How to Tune a Piccolo Snare Drum

Tuning a piccolo snare drum is essential for the drum to produce the proper tone. Piccolo snare drums are popular for their distinctive "pop" sound. However, there is a fine line between a good-sounding "pop" and a tone that is harsh to the ears. The secret to producing a good tone with a piccolo snare is tuning the snare properly.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Drum key

1. Locate the upper drum hoop. The hoop is the metal ring that surrounds the top drum head. The hoop is secured to the drum by several lugs. The top of each lug is in the shape of a square.

2. Position the snare in front of you. Use a drum key, which acts as a wrench, and turn each lug around the hoop in a crisscross pattern by placing the key over the square top of each lug. Start with the lug at the top of the hoop, then the bottom of the hoop, then side to side. Turn each tug one whole turn.

3. Press the metal lever located on the side of the drum to release the metal bands at the bottom of the drum. These metal bands are what creates the "pop" sound when the snare is played.

4. Lightly tap around the edges of the drum head with a drum stick. The drum should produce the same tone when tapped around each edge. If necessary, turn the drum lug closest to the area that produces a different tone. This will change the tone of that particular area of the drum. When the tone produced by the drum is uniform, the drum is tuned.

5. Return the metal lever on the side of the drum to its vertical position.