Tuning a snare drum with a DrumDial. Includes snare side tuning techniques specific to DrumDial. Easy techniques for getting the best sound from your snare drum. Includes suggested settings.
OH MY GOSH ! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO !! I've had a Drum Dial for a few years now, & I've been using it regularly, but when I used the techniques advised here, wow! A snare I was having problems with is no longer a problem. Weeks of hit-or-miss, trial & error tuning headaches are no more. I think I've finally found the sweet spot for this particular snare, & therefore the right genre for which it should be used. Thank you again!
THANKS FOR SUCH A SIMPLE DIRECT AND INFORMATIVE VIDEO ! I have just bought your Drum Dial as I am a beginner to drumming and didn't want to over tension my heads. I've tried tuning each lug by ear but still was worried about over tensioning the heads - best investment as part of my drum kit !
You are hearing the sustain and natural overtones. Use a simple dampening ring (Dead Ringer, Rem'Os or Moon Gel squares). to stop any unwanted ringing. With the snares off, undampened you will hear a natural Timbale' sound. With the snares on, you will have a wide open snare with lots of resonance. Older style snare drums used an adjustable internal felt dampener. Newer style drums require the dampening ring.
How about tuning for a Mapex Black panther Sledgehammer brass snare 14 inch wide by6.5 inches deep Thankyou and a great product that does make my tone deaf ears appreciate!
Loving my Drum Dial. The punch I am getting out of my 14" floor tom in particular caught me by surprise. The rest of the kit has improved a great deal also. Picked up a Pork Pie brass 8x14 snare and swapped out the heads for Evans 300 reso and an ST DRY batter side. No idea where to even start with tension?...this is a new size of snare drum for me. Thx 🤘
@@DrumDial 7x13 maple snare under my tree this year. Same setup 300 bottom, st dry top. What do you recommend? Your suggestions have been spot on, everything sounds great!
Hi DrumDial, I have a Sonor Select Force 6 Piece kit, Bass Drum 22'' x 20'' Tom Tom 10'' x 6,5'' Tom Tom 12'' x 7'' Floor Tom 14'' x 12'' Floor Tom 16'' x 14'' Snare Drum 14'' x 6,5' What would be suggested tensions? Thanks :D'
Andy, the lowest possible tuning would be 68 top batter and 66 bottom resonant (would sound like hitting loose paper). For the lowest (decent sound) we do not recommend tuning that low. A better low tuning would be 84 top batter and 78 bottom resonant.
What would be the tunings for the Ddrum SE flyer kit with a bass drum in 18 "x 14", a Floor Tom in 14 "x 14", a Tom Tom in 12 "x 8" and a 14 "x 5.5" snare
I have a 6/7-Ply, 100% Maple shells Tama drum set. Used mostly for church what do you suggest please? Kick drum: 22 x 18" Rack toms: 10 x 6-1/2 and 12 x 7" Floor tom: 14 x 12 and 16 x 14" snare: 14 x 5-1/2"
Recommended tuning for a 14"x6.5" Tama Superstar Classic maple snare, with a Remo Controlled Sound Coated as the batter head and a Remo Ambassador Snare Side as the resonant head? Right now I have the batter at 85 and the reso at 81, but would love to hear your suggestion. Thanks in advance!
85 top batter and 81 bottom resonant are very good numbers for a lower sounding snare drum. For better sticking response and higher pitch, try 89 top batter 81 bottom resonant.
I have a vintage 1974 Ludwig "Super Sensitive" snare that is "14 x "6.5 deep. It has a Remo black X top head and Remo ambassador snare head on the bottom. What is the best tune setting for this? I play classic rock n roll. Thanks.
I’m thinking 90 top 80 bottom Pearl Ultracast 14 x 6.5 Vintage As for Ska, 90 top 82 bottom Lugwid Acrolite 14 x 5.5 coated Ambassadors for Reggae and 92 top 80 bottom 5 ring aluminum 14 x 5 cheap Verve with clear Emperors for Drum and Bass?
What tension would you recommend for my Joey Jordison Signature Slipknot Steel Snare 13x6.5''..?? Amazing snare though ;) I tried with 90 top batter and 85 bottom resonant. for high tuning.. What are your suggestions ???
Thicker batter heads (10 mil and higher) and 2 ply heads can handle much higher tensions 85 to 97. As going higher than 92, you risk tearing or ripping the head at the ring holding the head in place.
Hi. What would be a good tension for a clear snare batter head like the clear Remo powerstroke 77? Using it on a 14x6,5 brass snare. I like a medium tuning with medium overtones.
@@DrumDial dang you were not playing around. Did that yesterday for band practice. Sounded great, had that great crack. Almost no undesirable overtones. Thanks for your wisdom and very quick response.
Marching snare drums are tuned much higher at 94-96 and the bottom resonant snare side should never be tighter than 85 for marching snare drums (the thinner head starts to stretch after that, and newer thicker snare side heads, 7mil+ can be tuned to 88-90). Keep in mind that at the much higher tensions (anything above 90) the large needle will register less and less as the tension screws are turned tighter. For example at a reading of 70 the needle will move up to 75 with a complete tension screw revolution. Above 90 it may take an entire revolution or more to move 1 tic mark. IE 90 to 91. When using snare batter Kevlar heads, the DrumDial tuning tip may read between the weave, so if needed, just take the average reading at each tuning point.
Be sure to tune in a circular pattern (one lug after the next) after seating the drum head in the criss /cross star pattern. You'll stay in tune longer and tune up faster! For more tuning patterns go to DrumDial.com / How to use / Drum Tuning Patterns For more updates and tuning tips like our facebook page: DrumDial Inc
Steve, I defer to you on all things drums but on the snare side head I must ask, have you ever come across a player who really cranks up the snare side head resulting in a sound you like? All my favorite snare sounds come from players who tighten the snare reso to the limit even though very technical drum channel always say "You'll *choke the snare side if you tighten too much" but this is one case where I disagree. If you want a sweet crack with a short but high pitched sound you absolutely must crank the snare side head I've found, and if you go for a more moderate tension, as you suggest, I find that the snare note is longer and will never produce the "crack" of many of the best snares.
The snare side head is very thin and starts to stretch after about 85 on the DrumDial. 82-84 is very tight and will give a very good snare sound. We usually suggest 80-82 for the bottom snare side head and around 85 to 89 for the top batter (much thicker head) .
What's the best tuning for my snare that came out with my Sonor Force 3007? Specs: - Shell Ply: 7 - Shell Thickness: 5.8 - Size: 14 x 5.5 - Lugs: 10 It has a Remo head. And for my toms? These are 10'' 12'' and 14'' inches with Aquarian heads. (Apparently the toms and the snare are made out of a mix of Canadian and Chinese maple.) Thanks!
Very happy with my new DrumDail tuner, great vids! I have an old '93 standard size tama swingstar I bash on weekends and pub gigs! What would be the best settings for this old kit?14" Snare, 12", 13" 16" and 22"bd. Evans ec2 heads and Evans reso. Thank you in advance great product worth the money.
Hey Steve I have a Ludwig evo maple set also an 8x14 standard maple Ludwig snare, what is the best setting for pop/rock my drums are 5x14 snare 8x14 snare (low fat please) Aquarian hi energy head 9x10 9x12 14x14 14x14 18x22 Thank you!
As a matter of fact my complet set 8,10,12,14,16,inches what would you recommend everything is onyx except the resonant there are the gretsch that came with my kit.
Hi i just got a dial, and these videos are very detailed, and to the point thanks.For the snare side i thought ahead of time ,well its very thin, and too my suprize i was right, it leaves very small dents on the head, even if i put it down very carefully, so is this bad or normal,i seemed to notice in the video i could see some as you were doing the testing .?I guess im asking will this be bad for skin, even with small little dents ?.
christopher dunn Will not effect the sound. This is not an issue with standard thicker snare side heads. Extremely thin snare side heads can dent and should be tuned with a little extra care.
I have a Pearl Export Exx Kit 14 x 5.5 inch snare with Ambassador batter head 12 x 8 inch rack tom with Pinstripe batter head 13 x 9 inch rack tom with Pinstripe batter head 16 x 16 inch floor tom with Pinstripe batter head 22 x 18 bass drum with Powerstroke batter head All resonant heads are the stock heads that came with the kit. What is your recommended tuning?
Hi drum dail , do you have any recommendations on 2 snares I have. Pearl limited edition poplar and birch wood 14×6.5 and a Ludwig Supraphonic 14× 6.5. The pearl has Evan's HD snare batter and 300 reso. The Ludwig Emperor vintage and ambassador hazy
I have an o.c.d.p venice series with the tricky offset lugs, I get good tuning, but I want great.....what do you suggest? Snare Drum: 14in; 1 Kick Drum: 22in; 1 Floor Tom: 16in; 2 Rack Tom’s: 10in; 12in; .
These setting will work well for you: snare 89 top batter 82 bottom resonant 22 74 kick batter 73 front resonant 16 74 top batter 74 bottom resonant 10 76 top batter 76 bottom resonant 12 75 top batter 75 bottom resonant
Most toms are tuned around 75 on the DrumDial at the edge of the drum head. The midrange of the drum. This will naturally give a nice downward sound progression with good note spacing between the toms. DrumDial measures drumhead tension not frequency. Tap the center of the drum and use a chromatic tuner to know the exact pitch.
Hi drum dial, may i ask you for your recommendations for a Tama Imperialstar? 22" x 18" Bass Drum (2x) 10" x 08" Tom Tom 12" x 09" Tom Tom 13" x 10" Tom Tom 14" x 14" Floor Tom 16" x 16" Floor Tom 14" x 6,5" Snare Drum
Hello there. What do you recommend for 8" toms? I have a Starclassic B/B 8x6. Also would you use different tensions for shallower toms? I have short stack toms, 10x6, 12x7, 14x12 and 16x14 hyperdrive shells, bubinga and birch. Thank you.
Are you making contact between the Edge Gage and the rim? How about a bass drum? I see there are Technora material heads too, could you do above 92 on those?
The Edge Gage makes very light contact with the rim, but not so tight against the rim that it causes the the tuner to bind. On larger diameter drums (bass drums, timpani etc. 20" and larger) the Edge Gage is not necessary. Yes, for Technora and Kevlar heads it is OK to go as high as 96.
MRSHORTFUSE100 Yes! Love the Ming snares! 86 top batter 80 bottom resonant. Please post pics to our facebook, twitter or instagram (links on our main page at drumdial dot com)
For some reason when i tune one of them to 85, the next one i go to says it's at 90, even when i screw it all the way until it is loose enough to move it with my hands, it still says 90, any help?
Hey Drum Dial, I need some help with tuning. I have a CB drum set (beginners drum set) including the following: I have one 12" Tom, one 13" Tom, one 16" floor Tom all with black suede drum heads, and remo emperor clean set as the resonant heads. I also have a 14" Yamaha SD 266A snare with a remo emperor x coated snare head, and a remo ambassador hazy snare side head as the resonant head. I need to find a way where everything sounds good and so the snare does not vibrate. Thanks!
12 75 top batter 75 bottom resonant 13 75 top batter 73 bottom resonant 16 74 top batter 74 bottom resonant snare 88 top batter 82 bottom resonant Also, see our snare tuning video for help with excess snare buzz, etc.
Yes, those are normal sounds, seating new heads is more of a crackle and head skipping is more of a distinct clicking noise. We have samples of both sounds on our edge conditioner video.See our bearing edge conditioner video here for detailed information: th-cam.com/video/OLdMFijfGHw/w-d-xo.html
The problem I have with Drum Dial is that I can literally turn a lug a full turn before it reads any differently, for example my 16 inch floor tom will read 75 on any given lug, i can turn it a full turn before the dial even moves, how do i know every lug is even?? , and I literally can pick it up and place it right back in the same spot and it’ll give me a different reading, also I completely detuned one lug and it still read 75 like all the other ones, while it was completely loose, unless mine is broken or I’m losing my mind this doesn’t work at all for me like it does in the video
Thank you for letting us know. Make sure that your tuner is calibrated. At lower tunings (70-77) a single turn will move the needle by 4-6 tic marks. At higher tunings (85-90) it takes more turns of the drum key to move a single tic. This is because the head is close to its maximum and the head continues to firm up, but the actual head will not tighten much more. Much higher than 93 and you risk breaking a head.
Hi drum dial. Best tuning for Ludwig copperphonic 14 by 8. Remo ambassador coated on batter head and Remo ambassador hazy on snare side. Medium and high tunings please!)
Hi guys great product, what turnings do you suggest for a good fat rock and roll sound, Ludwig 2009 Centennial kit with Black Magic 14"-6.5" snare 12" rack, 14" floor and 16" floor 22"-20" kick? Also what heads would you suggest? Thanks in advance 😀
Use a 2 ply batter (Remo emperor, pinstripe , ect.) and use a single ply on the bottom resonant head (Remo ambassador etc.) for toms. Good midrange settings would be: 14"-6.5" 90 top batter 80 bottom resonant 12" 76 top batter 76 bottom resonant 14" 75 top batter 75 bottom resonant 16" 74 top batter 74 bottom resonant 22" 73 kick batter 72 front resonant
Hello! What tuning would you recommend for a Ludwig Breakbeats particularly the 16" kick? Not getting the punch I would like out of it. Again your help is greatly appreciated this product is awesome! Thanks 😀
Here is a link to our troubleshooting video: www.drumdial.com/videos/troubleshooting/ Loose tension rods as you described are usually corrected by tuning in a circular pattern after seating the drum head. After seating the drum head in the normal criss cross pattern, tune in small increments in a circular pattern one lug after the next up to your desired tension. A bad bearing edge, hoop or bad drum head can also cause this.
ProdigalSin Excellent question! Always seat the drum head and rough tune in the standard criss / cross pattern as you described. Then, always fine tune up to your desired tension in a circular pattern, one lug after the next in small increments. It's a two step process. You'll stay in tune longer and tune up faster.
This helps. Thanks. But I'm having a problem finding the sweet spot for the snare I just got the other day. It has a low hum. I recently got a 14 x 5.5 Sonor Force 2007 (Birch). I slapped a new Evans Genera Dry batter head on it (1-ply), tho it still has a stock China Remo UX on the reso side. (I have an Evans Clear 300 on the way, & PureSound Equalizer wires, which I'll slap on when they're here). So what's the recommended settings using Drum Dial for these heads (dry & punchy crack)?
@@DrumDial - many thanks!! :-) Would you also recommend nearly the same settings for a 13x3 Pearl Maple piccolo? (also with Genera Dry batter, but with Remo Hazy reso).
@@DrumDial - My thanks again! These settings worked. 86 Batter & 81 Reso seemed to work great for my Sonor (only one down from your suggestion). And it also sounds much better with the Evans clear 300 and PureSound Equalizers. Sounds great with or without Moon Gel (slightly better with). Now to try tuning my Piccolo.....
Best tuning for a Pearl Masters Premium Maple (MMP - 4-ply Maple with 4-ply reinforcement rings)? 10x8 12x9 14x11 22x18 Toms, top and reso heads: Remo Ambassador clear. Bas drum: Remo Powerstroke 3 coated.
I have yamaha gig maker drumset 14 5.5 snare with evans power center reverse dot on it. First tom 12 inch with evans onyx on it . Medium tom 13 inch evans onyx. Floor tom 16 inch evans onyx. Whats the best number for them
I’m trying to tune my snare to around 80 on the top... but as soon as I tighten one all the others are ruined. Also on certain lugs the dial reads over 80 but I can loosen it all the way past finger tight and it will not move the needle. This thing is brand new out of the box so it’s calibrated fine
Drew, there may still be tension on the head from the adjacent lugs. Always a good idea to double check calibration. Also be sure to fine tune in small increments in a circular pattern after rough seating in the criss cross pattern. Here are the links to our calibration video and our drum trouble shooting video: calibration th-cam.com/video/4ojCsiocq70/w-d-xo.html troubleshooting th-cam.com/video/_7jFne2gJBM/w-d-xo.html
See the video here: th-cam.com/video/oU7Tbw7K-vc/w-d-xo.html Be sure to mark your hoop, lug and head when changing or swapping in new heads, just in case you have a bad edge, hoop or head. That way you can realign the hoop and head to the same position as before. Make sure that the head is on evenly with the hoop, lightly finger tighten until the tension rod just touches the hoop. Then tighten evenly in about 1/2 turn increments in the standard criss cross pattern. Fine tune in a circular pattern one lug after the next in very small increments.
Thicker heads naturally have a lower pitch than thinner heads . A thin snare side head will still be higher in pitch when tuned to 82 than a thicker batter head tuned to 89.
OH MY GOSH ! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO !! I've had a Drum Dial for a few years now, & I've been using it regularly, but when I used the techniques advised here, wow! A snare I was having problems with is no longer a problem. Weeks of hit-or-miss, trial & error tuning headaches are no more. I think I've finally found the sweet spot for this particular snare, & therefore the right genre for which it should be used. Thank you again!
THANKS FOR SUCH A SIMPLE DIRECT AND INFORMATIVE VIDEO ! I have just bought your Drum Dial as I am a beginner to drumming and didn't want to over tension my heads.
I've tried tuning each lug by ear but still was worried about over tensioning the heads - best investment as part of my drum kit !
the best thing that has ever came out to help tuning, Love this Drum Dial
Awesome. I can only recomend the Drum Dial. Makes it so much easier!
Used this technique for my acrolite with Attack proflex1 batter and Attack thin snare side (4 mil head) and it sounds great. I went 89 top 81 bottom.
You are hearing the sustain and natural overtones. Use a simple dampening ring (Dead Ringer, Rem'Os or Moon Gel squares). to stop any unwanted ringing. With the snares off, undampened you will hear a natural Timbale' sound. With the snares on, you will have a wide open snare with lots of resonance. Older style snare drums used an adjustable internal felt dampener. Newer style drums require the dampening ring.
How would you tune timbales that are 15 and 16 inches also what tensions would be what pitches (A, B, C, D, E, F, G ect.)
For timbales 85 for the larger drum and 88 for the smaller (D A).
Thanks a lot , greetings from France !
Drumdial team is the Best!!
Ok Another two:
DW Collectors series 4X14 7 ply Maple
67 GRETSCH 5 X 14
Just ballpark I'll fine tune as usual.
You kill it Steve thank you!
Jimmie Nahas
DW 4x14 87 top batter 82 bottom resonant
Gretsch 5x14 85 -86 top batter 80 bottom resonant
How about tuning for a Mapex Black panther Sledgehammer brass snare 14 inch wide by6.5 inches deep Thankyou and a great product that does make my tone deaf ears appreciate!
Loving my Drum Dial. The punch I am getting out of my 14" floor tom in particular caught me by surprise. The rest of the kit has improved a great deal also.
Picked up a Pork Pie brass 8x14 snare and swapped out the heads for Evans 300 reso and an ST DRY batter side.
No idea where to even start with tension?...this is a new size of snare drum for me. Thx 🤘
88 top batter 80 bottom resonant.
@@DrumDial 🤯🤯🤯👍
@@DrumDial 7x13 maple snare under my tree this year.
Same setup 300 bottom, st dry top.
What do you recommend?
Your suggestions have been spot on, everything sounds great!
Found the 7x13 on a previous post. Thx 👍
Suggestions for a Pearl Chad Smith signature? 14x5? Having trouble finding the sweet spot! Thanks again for your great product & customer service :)
89 top batter and 80 to 82 for the bottom resonant.
Hi DrumDial,
I have a Sonor Select Force 6 Piece kit,
Bass Drum 22'' x 20''
Tom Tom 10'' x 6,5''
Tom Tom 12'' x 7''
Floor Tom 14'' x 12''
Floor Tom 16'' x 14''
Snare Drum 14'' x 6,5'
What would be suggested tensions?
Thanks :D'
10 76 top batter 76 bottom resonant
12 75 top batter 75 bottom resonant
14 74 top batter 74 bottom resonant
16 74 top batter 74 bottom resonant
22 73 kick batter 72 front resonant
snare 90 top batter 82 bottom resonant
I've got the same kit, but only in a 5 piece (does not have the 14" floor tom), so I too will be using these. Thanks for great support DrumDial.
and a pearl sensitone phoshorous 14 by 5 inch snare. Switched over to pearl snare drums few years ago like the sound. talk about heavy snare drum.
88 top batter 80 bottom resonant
Thank you.
I love my DrumDial...best purchase ever!!!
Hello , which is the lowest possible snare tunning on a 14/5.5 with a drumdial
Thank you.
Andy, the lowest possible tuning would be 68 top batter and 66 bottom resonant (would sound like hitting loose paper). For the lowest (decent sound) we do not recommend tuning that low. A better low tuning would be 84 top batter and 78 bottom resonant.
A fine product, good tuning tips.
Hello. I have a crush hammered copper snare. 14x5. What do you recommend for drum dial settings. Mostly play worship music. Thanks in advance!
88 top batter 80 bottom resonant
DW Performance Series Snare Drum - 5.5"x14" best tuning please?
Thanks a lot for this amazing instrument!! Can you tell me the perfect tuning for a vintage Ludwig Acrolite 14x5?
Thank you so much!
89 top batter 80 bottom resonant
What would be the tunings for the Ddrum SE flyer kit with a bass drum in 18 "x 14", a Floor Tom in 14 "x 14", a Tom Tom in 12 "x 8" and a 14 "x 5.5" snare
18" 74 kick batter 74 front resonant,
14" 75 top batter 75 bottom resonant ,
12" 76 top batter 76 bottom resonant ,
14" snare 88 top batter 80 bottom resonant
I have a 6/7-Ply, 100% Maple shells Tama drum set. Used mostly for church what do you suggest please?
Kick drum: 22 x 18"
Rack toms: 10 x 6-1/2 and 12 x 7"
Floor tom: 14 x 12 and 16 x 14"
snare: 14 x 5-1/2"
bass 74 kick batter 74 front resonant
10 76 top batter 76 bottom resonant
12 75 top batter 75 bottom resonant
14 74 top batter 74 bottom resonant
snare 88 top batter 82 bottom resonant
Hi!
Best tuning for a Pearl Vision maple (14x5,5) snare?
Recommended tuning for a 14"x6.5" Tama Superstar Classic maple snare, with a Remo Controlled Sound Coated as the batter head and a Remo Ambassador Snare Side as the resonant head? Right now I have the batter at 85 and the reso at 81, but would love to hear your suggestion. Thanks in advance!
85 top batter and 81 bottom resonant are very good numbers for a lower sounding snare drum. For better sticking response and higher pitch, try 89 top batter 81 bottom resonant.
I have a Sonor 14 x 6 1/2 Beech Snare, coated ambassador with ambassador snare side . What would you recommend for a warm toned setting.
+Darrell Hart
85 top batter 80-82 bottom resonant.
Hello !
What would you recommend to tune a Gretsch Catalina club snare 14/5,5 ? Remo coated ambassador
Thanks you!!
89 top batter and 80-82 bottom resonant
@@DrumDial thank you!
Any suggestions for my new kit : 20-14 / 12-08 / 14-14
Remo embassador coted
Thank you .
bass 74 kick batter 74 front resonant
12 76 top batter 76 bottom resonant
14 75 top batter 75 bottom resonant
Hello! Recommended batter head and resonant settings for a 13 x 4 pearl Philharmonic with an m5 coated diplomat head and and slazy snare hide head?
88 top batter 82 bottom resonant
I have a vintage 1974 Ludwig "Super Sensitive" snare that is "14 x "6.5 deep. It has a Remo black X top head and Remo ambassador snare head on the bottom. What is the best tune setting for this? I play classic rock n roll. Thanks.
89 top batter and 80 bottom resonant.
I’m thinking 90 top 80 bottom Pearl Ultracast 14 x 6.5 Vintage As for Ska, 90 top 82 bottom Lugwid Acrolite 14 x 5.5 coated Ambassadors for Reggae and 92 top 80 bottom 5 ring aluminum 14 x 5 cheap Verve with clear Emperors for Drum and Bass?
Ivan, yes very good settings with excellent stick response.
Oh I need this.
What tension would you recommend for my Joey Jordison Signature Slipknot Steel Snare 13x6.5''..?? Amazing snare though ;)
I tried with 90 top batter and 85 bottom resonant. for high tuning.. What are your suggestions ???
90 top batter 80 bottom resonant
Hi. I have a Pearl Joey Jordison Series, with a Remo Pinstripe coated 2-ply head. May I ask what tension you would recommend? thanks
+pinoyband1 86 top batter and 80 bottom resonant.
What is a good range for a Pearl SensiTone Steel Snare 14x5,5 ?
Evans EC Reverse Dot on the Batter side
Evans Clear 300 on the Reso side
Thanks!
Great video! Recommendations for dial settings on a 14x6.5 dunnett stainless steel (emporer top, ambassador hazy bottom) 30 strands snare?
what's the consequence of tuning the batter head over 92? what could happen?
Thicker batter heads (10 mil and higher) and 2 ply heads can handle much higher tensions 85 to 97. As going higher than 92, you risk tearing or ripping the head at the ring holding the head in place.
Hi. What would be a good tension for a clear snare batter head like the clear Remo powerstroke 77?
Using it on a 14x6,5 brass snare. I like a medium tuning with medium overtones.
87 top batter, if needed 82 bottom resonant. The 77 is a nice two ply head.
@@DrumDial dang you were not playing around. Did that yesterday for band practice. Sounded great, had that great crack. Almost no undesirable overtones.
Thanks for your wisdom and very quick response.
Hi, what tensions can you recommend for my 14x7 Noble and Cooley ss classic? Steambent maple shell, coated emperor top, hazy ambassador bottom. Thanks
89 top batter 80 bottom resonant
Hi! Recommended tunings for marching snare drum batter and resonant head?
Marching snare drums are tuned much higher at 94-96 and the bottom resonant snare side should never be tighter than 85 for marching snare drums (the thinner head starts to stretch after that, and newer thicker snare side heads, 7mil+ can be tuned to 88-90).
Keep in mind that at the much higher tensions (anything above 90) the large needle will register less and less as the tension screws are turned tighter. For example at a reading of 70 the needle will move up to 75 with a complete tension screw revolution. Above 90 it may take an entire revolution or more to move 1 tic mark. IE 90 to 91.
When using snare batter Kevlar heads, the DrumDial tuning tip may read between the weave, so if needed, just take the average reading at each tuning point.
Looking for tuning recommendation for Mapex MPX Maple 14"x5.5" with an Evans EC Reverse top batter and Remo Ambassador Hazy snare side?
88 top batter 78-80 bottom resonant
Pearl MCT 14"x6,5" Snare what are the tensions for that snare for high tuning?
90 top batter 82 bottom resonant
Best tuning for Ludwig Classic maple snare 14 x 6.5 ?? Cheers
On my ludwig Evo set what would I tune my 10, 12, 14 and 16 inch toms to if I'm using evans red hydraulic heads to
10" 76 top batter 76 bottom resonant,
12" 75 top batter 75 bottom resonant ,
14" 75 top batter 75 bottom resonant,
16" 74 top batter 74 bottom resonant
Is there a difference in tensions we want to use for a smaller head (i.e. a 10 inch snare)?
The tensions would be very similar. 87 top batter and 80 bottom resonant.
Be sure to tune in a circular pattern (one lug after the next) after seating the drum head in the criss /cross star pattern. You'll stay in tune longer and tune up faster! For more tuning patterns go to DrumDial.com / How to use / Drum Tuning Patterns
For more updates and tuning tips like our facebook page: DrumDial Inc
Pearl Picollo Snare what's the best tuning?
Steve, I defer to you on all things drums but on the snare side head I must ask, have you ever come across a player who really cranks up the snare side head resulting in a sound you like? All my favorite snare sounds come from players who tighten the snare reso to the limit even though very technical drum channel always say "You'll *choke the snare side if you tighten too much" but this is one case where I disagree. If you want a sweet crack with a short but high pitched sound you absolutely must crank the snare side head I've found, and if you go for a more moderate tension, as you suggest, I find that the snare note is longer and will never produce the "crack" of many of the best snares.
The snare side head is very thin and starts to stretch after about 85 on the DrumDial. 82-84 is very tight and will give a very good snare sound. We usually suggest 80-82 for the bottom snare side head and around 85 to 89 for the top batter (much thicker head) .
What would be considered low, medium, or high tuning when using the dial? What readings?
For toms 77 high 75 med. and 74 low
@@DrumDial thanks!
how about a pearl 14 by 5.5 inch snare drum. It is a masters that I turned into a philharmonic snare. tube lugs and a new sr300 throwoff.
89 top batter 82 bottom resonant
Thanks again.
What's the best tuning for my snare that came out with my Sonor Force 3007?
Specs:
- Shell Ply: 7
- Shell Thickness: 5.8
- Size: 14 x 5.5
- Lugs: 10
It has a Remo head.
And for my toms?
These are 10'' 12'' and 14'' inches with Aquarian heads.
(Apparently the toms and the snare are made out of a mix of Canadian and Chinese maple.)
Thanks!
89 top batter 82 bottom resonant.
Best tuning for a Tama Superstar birch snare?
Very happy with my new DrumDail tuner, great vids! I have an old '93 standard size tama swingstar I bash on weekends and pub gigs! What would be the best settings for this old kit?14" Snare, 12", 13" 16" and 22"bd. Evans ec2 heads and Evans reso. Thank you in advance great product worth the money.
14" Snare 88 top batter 82 bottom resonant
12" 75 top batter 75 bottom resonant
13" 75 top batter 73 bottom resonant
16" 74 top batter 74 bottom resonant
22"bd 72 kick batter 70 front resonant
Hey Steve I have a Ludwig evo maple set also an 8x14 standard maple Ludwig snare, what is the best setting for pop/rock my drums are
5x14 snare
8x14 snare (low fat please) Aquarian hi energy head
9x10
9x12
14x14
14x14
18x22
Thank you!
14" Snare 89 top batter 82 bottom resonant
14"x 8" Snare 86 top batter 80 bottom resonant
10" 76 top batter 76 bottom resonant,
12" 75 top batter 75 bottom resonant ,
14" 75 top batter 75 bottom resonant,
14"? 74 top batter 74 bottom resonant,
22" 74 kick batter 73 front resonant,
@@DrumDial thank you!!!
@@DrumDial the 2nd 14 was supposed to be 16x16 sorry about that
16" 74 top batter 74 bottom resonant
Would be the same as a second 14" but will have more note spacing with the 16"
Thanks for clarifying Justin!
What would you recommend to set for my gretsch 22 inch bass drum I'm using Evan onyx for front and back heads.
As a matter of fact my complet set 8,10,12,14,16,inches what would you recommend everything is onyx except the resonant there are the gretsch that came with my kit.
22" 73 kick batter 73 front resonant
8" 77 top batter 77 bottom resonant ,
10" 77 top batter 77 bottom resonant
12" 76 top batter 76 bottom resonant ,
14" 75 top batter 75 bottom resonant ,
16" 74 top batter 74 bottom resonant
If interested, a good starting point:
snare 88 top batter 80 bottom resonant
Hi i just got a dial, and these videos are very detailed, and to the point thanks.For the snare side i thought ahead of time ,well its very thin, and too my suprize i was right, it leaves very small dents on the head, even if i put it down very carefully, so is this bad or normal,i seemed to notice in the video i could see some as you were doing the testing .?I guess im asking will this be bad for skin, even with small little dents ?.
christopher dunn Will not effect the sound. This is not an issue with standard thicker snare side heads. Extremely thin snare side heads can dent and should be tuned with a little extra care.
I have a Pearl Export Exx Kit
14 x 5.5 inch snare with Ambassador batter head
12 x 8 inch rack tom with Pinstripe batter head
13 x 9 inch rack tom with Pinstripe batter head
16 x 16 inch floor tom with Pinstripe batter head
22 x 18 bass drum with Powerstroke batter head
All resonant heads are the stock heads that came with the kit. What is your recommended tuning?
Snare 87 top batter 80 bottom resonant
12 75 top batter 75 bottom resonant
13 75 top batter 73 bottom resonant
16 74 top batter 74 bottom resonant
bass 74 kick batter 73 front resonant
What would you recommend for Ludwig lm400 snare with remo controlled sound and ambassador side?
89 top batter 80 bottom resonant
Hello,
What would be the good setting for Mapex Cherry Bomb 13x5,5" ?
Thanks for your reply.🤗
88 top batter and 82 bottom resonant
@@DrumDial
Thanks a lot !
From Fontainebleau (France) with love ... 🤗
Hi drum dail , do you have any recommendations on 2 snares I have. Pearl limited edition poplar and birch wood 14×6.5 and a Ludwig Supraphonic 14× 6.5. The pearl has Evan's HD snare batter and 300 reso. The Ludwig Emperor vintage and ambassador hazy
Pearl limited edition poplar and birch wood 14×6.5 88 top batter 80 bottom resonant
Ludwig Supraphonic 14× 6.5 89 top batter 82 bottom resonant
I have an o.c.d.p venice series with the tricky offset lugs, I get good tuning, but I want great.....what do you suggest?
Snare Drum: 14in;
1 Kick Drum: 22in;
1 Floor Tom: 16in;
2 Rack Tom’s: 10in; 12in;
.
These setting will work well for you:
snare 89 top batter 82 bottom resonant
22 74 kick batter 73 front resonant
16 74 top batter 74 bottom resonant
10 76 top batter 76 bottom resonant
12 75 top batter 75 bottom resonant
Hi
Just got a drumdial, I have a question : what would be the optimal tuning for snares Mapex versatus 14x4 5/8", and Tama silvestar 14x5"?
Regards.
Tuned the same. The individual drums will have a difference in timbre. The stick response will be very good also.
88 top batter 80 bottom resonant
Hi, what are the best settings for a low fat snare sound?
84-85 top batter 82 bottom resonant. A two ply head helps to get that low sound also.
@@DrumDial thank you avery mucho. Actually IT has a 2 play head
Also im using an pearl export series standard snare,what would be a good tention
#, for batter, and rez thanks.
christopher dunn 87 top batter 80 bottom resonant
I have a Ludwig Element Birch 14"x6.5" snare with a Coated Emperor X batter and Emperor Hazy snare side. What would be the recommended tuning?
+atarcelli1369
87 top batter 80 bottom resonant.
How do you know what value on the dial corresponds to which pitch? Thanks.
Most toms are tuned around 75 on the DrumDial at the edge of the drum head. The midrange of the drum. This will naturally give a nice downward sound progression with good note spacing between the toms.
DrumDial measures drumhead tension not frequency.
Tap the center of the drum and use a chromatic tuner to know the exact pitch.
Cool, thanks!
Hi drum dial,
may i ask you for your recommendations for a Tama Imperialstar?
22" x 18" Bass Drum (2x)
10" x 08" Tom Tom
12" x 09" Tom Tom
13" x 10" Tom Tom
14" x 14" Floor Tom
16" x 16" Floor Tom
14" x 6,5" Snare Drum
DrumDial 2 months ago
10 77 top batter 77 bottom resonant
12 76 top batter 76 bottom resonant
13 76 top batter 74 bottom resonant
14 74 top batter 74 bottom resonant
16 74 top batter 74 bottom resonant
22 73 kick batter 72 front resonant
snare 89
top batter 80 bottom resonant
Hello there. What do you recommend for 8" toms? I have a Starclassic B/B 8x6. Also would you use different tensions for shallower toms? I have short stack toms, 10x6, 12x7, 14x12 and 16x14 hyperdrive shells, bubinga and birch. Thank you.
8 76 top batter 76 bottom resonant
10 76 top batter 76 bottom resonant
12 75 top batter 75 bottom resonant
14 74 top batter 74 bottom resonant
16 74 top batter 74 bottom resonant
Thank you @@DrumDial
Pls any sugest for: low, mid end high tension.
Dw 14 × 6.5 Collector ( Chery/Mahogany)
Thnk you wm!
low 84-85 top batter 80 bottom resonant
med 87-88 top batter 80-82 bottom resonant
high 89-90 top batter 82 bottom resonant
Are you making contact between the Edge Gage and the rim? How about a bass drum?
I see there are Technora material heads too, could you do above 92 on those?
The Edge Gage makes very light contact with the rim, but not so tight against the rim that it causes the the tuner to bind. On larger diameter drums (bass drums, timpani etc. 20" and larger) the Edge Gage is not necessary. Yes, for Technora and Kevlar heads it is OK to go as high as 96.
Sure wish you gave a sound example after that tuning.
Thanks and yes we should have gave a sound example on this video. Our second custom snare drum tuning video does give sound examples.
This is great! I just purchased a drum dial and will use it on my Yamaha stage custom steel 14" x 6.5". What tuning would you recommend?
+tubehstnr
86 top batter and 78 bottom resonant.
I have a 14x8 Ludwig Supralite Snare. Steel Shell. I can't get this in tune to save my life. What tension would you recommend?
89 top batter 80 bottom resonant
Tama imperialstar(kingbeat)?
89 top batter 82 bottom resonant
Hi!
Best tuning for a Pearl Free Floating brass 14x5 snare?
Top: Evans power center reverse dot (ctd)
Batter: Evans snare side 300
88 top batter 80 bottom resonant
what tension for a mapex armory tomahawk steel snare 14x5.5
90 top batter 80 bottom resonant.
What would you tune the toms for mapex armory. Birch/maple/birch hybrid shell
10x7
12x8
14x12
16x14
22x20 bass drum
10x7 76 top batter 76 bottom resonant
12x8 75 top batter 75 bottom resonant
14x12 74 top batter 74 bottom resonant
16x14 74 top batter 74 bottom resonant
22x20 73 kick batter 72 front resonant
thank uuu for pearl reference 14x6.5?
Hello,since people are asking may I ask about tensions for a Ming 5x14 fiberglass snare?Thanks.
MRSHORTFUSE100 Yes! Love the Ming snares!
86 top batter 80 bottom resonant. Please post pics to our facebook, twitter or instagram (links on our main page at drumdial dot com)
I have a pearl Morgan rose signature snare with emperor x batter and hazy 300 resonant. Any specs on that? Thank you again.
87 top batter 80 bottom resonant
For some reason when i tune one of them to 85, the next one i go to says it's at 90, even when i screw it all the way until it is loose enough to move it with my hands, it still says 90, any help?
BarackObama There is a troubleshooting video - might be a bad bearingedge or a bad hoop. :(
Hey Drum Dial,
I need some help with tuning.
I have a CB drum set (beginners drum set) including the following:
I have one 12" Tom, one 13" Tom, one 16" floor Tom all with black suede drum heads, and remo emperor clean set as the resonant heads.
I also have a 14" Yamaha SD 266A snare with a remo emperor x coated snare head, and a remo ambassador hazy snare side head as the resonant head.
I need to find a way where everything sounds good and so the snare does not vibrate.
Thanks!
12 75 top batter 75 bottom resonant
13 75 top batter 73 bottom resonant
16 74 top batter 74 bottom resonant
snare 88 top batter 82 bottom resonant
Also, see our snare tuning video for help with excess snare buzz, etc.
DrumDial thank you! :)
Hi! just a question: the clicking noise as tuning up snare side lugs is a normal thing ? Thanks.
Yes, those are normal sounds, seating new heads is more of a crackle and head skipping is more of a distinct clicking noise. We have samples of both sounds on our edge conditioner video.See our bearing edge conditioner video here for detailed information:
th-cam.com/video/OLdMFijfGHw/w-d-xo.html
The problem I have with Drum Dial is that I can literally turn a lug a full turn before it reads any differently, for example my 16 inch floor tom will read 75 on any given lug, i can turn it a full turn before the dial even moves, how do i know every lug is even?? , and I literally can pick it up and place it right back in the same spot and it’ll give me a different reading, also I completely detuned one lug and it still read 75 like all the other ones, while it was completely loose, unless mine is broken or I’m losing my mind this doesn’t work at all for me like it does in the video
Thank you for letting us know. Make sure that your tuner is calibrated. At lower tunings (70-77) a single turn will move the needle by 4-6 tic marks. At higher tunings (85-90) it takes more turns of the drum key to move a single tic. This is because the head is close to its maximum and the head continues to firm up, but the actual head will not tighten much more. Much higher than 93 and you risk breaking a head.
Hi drum dial. Best tuning for Ludwig copperphonic 14 by 8. Remo ambassador coated on batter head and Remo ambassador hazy on snare side.
Medium and high tunings please!)
Medium 85 top batter 78-80 bottom resonant
High 88 -89 top batter 80-82 bottom resonant
Hi guys great product, what turnings do you suggest for a good fat rock and roll sound, Ludwig 2009 Centennial kit with Black Magic 14"-6.5" snare 12" rack, 14" floor and 16" floor 22"-20" kick? Also what heads would you suggest? Thanks in advance 😀
Use a 2 ply batter (Remo emperor, pinstripe , ect.) and use a single ply on the bottom resonant head (Remo ambassador etc.) for toms. Good midrange settings would be:
14"-6.5" 90 top batter 80 bottom resonant
12" 76 top batter 76 bottom resonant
14" 75 top batter 75 bottom resonant
16" 74 top batter 74 bottom resonant
22" 73 kick batter 72 front resonant
Hello! What tuning would you recommend for a Ludwig Breakbeats particularly the 16" kick? Not getting the punch I would like out of it. Again your help is greatly appreciated this product is awesome! Thanks 😀
DrumDial sensational thanks 😁 Just checking are you sure you mean 56 on the 13” reso? With 0 tension it reads 60?
10" 76 top batter 76 bottom resonant
13" 75 top batter 75 bottom resonant
16 kick 74 kick batter 74 front resonant ( 73 is good also)
14 snare 88 top batter 82 bottom resonant
Sorry Wayne! Corrected the typo. Should have been 75.
14x5.5 what would you recommend ?
89 top batter 82 bottom resonant
@@DrumDial it’s weird, some feel super tight on 89 and other rods are barley finger tight on this, and it’s a brand new snare ☹️
Here is a link to our troubleshooting video: www.drumdial.com/videos/troubleshooting/
Loose tension rods as you described are usually corrected by tuning in a circular pattern after seating the drum head. After seating the drum head in the normal criss cross pattern, tune in small increments in a circular pattern one lug after the next up to your desired tension. A bad bearing edge, hoop or bad drum head can also cause this.
I have always thought you were supposed to go to each lug opposite of each other like tightening the lugs on a car tire to keep the tension even
ProdigalSin Excellent question! Always seat the drum head and rough tune in the standard criss / cross pattern as you described. Then, always fine tune up to your desired tension in a circular pattern, one lug after the next in small increments. It's a two step process. You'll stay in tune longer and tune up faster.
This helps. Thanks. But I'm having a problem finding the sweet spot for the snare I just got the other day. It has a low hum.
I recently got a 14 x 5.5 Sonor Force 2007 (Birch). I slapped a new Evans Genera Dry batter head on it (1-ply), tho it still has a stock China Remo UX on the reso side. (I have an Evans Clear 300 on the way, & PureSound Equalizer wires, which I'll slap on when they're here). So what's the recommended settings using Drum Dial for these heads (dry & punchy crack)?
88 top batter 82 bottom resonant. Moon gels or tone rings will help also at the higher snare settings to reduce hum.
@@DrumDial - many thanks!! :-)
Would you also recommend nearly the same settings for a 13x3 Pearl Maple piccolo?
(also with Genera Dry batter, but with Remo Hazy reso).
Yes, similar. 87-88 top batter and 80 bottom resonant.
@@DrumDial - My thanks again! These settings worked.
86 Batter & 81 Reso seemed to work great for my Sonor (only one down from your suggestion).
And it also sounds much better with the Evans clear 300 and PureSound Equalizers.
Sounds great with or without Moon Gel (slightly better with). Now to try tuning my Piccolo.....
Hi there ,
What tuning for my Taye Maple snare 14"x7" with wood hoops ? Thanks.
88 top batter 82 bottom resonant
Best tuning for a Pearl Masters Premium Maple (MMP - 4-ply Maple with 4-ply reinforcement rings)?
10x8
12x9
14x11
22x18
Toms, top and reso heads: Remo Ambassador clear.
Bas drum: Remo Powerstroke 3 coated.
10x8 76 top batter 76 bottom resonant
12x9 75 top batter 75 bottom resonant
14x11 74 top batter 74 bottom resonant
22x18 74 kick batter 73 front resonant
@@DrumDial
th-cam.com/video/8ovkhEHaN1o/w-d-xo.html
:)
Hello, what would you recommend for my 14" x 6.5" Yamaha Copper Nouveau Snare? Thank you.
+Antonio Armenta 87-88 top batter 82 bottom resonant.
I've got a 14*8" wooden snare, and these settings (85-81) don't work, the drum sounds terrible, long.
Could anyone help, please?
A higher setting on the top batter can help. Try 89 top batter and 80 bottom resonant.
I have yamaha gig maker drumset
14 5.5 snare with evans power center reverse dot on it.
First tom 12 inch with evans onyx on it .
Medium tom 13 inch evans onyx.
Floor tom 16 inch evans onyx.
Whats the best number for them
14 x 5.5 89 top batter 82 bottom resonant
12" 75 top batter 75 bottom resonant
13" 75 top batter 73 bottom resonant
16" 74 top batter 74 bottom resonant
hello , i have a tom 16' what would be the recommended tuning?
I use as a bass
+Carlos Eccard
As a bass drum, tune the kick batter to 74 and the front resonant to 72.
Tama slp 14x8?
87 top batter 82 bottom resonant
I’m trying to tune my snare to around 80 on the top... but as soon as I tighten one all the others are ruined. Also on certain lugs the dial reads over 80 but I can loosen it all the way past finger tight and it will not move the needle. This thing is brand new out of the box so it’s calibrated fine
Drew, there may still be tension on the head from the adjacent lugs. Always a good idea to double check calibration. Also be sure to fine tune in small increments in a circular pattern after rough seating in the criss cross pattern. Here are the links to our calibration video and our drum trouble shooting video:
calibration
th-cam.com/video/4ojCsiocq70/w-d-xo.html
troubleshooting
th-cam.com/video/_7jFne2gJBM/w-d-xo.html
DrumDial how do you seat. I have a lightly used head on rn but idk if I seated it right when I put it on
See the video here:
th-cam.com/video/oU7Tbw7K-vc/w-d-xo.html
Be sure to mark your hoop, lug and head when changing or swapping in new heads, just in case you have a bad edge, hoop or head. That way you can realign the hoop and head to the same position as before.
Make sure that the head is on evenly with the hoop, lightly finger tighten until the tension rod just touches the hoop. Then tighten evenly in about 1/2 turn increments in the standard criss cross pattern. Fine tune in a circular pattern one lug after the next in very small increments.
Best tuning for a Pork Pie Rosewood/Zebrawood over maple 7x13 snare?
89-90 top batter 80 bottom resonant
What tuning for a 6.5 black beauty with coated emperor on top and Ludwig snare reso?
89 top batter 80 bottom resonant
Any suggested tensions for a 6.5" X 14" Pearl Sensitone Snare
Jimmie Nahas 87-88 top batter 82 bottom resonant.
Hi what would you recommend for my Mapex Horizon 5-piece kit?
22”x18” Bass Drum
14”x14” Floor Tom
12”x9” Tom Tom
10”x8” Tom Tom
14”x5.5” Snare Drum
Bass Batter - Remo Silentstroke
Bass Resonant - Remo Powerstroke 3 Smooth White
Snare Batter - Remo Silentstroke
Snare Side - Remo Ambassador Hazy Snare Side
Tom Batter - Remo Silentstroke
Tom Resonant - Remo Ambassador Clear
For mesh heads, very good starting points are: toms set to 65-70, snare set to 75-80 and Bass set to 70.
DrumDial Okay thank you, also what would you recommend for my resonant heads
22 74 kick batter 73 front resonant
14 75 top batter 75 bottom resonant
12 75 top batter 75 bottom resonant
10 76 top batter 76 bottom resonant
14 snare 87 top batter 82 bottom resonant
I play a lot of reggae; what high tuning settings do you recommend for a 14x5 snare? also a 13x5 timbale?
Snare 89 top batter 82 bottom resonant , timbale (13") set to 85.
DrumDial thanks! But I thought resonant heads were supposed to be tuned higher than batter?
Thicker heads naturally have a lower pitch than thinner heads . A thin snare side head will still be higher in pitch when tuned to 82 than a thicker batter head tuned to 89.
DrumDial thanks for clearing that up! I should have figured