How to Change a Drum Head

As far back as the beginning of time, man has made and played drums. In early history, drums were made from hollow logs and animal skins. The drum head is the top part of the drum that is struck with a mallet or stick. Drum heads need to be changed when they break or wear down.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Loosen the ring around the drum. Use the drum key to loosen the metal screws connecting the ring and the drum. Start with one screw and move directly across the drum to the next screw. Crisscross your way around the drum as you loosen each screw

2. Unscrew the ring completely. Use your hand to unscrew the screws once the drum key loosens the ring.

3. Lift the drum ring off the frame and remove the old drum head.

4. Place the new drum head onto the frame. Make sure it is centered.

5. Put the ring over the drum head and tighten the screws. Tighten the screws in the same pattern you loosened them. Work your way around the drum in a crisscross motion. Tighten the screws a little at a time. Do not screw one in tight and move to the next. This causes the ring to warp.

6. Tune the new head if the bottom of the drum is in tune. Strike the bottom and then the top to see if it is in tune. If not, get a tuner or another drum to tune with. Tighten or loosen the ring to change the tune of the drum.