tuning only to find that one of the toms makes my snares buzz. haha
Thanks for taking the time Cody...great video with valuable info....and as a bonus, I learned a few new technical terms..."wiggleable" and "fiddley-side"......peace-out!
The four lugs being too loose used to freak me out for a long time, because I always thought it was not normal. Thanks for reassuring me on this particular point.
My first snare was 1st generation Pearl Free-Floating, back when they had the complicated snare mechanism and extra-long wires that went past the shell. The snare did not have beds. It kinda messed me up a bit when I got a normal snare.
Eurodrummer666 yeah. Same happened to me
@@jc3drums916 Is a Pearl Free Floating snare more likely to buzz than a conventional when playing the toms?
@@Eurodrummer666 yeah, I have the same question :)
Same, I would tune it up until I wouldn't see any wrinkles, before I knew it the hoop was way past beyond the bearing edge, I would mess up my heads pretty frequently and where I live these type of heads are the most expensive. After I saw this I tried with a fresh pack of heads and wires and it made wonders.
This feeling when you have perfectly installed the bottom hoop, leveled and everything and then realize that the snarewire holes are not aligned with the release mechanism... 😖😖😤🤬🥵
So I'm not the only one that makes me feel better
The struggle is real...
This! Always double check before tightening the tension rods!
or even worse , you placed the top hoop.
Done it alot!!
Darn right these help.
I thought I knew how to tune a snare side head.. until now.. haha
Thank you!!
This is one of my favorite videos you've ever done. Very thorough and very well done!
I love how much emphasis there is on actually understanding the nuances of tuning.
Some folks speak well, but miss the salient points, or deliver their message so quickly a listener feels as if their struggling to get the big picture. Not the case here. Thank you for the organized thought which so thoroughly informs and clarifies what you bring. Peace in pursuit of the groove!
Years now of brilliant advice and help and it is freely given.. I for one am extremely grateful.. As a drummer from the 60's and onward I thought I knew it all.. Oops.. I don't think younger drummers can appreciate the value of what is offered in these videos.. The best we had back when was perhaps a photo on an album cover and a very highly developed imagination.. Thank you... (Puresound T1320 Twisted Series) (13"x 6.5" Hip Pig Black Friday limited edition)
Great!!! Your channel is the only one I know who takes up the issue of snare wires. There are so many tuning tutorials up there, but nobody is going into details like you guys. Keep up the good work!
I'm just about to do my 2nd gig as a drummer, this pace for instructional videos is perfect. Whether I'm away or with my drums, it's exactly what I needed.
Thank you!
15:48 was what I was waiting for. After a bunch of years and a bazillion snare installations, I agree 100% Really good job and enjoy your presentation.
I know this is an old video, but it really helped me tune up a steel snare that was giving me a lot of trouble. Thank you!
Much better than a lot of video I have seen , just ordered new lugs, and a new snare set of wires so this info will be useful.
Wiggleable is the new word of the year!
Thank you for this video. This is the same philosophy I developed over the years and can consistently get a snare sound that just gives so much life
I really like how you talk about the drums in terms of them having feelings, like "being happy". I feel like it sets a very personal and sensitive approach to tuning and playing them.
Hmm, I find it cringe and childish.
@@AmericanBarber82 Probably why you don't have friends or do things like laugh or love.
@@BubblegumBrown lol you forgot “live”
21:03 My woes and frustration was following all the exact steps after binge watching all your snare videos many times. And had the snare still sound a little "something missing"!!
It took me a long time, hours, days, to just play around my snare tuning and discover how she likes to be tuned.
To anyone who just started, don't give up! The videos on this channel are super amazing! It's my guide and go-to channel. We can binge watch and understand all the theory, but still, you need to spend more time to meddle and play with your own snare tuning to know how it best fit your ears and music ❤💛💚💙💜
A Yuu A good rule of thumb is to start with tuning the reso side 4 half steps up from the batter and if that doesn’t work try a 5th. I can get any of my snares sounding great using those 2 methods. I always start with a medium batter tension which works with most snares. If you go too tight on the batter then you have to crank up the snareside head to keep the tension relationship. You don’t have to have that 4th or 5th head tension relationship but snares usually sound their best when that method is used for me anyway. It helps to use a pitch pipe but knowing the notes the snareside should be is ideal.
I love this channel. It is nice to have somewhere to go to talk shop. My snare drum has tension dials on both ends, and small changes make a noticeable difference. It can buzz all the way to the rim if I tighten the far side, and relax the buzz and open more overtones towards the hoops if I loosen it. It really makes a difference in modern classical/concert/jazz music, but even solid back beats it creates a different feel.
😊 2:26
The uneven length of the exposed string on the butt plate end has my OCD raging! I'll be breaking out the ruler for my next snare head replacement. Thanks for the tips!
Excellent video! The EQ wires sound really nice on this drum.
I had a rough time with my Tama SLP Black Brass 6.5 x 14 snare. It came with 42 strand wires and... they sounded terrible. Choked, mushy, unclear, thin, etc. I tried a range of tunings, especially on the bottom head. I finally got it dialed in when I switched out the stock wires with Vic Firth (secretly Canopus-made) 26-strand wires. From 42 to 26. The snare now sounds EXACTLY how I wanted it to sound. Snappy and clear, but big and fat, with tons of aggressive projection. Almost don't need a mic in the rehearsal space!
Proof positive that snares make a massive difference in how a drum behaves.
Nice upgrade! Yeah, 42 strand snare wires are waaay problematic for exactly the reasons you stated. I would add that their overall sound is always "sloppy" on every single drum I've heard them on, cuz due to the extra width, you can't get even tension at the edges compared to the center. This results in excessive uncontrollable snare buzzing. If you try tightening it up, the drum definitely chokes out.
Snare Mic ? …..At a rehearsal. Yikes ?
Brilliant advice for an olderstarter like me. Now i know why my snare sounded so bad. Thank you.
That was awesome! Stellar example of how "practice makes better". Down to a science!👏👏
Nunca fuí un baterista profesional, pero usé mi sentido común, y todo lo explicado aquí , lo he hecho muy parecido, sin ver tutoriales, buenísimo video, he reforzado mis conocimientos, ahora justo cuando estoy por retomar este instrumento maravilloso 🙌
Great video! It just helped me fix two snares I wasn't happy with for a long time.
Super enjoyable and informative "slow jam". Love it. We need an ASMR drum tuning video!
Thank you for making this video. It’s exactly what I needed to know.
Best video about changing snare wires I’ve seen. Thanks so much. Keep up the good work and consider me subbed ;)
Summary: 19:40
1) Heads are fundamentally *leveled* on the drum, there isn't a part of the hoop that is under way less tension than somewhere else
2) Wires are in the *center* when they're engaged on the head, Not twisted
3) *Enough room* on the mechanism to adjust the wires the way you want
I'm glad I'm not the only one who doesn't like snare cord with a metal core (Puresound, et al.). It ruined my snare bed. I use a plastic strap now, but I've been wanting to switch to cloth. I think it's easier to use than string, because you only have to pull on one thing. Although, maybe it's easier to make tiny adjustments with string, once you have it on - you can loosen just one screw and pull on one end.
You can also do what Noble & Cooley does, which is to put the string through the holes the "wrong" way, and tie knots at the ends to keep the string from falling out. That way, you have a loop of string instead of the two ends to pull on. That's probably the best of both worlds.
Yeah totally man, I do the N&C thing sometimes. At this point i'm down to try about anything :) - Cody
I just got new batter and reso heads for my toms. These videos are making me want to hit the snares too lol. Great videos 👌🏽
Iv just bort a yamaha stage custom snare and going to upgrade the wires and top and bottom head's so thanks for the information 😀
LOVE! Your drum sound forum! I have found that your instruction is very well laid out and easy to follow! Keep up the good work because we are listening!
Great video and on point tips. Thanks!
You are a very good teacher i had to figure it out by myself back in 1984👏👏👏👏👏🥁🥁🥁🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
enjoy the attention to all the details [ geek out ] on this stuff when you get it right its good , when you dont , its like wtf gotta go back and try again so thank you so much for taking the time to explain it as well as you do keep going and dont stop !!!
Those are the strainers I use on my Pork Pie Squealer!! They were called “blaster” wires when I first picked them up. Love them!
The Blaster wires are a full set (none missing in the middle). This model is the Equalizer series, meant to cut back a bit on sympathetic snare buzz. They’re also just a bit drier in general.
Oops, my bad! Either way, I have this split one, and I love it!
Thanks for another great video! This is my favorite drum channel ever and I always get happy when you post a new video.
I myself play a great Pearl 14x8" Maple Free Floating snare from the mid 80's.
Hi, still using my original nylon strings 1968 Ludwig 400 snare drum ,most people have the tension to tight and it chokes the drum,but I have done wrong things
in the past but the strings are still working Chicago well done
Cool Epidsode Corey!!! I love that Real-Time Series! THANKS a lot!!! I really love the sound of this Pearl Master Custom Snare drum =)
Was really hoping this was coming down the pipe. much thanks
Perfect, thanks so much!! Always look forward to your videos, brother.
What are the advantages and disadvantages to using straps vs string?
Thank you so much for this video!
As someone who's ignored my tuning game for a long time, I will say this page has helped me a lot. However, I tried experimenting with measuring the snare bed hoop height and it would add to my frustration. I tried it on my 5" Renown maple and 6" Aluminum Starphonic (which has DEEP snare beds). I tried tuning to get the hoop even on both drums around the beds and can't say it helped much and I fared much better with just ignoring that part. However, it's an interesting concept and I will definitely look into that more in the future
The ruler part makes no sense, nothing is that perfect, tighten the lugs evenly.
Do you have any videos or advice on how to deal with snare buzz? Thanks for all of your videos
You could use a heat gun on the wrinkles and they'll shrink away. I find it mandatory to do that on some snares, especially ones with deep and wide snare beds, because I like to tune my snare side head relatively low (77 on a drum dial) in order to obtain a good amount of body out of the drum.
Also, when installing and adjusting snares, I max out the tension knob on the throwoff, disengage it, and install the snares that way. Attach on the butt plate first (you usually have to set the snares a little closer to the buttplate side 2-3mm when doing it this way so the spacing equals out in the end) then pull them through the throwoff and clamp it down with snares tensioned fairly tight by hand. Finally start slowly engaging the throwoff while backing off on the tension knob until you can fully engage it then fine tune from there. I find this method works great and lowers the chances of the throwoff disengaging.
Many thanks as always, Cody - these vids are always clear and objective. I find snare side tuning and wire adjustment a real pain, but this has been enormously helpful!
This is really helpful stuff. Just got my first snare last month and I'm having a bit of a hard time with a process for dialing in a sound I really like. I'll definitely be referencing this video once I make another tuning attempt 💪🏽
Very cool - like always!
Id love for you guys to touch on the topic of out of round drums and how to address them. I have a Yamaha Tour Custom snare i got for a ridiculously low price at a pawn shop, but later found out it's out of round. I still want to keep it and work with it despite its imperfections
Definitely the video that really help. I thought that I wasted my money on a Ludwig black beauty because those four lugs where always loose
You guys absolutely rock
Love this. Thanks!!!
Tip for stringing your snares:
I tie a reef knot in the loose ends of the strings so you have a tiny "handle" to pretension the snare before clamping then in.
Stringing the string OUTSIDE the pair of bolts results in extra stability to the wires and its easier to do. Especially if you reef knot it!
Snare bed wrinkles can be (slightly) reduced with a hairdryer.
As always; very well done.
I have a Yamaha Rock Tour Custom snare from the 90s I got for dirt cheap. Thing rips when I get it working. However, I noticed the snare wires weren’t centre, So I fiddled with it, got them center but now I don’t have any tension on the wires no matter how I spin the dial. They are the Puresound custom 14s. I had a method with the throw off in the off position but that made them too tight and got snare sound even in the off position.
I have not come across a video that talks about wrinkles. Much appreciated! Particularly on my 12" snare, the snare beds seem particularly dipped.
I was going with the "cranked" setting that many drummers recommend. Sure, if you keep tightening, you reach a point where you get the head levelled somewhat. But to my ears, the tone may end up choked, first of all, and too bright and thin, as well. So, I reckon I'd better start at this point and allow the hoop and head to adapt to the tuning and check the tuning after some time.
I have a number of snares, Sonors, Tamas and Ludwigs. My Ludwig Black Magic is the only one that has been designed to jam the string that holds the snares between the snare head and the hoop when the hoop is tightened. This means the throw off won't work unless I attach the snare wires with ribbon. It's my favourite sounding snare, but also the most annoying when you have to change the bottom head or snare wires.
i needed to see this video :D
Never really been a fan of nylon wires since one time on tour one of the wires was snagged and snapped during the show. Straps from no on!!
excellent, thank you
My first drum teacher always said "ludicrously" tight for the snare side head. He was a bad-ass drummer too.
Yeah…we disagree with that approach because of how limiting it can be while also promoting a lot of the harmonics that drummers tend to feel the need to muffle later on. A more relaxed snare side tension yields a range of positive attributes that we’ve highlighted and demonstrated in other videos.
I've always had a problem with getting the correct distance with the wires from side to side.It takes me along time to get equal distance but man when you get it right,you definitely know.!!! Those wires put on properly will make your drum sound like a million bucks,providing the bearing edges are great,the hoops are straight and the head collar is not bent.I definitely know how frustrating it can be. Thanks,guys.!!!
Thanks so much as it’s always been a frustration of mine! I get there in the end but this really will help! Thanks ! I have subscribed 👍🏻👍🏻
I know you addressed this in an episode, but I CANT find it - What’s going on when a snare drum sounds great when hit dead center, but has a raunchy twangy snare wire bwaaang when hit off center? (To be clear, I know every snare drum displays more overtones as you near the edges, but I’m talking about an unacceptable, dissonant, sustained WIRE sound)
It’s an issue I’ve run into, and gotten past, but never understood the science of. Everyone has a different opinion, and I’d love to get to the bottom of this. Thanks guys!
I have the same problem, especially with my Tama Superstar Hyperdrive 14×5 maple. It's usually because the snare wires are slightly cockeyed due to the tension between the butt plate and throw off misaligning the metal plates that the wires are attached to. Its worse when you use plastic strips or ribbons to mount the snare. Try using string and being very careful to tension them evenly, preferably with the strings outside the tension screws on the butt plate and throw off.
In my case, I just hate that fucking Tama snare, and it clearly hates me back. I can't get it to sound right whatever I do. All my others (mostly Ludwigs and Sonors) sound fine!
please do a video on different makes of snare wires..like Puresound vs Canopus etc, like their tonal qualities and the such.
That’s in the plans for the comparison series!
@@SoundsLikeADrum Have a go on the Sonor straight 8 wires!
@@Eurodrummer666 are they nice sounding?, im in the minority of not really liking puresounds, at least the ones I've tried.
@@thepluggy1 Well in my case they came with my Sonor Protean snare, for which Gavin Harrison wanted less buzzing sound. I also tried it on a Pearl snare and they are amazing. Cleaner sounding and just the crack you need. I don´t have a raw track but I recorded this drum video with it: ua-cam.com/video/Cly60q-UBXs/v-deo.html
Thank you
another great video!!!
Thanks doc.
nice! Good video.
It’s time for another Sounds Like A Drum sloooowwww jaaaammmmmm.
Love your vids!! 🙏
Really Great.....Thank You
I know this is a long shot and you have already done a video on larger bass drums but would you be able to do a video on 26”/28”s?
If we ever get one here we will for sure :) -Cody
Are there any snares where you have to pull the tension Strings over the end plates instead of under the plates ?
What do think about nylon tape vs nylon string to attach the snare ?
I'm a string guy for the most part but plastic straps are good too. Never tried tape but seems like it could work? - Cody
Well thank you that really helped me out a whole lot
Grosgrain ribbon for your snare wires. Super cheap. Just cut and burn the ends. Comes in every color imaginable.
I hear a couple tones when tuning the head. which ones do you listen to? the highest one? the lowest one? the one in the middle??
Great video guys but how about a 12” diameter x 9” deep with 6 lugs ? Can you make a video about it? Thanx and greetings from Costa Rica!
It's probably a good idea to use a ruler with rounded corners -- I've got some rulers that are sharp enough to poke through a head if I'm not being careful. They do make precise laser cut rulers out of plastic.
I enjoy your videos, very informative. I think there might be a better way to level the hoop.get a peice of 3/4 x 1/2 parting bead. glue two pieces together with the top piece extended to sit on the hoop with the lower piece laying on the head. should be easier and more accruate than reading a tape measure against a rounded rim top. just a thought, I,m going to try it myself. thanks for the videos.
Can you make a list of the best sound wires out there thank you
How about your thought about TruTuner?
Tough to fit in your pocket...
Sounds Like A Drum How do you think about TruTuner capability to get precise tuning?
I maybe missed it, but was it tested to see that snares were dis-engaged after moving lever?
Can 13 inch split snare wire set be used like in the other video about using 13 inch snare wires on a 14 inch trim?
I have a question!! at 7:05 you wind the looser rods more than the half turn you used on the first 4, but then what was the point of getting the ruler out and having eg the snare bed rods so much tighter? if they're just ending up closer in tension once you get to the next step? thanks for your help!
The first thing I do when I buy a snare that has diecast hoops on it, is remove the bottom one for a thin triple flanged.
In fact it's rare I even keep it on the top also.
Useful!
I have a bit different opinion on leveling. Leveling does not mean same tension on lugs. Hoops may have different height at different places. And this is not a rare thing. Checking with ruler is a good idea. But if trying to level with a ruler you're making like half a turn or even full turn on some of the lugs, this simply means your bearing edge is not good, or hoop.
Can you do a video on different weights of snare side head
Do you suggest making a snare bed if your drum doesn't have one?
Hello Cody,
I'm a big fan of your videos and have a question for you about snare wires.
Which one would you use for your taste on a 1979 Acrolite 5 x14.
Puresound P1416 Custom
Puresound P1420 Custom
Puresound E1416 EQ.
Canopus 14" Vintage Chrome 20 Wires
I know tastes are different, but maybe you have a favorite??? Many thanks for your effort !
Kind regards from Austria
Roland
What about also using tune bot studio to fine tune after the ear test on each lug?
No need if you've spent time practicing tuning and training your ear. The Tune Bot can be great for specific tuning recall if you took readings previously, but that's still relatively simple just by ear.
@@SoundsLikeADrum Thank You. I just picked up a tune Bot so I will see if it helps in my ear training and tuning ability like you mentioned. After using an app based tuner from my phone I can tell that it (the app like tunebot from my phone) could be a game changer in that some of the moves I had to make in order to get each lug in tune, were never moves I would have tried in the past. I tried a phone app and it was uncomfortable to hold the phone right up to each lug for 30 minutes but it got each lug in tune at the lowest tension.. I couldn't believe it. Barely past finger tension it had each lug in tune ..one lug I didn't even tighten at all. So I know that this is a scientific tool that I plan on getting more into. Great Channell and fun stuff. Congrats!!