Can a bottom snare head be tuned? . . .

BellsOfRhymney · #1 07-27-2008, 03:42 AM

Snare-bed creates an open gap between head and bearing edge ...impossible to get a proper tuning. Is there a way around this problem?

caddywumpus · #2 07-27-2008, 03:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BellsOfRhymney

Snare-bed creates an open gap between head and bearing edge ...impossible to get a proper tuning. Is there a way around this problem?

I think you answered your own question. I have played on snares without a snare bed before, and I tell you that I'd much rather play on a snare with one. I don't think of a snare bed as a "problem", I think of it as the lesser of two evils...

Wavelength · #3 07-27-2008, 09:28 AM

Yes, it can be tuned properly, but you have to understand that a proper tuning for a snare drum's resonant head is different from a tom tom's resonant head. I've had no problems tuning the snareside screws to an even pitch, but that requires that I keep the lugs close to the snare bed a bit tighter than the rest. This is OK and it is expected. The important thing really is to get the same pitch all over the head, so that you can tune the batter side accordingly. Of course, one can loosen the screws close to the snare bed in order to lessen snare response and sensitivity.

Oh, and good snares do have a bearing edge even on the snare bed. I've had no problems seating a resonant head on my Kumu and my Acrolite.

BellsOfRhymney · #4 07-28-2008, 09:21 AM

A drum must be able to be tuned perfectly, and the snares should be indpendent. Snare beds won't allow for this. Giant compromise if you ask me.

driver · #5 07-28-2008, 02:55 PM

I Just turn the 4 lugs around the bed higher. They are the same pitch as the other lugs but I turn them more to get em up to the same level as the ones away from the bed.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Qxm3QunDjUs This may help?

BellsOfRhymney · #6 07-28-2008, 11:41 PM

Quote:

I Just turn the 4 lugs around the bed higher. They are the same pitch as the other lugs but I turn them more to get em up to the same level as the ones away from the bed.

Right ...lugs around the bed need to go higher -but its not accurate for tuning ..not even close. I surprised the design went from idea, to prototype, to mass production. Are any shells still being made this way?