The tension knob on the Rapid Strainer has been known to spin down sometimes?

I've heard that too. What's weird is that the knob seems to stay at the same setting (it's fully cranked), so I'm wondering if somehow my strings are slipping. I've got 'em tied tight, so I'm not sure what's going on...

If you're using new cord, they may be stretching. I like to use cord on all of my snares, but I've gone to nylon straps on my newer snares because, in my experience, cord stretches like a guitar string at first, then slowly over time.

I went to nylon straps after a cord broke mid-song in the middle of a set one night several years ago. Eye Ball Of all nights, that was the night I didn't have a spare snare or survival kit. :eek: Fortunately, the longest piece of the broken cord was just long enough to slip through the clamp on the throwoff and I was able to finish the gig. band2 Now I replace my cords about once a year on my old snares and ALWAYS carry a spare snare.

You may want to look into getting a braided steel cord. I got some from Geektar Center, but you can probably find them online. I believe they were made by Trick and have a protective rubber sleeve to prevent scrathing your hardware.

>the knob seems to stay at the same setting (it's fully cranked),

There's your problem right there. When you need to tension the snares up a bit, there is no give, no place to go.

Start with; centering the snares between the bearing edges. Lock down the butt side. Next, with the strainer in the -off- position, loosen the tension knob on the strainer all the way. Pull the snare string snug in the lock plate and -gently- tighten the cord to hold it in position. Close the strainer and allow the cord to slip slightly in the lock plate. Lock/tie down the cords on the strainer side.

Slowly tighten the tension knob until you reach the desired sound. You should have plenty of travel left in the tension knob for later adjustments. That should 'fix' it.

Just a note: Those little 6-luggers are raunchy, open-throated drums. They sound best in middle-tuning range with the snares set just this side of sloppy. They are glorious, tone-y things perfect for rock-a-billy or blues. Buzz rolls play themselves, rim shots ring out... great drums when used in an appropriate musical setting. Raw and open as they come. Enjoy it.

John

Thanks for your help, everyone! PurdieShuffle was right. It was operator error on my part for sure! I feel a little silly but I fixed it and it sounds great now.

And you're right on -- I play jump blues and rockabilly so it's perfect for the tone I'm looking for. Those rimshots put a smile on my face every time. Thanks again, all!

I don't charge for advice, but it would be nice to see a photo of the drum now that it's loaded and operational. Yes Sir

John

Sure thing! Please see attached.