How to Assemble a Bass Drum

The bass drum is the largest in a drum set. It produces a low pitch that is used in a variety of ways, such as to project tempo, to mark time, to provide impact and even as a melodic voice. Jazz music, rock music, marching band music, orchestral music and concert band music are a few of the music styles that rely heavily on the bass drum. Drum enthusiasts will find that assembling a bass drum can be easy and fun.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bass drum shell Drum heads Hoops Tension rods Washers Claw hooks Drum key Drum spurs

1. Place the drum's shell in an upright position. For ease of reference, when the logo on the shell is the right way up then the shell is in an upright position.

2. Place the white drum head on the shell. This is the side that will face the drummer when the drum is mounted. Make sure it is sitting well.

3. Place the hoop over the drum head, and press down onto the shell. The hoop should sit well on all sides.

4. Line up the holes in the hoop with the mounting lugs on the shell of the drum.

5. Put the washers on the tension rods. Put the claw hooks on the tension rods.

6. Line the tension rod with the mounting lug. Let the hook claw rest in the hoop. Repeat this step for all the tension rods.

7. Secure the tension rods. Manually tighten all the tension rods.

8. Tune the drum head with a drum key. Make sure that the head is sitting evenly on the shell while you tune the drum. To ensure that the drum stays tuned, use the palm of your hand to press down on the center of the drum head.

9. Insert the drum spurs. Turn the drum over and insert the leg, also called drum spurs, in the mounts.

10. Place the front drum head on. This drum head has the logo. Tune the head using the process in Step 8.

11. Attach the bass drum pedal. Place the base of the pedal under the drum and its clamp over the edge of the hoop. Tighten the screw to secure the clamp.

12. Obtain more information. (See Resources below.)

Tips & Warnings

• Drum sets have many parts, so select a large area in which to assemble your drums. You should be able to spread the parts out and have enough space in which to work comfortably.

Resources

• For more information, read "Picture Yourself Drumming: Step-by-Step Instruction for Drum Kit Setup, Reading Music, Learning from the Pros, and More" by Jonathan Peckman