Tension rods loose even at a high pitch.

Swexx · #1 07-02-2012, 09:31 AM

Hi guys. I didn't want to start a new thread on this, but I couldn't find the answer I was looking for when I searched the forum.

So, this is my problem:
My 14" 2012 Gretsch mahogany floor tom's tension rods / lugs are riddiculously loose.
When the drum is tuned as I want it to be (pretty low pitch, but not very low pitch) the lugs are almost completely loose. I can handtighten them, they're so loose.
I was thinking of buying lug locks, but would that really help? Maybe I could buy some extra plastic thingies to put between the lug and the rim? Any help would be appreciated.

Pocket-full-of-gold · #2 07-02-2012, 10:31 AM

Tight screws might be a better option: http://www.tightscrew.com/

But if you're tensioning the rods so loose that they're able to be turned by hand, then there's only so much that can done mate. A tension rod that is not even finger tight, definitely ain't "high pitched"...whichever way you cut it. The head is barely tuned at JAW. I can only suggest you crank it a bit further.

mls · #3 07-02-2012, 10:55 AM

Same products as suggested in your other thread. Washers/spacers won't help in this situation.

KarlCrafton · #4 07-02-2012, 10:03 PM

+ "X#" of however many people have recommended tight screws.

They work, & I have them on all my snares. They take about 4 years to wear out, and they are better than Canopus washers (have them), lug locks (rarely worked at all), or anything like that.
Otherwise, rod locks--Pearl type, Ludwig type, or nuts you can buy at hardware stores work also.

Good luck--

Swexx · #5 07-02-2012, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mls

Same products as suggested in your other thread. Washers/spacers won't help in this situation.

Actually, spacers did help! I bought some extra metal spacers and some lug locks.
Now the problem is solved, and the detuning snare t-rod that I wrote about in another thread is fixed to. Weeyay!