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Tuning Vintage Drums To Notes

Posts: 36 Threads: 7

I've never really tuned my drums to specific notes. I always just found the sweet spots and stuck with it. Around 6 months ago I picked up a tune-bot and it was okay, but returned it. A few weeks ago I downloaded iDrum-Tech for my iPhone and absolutely love it. I've spent around 30 hours so far getting the kit perfect. Tuned my super classic up to specific notes and now it just sounds so much more musical in a band context. I'm wondering if any of you guys do the same with your vintage kits and if you're willing to share tuning info.

Here's what makes my kit sing:

13 x 9 Rack Tom

Fundamental Note - 2A - 110 Hz

Batter - Remo Ambassador Coated - 182 Hz

Reso - Remo Ambassador Clear - 196 Hz

16 x 16 Floor Tom

Fundamental Note - 2D - 73.4 Hz

Batter - Remo Ambassador Coated - 122 Hz

Reso - Remo Ambassador Clear - 131 Hz

22 x 14 Kick

Fundamental Note - 1E - 41.2 Hz

Batter - Remo Powerstroke III Coated - 55 Hz

Reso - Ludwig Head with port - 82 Hz

I found the notes so close to the sweet spots that it didn't make any negative impact on the drum to just tune it slightly higher or lower to hit the note. Weather and head condition will change the tuning slightly. I do play alternative rock-ish style music with a focus on bringing back sounds from the late sixties through seventies.

Posted on 12 years ago
#1
Posts: 1041 Threads: 64

Ive got "drumalyzer 2.0" on my android phone. I haven't used it much though. I need to sit down and get it all figured out. On Drumalyzer, you can go around to each individual lug and check the frequencies at each one.

-Justin

"People might look at you a bit funny, but it's okay. Artists are allowed to be a bit different."- Bob Ross

"After silence, that which comes closest to expressing the inexpressible is music..." - Aldous Huxley
Posted on 12 years ago
#2
Posts: 565 Threads: 31

Bought the iDrumTech for my iPhone, and I really like the features. In use, I like that I can be more consistent with the tunings. I recommend it, it's comes at a great price as well. I have not tried a Drum Dial yet, so I have no comparison to that as a tuning guide, but until that happens, I'll use the iPhone app.

Posted on 12 years ago
#3
Posts: 127 Threads: 44

Here's what I do. I know it's a novel approach.

I say "give me an A" then I use the 2 apps that the Lord put on the sides of my head. Learn to hear intervals. Ear training is as important to drummers as anybody else. And it's FREE.

Posted on 12 years ago
#4
Posts: 154 Threads: 37

From Bill Armstrong

Here's what I do. I know it's a novel approach. I say "give me an A" then I use the 2 apps that the Lord put on the sides of my head. Learn to hear intervals. Ear training is as important to drummers as anybody else. And it's FREE.

Yes but not everybody is blessed with gifted ears!

I too downloaded idrumtech app but have not studied it.

I'll give it a go now thanks!

Loud 70's Ludwig 24-13-14-16-18 Pro-Beat Stainless steel

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Posted on 12 years ago
#5
Posts: 1118 Threads: 30

From Bigdrummie

Yes but not everybody is blessed with gifted ears!

...it's not the ears, but the app installed between them!

1970 Ludwig Downbeat
1965 Ludwig Hollywood
1970 Ludwig Jazzette
Posted on 12 years ago
#6
Posts: 36 Threads: 7

Not sure why there's always somebody that has to point out that they feel their way of doing something is superior.

FWIW, I had a popular well known producer comment repeatedly on how great my kit sounds today. I'm very happy with the results and wouldn't have achieved them without some extra help. Just trying to help.

Posted on 12 years ago
#7
Posts: 1118 Threads: 30

From facon

Not sure why there's always somebody that has to point out that they feel their way of doing something is superior.

You're on a forum dedicated to vintage drums. No, not drums..."vintage drums". There is already a baseline superiority complex that exists, kinda like when you order a salad at a hipster restaurant, and they feel compelled to use the "o" word in front of everything, as well as several other unecessary adjectives that don't further clarify the ingredients, but serve no other purpose than to make the product (or self or restaurant) seem superior...

Q. What is in your house salad?

Normal Restaurant: Lettuce, spinach, onion, etc...

Hipster Restaurant: Local organic lettuce, free trade organic spinach, seasonal organic onion, etc...

1970 Ludwig Downbeat
1965 Ludwig Hollywood
1970 Ludwig Jazzette
Posted on 12 years ago
#8
Posts: 104 Threads: 8

Good thread! This is something I've often wondered about, but have never taken the time to try to do the tuning required. I have a Droid, so I just downloaded the Drumalyzer 2.0. Sorry if this is a dumb question, but once you have the toms tuned to specific notes, does it matter what key the song is in?

-Jeff

Posted on 12 years ago
#9
Posts: 36 Threads: 7

From caddywumpus

You're on a forum dedicated to vintage drums. No, not drums..."vintage drums". There is already a baseline superiority complex that exists, kinda like when you order a salad at a hipster restaurant, and they feel compelled to use the "o" word in front of everything, as well as several other unecessary adjectives that don't further clarify the ingredients, but serve no other purpose than to make the product (or self or restaurant) seem superior...Q. What is in your house salad?Normal Restaurant: Lettuce, spinach, onion, etc...Hipster Restaurant: Local organic lettuce, free trade organic spinach, seasonal organic onion, etc...

I guess I figured it was a forum of enthusiasts that enjoy the sounds and looks of vintage drums. I'm just not big on a lot of the maple Keller style shells out there now.

Posted on 12 years ago
#10
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