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Some gear questions from a new-ish drummer... Last viewed: 1 day ago

Posts: 3 Threads: 2

I'm primarily a guitar player, but I've played drums for the past 15+ years for writing purposes. I am finally officially a drummer in a band, and I love it! I'm learning so much by playing so frequently now.

Few questions:

1) I'm playing a blue/olive badge Ludwig 6.5x14 Supraphonic snare... the thing sounds amazing, but the lugs around the bottom left side of the snare (where my left stick hand would hit the rim) come loose after pretty much every song. I've seen drummers over the years use a locking cam, I've seen some replace the lugs with something that has some sort of nylon insert. What do you guys recommend here?

2) The muffler on my blue/olive badge Ludwig rack tom is making a rattling sound unless it is tightened all the way down. Is this a common thing? Is there a fix, or is it due to the bent piece of metal being fatigued? Looks like I could add some nylon washers to the thumb screw that is outside of the shell?

Posted on 12 years ago
#1
Posts: 252 Threads: 37

I can't help with #1, but #2 muffler rattle is usually that the rivet holding the felt pad is loose. Try tightening or replacing it. The felt pad should not wobble where it attaches to the spring arm.

My kit:
Ludwig Vistalite Big Beat set consisting of:
14” X 22” bass, 16” X 16” floor tom, 8” X 12” ride tom, 9” X 13” ride tom, 5” X 14” snare
Ludwig 201 Speed King bass drum pedal
Ludwig 1124 Spur-lok hit-hat with Ludwig Standard Paiste 14” cymbals (760 & 770 gr) with ching-ring
Two Ludwig Standard S-270 cymbals stands
18” Zildjian crash cymbal (1550 gr) and 20” Zildjian ride cymbal (2130 gr) with CAMCO sizzler
Gibraltar motorcycle seat-style drum throne with backrest
Posted on 12 years ago
#2
Posts: 2197 Threads: 202

Knurled lock nuts are a good solution for loosening lugs.Slip the rod thru the rim,wind the lock nut all the way to the top end of the thread,tighten the rod to the desired tension and turn the lock nut down to the insert,snugging it down.Mufflers with loose rivets?Wind some cotton string between the metal arm and the muffler itself.Tie it off and your good to go.

Posted on 12 years ago
#3
Posts: 2115 Threads: 26

That rattling is one of the reasons that many drummers removed them in the 70's and manufacturers stopped installing them eventually.

As to the tension rods loosening, that is very common and easy to fix. It is caused when the rim depresses when, in your case the left hand lays a solid back beat with a rim shot. When the rim depresses, the tension rods are momentarily free and loosen. Over the course of a few songs the tension rods loosen quite noticeably. The easiest fix are lug locks. Cheap to buy and easy to deal with.

http://m.interstatemusic.com/843967-Gibraltar-Lug-Locks-6-pcs-w-Polybag-SCGLL.aspx

A die-cast hoop will be less likely to have this issue as it won't flex nearly as much, however, it will change the sound. That is not necessarily a bad thing as a Supra with a die-cast hoop sounds really great as well. It is generally considered a drier quality sound.

Regardless, the lug locks will solve your problem.

tnsquint
Very proud owner of a new Blaemire Snare 6.5 x 14 made by Jerry Jenkins "Drumjinx"
Posted on 12 years ago
#4
Posts: 1273 Threads: 22

10-4 on the lug-locks. Easy fix. Had to use 'em on my Ludwig snare, as well.

B

Vintage Drum Fan (Not a Guru)
Posted on 12 years ago
#5
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