Things You'll Need:
- Batter head
- Resonance head
- Drum key
- Snare drum mount
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Step 1
Take the resonant and batter heads off of the drum. Check the drum for any loose parts and rattles. Place the drum on a padded surface, batter head down.
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Step 2
Replace the resonant head on the drum. Twist the nuts until they touch the metal rim of the drum. Untwist the nuts 1/4 twist.
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Step 3
Tighten the rods with a key, using a star pattern. Tighten each rod 1/2 turn, then repeat the pattern until each rod has been tightened two full turns.
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Step 4
Raise the drum fromk the padded surface and hit it. Listen for a distorted sound. Twist each lug 1/4 turn, then test the drum for distortion again. Repeat until any distortion disappears.
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Step 5
Put the drum back on the padded surface with the side you are tuning facing up. Tap the drum with a drum key 1-1/2 inches away from the first lug. Tap each lug in the same position. Tune the lugs up to the highest pitch.
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Step 6
Press firmly down in the center of the drum head about 1/2 inch to make sure the head is seated. Place the drum on it's mount and turn each lug about 1/4 turn, hitting the drum head between each turn. Continue to twist the lugs until there is no sound distortion.
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Step 7
Turn the drum over and place the batter head on the drum. Follow the same process to tune the batter head.
