Cutting a hole in the bass drum...How big, methods etc... [Archive]

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funk-rockpunk

07-04-2005, 11:16 PM

Anyone wanna help me out?

DogBreath

07-05-2005, 04:24 AM

You get more projection of sound, and the beater has less rebound, but there is a loss of tonal warmth. The reason the hole is offset from the center is that much of the low-end sound that you hear from a bass drum is generated from the sound vibrations resonating back and forth between the center of the beater head and the center of the resonant head, therefore no center = no resonance. Also, sometimes a hole is needed for internal placement of a microphone. Any hole up to 4 1/2 inches will have an effect on warmth and projection, 5 inches is often needed for micing, and anything over 7 inches defeats the purpose of even having a resonant head.

eddrummer05

07-20-2005, 09:08 AM

oohh yes im with you dog breath

deltadrummer1

08-23-2005, 08:49 PM

How do i accomplish this...using a box cutter? Haha or is there a better way of doing it? And how big should i make it? Maybe 5 or 6 inches?

Zackman

08-23-2005, 08:58 PM

This is how I did it, worked like a charm. Just find yourself a can with an opening that's is or is close to the size you want. Put the opening on top of a stove burner and wait for it to get really hot. Pick it up, WITH OVEN MITS OR PRONGS, not with your hands. Take the can and press it against you're bass skin, my bass skin was resting or 2 things so there was nothing in the middle. Viola, you have a nice clean cut hole. Easily done. You could also just go buy one of those holes that you can trace with a box cutter.
Good luck.
Zack.

deltadrummer1

08-23-2005, 09:07 PM

NUTHA JASON

08-23-2005, 09:13 PM

i put loads of gaffa tape on the inside surface first to strengthen it (see diagram). then i trace around a suitagble tin. but i really like zackmans idea. sounds like my kind of guy.
j
ps: keep the hole as small as possible. any more than 7'' and you may as well not have a skin.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/nuthajason/basshole.jpg (http://photobucket.com/albums/y290/nuthajason/?)

Anduin

08-23-2005, 09:24 PM

find yourself a can...Put the opening on top of a stove burner... and press it against you're bass skin,

Brilliant!

Do it outside, though. That's toxic fumes you'll be creating as you melt the plastic.

jamsjr44

08-23-2005, 09:27 PM

How do i accomplish this...using a box cutter? Haha or is there a better way of doing it? And how big should i make it? Maybe 5 or 6 inches?

I used a compass to trace the size of the hole I wanted or a object of similar size, then I took and exacto knife (scapel) and traced around the object making a perfect circle. Or get a pair of very sharp scissors and make a hole through the hole you want to cut and cut across the line you traced with a exacto knife or pen.

drummerboy

08-23-2005, 09:34 PM

They sell kits for doing this....I also heard about using a hot can to melt the hole...It actually works very well.

Superlow

08-23-2005, 09:38 PM

I recommend the kit. Aquarian gives you a kit when you buy a resonant BD head. Itconsists of a hard plastic adhesive circle. You stick the plastic on and trace with a utility knife or box cutter.

CyclopseSlayer

08-24-2005, 05:18 AM

Remo sells different sizes (5" 7" and 9" I think) of what they call Dynamos, they come with ebony Powerstroke 3's and can purchased separately. I would highly recommend these for putting a hole in your resonant head.

sloppyjoe

09-14-2005, 04:36 AM

Hey guys, I'm two years old in drumming so I don't know alot but what does that^^ do exactly? Does it make it louder and does it affect the tone?

krazykenny5150

09-14-2005, 06:05 AM

a hole generally increases the beater definition and attack in the tone. a 4 inch hole is the biggest you should go with a 22inch bass drum, anymore and its pretty senseless to even have a head. smaller the hole, the fatter the tone will sound and will cover the initial attack more.

Fldrummer

09-14-2005, 06:23 AM

I've heard Gadd play before with the large hole in the middle and man did it sound sweet. So much air but lots of warmth that really made the mix full.

MECHT4NK

09-14-2005, 03:59 PM

what about the placement of the hole. I read somewhere once that is better to have a off-set hole than to have it centered. can't remember why they said that though. can anybody tell me what is the difference in having it centered or off-set?

mlehnertz

09-14-2005, 04:05 PM

Yamaha places a big 8 - 10 inch hole dead center of their drums.

Personally I think the location of the hole is purely aesthetics.

Superlow

09-14-2005, 04:12 PM

Yamaha places a big 8 - 10 inch hole dead center of their drums.

Personally I think the location of the hole is purely aesthetics.

Directly in the middle is a bad location for a hole. I think the best location is when they are put dead right or dead left not in the middle. It makes sound engineers jobs at clubs and studios easy to place a mic inside the kick drum.

mlehnertz

09-14-2005, 04:34 PM

But then we're talking about a completely different application of "the hole".

Directly in the middle is a bad location for a hole. I think the best location is when they are put dead right or dead left not in the middle. It makes sound engineers jobs at clubs and studios easy to place a mic inside the kick drum.

fourstringdrums

09-14-2005, 04:36 PM

Placing a hole in the head stops the vibration of the front head a bit. Putting a hole dead center, even if it's a small hole, defeats the purpose of even having a front head. It would be the same as if you just took the head off because now it's not vibrating any longer.

drumbig

09-14-2005, 05:04 PM

putting a hole in the front bass drum head was initially started for miking purposes, however it does change the sound of your bass drum. i agree with superflow in that one hole no bigger than it needs to be to the far left or right( save 2in.) will preserve the most sound. the longer the air travels in your bass drum the fuller sound. i only use a head with a port when i play out. hope this helps.

cjl71178

09-28-2005, 05:00 PM

I always use an Aquarian Port Hole. You can check it out here:
http://www.aquariandrumheads.com/products/display.asp?id=24

Usually what I'll do is adhere the port hole to the inside of the front head and slowly cut around the inside of it with a utility knife. They're nicer because your front head will be protected. I've had front heads rip from either a soundman or band member yanking out the bass drum mic at the end of a show when we'd tear down. They're definately worth the couple bucks they cost.

Remo makes one too called a Dynamo, which are the same thing. I've used them too when the music store didn't have the Aquarian ones.

fourstringdrums

09-28-2005, 05:18 PM

Make sure if you use the can method that you get it hot enough and press down really well and leave it on long enough to melt the head. I ruined a perfectly good head because one small area around the hole didn't melt all the way and I ripped the head trying to get it off. I usually buy pre-cut heads, but if I didn't, I'd get hole cutting templates.

mikei

11-01-2005, 01:49 AM

Hello all,

My new Sonor 3003 kit came in today. I have a question on what size hole to cut in the bass drum head, where to put it, and how much stuff to put in there???

I play hard rock and heavy metal music.

I currently play an old beat up Kima drum set that sounds absolutely horrible.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Mike

dunchykong

11-01-2005, 01:59 AM

buy an aqaurian bass drum head pack. batter head is already muffled( or you can go with the evans emad) and the front head already has the hole.

fourstringdrums

11-01-2005, 02:32 AM

The hole is generally 4-6" and is put at the edge of the head at about the 4:00 position. You can either buy a hole cutting templated or you could just make your own. Cut a circle out of cardboard about a 1/2" bigger than the hole you want, then cut a hole out of cardboard that is the size you want. Place the second hole in the center of the first larger hole and trace around it. Then cut out the hole you just traced. Tape the new "ring" template to the inside of the batter head (tape enough so it stays put while cutting but not so much that you can't get it off), then cut out with an exacto knife. Viola.

toteman2

11-01-2005, 02:37 AM

If you really don't plan on recording or playing live i would NOT cut anything into your basshead...IMO you get a much fuller and better sound without the hole...

Thinshells

11-01-2005, 07:15 AM

If you really don't plan on recording or playing live i would NOT cut anything into your basshead...IMO you get a much fuller and better sound without the hole...

And better response on top of that. A hole reduces response.

dr_worm

11-01-2005, 03:16 PM

Why not experiment first BEFORE cuttin the hole? You can always cut it later; on the other hand if you cut it you cannot restore it later.

Also you can just use your old front head and keep the new one for a spare - if someone puts a mic stand through your head the tear is likely to start at the hole.

I don't have a hole in the front of my BD but I have it cranked tight with two rings of weatherstripping around the inside edge and a small flat pillow inside which barely touches both heads. It has a terrific initial "boom" with a short decay, no overtones and a low low sustain you can feel but not hear.

nate

11-11-2005, 12:51 PM

Thinshells

11-11-2005, 01:10 PM

Drummers back in the day often had no kick drum resonant head. (referring to the 60's to the 80's)

The most resonance will come with a solid resonant head, but with a 4" hole , it will help emphasise attack.

I want a 24x18" kick anyway.

BrokenGlass

11-11-2005, 05:36 PM

Drums are all about moving air. Having a hole in the head helps move air. Once again, it's all personal preference though.

Kevinm

11-11-2005, 06:02 PM

A tuned hole will give you a little more punch as opposed to a solid front head. Every hear the punch of a bass without a front head, drop that punch down some with a hole, which will also provide a little lower end because you still have the front head on. So it will not be as fat as with a full front head, but not as high and punching with no front head. Somewhere in between!

cjl71178

11-11-2005, 06:27 PM

It's alot easier miking a kick drum with the hole cut in the front head as opposed to a full resonant head. I'm the same with Thinshells, my kick drum on both of my kits have a small 4" hole in the front head and I get a great sound out of it.

Then again, Bonham never had a hole in his front head!

They do make internal drum mics now and you can keep your resonant head on. Just a suggestion.

HEY Thinshells.....I'm jonesing for a 24" kick too...I missed out a few months ago. A guy on Ebay was selling a 16x24 Ludwig Classic Maple in Black Diamond finish (just like mine) and I lost the sale! :(

sly1965

11-11-2005, 06:32 PM

In a live situation, a hole in the head will give you or the soundman more posibilities of mic positioning, if you want more attack or more body, and can avoid to have some bad feedback especially on small stage,. leak from amps (guitard,bass).The place and the size of the hole in the head is something you have to check, usely, i would say 6" max if you don't want to loose to much from your head resonance, it will focus your sound a bit more, you will hear it acousticly, but you won.t see the difference in the house, it depend also how big is the club and how much loud you need to be in the mix. Personaly i always had a hole in my bass drums, played a lot in different live situation and always had a good kik sound.

Kev Richardson

11-14-2005, 05:53 PM

It's all a matter of preference (isn't it always)? I use a 26"x16" Ludwig bass drum and no hole in the front head but that is the sound for me. I am fortunate enough to use a good sound engineer who knows how to work with me for getting that big Bonham sound. It does take some getting used to as I also use no damping in the drum either! The feel of the drum is altered totally as there is a lot of air to shift so once again down to tuning both heads for the right feel and response.

nate

11-14-2005, 06:26 PM

Dr. Neaux

11-17-2005, 12:42 AM

I recently cut a hole in the front head on my kit. I hated doing it but did it for the same reason you did, sound guy talked me into it. I have a Yamaha Stage Custom Standard kit that's natural wood and it has a HUGE sound, especially from my bass drum, which is a "22. I've noticed a difference too because I tune mine like yours for a big sound. I use a little bit of egg-crate foam and probably don't have to use that in it. I also use drum heads with built-in rings so I don't get that awful ringing sound from plain heads. I'm like you man, I hated doing it but it sounds ok. I should've just left it alone and let the sound guy deal with it but oh well, you live and learn.

mattsamoto

11-17-2005, 11:21 PM

I have a 24" ludwig bass drum. I have a solid reso head with a felt strip. No other muffling. I like how it sounds.

Next time you play a show, ask the soundman to mic the batter side. That's what Bonham did, along with micing the reso head. But if you have just one mic, try putting it on the batter - will pick up more attack.

Drad-dog

11-18-2005, 02:53 AM

I say to heck with the sound man. If you dig the sound, let it be. If you tweak your sound the sound guy might be happy but you wont be.

dr_worm

11-18-2005, 03:12 AM

I put a hole-less reso on and it sounded fantastic to me behind the kit. Played like that at three different gigs and we could never get a good sound - the mic picks up all these tones.

cary

11-18-2005, 03:49 AM

When putting a mic on a kick with no hole in the resonant head, you're not going to get much of the click without using an additional mic on the beater side. Then the sound guy better know what he's doing because he will need to flip the phase on the beater mic.

Having a hole in the resonant head make the whole thing a lot easier because you can put the mic inside the shell and get the beater click from inside.

A five inch hole is similar to no hole. Your mileage may vary.

rockzilla

11-25-2005, 12:37 PM

i see a lot of players with a hole in ther fort bassdrum head, but has that any big impact on the sound. i know you can put your mic in it but what else

and how do you make these holes. buy them or make them your own

rockzilla

TitanSound

11-25-2005, 12:38 PM

I'm not too sure of the difference between closed and open reso heads on the bass drum as I have only ever used an open one.

You can buy them with the hole.

THIEB

11-25-2005, 12:42 PM

Yeah, with the hole, the sound can escape from the bassdrum quickly. And you can hear the difference.

If you want to make a hole your self, be very carefully. use a litlle plate or a 6' splash and cut all around it. Be very careful and watch to your fingers !

Drummer Karl

11-25-2005, 04:20 PM

Yeah, there is a big difference!

WITH HOLE: the sound is much shorter and it makes a real "plop" sound. You have a better control with your bass drum beater! I love 6" holes because there is a sound full of pressure...but if you have a big hole the sound is like you havn`t a resonat head.

NO HOLE: You have not so much control and the sound is more like a "plom".

rendezvous_drummer

11-26-2005, 06:41 PM

Yea with a hole the sound is alot more controlled and has more of a short boom sound. to make it, get a lid from something like a big yogurt container, preferably 6 or 8 inches, and place it on the resonant side and use an exacto knife you cut around it but dont cut anywhere else or the sound will be ruined, believe me on that one.

rockzilla

11-27-2005, 04:24 PM

do you have to reinforce the hole with a ring or tape of some kind

rendezvous_drummer

11-29-2005, 06:29 AM

you don't have to but i know some people who put rings on for looks and tape to make the edge smoother, but you dont have to

bodinski

11-29-2005, 03:31 PM

If you want to reinforce with tape, here's a simple way:
Take the head off & place it face down on something smooth. Place an old CD where you want the hole & tape it down in overlapping strips, going past the edges by a couple inches. Cut around the disc with a razor knife & you're done. The tape will help prevent tearing, & this way the hole size is just about right. Big enough to mic through or to adjust that pile of sweatsocks you muffle with, but small enough to allow some resonance from the head you just cut.

FWIW, I took my ported heads off & replaced them with vented DW/Remo ebonys & like the sound better this way..

Nizza594

11-30-2005, 02:20 AM

When i got my Sonor kit today, I had a 6" hole cut into it before I left the dealers. Also then had a Chrome guard put around it, which is protective, aswell as looking really good against the lugs and hardware. Bass drum sounds great, and feels nice and controlable!

nerdy

11-30-2005, 04:19 AM

what i did was heat up an empty can on the stove and simply pushed it through the head. left a perfect circle and the edges were melted dull rather than being sharp.

does anyone have any preferences on where the hole is along the drum?

Drummertist

01-12-2006, 10:18 PM

What does cutting a hole in your front bass head do?
How big does it need to be for what effect?
What are good ways of getting a perfectly round hole?

NUTHA JASON

01-12-2006, 10:21 PM

see i merged the threads so your answers are above. please do a search next time.

j

jangus

01-12-2006, 10:32 PM

What does cutting a hole in your front bass head do?
How big does it need to be for what effect?
What are good ways of getting a perfectly round hole?

In most cases people just do it for mics. I've never felt it was necessary for anything else.

RMS

01-12-2006, 10:34 PM

The purpose of the hole, as far as I know, is not to change the sound so much as it is to be able to put a mic inside, or adding or adjusting muffling without having to take the head off.

The hole should be big enough to easily stick your hand through, but if it's too big it will sound like there's not front head at all. The hole should also be offset from the center, and a couple of inches from the rim, to minimize it's impact on the front head's operation.

And I prefer the hot can method over cutting with an X-acto knife. I've done them both. Just make sure the can is very hot and make the hole very quickly.

Bryan

01-12-2006, 11:49 PM

From what I've heard any hole larger than 7" is sonically the same as having no resonant head at all.

BrianW

01-13-2006, 12:24 AM

Ive always just taped an old cd to the head and cut around with an exacto knife. Works like a charm.

Leadfoot

01-13-2006, 12:32 AM

Garvin

01-13-2006, 05:49 AM

I'M AN IDIOT!!! I got so excited earlier after reading all these ideas that I tried to cut a hole really quick, and screwed up my nice black resonant head. I'm now wondering if there is anything that I can use to line the hole, so you can't see how poorly I cut it. I use to have one of those metal rings on a sonor bass drum I had, but I don't know what they are called, or where to get em... Any ideas?

RMS

01-13-2006, 05:59 AM

If you're doing it for the purpose of miking the drum, make sure you put the hole high enough off the floor so the stubby boom stand can go in the hole. I cut one once too low, & couldn't get the boom in it. Oops!

Why didn't you just rotate the drum head.? A sideways logo might look funny, but hey, it's funtional.

human beatbox

01-13-2006, 05:31 PM

Make sure you cut it in the right side (although i hope you are not that tardy)

lol

HB

British Boy

01-13-2006, 05:48 PM

There is no point in cutting a hole anyway. It sounds better without.

If you really must cut a hole (for some strange reason) then make it about 4".

British Boy

01-13-2006, 05:50 PM

BrianW

01-13-2006, 07:50 PM

There is no point in cutting a hole anyway. It sounds better without.

If you really must cut a hole (for some strange reason) then make it about 4".
Some like the sound of a bd with a hole in it. the air escapes quicker so there is less bounce (which some like) also just gives a drum a different sound. It depends on what type of music you play. But it is all preference and opinion. I completly dissagree with you and doubt i will ever play a bassdrum without a hole in the head.

moe.ron

01-20-2006, 02:57 AM

i just recently hit the studio and i ended up having to take my resonant head off my bass drum to mic it. now i'm looking into cutting a hole into it. any ideas how big the hole should be and what are those rings called you put on to cover the hole? do i need one of those rings?

mapexmaster911

01-20-2006, 03:01 AM

i used a roll of duct tape and a highlighter to trace it. i dont use ring and it works awsome. just becareful when u cut it so id doesnt looke lopsided.

wideyes

01-20-2006, 06:54 AM

Bass drum porting is crucial to many purposes. I highly recommend it. The hole should be 4"- 6" (the bigger the hole, the less resonance your bd will have). Bigger than 6" basically renders the head useless, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but the drum will sound like it doesn't have a resonant head on it at all. The hole should also be at least 2" from the edge of the drum, but not in the middle! Mapex is right that you can just use duct tape, but be sure you use some kind of reinforcement around the hole so it doesn't tear your head. I have one of the rings (they're called holz) and I think it's great. Save the piece you cut out, because you can use it as an impact pad where your beater hits your bass drum batter head.

hevy kevy

01-20-2006, 07:05 AM

I would recommend using the plastic hole reinforcements. It will help in cutting the hole, (start by tracing the inside and cut just a wee bit bigger) and when some ham fisted sound man in a hurry is miking you up, you'll be glad you have that extra strength.

RMS

01-20-2006, 07:17 AM

There was a big thread about this not too long ago...I know because I posted on it.

larlev

01-22-2006, 02:11 AM

coffee can heated on a burner.....only easy way to do it

The_Chaotic_One

01-22-2006, 04:51 AM

I use Chrome 'Holz' (6") on my bass drums placed around 1.5" or 2" from the edge on the head depending if the head has a internal muffle ring or not, they are pretty easy to fit as long as you have a blade to cut the head as you have to first stick the inner ring onto the inside of the head where you want the hole to be obviously then cut around the inside of the ring on a slight angle then you have to clip the outer chrome ring into the inner ring until both rings are sealed all the way around with the adheasive tape thats attached to the contact faces on both rings etc you get the point and its easy as hell and they look hot and are really durable never heard of one being broken yet.

deadbirdsoup

01-24-2006, 01:38 PM

Bit confused...I know what they do and everything...its just, how do u do it....or the best way..?

Iv seen things you can buy for them in stores, or do people just trace round something for a hole?

Help would be appriciated

TitanSound

01-24-2006, 01:54 PM

I dont really understand...

Do you want to make a hole on your front bass drum head?

If so you dont need too, you can buy reso heads with holes already in them.

deadbirdsoup

01-24-2006, 04:05 PM

I was thiking of putting a hole on the front of my bass drum skin yeah...

Ways without buying a new skin is what my question was, thanks.

hardhitter

01-24-2006, 04:07 PM

Don't go cutting into your head ! Go to the store and get a head with the hole or holes that you want in the head. I'm not sure if you have ever tried cutting one before but I did and it sounded really bad after time. It split and the air coming out vibrated the 2 pieces together and sounded really bad. Note that was on a set that was miced. I would spend the money and buy on with a hole in it. Everyone makes them.

TitanSound

01-24-2006, 04:17 PM

I'll second the above, its better too have 2 heads anyway, I was at a gig with a closed head on my bass drum, went too the toilet, came back out and found the enginner cutting a hole for the mic with a stanley knife. I nearly knocked him out!

If you do want too though I would suggest doing it with a plastic template and a very sharp blade.

drumbig

01-24-2006, 04:18 PM

There is a product called Holz, it's a silver or gold ring that clips on to the hole and keeps the head from cracking. It comes w/ instructions and is easy to do. You can buy them online at drumbuilder.com. They do cost about 15us and a new head is prabably about 25. Good luck:)

BrianW

01-24-2006, 06:27 PM

As said before, there is a pretty big thread about bass drum holes...if i run by it ill throw a link.
The method that has never failed me is taping a cd to it then cutting around it with a sharp exacto knife.

burnthehero

01-25-2006, 06:18 AM

If you're going to put a hole in your resonant head, you might as well do it right. Your local drum shop should have a kit that you can use to do it.

Belgiandrummer

01-27-2006, 02:07 PM

I found this on the net:

Holes in Your Head or Not

Here are the basic concepts:

· Any hole larger than 7” is like having no head at all on the drum.

· A 7” hole creates the feel of a one-headed kick drum, feeds more beater attack direct to an audience and provides some of the tone of the resonant head. Further, it’s easy to position a mic and change internal muffling devices, if used.

· A 4-1/2” or 5” hole, or even 2 such holes, offset, allows some relief for rebound control of the kick beater, contains more of the drums resonance so that the resonant head is more pronounced in the tuning of the drum. A 4-1/2” hole is difficult to get large mic’s positioned within (but can be done) and/or internal muffling altered.

· No hole, very resonant, creates more bounce or rebound from the kick beater. It can become difficult to get the “slap” of the beater and resonance of the drum both when miced with one microphone. The muffling remains inside. The resonant head is very predominant in the overall sound.

There are usually four reasons why drummers want a hole (or multiple holes) in the bass drum:

· It looks cool.

· They do not like the feel of the beater on the batter head surface, it bounces as a result of not enough air relief.

· They need to mic the drum from or capture the sound from the inside.

· They want more projection without using a mic (less bass impact, more beater attack presence).

For those who want it because it looks cool, there is an acoustic impact on the sound by placing a hole or holes in the resonant side. By acoustic impact I mean that the removal of head material does affect the bass portion of the note coming from the drum.

Allot of the “bass” portion of what you hear is based upon the surface area in the center of the drum. That surface area is a diaphragm working much like a speaker radiator might work, in that it will aid in moving air. Remember that pitch is dictated by the tension and the surface area in movement. So if you remove a large center portion, you lose a large portion of the bass reinforcement that gets emitted by the heads movement and tension usually has to increase to compensate for the removal of the center area. Adding holes does not increase bass content as might be the case on a tuned vented speaker cabinet would.

Thicker heads tend to stay in motion longer. With loose tension they will vibrate at a lesser rate, which all translates into lower pitch and a longer resonance. This assumes no internal muffling, or other devices to make the head stop its vibrating motion sooner.

Some want the different feel created by having air relief but still want maximum bass affect. As you remove more head area you trade off deep bass for a different feel. A solution is using smaller holes placed around the perimeter of the head. If you want the mic to capture sound from inside, you either have to resort to say the May mic system or revert to a larger hole to get the mic into the drum as you require. What you ultimately do will be based upon the balcance of all the factors that are important to you.

It is the area of the hole that counts. Where it is located matters little for the affect on sound (as long as it isn't on the batter side). If you want maximum tone out of the head, then the size of each hole needs to be in the 1-2” size, and they need be placed closer to the perimeter, but not placed so the edge of the hole is closer than about 1” to the break for the bearing edge. In other words, for the best tone, you need to keep as much of the center of the resonant head intact as possible. And again, it’s not the number, it’s the area displaced that can make a big difference and where that area is removed. You can make any number you want, in the following example to illustrate the concept we'll make two holes to represent the maximum area displaced by a common 7 inch hole.

The math is simple. We first need to calculate the area of a 7” hole. To do this we use the formula Pi(R²). So first find half of the diameter of the 7" hole (the radius), which is 3.5”. Now multiply that times itself. So 3.5 x 3.5 = 12.25. Then take this result of 12.25 and multiply it times Pi, which is 3.142. So we now have 12.25 x 3.142 = 38.5. So the area of the 7 inch hole we started with is 38.5 square inches. This 38.5 sq. in. is important. We will simply round it up to 40 square inches, cause close is enough.

Now we can use any number of holes as long as is does not cumulatively exceed 40 square inches of total area. Yet at the same time does equal 40 square inches. This will be the same air relief as having one 7” hole and the end result will be more center surface are and a stronger bass affect.

Now take the 40 sq. in. and divide by 2, 3, or 4, what ever. Let’s say you want 3 holes. 40 ÷ 3 = 13.33. So 13.33 is the maximum area for each of the 3 holes. So we now take the 13.33 ÷ Pi (which is 3.142) = 4.24. Now extract the square root (from a math table or calculator) of 4.24 and you get 2.06. So 2 x 2.06 = 4.12. This means 3 holes of 4.12 diameter will give the same acoustic result as a single 7” hole.

Let’s say you have1 hole of a diameter of 4.5”, a common bass drum hole. Let’s compute the area displaced by that single 4.5” hole. (Math: 4.5 ÷ 2 = 2.25, THEN 2.25 x 2.25 = 5.0625, THEN 5.0625 x 3.142 = 15.9). A 4.5” hole has an area of 15.9 sq. in.

In the above example we show that if we were to use 2 holes of 4.5”, the cumulative affect will have less area (31.8 sq. in. total) than that of a single 7” hole, whichj we learned was about 40 sq. in. The 2 – 4.5” holes will therefore be a little more bass heavy than will a head with a 7” hole because they do not remove as much of the heads surface, although you probably will not hear it.

As the bass drum is equipped with a solid resonant head, it will always sound warmer or more bass heavy. The smaller holes are designed to allow relief yet still allow the resonant head to resonate. As you cut away more of the head there is less to resonate.

More large holes will make the drum a little louder and more present out front. Smaller holes around the perimeter gives better feel but the drum retains warmth.

So if you want more acoustic impact from the resonant head itself, create less “hole” area

icystyck

01-30-2006, 06:00 AM

Making a hole in a front bass head.
One thing my teacher suggested--and it worked great. is to-
1.take the head off
2.heat up a coffe can(or anything that is round, and made of metal)
3.when it is hot enough,press it down on the head to make a hole

pearldjian0711

02-10-2006, 08:10 AM

i wanna put a hole on the front bass reso head. how big should the hole be? and how would i cut a perfect circle? oh and where is the best place to put the hole (more to the center or side?)

harryconway

02-10-2006, 08:27 AM

Guitar center or most drum shops should have the HOLZ system. It's 2 plastic rings that snap together, real easy to install. Are you doing this for recording purposes or to vent the bass drum?

iconn

02-13-2006, 02:47 AM

If you're doing it for the purpose of miking the drum, make sure you put the hole high enough off the floor so the stubby boom stand can go in the hole. I cut one once too low, & couldn't get the boom in it. Oops!

The only obvious solution to this would be to hang the mic from the ceiling, and then drop 'er down in there... or you could just rotate the head.

quick_learner

02-27-2006, 11:31 AM

for a 22 inch bass drum what hole size would be good?
i need a good balance between resonance and micing placement convenience.

TopCat

02-27-2006, 01:02 PM

Hi, i'm assuming this is the right thread. What's the best way to port the bass reso head? Stanley knife + stencil? any suggestions appreciated.

adamjames

02-27-2006, 02:01 PM

Get an aquarian regulator with a 4 inch hole already in it. Cutting holes on your own can be done but most of the time it ends with a ruined head. I have also seen black remo ambassadors with the 7 inch hole in the center. They were just plain black, no logo.

lilblakdak

02-27-2006, 03:05 PM

A 4" hole at about 4 o'clock on your head should work fine. You can buy a hole cutter, or get a really sharp exacto-knife and a 4' tin can and take your time, you only get one shot at it.

harryconway

02-27-2006, 08:46 PM

fanagel

02-27-2006, 10:25 PM

google the "Drum tuner's bible". Great teachings on everything...including but not limited to ....why cut a hole, size of hole to cut, where to cut the hole etc. etc...

onemat

02-27-2006, 10:30 PM

I use the HOLZ system. 2 plastic rings, with adhesive already on them. Comes with easy to read instructions. Makes for a pro-looking front head. I've used the system 5 times myself and not messed up a reso. head once.

I agree HOLZ works well. BEWARE of the imitation HOLZ kit that Guitar Center sells. The rings do not stay snapped together. I have installed numerous HOLZ kits without a problem. It works well and east with an Exacto knife with a sharp brrand new blade installed...

Matt

RTDRUMS

02-28-2006, 01:18 AM

A 4" hole at about 4 o'clock on your head should work fine. You can buy a hole cutter, or get a really sharp exacto-knife and a 4' tin can and take your time, you only get one shot at it.

4" hole at 4 oclock is about standard with todays drummers.... the best thing is to get an Aquarian Port Hole... you just plopp it on and cut the hole with a sharp utility knife... I do this on 90% of the drum sets I sell... its easy and you dont have to worry about the hole ripping...

Guinness

02-28-2006, 01:54 AM

I'll tell you a secret that will take all the worry out of cutting that hole. Take an empty coffee can with the diameter you're looking for. Next, go turn on the stove and set the can upside down where the open end is touching the burner. As soon as you get it heated up nice and hot, take some oven mitts and grab the can, place it over the bass drum head and watch it melt a perfect circle. Be sure to get it centered up where you want it before you lower the boom. It goes very quick. It makes a nice clean cut. Good luck.

Danny

02-28-2006, 03:46 AM

isn't that one of alex van halen's tricks? Thought i heard that he did that or something...

Tuxido

04-17-2006, 11:07 PM

Hi, im planning on making a port in my in my bass drum, ive read prof sounds toughts on it and i think it will help me get closer to the sound i want, but i cant find a topic that says how to cut it, the only thing i found on here was to heat up a something circular made of metal and to push on the head, does thi really work ?
Does anybody have tips on how to cut it ?

Jeff Almeyda

04-17-2006, 11:30 PM

I've always used heads with pre-cut holes but I believe that some drumhead or accessory companies make a tool for porting the head. It includes a ring that keeps the hole from tearing at the edges.

gdrumz

04-17-2006, 11:40 PM

Hello Tuxido,
I have some knowledge on the subject since I have done my own porting. The best and most important thing is not to heat anything and apply to the drum heads. This will only serve to ruin a drumhead and make a mess of things. I suggest that you get a circular compass and painter's masking tape first.
Follow these steps:
1)Tape up the head area that will be cut by applying the tape to the head.
2) Use the compass to trace out the diameter cut size: (4" is the best all round port size in the 4 O'clock position) you won't loose to much front head resonance.
3) With the head on the drum and tensioned, cut out the traced outline with a single edge razor blade ( make the cut in a vertical motion going around the head. Take you time with this as to not to create jaggered edges.(short passes are better)
4)After cutting out the head portion not needed, sand the inner cut portion of head with 320 grit sand paper to smooth out any imperfections. Be careful not to sand the face of the head. ( Appy tape to the surface to protect this face) Good Luck!!!!!!
Let me know how it turns out tuxido...... wagaad@msn.com

harryconway

04-17-2006, 11:44 PM

A product called HOLZ consists of two plastic rings that have adhesive on them. You place one on the drum head, cut inside the ring (with a razor or real sharp knife), snap second ring onto other side of drum head. Done.

Tuxido

04-17-2006, 11:56 PM

Wow, thx Gdrumz, thats exactly what i needed, ill post pictures when im done ( probly in a couple of days)

Tuxido

04-18-2006, 12:52 AM

Done ! Thanks!
My hearth was beating really fast at the beginning, so my tip is, to calm down and to apply controlled force when cutting to avoid slipping.
And got an idea, your description + my pic = how to port a bass drum tread ?

heres the pics;

http://p4.piczo.com/img/i68518946_47546_4.jpg
http://p4.piczo.com/img/i72872865_11727_4.jpg
http://p4.piczo.com/img/i67792743_46139_4.jpg
http://p4.piczo.com/img/i68518947_24977_4.jpg
http://p4.piczo.com/img/i74309897_37624_4.jpg
^^messed up there (slipped) but fixed it with the sandpaper, :)
http://p4.piczo.com/img/i69071858_80596_4.jpg

Mediocrefunkybeat

04-18-2006, 01:12 AM

Good job. Now I suggest you purchase a reinforcement ring (as mentioned above such as a 'Holz' to prevent a tear from developing. At the very least apply some clear tape around the circumference of the hole to help reinforce slightly (as emphasised above) good job, I'd be scared to ruin my Resonant head as you don't see too many Tamburos around.

Tuxido

04-18-2006, 01:17 AM

yeah, ill do that when i buy my hats *knock on wood* saturday.
i really was shaking when i was cutting, haha..
but it turned out good.:)

Sabian228869

04-27-2006, 01:26 AM

Just wondering what the general consensus was regarding the 'new trend' using 2 holes in the resonant kick head. I have always used one 5 or 6'' hole,right of center. As of late I have noticed alot of drummers using 2 holes and wondered what the effect on the sound is. Some,even though they have two holes,are only using one mic when playing live. I play rock on a 22x18 Mapex Pro M also. Thanks for the responses......

RMS

04-27-2006, 02:17 AM

Maybe they like how thier bass drum sounds without a reso head...but they don't like how that looks? But just one hole in the center would have that effect...

The only other thing that I can think of is two bass mics, both inside the drum, which doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me. Two mics are great but to put them both in the same area is pointless...Plus you said that guy wasn't using two mics...Hmmm....

anyone know for sure? I was gonna say so you can put the mic stand on either side, but that isn't an issue unless you are using a very small stand...

harryconway

04-27-2006, 08:50 AM

Mostly I think it's just the latest fashion craze. I've even seen reso. heads with 3 ports in them. 2 or more ports basically negates the reso. head altogether.

Loge

04-27-2006, 09:35 AM

The stock head that came new on my '87 Premier kick had two holes - about a 5" near center and and a smaller one closer to the hoop. This was common on 80's Premiers for a while. I never figured out what the point was sound wise- figured it must be for looks instead of some special sonic advantage. Replaced it fairly soon with a Remo reso (stock heads often leave a lot to be desired). Later it came to mind that the maybe the large port was for placement of a large mic (D-112) inside and close to the batter, while the small one could accept a dynamic mic (SM57) placed slightly inside the reso to pickup the sound of the front of the drum as reinforcement.
Who knows? Head was long gone when I thought of this.

BigSexyPanda

05-04-2006, 07:18 AM

is it smart? is it stupid? is it worth it? does it actually help to open up the sound and make it sound better? or is it better to just get a new resonant head with a hole in it? and one more question, do bands usually cut holes, or do they usually just get heads with holes in em? had argument with friend want to know which sides right. thanks ahead of time.

rendezvous_drummer

05-04-2006, 07:42 AM

wow so many questions haha..
Alright, first off, it's a totally personal option. Some like it, some don't. The holes are mainly used to lessen the boom i find and it helps record because you can place the mic right inside. If you want to cut a hole, a good width is between 6-10" but don't go beyond that. I prefer the bass with no hole and just a little blanket in it to give a real nice boooooom sound. Don't choke the bass drum too much with blankets and pillows. Also once you cut the hole, either go out and buy a ring to place on the cut part to stop further tearing, or place tape around it.

harryconway

05-04-2006, 09:00 AM

There is a drum head hole system called HOLZ that works great. I've used it on all the reso. heads I have that have ports.

moe.ron

05-04-2006, 12:58 PM

instead of doing it yourself i would suggest getting a aquarian regulator with a hole. awesome head and it muffles a little so if you have a superkickII or Emad you're set.

BigSexyPanda

05-04-2006, 08:28 PM

are those resonant heads expensive?

and well the bass drum i have, i dont know if its just the beater or maybe i havent taken enough time trying to tune it, but it just doesnt sound like a bass drum. haha it has this nasty smack noise to it sometimes, and ive gotten it to where it sorta has the boom to it, but now my only problem is amplification, which is why i wanted to try to cut a hole to mic it.

Guinness

05-04-2006, 08:34 PM

Don't cut the hole, melt it. Use a small coffee can and heat it up on an electric burner and drop it on the head. It cuts almost instantly so be sure you have good control of the can.

cdrums21

05-04-2006, 09:26 PM

Cutting a hole in the front bass drum serves two purposes. One, it is used for miking purposes to get a microphone inide the bass drum for a more isolated sound, and two, to reduce the resonance of the drum. The bigger the hole in the drum, the less resonant the drum becomes. Most companies that supply drumheads with a hole already cut in it have holes in the center of the drum about 10" in diameter, or a smaller hole offset about 6" in diameter. I personally prefer an even smaller hole, about 4" in the 4 o'clock position on the head to retain a good amount of boom but still being able to insert a microphone. If you aren't miking, I would not cut a hole out and tune the drum to get a big powerful sound. If you are miking, get an old head and experiment with hole sizes to find the amount of resonance you like before you actually make a hole. A great way to cut a hole is to find a metal circular object that is the size hole you want (I use a small coffee can). Heat it on a burner on your stove 'til it gets pretty hot, place it quickly on the drum head where you want it and press firmly. It will melt right through the head and give you a perfect hole every time. You may want to try it on an old head first. Good luck!

jollymosher

05-12-2006, 04:08 AM

you want a 6-8inch hole you can put it anywhere. i suggest taking electrical tape and reinforcing it on the inside.but make sure you only put 1 layer so you dont change the sound to much.

Ekim

05-13-2006, 08:34 PM

The heated coffee can trick worked for me just fine. Just be careful what you have UNDER the head. I marked up my mom's cutting board so now (after 10 years or so now) it still has that semi-circle mark on it.

cdrums21

05-24-2006, 11:37 AM

I can't agree with you on your reply jollymosher. Putting a 6 to 8 inch hole in the bass drum will significantly reduce the amount of resonance from the bass drum, especially an 8 inch hole. Too much if you want to retain some boom. Putting that hole in the middle of the head will reduce the resonance even more, since most of the force from the impact of the beater on the batter head will be directed toward the center of the front head, so it does matter where the hole is placed. Also, reinforcing the hole from the inside is a good idea, but I wouldn't use electrical tape. It looks like crap if a light shines through the back of the kick drum and casts a shadow on the head. I cut a "donut" out of an old front head the same size as the hole and used contact cement to glue it onto the head around the hole. It reinforces the hole really well, looks neat and professional if lights from behind cast a shadow on the front kick head, and it doesn't change the sound at all.

Bernhard

05-24-2006, 12:07 PM

A good useful thing in my opinion are the 6 very little holes in DW-front BassDrum Heads. They do the job perfectly....

That's also the reason they are in black colors, so you don't see them.

Bernhard

cdrums21

05-24-2006, 12:50 PM

The DW head looks great and probably works well, but what about miking purposes? That's the only drawback I see to that head for live playing and having to deal with different sound companies and sound techs who prefer to place a microphone in the drum.

Bernhard

05-24-2006, 01:30 PM

cdrums21

05-24-2006, 02:34 PM

Good point, forgot about the aspect of internal mounting of the mics. Do you do that? How do you like it? I'm thinking about it. I've had great mics of my own in the past when I played out on tour, but as of the past few years, I sold most of my microphones and processing and just let whoever was mic'ing the kit to slap a mic in the small hole I have in the front head. It gets a great sound, but an internal mic sounds cool too.

Bernhard

05-27-2006, 10:56 AM

Here are the inside mics for DW Drums

My opinion is that miking a open BassDrum or through holes gives not a very good sound. Or if so, there are two mics needed - one also for the batter head from behind. Best sound in my opinion - this fat sound - is achieved by taking the Sound from the closed fronthead.

Anyway: taking mic sound is only a general source for the definitive mixing on the board - there you can get every sound you want.

Bernhard

cdrums21

05-27-2006, 01:10 PM

I would agree with you about the quality of sound with the internal miking system being better, it makes sense, but if that's the case, why don't you see it used more often? On TV shows, live concerts, recording sessions, the bass drum is miked through a small hole in the front of the drum 99% of the time. Your thoughts??

Bernhard

05-27-2006, 01:15 PM

cdrums21

05-27-2006, 01:33 PM

I hope you're right...I love the sound of the kick with a full front head! So much bigger and more powerful!

jangus

06-11-2006, 01:50 AM

The only person I can think of on TV that doesnt have an internal mic is Max Weinberg.

http://www.drummerworld.com/pics/drum/drummerpictures5/max_Weinberg2.jpg

pearl_floyd

07-08-2006, 04:47 AM

I was reading that having a hole in your kick drum helps air escape more easily from the drum and i'm finding that my pedal is bouncing off of the batter head more then once everytime i hit it. Would putting a hole in the reso head help with that?

cdrums21

07-11-2006, 02:16 PM

Yes it would. My pedal beater is harder to control with a full front head on. It wants to bounce off the batter head a little more rather than laying into it.

ucsd_drummer

07-25-2006, 10:11 AM

well, i'm a big fan of the hole in the reso head, it really helps the bounce back and also lets you adjust whatever you have inside the bass head, or take it out altogether, without removing the actual head. as for how i cut mine, my mother does Creative Memories scrapbooking, and they actually have numerous tools for cutting circles out of photos in various sizes. I used the tool that was basically a circular track that a special razor mounted on, and cut along the track. Absolutely perfect circle, no flaws, i've had it for over a year and no tears to date.

jeb

maybetoday

08-31-2006, 04:45 AM

Hey, what about a reso head with 2 holes in the bottom corners of the head? I recently ordered a kit with the 2 holes in the lower corners. I prob still have time to change it to one hole. I am looking for a really loud bass drum that cuts through the mix. If two holes takes away from the volume, then I'll go with one.

What are the facts of two holes? Does it make that much a difference than one hole?

Also they are 5" so not too big either.

Caleb

09-04-2006, 12:54 AM

Would it be better to cut a hole in the resonant head if the bass drum has muffling or not?

Proggy illusions

09-12-2006, 02:21 AM

I have a Mapex Pro M 2006 kit and it sounds amazing. It didn't come with a hole, I first wanted to cut one in there, but I can't part with the sound it gives me; so much warmth, so much boom, so much maple resonation, gets you right in the guts. Although, I had to learn to play with my beater off the drum without using the heel down technique cuz I play rock head so it resonates to its full potential, cuz if you got no hole and you leave your beater on the bass drum, you're choking it and muffling it so if you play with the beater on the bass drum better off with a whole cuz you won't get a nice sound with no hole resonant head by leaving the beater on.

no hole is awesome, but the rebound may be a bitch at first...

drumbandit

11-06-2006, 03:55 PM

could you cut a port in an aquarian regulator reso head?you can buy em with the whole pre-cut but i have holz and they dont do 4 3/4 inch rings.so i may order one without and cut it myself??

sabshga

11-18-2006, 03:26 AM

I use a resonant head with no hole. I love the sound. I play rock, funk, R&B, blues and New orleans secpnd line. I agree that the sound can be too boomy so I have been using a Remo Mufflz tone control ring on the resonant side (a foam ring held against the inside of the head by a plastic collar that goes over the bearing edge before you put the head on). This leaves it full sounding but cuts down the ring to a manageable level. To move the air and get the beater to strike properly, I started using the Evans vented head on the batter side. It has tiny holes all around the perimeter of the head. It is a very fat sound, and I don't have any problems with the beater bouncing around on the imapct pad because the vents in the batter head give a good enough amount of room for the air to escape. Finally, regarding mike placement: the batter side gets miked. I love the sound and this is the way I fly after many different combinations over the years.

Regarding the hot coffee can. I don't know if anyone mentioned this but usually you get some stringy pieces of melted pastic adhering to the can when you take it off. It's a good idea to use some sandpaper to clear that stuff away. But as I say, I no longer get involved in this.

Regards,

Gary
Dix Hills, NY

Madwatch

01-18-2007, 06:09 AM

mikei

02-13-2007, 06:23 AM

What ever you do, do not cut a hole in the head while the head is attached.

I was doing a great job. When the blade got to the nearest edge, it just slit open all the way to the outer edge of the head.

The good news is that it looks so bad now, that my wife made me buy a pair of new ported regulators!

cantstandyourfunk

02-14-2007, 06:09 PM

Anyone wanna help me out?

My drum tech friend who does it has a unique technique. He takes the can lid, and a pin, and just traces out the hole on the specific location of the head. Works like magic, and the hole has practically 0 bearing edge.

cantstandyourfunk

02-14-2007, 06:12 PM

Echo

03-15-2007, 02:33 PM

Cutting a hole in the back i think really helps the sound and cuts out this 'boom' everyone's mentioning, but never cut it in the center all the air just sods off out the back and kills the natural resonance of the shell.
Nad with regards to dampening just buy an emad2 a beautiful head which fits many (not all) musics. And it can make a cheap bass sound stonking.

xcrazzy2xbass

03-15-2007, 11:24 PM

I have three holes going vertically on the right side for the head and alot of duck tape. hey, it works.

jrrucH

03-24-2007, 08:18 PM

before i place hole in bass, i will use a can to burn, do i loosen the head? leave it stretched? i am not sure abt that??

BertTheDrummer

04-14-2007, 06:23 AM

here's another idea that my fiancee actually came up with, she does a lot of scrap booking, go to the local crafts store (Hobby Lobby etc) and you can pickup a circle cutter, you can get cheap ones for like $10-$15... works like magic with no fuss about trying to get a straight cut. Some I've seen are even adjustable from 1-8"

rhythmjunkie

05-12-2007, 05:59 AM

Hey what's up guys? If you cut the hole in the center of the bass drum, it's like not having a front head at all. If you want the hole to serve the purpose of a mic' portal, it's good to have it between 4"-8" on the very outside edge of the head. I put mine halfway up and all the way to the right. It's 8". My yamaha kit came with a plastic ring, that was 8", with an adhesive on the back of it. I just stuck the ring on and then cut the inner circle out with a razor blade. It's a good idea to sand down the hole after you cut it out, also. You or some sound guy could get cut on the sharp edges. Also a 6" or 8" splash cymbal is good to trace a circle, and then cut the circle out with a razor blade. Some sand-papering will clean up the edges.

maniacondrums

07-04-2007, 02:14 PM

Victor_se

07-15-2007, 06:20 AM

I have a 22" Bass Drum whit a 5" hole in the right bttom of the head

it sound cool, have a nice low.end and i think it doesnt affect teh atack

punkuzz900

07-23-2007, 11:28 AM

mickeyotc

07-24-2007, 12:39 AM

I recently emailed dw and complained about the fact my 7000 pedal bounces massively. I got a reply saying that if I were to cut a 6" inch Porthole, It would let more air out solving the problem. Can I have a few opinions on that.

The hole definitely solves the pedal bounce problem, which is the only reason I have a hole in my front head. To me, it requires a completely different foot technique to play on kit with no hole in the front head.

I'd like to know more about how to successfully play without the hole, because at times I have been required to play on a backline or house kit that has no hole and it is awful for me.

If anyone has any input on, or suggestions for this, I would love to hear it!! Thanks.

ddrummer

08-10-2007, 04:57 AM

I was hoping someone could help me with this subject too. I've been drumming for about almost 3 years now and I have a 20"(diameter)x16"(depth) bass drum, anyone got suggestions for a hole size and how to go about it. I know cutting a hole gives the bass drum more beater attack presence, but want to try and keep as much bass depth in the sound as I can. Anyone got any suggestions?

If you take your bass drum skin to your local drum shop they should cut the hole for you and show you the right size. note if u are a recording in a band make shure they cut the hole in thr middle of the skin as it makes it easier to put the mic in u can have the hole to the left or right.. what ever u like but it must be half way up the skin. now for your depth issue make your front bass skin fairly loose only make your lugs just past finger tight this works really well for me but make shure its not to loose of it will just make a flapping noise....

liam1523

08-21-2007, 09:17 PM

I have a 22" bass drum! What is the best size of hole for my bass drum?????????????????????????

Liam

druid

08-23-2007, 09:32 PM

I have to agree that DW has one of ...if not the best solution with the vented front heads....I also am NOT a big fan of dead thumpy bass drums....I think drums are supposed to have some tone...and you can't add back in what you take away....I used to have a porthole...or no front heads...I would never go back to that version again.

seanardo

08-25-2007, 03:09 AM

A warning to anyone considering getting bass drum hole re-enforcements. Stick to the Holz brand, I bought one of those Bass Drum O's from Ebay but the two parts don't stay together!! Someone has mentioned this already, just wanted to re-iterate...

Mystic

12-05-2007, 03:54 PM

The max hole size I would put is a 6" but I have a 4" which did enhance the sound of my bass a bit and it hardly touched the resonance. I just used the melting can trick and duct tape on the hole and it worked fine. Just throw an empty can upside down on the stove until it is very hot and then place it on the head where you want the hole and it will melt it percisely.

Garvin

12-05-2007, 04:21 PM

Quick funny story about cutting a hole over Thanksgiving...

I was visiting my wifes family, and staying with my brother-in-law who is also a drummer. He had a really nice Mapex kit that needed some love. It was all taped up and the bass drum was literally stuffed with egg-crate and blankets and was totally dead. After a few (dozen) beers that day I decided to help him bring the kit to life. We spent an hour or so retuning everything and ended with the bass drum. I gave him my opinion about cutting holes and told him that I'd screwed up every one I ever trid to do free hand, but he was an "artist" and insisted that he was a master with an X-acto knife. I asked if he needed another round. He strapped a head-lamp to his head and looking like a deranged surgeon began carving into the head. About 15 minutes later and a lot of laughter he ended up with a not-so-round, CD sized hole in no particular semetrical alignment on his bass drum. We went to the shop the next day and got a new head.

Lesson? DON"T CUT A HOLE FREEHAND WHILE DRINKING!

Victor_se

12-07-2007, 09:55 PM

hahahahaha

Good adivce Garvin.

A good advice too is don't drink any wine or something while you're carring your things to your car, usually the Bars or venues are little hot and outside a little cold....not a good mix

Victor

drumdruid

02-24-2008, 10:20 AM

Folks,
Theres a great tool from Holz ... same guys who make the drum `O`s for cutting holes , works perfect every time and you can adjust it from like 1 inch to 10....

dr.funkenstien

03-25-2008, 11:06 PM

What i did to cut a hole in my front kick skin is heat up a Tim Hortons coffee can and just burn a nice whole in it. I prefer to by them with the hole cause they have the rings around them already incase you rip them.

Les Ismore

04-19-2008, 11:46 PM

Has this been posted yet?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wStcDiAZnyM

si20

06-12-2008, 06:54 PM

I never record at the moment but i do play live. Would I be better off to put a hole in my reso head? I am probably not going to do so as I like the sound of my bass drum at the moment and I do not like the sound of the beater actually making contact with the head but I just thought I would see what u guys views are.

jaybanger

08-19-2008, 06:02 PM

short answer:definately cut the hole. Here's why in my opinion: someone made reference to Max's kit on the Conan O'Brien show. He doesn't have a hole in the resonant head. That kit never moves from the riser probably. He is dealing with the best of the best of everything. Sound engineers, mics and who knows what else. Most of us are dealing with the other side of that coin. Different place everyday, setting up quickly, a great or not so great sound man. In my opinion the kick drum should breathe. 6" to 4" hole at about 4:30 or 5:00 on the resonant head. It won't kill the resonance. Holz makes a good tool for that.

TCWill76

08-27-2008, 08:04 PM

I just got finished using a heated 4" coffee can on my front bass head. It worked great!!! very easy, very precise.

Vipercussionist

09-03-2008, 07:42 PM

hi,

just a quick question for you all - I have a Tama Rockstar - 4 pce. Pretty basic, but it suits my playing (basic). I've had it about 7 months - I still have the heads it came with on, which I am going to change to EC2's in the next month or so. I have my kick drum tuned as low as possible - I like a big sound - and have no hole in the resonant head. And to my ears it sounds good, y’know big.

I played a gig last night (1st one in ages - went really well, loads of fun). As I was setting up and chatting to the sound guy he said that I should cut a small hole in the front skin for micing. He seemed to think that mics have got a lot better over the last few years and a hole is the way to go.

Thing is I really love a big kick – it drives the song – and to my ears my kick sounded real good last night – and drummers I love from back in the day didn’t have hole in their kick drums…

So what do ya think – hole or not? And why? I find there's no substitute for what YOU need on stage, if that means NO HOLE, then that's the way it is. You are the musician, and it's about YOU, not the soundman.

I've had soundmen come at my drumheads with razor knives thinking they're just gonna make an incision into a 50+ dollar 26 inch drum head, one guy was about to do it without even ASKING!!!!! I don't THINK so!!

I've played PLENTY of gigs to know that it IS possible to get a cool sound with the heads intact, but it depends on the skillz of the technician, most of which are CLUELESS as to even know how to ATTEMPT it.

OK, that being said you must be diplomatic in your approach to Mr. Clueless as he can make your night miserable.

I would then SUGGEST to him that he "Just try it" as you're SURE a technician of his skill level can make it work. Usually this "brown nosing" technique will get you through the evening without too much hassle..

If he is STILL resistant because he "Knows what the F@rque he's doing" you might suggest a second mic on the batter head to appease his high end deafness from standing too close to high output speakers for most of his life.

This attitude I know you must detect is not from the usual frustration that a drummer might have towards a soundman. It comes from a "been there done that" point of view that many drummers simply have not had.

I was a soundman for about 5 years for a cover band in the early 80's when equipment and outboard gear was no where NEAR as good as it is now, and I managed to figure out how to get things to work, so I don't have much sympathy for guys who can only figure out one way to skin the cat with a myriad of tools like gates and such to help them.

My point of view is NEVER compromise your sound. Did they ask Buddy Rich to put a hole in the kick drum's head? How about Bonham? Would those guys have been who they were without their drumtone? No, it's who they were and who YOU are.

Now that you've gotten through the night, you will of course need a PERMANENT solution to your dilemma which unfortunately WILL rear it's ugly head again.

Two words for you to click: Randall May (http://www.randallmay.com/internal_miking_system.php).

Check these systems out, and if you cannot afford one right from the source take a stab at making a version of your own, I did and it's worked out fabulously. I have NEVER had a soundman complain EVER about my kick drum with an internal mic, EVER. Problem solved, forever.
.

^^ MAN, I really can go on, 'EH??
.
.

Garvin

09-03-2008, 08:37 PM

drumhead61

09-03-2008, 09:02 PM

When I need a hole in my bass drum I use one of the two following methods...

1) I take both of my cats and make sure they are hungry, then I put them in my bass drum and tighten the ol' resonant head right down and put a small pile of food right outside the drum, making sure to clang the bowl so they know it's there...

or

2) I kick-kick-kick-kick in the same spot until my foot tears a rough hole in the general area of the desired hole...

Hmmm...this sounds like a pretty suspicious method...are you sure that this works? Can I use dogs instead of cats? What if I have neither, what would substitute? An Elephant? Maybe a GIRAFFE???

drumguyfromWI

11-01-2008, 02:59 AM

I just use an Aquarian Port-hole.

stoner

11-12-2008, 10:06 PM

Well I've just cut a hole in my Mapex M-Birch reso head and it's made an amazing difference. I did it because I needed relief from the feel and bouce I got with no hole. I like to bury the beater into the drum and with no port hole the rebound was just to much. So I've put a 4 inch hole in the front using an empty Heniz Chicken Soup tin (I think it's was the 800g size), heated it up on the stove and hey presto a perfect hole. So now I've got a stock reso with the hole and an Evans EMAD batter and that's it and I get the most incredible thud with a little bit of resonance due the the fact that the hole is only 4 inches. This is using the thinner foam ring as the batter muffling too and much better beater response. So I know it's personal preference but the test on the M-Birch bass drum has given good results and I'm well chuffed with it!

Ian Ballard

11-19-2008, 07:55 AM

I use a standard sized 22 x 16 bass but it sounds a lot bigger using a particular method:

I used an Evans EMAD batter head with the largest foam insert. I use circle of a(n old) coated Ambassador head Gorilla Glue'd to the spot where the beater makes contact. My resonant head is a Powerstroke 3 with a 4" hole cut in the CENTER with nothing inside the bass drum whatsoever. The reason for a center hole, is because the center has the least tone of the drumhead, therefore, cutting a hole there, gives a modicum of tone reduction compared to cutting one on the perimeter region. Plus, in certain situations where you want more "tone" and less "kick", you place the mic near the edge, instead of inside the hole. This setup provides an extremely versatile miking capability for various styles of music and rooms.

Another advantage to the center hole, is that the drum evacuates the air a bit faster than if the hole were offset, being that the impact of the beater is approximately directly across the drum. This allows more punchy reaction of the heads, but can be balanced by a higher tuning of the drum. You can get a HUGE sound this way, especially since there is nothing inside the drum inhibiting the maximum air volume inside and quick evacuation.

AronMapex

01-06-2009, 08:42 PM

Hey guys and girls,

I have a 16" bass drum with a Remo Fiberskyn 3 head on it. I want to cut/burn a hole on it to put a mic in it. How big should the hole be??

Infernal Valkyrie

03-22-2009, 11:28 PM

Thanks guys, this thread is very helpful. I'd probably buy a holz thing and trace it like that, or I could use a CD. fyi a cd is 4.75" just a tiny bit under 5" unless I measured wrong lol. I have a feeling that when I cut a hole in the reso, I'll need to add a little bit of muffling.

I'm not very knowledgable about smaller heads, but my guess is 3" hole or smaller for a 16" head.. I guess if you start smaller you could always make adjustments.

bradmapex

04-14-2009, 02:38 AM

how could you put a hole in a coated reso

DrumART Jim

04-14-2009, 02:57 AM

Uh, yeah:

http://www.olfaproducts.com/ProductDetail.jsp?LISTID=2F0000-1137369287

We've literally used ONE of these on the over 6000 heads we've done to this point -- Regulators, Classic Clears and Full Force alike. Not all of them have had ports, but many have had more than one. So, I'd say it's gone through at least 6000 cuts, and we're just now getting ready to replace it now. :)

--Jim.

spirit

04-14-2009, 10:25 AM

I hace seen sound guys just take a knife to someones bass drum and cut a hole in the front to place a mike..............I find that out of order- The poor guy was just going to start a set with his band and the sound geek ran over and did it without asking!!!

I have a 4 inch hole in mine off center about a third up- it has a silver holz fitting in it and it looks the bizz- I put it in for recording as I would have caved a sound mans head in if they came near my kit with a knife!
In truth I think it helps with the sound and makes for slightly lower tone- I can also adjust my eq pillows when I need to.
I cut the whole with a jam jar I think-- I just placed it on pushed it down and cut around it with a craft knife- job done!

trysthedrummer

04-18-2009, 01:48 PM

I just used a penknife on mine, did the trick. After I got the blue holz it was perfect! It even matched the blue stripe!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v312/trystan/DSC00520-1.jpg

eddiehimself

04-18-2009, 01:56 PM

I just used a penknife on mine, did the trick. After I got the blue holz it was perfect! It even matched the blue stripe!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v312/trystan/DSC00520-1.jpg

Nice one mate. I've been looking for a BD head like that, reckon it'd look a lot better on my kit than a black reso. Plus i'd rather have the big tama logo.

druid

06-01-2009, 05:49 PM

I hace seen sound guys just take a knife to someones bass drum and cut a hole in the front to place a mike..............I find that out of order- The poor guy was just going to start a set with his band and the sound geek ran over and did it without asking!!!
!

yeah....I find this EXTREMELY out of order......no way is some dude going to run up and cut a hole in my bass drum without asking. No ...Way.

And whoever said it is about the musician...not the soundguy? Bravo....Bravo...

Cymbalrider

06-13-2009, 09:16 PM

I just cut one in my reso head today. Easy and cheap way to do it:: Trace a CD with a razor, they are about the size you want and perfectly round. You can tape it down in the middle hole to hold it in place if you like. Of course this way is free, if you want it done nicely it's probably better to buy one of those kits that come with the hole reinforcement things.

cravistaz

06-20-2009, 08:20 AM

google the "Drum tuner's bible". Great teachings on everything...including but not limited to ....

Tellboy13

08-11-2009, 03:12 AM

If you go on youtube there are a few tutorials on cutting bass drum ports. The best seems to be the heated can method which burns through the skin and has no rough edges to clean up.

the_drum_dad

09-24-2009, 10:21 PM

Holz cutter and Holz rings rock. IMHO of course.

http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/4/l_852d8b13ff054bd6a6e17af72ea1b723.jpg

Stvst29

01-29-2010, 06:19 AM

when I cut my rsonant bass drum head, I actually found it easier to play faster, and there is a great balance between tone and punch...

I cut mine 4 inches..burned a hole right through it....a little smelly though

SharkyBait911

02-07-2010, 02:27 PM

Stanely knife to make the whole and then just buy a 6/4 inch bass drum 'O' because there worth every penny. If your looking to mike the kit id go for 6" but if you just want more of a thud to your bass drum 4" will do.

thtst

03-06-2010, 06:25 AM

Cut? Not sure if this was mentioned yet i used the old-school heated can trick.

Basically, go to the store and find a canned product that uses the diameter you want the hole to be.

Place bass drum head on heat-resistant surface (paved driveway as an example)

Take the sealed can to the bass drum head and make a note where you want the hole.

Open can, empty can (in garbage or eat whatever is it in), clean the can, remove outer paper and remove unopened side so both sides of can are open.

Heat can on a top burner at med-high temp (setting depends on stove of course).

Once heated, use pot holder to grasp can and use it to melt a hold in the heat.

This makes a hole PLUS 'reseals' the plastic per se, thus avoiding any tear problems.

And yes, this is dangerous due to high heat so please be a drummer with a highish IQ level if you choose to do this. i take ZERO liability for your stupidity.

It is easier than it sounds, yet wanted to give a full step by step description.

Rhythmkid

03-10-2010, 03:18 PM

Hi there, I am yet to be sold a bass drum head that has been pre cut by any drum head manufacturer, please excuse my ignorance, do they sell them? Some people purchase brand new denim with holes, why would they do that ? Have they been hanging around with sound technicians? How about suspending a microphone inside the bass drum. It has been achieved in days past. If it is needed to capture the sound correctly then why not put holes in the heads of the other drums on the kit ?

Axe

03-11-2010, 04:17 PM

Ive never had holes, and Ive always gotten the skeptical comments from sound guys....and then that was immediately followed up by "Hmnnn, sounds pretty good!". So if you have a sound guy thats willing to work with you, it shouldnt be an issue. Im thinking of putting a 5" in my 24" though just to get rid of that slight bit of bounce back.

iTsNotTim

03-13-2010, 06:41 AM

Hey you could always go to Guitar Center and they'll cut a whole for you free. And you could pay them to put the plastic thing around the whole. (Sorry idk the name for it)

simmsdn

03-17-2010, 05:02 AM

Drum-Head

03-17-2010, 05:14 AM

Maybe it's just me and 20+ years of drumming, but the only people who cut holes in drum heads:

1. Were talked into it by a sound "engineer"
2. Bought a kit with a hole already in the head
3. Have no idea how to tune a bass drum
4. Have no idea how to mic a bass drum
5. Have no idea how to mix/record drums

Do you play with a twin pedal? It's a pain in the buttocks to play a non ported kick with one - there is too much feedback since the beaters bounce back off the head and not enough definition sound-wise. Especially for songs in which you play patterns/16th note doubles etc. It comes out as a mess. I haven't been playing as long a you, but in my experience I have yet to see someone who plays those kind of tunes with non ported kicks.

Having a ported reso depends on the sound, feel you are going for and even music you play...

drumming sort of person

03-29-2010, 10:11 PM

grungeandpunkrockliveson

04-06-2010, 03:20 AM

I was wondering, I really don't want to put a hole in the resonate head because I like the fat sound with lots of resonance so could I put a hole in the batter head instead?

Pocket-full-of-gold

04-06-2010, 03:44 AM

I was wondering, I really don't want to put a hole in the resonate head because I like the fat sound with lots of resonance so could I put a hole in the batter head instead?

If you like the "fat sound with lot's of resonance", why put a port hole in at all? If you're happy with the sound, leave it as it is.

To answer your question though. I wouldn't dream of it. The initial tone is provided by the batter head. Porting the batter would make it sound completely lifeless IMO. Much the same way that a stick hole in the batter head of a snare or tom ruins the tone. Plus the constant beater attack would cause premature stretching and damage to the batter head if it had a hole in it.

I know there are vented snare batter heads, but I feel this is a different process to what you are asking.

bobdadruma

04-06-2010, 05:00 AM

I was wondering, I really don't want to put a hole in the resonate head because I like the fat sound with lots of resonance so could I put a hole in the batter head instead?I actually did this with an SKII. I was going to change it anyway so I experimented. I played it for a day or two with no ill effects. It didn't really sound that bad. More sound was projected at me through the port.
I say go for it if you want to try it.

Pocket-full-of-gold

04-06-2010, 08:07 AM

I actually did this with an SKII. I was going to change it anyway so I experimented. I played it for a day or two with no ill effects. It didn't really sound that bad. More sound was projected at me through the port.
I say go for it if you want to try it.

Well.......you live and learn Bob. I've never seen it done.....and certainly never heard of it being done. I personally thought it'd be a train wreck, to be honest. Interesting indeed. Glad you chimed in mate!

Grunge......I await your verdict. If you do it, please post your thoughts on the matter. I'd love to hear your findings.

bobdadruma

04-06-2010, 11:39 PM

Well.......you live and learn Bob. I've never seen it done.....and certainly never heard of it being done. I personally thought it'd be a train wreck, to be honest. Interesting indeed. Glad you chimed in mate!

Grunge......I await your verdict. If you do it, please post your thoughts on the matter. I'd love to hear your findings.It was a 3 1/2 inch port that I melted through the 20" two ply head.
If you use a reinforcement ring it will probably be more durable.
It was just one of those "What If" moments. I don't think that it would work well with a single ply head. I've had them split at the port when on the reso side of the bass.

Up2Speed

04-08-2010, 10:58 PM

The factory Drum Workshop resonant head made by remo has 3 small holes about 1/2 to 3/4 inch in diameter on each side near the outer edge. It sounds great. I think the sound is between a non-ported and ported head. The air is escaping out of 6 places instead of one so it has good resonance. Cutting 6 small holes my be labor intensive but maybe it's worth a try.

doctor_benway91

06-16-2010, 05:39 PM

A couple hours away I have a crappy Westbury kit at a friends for jamming whenever i am in the area. The bass sounded horrendous the first year of playing it there. I tried no reso head and it made it sound worse. I tried having the reso with a pillow inside, too muffled. Finally I took a Clear batter head used an 8" hole kit, threw that on and kept the pillow. It is probably the best bass drum sound out of a 20 dollar drum I could possibly imagine. I actually don't even mind playing the kit when I'm down there.

PeniScott

06-16-2010, 08:15 PM

After reading some of the first posts on this thread, i have to ask about the tin can method again. Whether it's been asked or not, i'm going to ask anyway.

How exactly are you meant to cut the head with the heated can. The initial processes are easy enough to grasp but do you gently press the heated can onto the head and then gradually press down? Do you just find out where you want the hole and just push it straight down? Do you put the can on the head, wait a few seconds for it to melt a bit then push it down?

I've wanted a ported reso for a while and then eventually get together some cash for a Kick Port but until i find out how to actually get a hole in the reso head, i can't do any of that. And there are no doubt many other methods to do this as well so i'm not spending money on a new reso unless i somehow get a lot of money sometime soon. There's no point in my eyes.

xoxo

azrae1l

06-16-2010, 09:13 PM

they mean don't heat up a can and force it threw all fast and hard. heat the can and gently press it on the head. the heat will melt it's way threw on it's own with no real force from you.

but if your not comfortable doing it this way...
http://www.zzounds.com/item--DMOCUTTER
a tool like this may work for you, you just set one end in the center of the port location, spin in a circle and instant port hole....

chrisnope

07-10-2010, 03:44 PM

If I were you I would simply get a can or something 4"-6" in diameter and trace it on the back side of the head. Then cut it out, ideally with a razor tool or something similar. Even it its a bit jagged, purchasing a reso ring fixture like "holz" will cover it up. Just make sure that its a specific inch diameter because that's how those are measured. Remember that if your port hole is over 8 inches (i cannot remember but its either 8" or 10") then its the exact same as having no head at all. This is important to remember! I see guys with a 12" or more hole and I always wonder what it is they are attempting to accomplish. Might as well have nothing on in that case.

MisterZero

07-30-2010, 07:06 PM

The heated can trick is fantastic!!! I did it myself and it was a charm. Just like the earlier posts said. You simply get a can, I think I used a coffee can, 5 inches in diameter. Place it on a stove burner for about two minutes. Having you bass drum head OFF THE DRUMSET and ready, you simply take the heated can off the stove with potholders or something like that and place the can onto the bass drum head where you want the hole to go. IMPORTANT: make sure your bass drum head is positioned such that the can may go all the way through, or far enough so it gets the hole separated from the head. The one time, the can didnt sever entriely, and I got a small mess. The head "hung on" to the can. So, it would need to be elevated, I put mine on( head) on top of three stacks of books situated at points on the edges. Lastly, TAKE THE DECAL OR LABEL OFF THE CAN FIRST. I guess this should have been firstly. While my can was heating up, the label began smoking creating a pure panic in my household. Alarm went off, kids freaking out, crazy.

Good luck, it really is simple, just take each step slow.

young_hunter_2013

08-04-2010, 07:38 AM

Love the can trick, super easy and got me a perfect circle. Heated the thing up over a campfire (yes, a campfire) then just pressed it on to the bass head. I put a block of wood underneath the spot where it was going to melt through, but that isn't really necessary. I think all it did was make me have to lift up on my bass head to get it to cut through.

dave777

08-20-2010, 06:07 AM

I did it because I needed relief from the feel and bouce I got with no hole. I like to bury the beater into the drum and with no port hole the rebound was just to much.

that's the only reason i ever cut a hole - "bounce relief!". most of my clients like the full big sound - and if they want a more "clicky sound" i just pull out the d-6 mic! rarely do i ever need two mics on a kick for any session.

kbconsul

10-10-2010, 09:40 PM

I think I read most of the posts here, but I didn't see this bit of logic: If you have a hole cut in your resonance head, you can manipulate damping material inside the drum without having to shake it around to get it in the right place. On my 22" Ludwig classic maple, I used a Emad head and had no need for a hole in the front; it sounds GREAT! On my 26" Maple I haven't been able to find an Emad head in that size. It looks like Aquarian makes an Emad clone (or maybe Evans cloned Aquarian), I'll have to check it it. I currently have a pinstripe on the batter side of my 26", but not enough damping, so I bit the bullet and used an Aquarian Porthole on the front, mainly so I could move damping materials around... And I don't like the black Ludwig head anyway -- it's way too heavy --, so it's no big loss for me there... Of course, I couldn't find any damping material around, so I took a bunch of the grandkid's discarded stuffed animals... It's better, but I still probably need the Aquarian... anyone else make an Emad-type head in a 26?" (Oh, for you purists; if I ever get in a band that plays Zep again, I'll go back to Remo (unported) heads on the BD.

michaelangel07

11-24-2010, 08:33 PM

hi i had a question as well:

is it ok to cut the hole with the head already stretched on or does it need to be off and then put on?

michaelangel07

11-24-2010, 08:35 PM

RMcSlash

01-25-2011, 06:44 AM

I'm one of those, "back in the day" 70s and 80s club drummers who took the front head off completely. We were loud back in the day too, laying a Shure mike on the pillow jammed against the beater head inside the drum.
My little 20" Fibe sounded like a big, thick cardboard box getting hit with a baseball bat. Bap, Bap, Bap Bap, BAP!

A problem with that method was, you had to do something with the hoops, T-bolts and claws. Instead of letting them rattle around in my kit boxes, I stashed them in the back of a storage closet at the Club we were playing. We were on a circuit and had been hitting this particular roadhouse once a month and were scheduled to keep doing so . . .who knew. The next week our schedule changed and we didn't return to that club for almost four months.
It had changed ownership and of course my hoop and hardware were nowhere to be found.

Another problem with the no hoop/no head method is the front of the drum can start to get out of round. Especially since I was using the Premier Tom Mount that goes straight through the top of the bass and loads on the bottom.

With Fibes changing hands and going in and out of business over the years, I was never able to replace the parts.

I put the drums away about 1985, but broke them out again in 2000 to join a punk-pop band and start playing live again. the cardboard box sound worked well in the clubs, and when we went in the studio.

However, I wanted to get my set whole again, join the modern world with a small hole in the resonance head, and generally replace bits of hardware that were showing the wear of 30+ years.

I finally thought of searching eBay for hoops and Fibes Tbolts and Claws and in this last year have replaced everything that was worn broken or missing. The hardest find was the Fibes Tbolts and Claws, but I got them a month or so ago and started looking for Hoops.

There are tons of hoops on eBay, none Fibes, but I decided I could live with after market hoops. About two weeks ago they came up, a pair of Custom Rodgers Hoops, chromed metal, I got 'em for $55 for the pair including shipping.
Man, do they look sweet on those Clear Acrylic Drums with all that other chrome hardware.

So I searched and found this forum and this thread today, cause I was cutting a hole in the front head and was looking for guidance.
What I did was use a junk CD as the Template (about 4-1/2" dia.) to mark a circle, loosened the head but kept it on, then using the CD as a guide, I used the Exacto Knife to cut around the line. Worked perfectly.

Wordy first post, hope to keep exchanging info with you guys . . .

simmsdn

01-31-2011, 12:35 AM

Yeah, it's just you. Please list your discography of stuff you recorded without a hole in the resonant head. I'd love to hear some of it.

Recorded without a hole in the head. I use zero dampening in the bass drum...when you look through the batter side, you just see some nice clean looking maple...the way I like it.

If you're into the sound of a ported head, go for it. If you like concert toms and no resonant heads at all, go for that too.

My school of thought it, someone designed this drum a long time ago with two membranes that are in a symbiotic relationship with one another to move air and generate sound. Who am I to mess with that. If you want to mess with it, go ahead, but I am not.

NC68

02-12-2011, 04:16 PM

Has anyone ever use the hot can method on a Remo Fiberskyn 3? It almost seems like its not made of plastic so I'm unsure if the can would melt a hole through it. I could always cut the hole but the hot can method seems to be the easiest way to cut the hole.

laxation

03-10-2011, 11:42 PM

I used an empty tin to burn a hole in my head, worked like a charm! Cheers for the idea whoever came up with it.
Those suckers paying 30 bucks for a kit to do the same thing from a shop...

danplaysdrums

04-27-2011, 04:10 PM

Most holes in a bass drum are 5 inches in diameter. The amount of holes depends on the amount of Microphones your are planning to put in it (one mic for each hole)

I can reccomend the kickport too, they optomise the bass drum sound and it means you dont have to fill the drum with curtains and towels.

As many others have mentioned, it is possible to simply remove the front head and stick the mic in there, which is a free option, yet most will find it aestetically unpleasant.

If you want to go the full way, take a look at the May Micing System. This company puts the mic inside the drums, probably real expensive though!

TylerYeah

05-08-2011, 12:17 AM

Hey you could always go to Guitar Center and they'll cut a whole for you free. And you could pay them to put the plastic thing around the whole. (Sorry idk the name for it)

Do you know if they still do that?

GRUNTERSDAD

09-23-2011, 11:56 PM

I just put a kickport on my 22 inch Gretsch Renown bass drum. The reso head is a single ply Remo coated head and I csn tell you the difference is dramatic. I still bury the beater and have the batter head fairky loose to prevent the pedal from bouncing. I tightened the reso a little more than normal with the KickPort and it sounds great. Should have done a before and after sound byte. Kind of a tease right now with my healing elbow and not being able to spend much time drumming.

Swexx

06-24-2012, 05:18 PM

I just cut a hole in my front skin using a sharp knife. Didn't even take the head off. It works well, it does not seem like the head is going to break, and it looks kinda decent since I duct taped the outlines of the hole.... lol ^^

jbrid

12-10-2012, 03:24 PM

This may sound silly but I really want to try the aluminum can method, but I can't find the correct sized can at the grocery store. Does anyone know where I can find a can with 5.5 in. diameter? The ones at the grocery store are at most 3.5 in. I was also thinking of trying to find something at a hardware store. Thanks for any advice.

drumdruid

01-06-2013, 12:43 PM

O's make reinforcement rings and they have an adjustable cutter over the years I have come to the conclusion that a single hole of 7" in a 22" makes the front head resonant properties virtually non existent so at that point you may as well dampen the front head completely, using 2 smaller holes does not.

KICKPORT also has the same effect, you dont hear the reso head anymore as the weight and it's rubber construction cancel the head.

I cut 2 holes , 1 on the left and one on the right slightly above the other.
The one on the right is for the microphone and the other to let the air out.

I cut the righthand hole just slightly larger than the microphone ( sm52 or senn 902) 4" the one on the right an inch bigger.

Tuning is everything and I only have to use minimal dampening when I get it right ( most of the time)

Simon