Removing the spring tensions... True or false?

h3r3tic · #1 07-02-2007, 06:39 PM

A friend of mine told me that when he stops playing drums he always removes the spring tensions from the pedals. He says that if you don't do that then the spring tensions will become weak.

I've never done this kind of thing and I think my double bass pedal is still as good when 1st baught it. but still..

Is my friend's theory true?!

jonescrusher · #2 07-02-2007, 06:42 PM

In a word, no. Unless it's a cheap model made from poor quality materials.

Wavelength · #3 07-02-2007, 09:22 PM

Metal does get fatigued under stress, and the springs are going to loosen ever so slightly over years and years of playing.

Wegadrummer · #4 07-02-2007, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wavelength

Metal does get fatigued under stress, and the springs are going to loosen ever so slightly over years and years of playing.

True, Its all the matter how good you take care of your gear.. but at the end, it is wise to change..

#5 07-02-2007, 09:34 PM

I have always turned my snare wires off when I wasn't playing because the constant tension will wear the wires out faster, but when it comes to a bass pedal, you never have to loosen the tension when you're not playing. The reason is because unlike the snare wires being under tension when they're on, the spring on a pedal is only under severe tension when you press on it. When the pedal is still, the spring may be under some tension, but it's still basically at a rest, and it's not going to wear out the spring.

Deathmetalconga · #6 07-02-2007, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fourstringdrums

I have always turned my snare wires off when I wasn't playing because the constant tension will wear the wires out faster, but when it comes to a bass pedal, you never have to loosen the tension when you're not playing. The reason is because unlike the snare wires being under tension when they're on, the spring on a pedal is only under severe tension when you press on it. When the pedal is still, the spring may be under some tension, but it's still basically at a rest, and it's not going to wear out the spring.

Agreed. You shouldn't have to release your bass pedal spring, as it has little tension in the relaxed position. I do unscrew my hihat clutch and release my snares. I put my Duallist in dual beater mode as the secondary beater is pushed back and tensed quite a bit when in single beater mode.

Replacement springs are a few bucks at a music store. All the hassle of unhooking your spring doesn't seem worth it. You also risk changing the settings.

#7 07-02-2007, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fourstringdrums

I have always turned my snare wires off when I wasn't playing because the constant tension will wear the wires out faster, but when it comes to a bass pedal, you never have to loosen the tension when you're not playing. The reason is because unlike the snare wires being under tension when they're on, the spring on a pedal is only under severe tension when you press on it. When the pedal is still, the spring may be under some tension, but it's still basically at a rest, and it's not going to wear out the spring.

Actually the de-tensioning and re-tensioning is much more stressful on the wires than leaving them on.

For example bend a piece of wire...it stays firm and rigid.
No bend that same wire in the same place over and over.....what happens?

GRUNTERSDAD · #8 07-02-2007, 10:49 PM

Bass drum pedal springs are expansion springs. Meaning they are at rest when the coil is the tightest, and under the most stress when stretched. If when not playing your pedal spring is completely compressed, It should not be under any stress and should be fine. Putting it back on, and taking it off will cause more stress than just leaving alone since you have to stretch it twice to remove and replace.

#9 07-02-2007, 11:18 PM

i have very very little spring tension on my pedals all the time anyway....are my springs gonna be super good?

i doubt it matters to tell you the truth...

That Guy · #10 07-02-2007, 11:39 PM

I never thought about loosening my spring tension before. But, I did give thought to my snares. Good info on this thread.

dblinkhorn · #11 07-03-2007, 02:47 AM

I always release tension on my snares and my hi-hat, but I've never done it on my pedals. At least on the DW 5000, those are pretty heavy gauge springs compared to most springs found on any given piece of drum equipment. Plus, I think simply playing them will incur much, much more wear than letting the pedals rest against the tension of th springs.

h3r3tic · #12 07-03-2007, 03:17 AM

Thank you you ALL for sharing your opinions on this thread ;) I really appreciate them!

;)

#13 07-03-2007, 03:22 AM

I've never thought of releasing the tension on my hi-hat...it makes sense. I'll have to do that from now on.

Casper "DrPowerStroke" Paludan · #14 07-03-2007, 05:52 AM

I am going to de-tune my drums every night before going to bed so the heads don't lose tension. I am also thinking about removing the top felt pad from my cymbals so the felt doesn't become permanently compressed. Finally, I am going to unscrew every memory lock and collapse every stand so the screws don't sit burrowed in the tubes overnight, hastening metal fatigue.

Couldn't resist....sorry.

Wavelength · #15 07-03-2007, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrPowerStroke

I am also thinking about removing the top felt pad from my cymbals so the felt doesn't become permanently compressed..

Don't forget to place the cymbals into their molded cases so that Earth's gravity won't warp them.

IDDrummer · #16 07-03-2007, 05:24 PM

My old Roger's pedal was about 25 years old when I sold it. the spring was fine, and I assure you I never loosened it.

About snare wires - I have heard it on good authority (though I cannot remember who the authority was!) that it is better to just leave snares engaged. It might have been Bob Gatzen, but I can't be sure. Anyway, I've used snares that have been left engaged for YEARS with no issues.

I think people worry too much about this stuff.