I have a six piece set of pearls session custom series drums. I just installed a new set of Aquarian response 2 coated heads and they sound great, although I am pleased with the tone and response of these heads I dont like the fact that these drums project such a great amount of sustain. I have been able to reduce the amount of unwanted ring a little, but for recording purposes I would like to cut out as much over ring out as possible. I have used foam and tape on all of the lower heads to reduce ring but there must be an easier way to handle this problem! I have recently thought of installing the foam inserts which are usually placed under the batter side of the drumhead but I dont believe that this side of the drum is where the problem exsists, plus I don't want the tone of the drums to change instead I thought of placing the foam inserts on the bottom side? I have not seen this done before, but I have a feeling that this could fix the sustain problem that I am having.
Comments
Get yourself some moongel damperpads. works great. http://www.rt
Get yourself some moongel damperpads. works great. http://www.rtom.com/damperpads.html
I usually put pads of toilet tissue secured with masking tape on
I usually put pads of toilet tissue secured with masking tape on each head. Doesn't sound like it'll work any better, but I also so in Sound on Sound a drumkit with gaffer tape attached with about 10mm pulled up into a V but stuck together - make sense? So there is a 5mm ridge halfway along the tape.
No idea if this worked or why it worked but if you're bored - have a go and let us know!
Tuning is the key although a few moongels are a great help now a
Tuning is the key although a few moongels are a great help now and then. Start with the bottom head. Make sure you have new heads to start with. It amazes me still how many drummers buy new heads for the top and not the bottom. Old dry stretched heads make for hideous sustain. Single ply heads work fine but 2 plys reduce sustain more. Tune the bottom head as low as you can and still get a tone. Then detune just a hair more. Start the top head tuned low then go up to taste.
That's a good place to start, but every drum is different and that sound may not exactly fit your needs. It's best to learn the fundamentals of tuning well then spend how ever many hours it takes to get the sound you want. Most kits can sound good without excessive damping. You just need a good set of heads and proper preperation.
Try this:
http://home.earthlink.net/~prof.sound/
i say, in the time you waited for a reply to this question, try
i say, in the time you waited for a reply to this question, try it.
itll take you an hour 8-)