Studio Tuning and Teching

Professional drum tuning gives you an edge in achieving the highest quality of drum sound. We are experts at working with all types of acoustic drums, electronic drums and acoustically triggered electronic systems, as well.


Cartage
All instruments are carefully transported by trained personnel on our own trucks. We deliver, setup and tune per your instructions and specifications. We are fully insured and licensed by the state of California.

Tour Support
In addition to professionally setting-up your drumkit for touring requirements and conditions, Drum Doctors can also supply everything necessary to keep your drums in tip-top shape, including flight cases, triggering systems, accessories heads, sticks, cymbals, hardware and a full assortment of replacement parts.


Cures For Common Drum Ailments
By Drum Doctors

SNARE DRUMS

Symptom:
The Snare Drum has too much ring.

Cures:

  1. Tune the heads lower.
  2. Use a heavier head (i.e. Coated CS with Dot on Bottom or Coated Emperor).
  3. Use a full or partial muffling ring.
  4. Use an alternate Snare Drum.
  5. Have the edges checked and/or recut to a flatter angle.

Symptom:
The Snare Drum doesn’t have enough ring.

Cures:

  1. Tune the head higher.
  2. Use a thinner head (i.e. Coated Ambassador or Diplomat).
  3. Use an alternate Snare Drum.
  4. Have the edges checked and/or recut to a sharper angle.

Symptom:
The Snares buzz when the Tom-toms are hit.

Cures:

  1. Check that the snares are straight. Replace as needed.
  2. Check that the snares are flat and centered on the drum.
  3. Loosen the bottom head.
  4. Retune the offending toms.
  5. Use an alternate Snare Drum.


TOM-TOMS

Symptom:
One or more of the Tom-toms are difficult to tune, don’t blend or have an unwanted "growl."

Cures:

  1. Check the top heads for dents and replace as necessary.
  2. Check the evenness of tension all around on the top and bottom heads.
  3. Tighten the bottom head.
  4. Have the bearing edges checked and recut as required.

Symptom:
The Floor Tom has an undesirable "basketball-type" after-ring.

Cures:

  1. Loosen the bottom head.
  2. Check the top heads for dents and replace as necessary.
  3. Loosen the top head.
  4. Switch to a different type or weight top or bottom head (i.e. Clear Ambassador or Emperor).
  5. Have the bearing edges recut to emphasize the lower partials.


BASS DRUMS

Symptom:
The Bass Drum isn’t punchy and lacks power when played in the context of the music.

Cures:

  1. Try increasing and decreasing the amount of muffling in the drum or try a different blanket or pillow.
  2. Change to a heavier, uncoated head (i.e. Clear Emperor or PowerStroke 3).
  3. Change to a thinner front head or one with a larger cutout.
  4. Have the edges recut to create more attack.


CYMBALS

Symptom:
The cymbals are cracking or breaking with greater frequency.

Cures:

  1. Always transport the cymbals in a top-quality, reinforced cymbal case or bag to avoid nicks that can become cracks.
  2. Use the proper cymbals felts, washers and sleeves at all times.
  3. Avoid over-tightening the cymbal stand.
  4. Use larger or heavier cymbals that you won’t have to overplay to hear.


DRUMSETS

Symptom:
The drumset no longer sounds or responds the way it use to.

Cures:

  1. Change the top heads frequently.
  2. Change the bottom heads at least once a year.
  3. Inspect, clean, lubricate and replace worn out parts as required.
  4. Have the bearing edges checked and recut as needed.`

IMPORTANT NOTE
If any of the above problems persist, have your drumset thoroughly checked by a drum maintenance specialist.