DrumDial Bearing Edge Conditioner demonstration and how to use. Covers advanced drum tuning techniques involving the bearing edge. Before and After demonstrations throughout the video.
Hi Steve, I've got to admit I was skeptical about this product when it first came out. It looked too much to me like Chapstick with a Drum Dial label! After watching the video though, I'm sold on the product and will be picking up some today. Thanks for all your other videos too. I've been a Drum Dial user for many, many years and am a firm believer in it. Thanks again!
Thanks Chuck! After testing all of the waxes, lanolin type (chapsticks), and teflon sprays, our Bearing Edge Conditioner is absolutely the best by far. It's a large tube and will last for a very long time. A little goes a long way.
Just curious how long after applying the conditioner will the stuff last on the edge ? I take it probably needs reapplying with new heads, but since it is like a Vaseline type paste i would assume it would last awhile true ? thanks.
+christopher dunn It lasts a very long time once applied and a small amount goes a long way. At each head change, apply a thin coat to the inside collar of the drum head.
Hi there Steve I've been tuning my drums and one of my lugs is tight it basically won't go anymore and on the snare I car'nt get to go to 81 or 80 on the bottom side so I had to leave it maybe I need some of the solution for the edge of the drum to make life easy its worth getting some after checking your video out
If the threads are not bottomed out or stripped the conditioner will help. If the lugs come loose after lubrication, use lug locks etc to prevent the t-rods from backing out.
I just ordered this from Musician's Friend. I'm looking forward to trying it! I have been playing for about 20 years now and I've never heard of putting anything on the bearing edges, but this makes perfect sense to me. When I learned about this stuff today, I did some more research and I learned that I could try certain kinds of wax, ChapStick or even a very light coating of Vaseline just like everyone else, but I ordered the DrumDial Bearing Edge Conditioner because of the claim that these other substances can deaden the head and affect the drum's natural sound. I do have a question though: Musician's Friend has 2 in the product photo. Does that mean that it comes 2 to a package?
Thank you for the reply! Fear not: I have no plans or desires to use anything else. I'm very excited about trying this stuff! Of course, now I am kind of wishing that I've had years of experience trying other substances just so I could truly experience just how good this stuff is. :) Oh well. This is perfect timing for me because I'm in the middle of a huge project where I'm giving my 16-year old drums some much-needed and very overdue love and this seems to be the finishing touch! I would love to go into detail about what I've done, but let's just say that my drums are finally perfectly clean and they're also producing a sound that's better than ever, and so I would say that all that's left is this Bearing Edge Conditioner! I can hardly wait to try it.
I need help the edge of mine is like bent in a little so I cant tune my snare because the head won't stiff up on the edge, hope you guys know what I'm saying
Carlos, is it the bottom side of the snare drum? If so, there are snare beds on each side of the drum to allow the snare wires to lay flat. Please see our snare drum tuning video to see how to tune around the snare beds. th-cam.com/video/TuN6TT6FAWg/w-d-xo.html
I recently acquired a 6x14 Pork Pie Little Squealer snare. The drum has a powder coat finish which was not masked off of the bearing edges, and the heads are binding on this, especially the resonant head. I was thinking of carefully sanding this off of the bearing edges so the head can move more freely. Would the Bearing Edge Conditioner work on metal shell drums also?
+Kelly Avery Yes, works well on metal bearing edges (steel, chrome, etc.). Timpani bowls are usually copper and we have had excellent success with copper edges also. On a side note, we have had very good results with buffing and polishing unmasked powder coated edges until smooth (not taking it down to bare metal). Then applying the bearing edge conditioner.
Thanks for the quick reply! Would not have thought to buff the edges instead of sanding. I'll go pick up a buffing wheel and a tube of the edge conditioner. It's a really good-sounding drum even considering the price point but tuning it can be a challenge. I also have a 6.5x14 brass Supraphonic that I have suspected of having a high spot on opposite sides, confirmed by the DrumDial. It's not bad enough that the lugs are rattling loose but they are noticeably looser and I think it's affecting the sound. How expensive is it to have the edges trued up on a metal snare? Thanks for a great product and for sharing your knowledge with the drumming community.
+Kelly Avery Check to make sure of the high spots on the metal snare shell first, just like you would on a wooden shell (see our video 3 on troubleshooting). Sometimes it may be the hoop rather than the bearing edge. Check with your local custom drum builder for pricing on the metal bearing edge adjustments. Usually slightly higher than for wooden shells.
+Kelly Avery We use 1000 grit emery paper and a small amount of water, followed by a buffing wheel, lightly loaded with a white buffing rouge for plastics.
Thanks Nick, excellent question! Our bearing edge conditioner conditions the wood to prevent the wood fibers from drying out and splintering. The resin strengthens the wood as pressure from the drum head contacts the bearing edge making it even stronger with each tuning or head change. The resin permeates the wood fibers to help compress and strengthen the edge.
Hello Steve, I am confused so have a few questions if you don’t mind please. . . Is the dragging effect a symptom of a bearing edge issue as opposed to increased tension. Why is it some drums have this issue and not others? Does this product work by creating lubrication between head and bearing edge or by strengthening and conditioning the bearing edge? Why would some bearing edges need strengthening and conditioning? How does lack of strength and condition create dragging and vice versa? What do you mean specifically by strength and conditioning? How does this product strengthen and condition? Would a fine sanding of the bearing edge equally help?
The "dragging effect" is common, especially at higher tunings and for sharp bearing edges (45 deg A cuts etc.). A slight round over edge helps. The conditioner works by making the bearing edge very slippery and also conditions the wood fibers and strengthens with the added head pressure by keeping the wood fibers from drying out and chipping, flaking or splintering over time. A second ingredient in the conditioner strengthens the wood as pressure from the drum head contacts the bearing edge making it even stronger with each tuning or head change. This resin type ingredient permeates the wood fibers to help compress and strengthen the edge. It does both, conditions for lubricity and strengthens the edges over the long run for easier tuning. "Lack of strength" of the bearing edge doesn't cause dragging. Friction and lack of lubrication between the bearing edge and inside collar of the drum head when tightening causes the "dragging effect". Extreme fine sanding would help, but the wood should still be treated at the edge. Thank you for the questions!
DrumDial's Bearing Edge Conditioner keeps your bearing edges in better shape for a long time, which helps your drums stay in tune and lets the head glide smooth as silk over the edge during the tuning process!
Just got my conditioner stick today in the mail from Sweetwater. I love my Drum Dial.
Nice job DrumDial creating a multi-purpose conditioning product.
Hi Steve,
I've got to admit I was skeptical about this product when it first came out. It looked too much to me like Chapstick with a Drum Dial label! After watching the video though, I'm sold on the product and will be picking up some today. Thanks for all your other videos too. I've been a Drum Dial user for many, many years and am a firm believer in it. Thanks again!
Thanks Chuck! After testing all of the waxes, lanolin type (chapsticks), and teflon sprays, our Bearing Edge Conditioner is absolutely the best by far. It's a large tube and will last for a very long time. A little goes a long way.
When will this be available and where can i get my hands on it?
Now available on e-bay
Just curious how long after applying the conditioner will the stuff last on the edge ? I take it probably needs reapplying with new heads, but since it is like a Vaseline type paste i would assume it would last awhile true ? thanks.
+christopher dunn It lasts a very long time once applied and a small amount goes a long way. At each head change, apply a thin coat to the inside collar of the drum head.
Is there a special type kind of cleaning solution you need to use before applying the bearing edge conditioner?
No, but we usually wipe down the bearings edges with a soft cloth to remove any lint or dust between head changes.
Hi there Steve I've been tuning my drums and one of my lugs is tight it basically won't go anymore and on the snare I car'nt get to go to 81 or 80 on the bottom side so I had to leave it maybe I need some of the solution for the edge of the drum to make life easy its worth getting some after checking your video out
If the threads are not bottomed out or stripped the conditioner will help. If the lugs come loose after lubrication, use lug locks etc to prevent the t-rods from backing out.
I just ordered this from Musician's Friend. I'm looking forward to trying it! I have been playing for about 20 years now and I've never heard of putting anything on the bearing edges, but this makes perfect sense to me. When I learned about this stuff today, I did some more research and I learned that I could try certain kinds of wax, ChapStick or even a very light coating of Vaseline just like everyone else, but I ordered the DrumDial Bearing Edge Conditioner because of the claim that these other substances can deaden the head and affect the drum's natural sound.
I do have a question though: Musician's Friend has 2 in the product photo. Does that mean that it comes 2 to a package?
Thank you for the reply!
Fear not: I have no plans or desires to use anything else. I'm very excited about trying this stuff! Of course, now I am kind of wishing that I've had years of experience trying other substances just so I could truly experience just how good this stuff is. :) Oh well. This is perfect timing for me because I'm in the middle of a huge project where I'm giving my 16-year old drums some much-needed and very overdue love and this seems to be the finishing touch! I would love to go into detail about what I've done, but let's just say that my drums are finally perfectly clean and they're also producing a sound that's better than ever, and so I would say that all that's left is this Bearing Edge Conditioner! I can hardly wait to try it.
TwoCablesOCN so how did the conditioner perform and what do you think about it
I need help the edge of mine is like bent in a little so I cant tune my snare because the head won't stiff up on the edge, hope you guys know what I'm saying
Carlos, is it the bottom side of the snare drum? If so, there are snare beds on each side of the drum to allow the snare wires to lay flat. Please see our snare drum tuning video to see how to tune around the snare beds.
th-cam.com/video/TuN6TT6FAWg/w-d-xo.html
It is available now on the Drumdial website. Drumdial.com
What other things can you use for bearing edge conditioner?
All high pressure contact points on the drums: snare straps, pedal joints etc.
When you put the bearing edge do u wait the drum edge to be better or you just put the drum head?
No need to wait. Put the drum head on right after application of the bearing edge conditioner.
Hello, do you have a distributor in New Zealand? Thank you.
MUSICBIZ NEW ZEALAND, LTD.
Auckland, New Zealand
Phone: +64 9 414 1999
Email: info@musicbiz.co.nz
Website: www.musicbiz.co.nz
I recently acquired a 6x14 Pork Pie Little Squealer snare. The drum has a powder coat finish which was not masked off of the bearing edges, and the heads are binding on this, especially the resonant head. I was thinking of carefully sanding this off of the bearing edges so the head can move more freely. Would the Bearing Edge Conditioner work on metal shell drums also?
+Kelly Avery Yes, works well on metal bearing edges (steel, chrome, etc.). Timpani bowls are usually copper and we have had excellent success with copper edges also.
On a side note, we have had very good results with buffing and polishing unmasked powder coated edges until smooth (not taking it down to bare metal). Then applying the bearing edge conditioner.
Thanks for the quick reply! Would not have thought to buff the edges instead of sanding. I'll go pick up a buffing wheel and a tube of the edge conditioner.
It's a really good-sounding drum even considering the price point but tuning it can be a challenge.
I also have a 6.5x14 brass Supraphonic that I have suspected of having a high spot on opposite sides, confirmed by the DrumDial. It's not bad enough that the lugs are rattling loose but they are noticeably looser and I think it's affecting the sound. How expensive is it to have the edges trued up on a metal snare?
Thanks for a great product and for sharing your knowledge with the drumming community.
+Kelly Avery Check to make sure of the high spots on the metal snare shell first, just like you would on a wooden shell (see our video 3 on troubleshooting). Sometimes it may be the hoop rather than the bearing edge. Check with your local custom drum builder for pricing on the metal bearing edge adjustments. Usually slightly higher than for wooden shells.
+DrumDial If I may ask, what is your preferred method of buffing & polishing powder coated bearing edges?
+Kelly Avery
We use 1000 grit emery paper and a small amount of water, followed by a buffing wheel, lightly loaded with a white buffing rouge for plastics.
Does this conditioner increase the durability of the bearing edge
Thanks Nick, excellent question! Our bearing edge conditioner conditions the wood to prevent the wood fibers from drying out and splintering. The resin strengthens the wood as pressure from the drum head contacts the bearing edge making it even stronger with each tuning or head change. The resin permeates the wood fibers to help compress and strengthen the edge.
So I put the conditioner every part of tension rod?
Just a little on the threads of the T-rod. A little goes a long way.
Hello Steve, I am confused so have a few questions if you don’t mind please. . . Is the dragging effect a symptom of a bearing edge issue as opposed to increased tension. Why is it some drums have this issue and not others? Does this product work by creating lubrication between head and bearing edge or by strengthening and conditioning the bearing edge? Why would some bearing edges need strengthening and conditioning? How does lack of strength and condition create dragging and vice versa? What do you mean specifically by strength and conditioning? How does this product strengthen and condition? Would a fine sanding of the bearing edge equally help?
The "dragging effect" is common, especially at higher tunings and for sharp bearing edges (45 deg A cuts etc.). A slight round over edge helps. The conditioner works by making the bearing edge very slippery and also conditions the wood fibers and strengthens with the added head pressure by keeping the wood fibers from drying out and chipping, flaking or splintering over time. A second ingredient in the conditioner strengthens the wood as pressure from the drum head contacts the bearing edge making it even stronger with each tuning or head change. This resin type ingredient permeates the wood fibers to help compress and strengthen the edge.
It does both, conditions for lubricity and strengthens the edges over the long run for easier tuning. "Lack of strength" of the bearing edge doesn't cause dragging. Friction and lack of lubrication between the bearing edge and inside collar of the drum head when tightening causes the "dragging effect". Extreme fine sanding would help, but the wood should still be treated at the edge.
Thank you for the questions!
Can I use it for tension rod
Yes. Be sure to use a lug lock or something similar also; lugs are not usually lubed and can easily unscrew from vibration.
Who is your distributor in Australia?
DYNAMIC MUSIC
Brookale, New South Wales, Australia
Phone: +61 2 9939 1299
Email: info@dynamicmusic.com.au
Website: www.dynamicmusic.com.au
Any dealer in France ?
Try here:
VBV INTERNATIONAL
Saint Hilaire de Loulay, France
Phone: +33 6 08 47 04 49
Email: info@vbvinternational.com
Website: www.vbvinternational.com
WOODBRASS (Dealer)
Paris, France
Phone: +33 2 40 38 29 46
Email: contact@woodbrass.com
Website: www.woodbrass.com
@@DrumDial thank you very much !
What is it help when we use bearing edges conditioner?
DrumDial's Bearing Edge Conditioner keeps your bearing edges in better shape for a long time, which helps your drums stay in tune and lets the head glide smooth as silk over the edge during the tuning process!
DrumDial thanks