Optimum Tuning of a Drum Set with Synthetic Heads

[Tuning a Drum Set by Waywood Music]

Tuning Drums with Synthetic Heads

There are many different types of drums which use synthetic heads including congas, bongos, hand drums and drums of ethnic origin.

There are basically three methods for tuning for drums with synthetic heads:

Tension rods
Rope or thong tensioning
No tuning mechanism

I will address these individually in more detail, concentrating on the principles rather than the specifics.

Tuning by Tension Rods

Many drums with synthetic heads use the same tuning method as found on a standard drum kit, that is, tension rods. A rim sits on the head and tension is applied by tightening a series of nuts or bolts which pass through the rim and into nut boxes attached to the drum shell. These pull the rim down, tightening the head (see images below).

Drum Tensioning Mechanism
(click on image to enlarge)

Conga/Bongo Tensioning Mechanism
(click on image to enlarge)

Tensioning is performed using the 'opposites' method detailed below.

Ensure that all nuts or bolts are finger tight.
Choose one tension rod, and remembering this, start tightening by about one-quarter of a turn.
Next, move to the tension rod DIRECTLY OPPOSITE across the head of the drum and tighten that by the same amount.
Tuning Using the 'Opposites' Method
(click on image to enlarge)
Move back across the head to the next tension bolt around from the one you started with, and tighten as before.
Continue to move around the whole drum using this 'opposites method' until you get back to where you started.
Repeat this process until you begin to hear the drum head tightening, producing a tone or note when you tap it with your finger.
Continue until the drum is close to the tone you want. Then gently tap about one inch (2.5cm) inside the rim all around the drum whilst placing a finger on the middle of the head to provide slight damping. As the drum head gets tighter, so the amount you will turn each tension rod will get less. REMEMBER to aim for CONSTANT tension across the whole drum. This is more easily achieved using synthetic heads.

You can then 'fine tune' the head where necessary to get a consistent tone.

Adjustments to tuning can be made with the trusty drum key (or spanner where nuts are used to tension the head, such as on hand drums).

De-tune the heads in the same GRADUAL manner.

PLEASE NOTE: Drums such as congas use much thicker synthetic heads which can exert very large forces on the rims of the drum. These latter heads should be tensioned SEQUENTIALLY around the drum and NOT by the 'opposites' method used in drum tensioning as for natural skin (see Tuning by Tension Rods on the 'Tuning Drums with Natural Skin Heads' page).

Tuning by Ropes or Thongs

The same principles apply here.

Tension and de-tune the head gradually and evenly around the skin. Aim for an even tension across the whole head. Where specific tensioning techniques are used, refer to the appropriate tutor or drum teacher to learn these skills before you start to tune your heads!

Drums with No Mechanical Means of Tuning

For these drums, you will have very little control over their pitch or tuning. Unlike natural skin heads, the synthetic heads are not affected by temperature or humidity and are manufactured with a higher degree of consistency in skin thickness. Essentially, the only method of tensioning the skins is by using pressure from your fingers as you play.

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Page Last Revised: 06 Dec 2007 17:18:05 -0000 .

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