How to Tune a 28 Bass Drum
A 28-inch bass drum is most commonly found in marching bands. The drum section in a marching band typically features multiple bass drums, with each being a different size and pitch. Proper tuning makes sure the bass drum not only sounds good individually, but good with the other bass drums. It's important not to tune the drums too high or too low, but to find the correct pitch.
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Things You'll Need
- Bass drum
- Two bass drum heads
- Tuning key
- Bass drum mallet
- Glue
- Foam rubber
Instructions
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1
Glue a small piece of foam rubber to the inside of each drum head for muffling if the heads are not already pre-muffled. Put the piece of foam rubber in an area away from the striking area of the drum head.
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2
Place a drum head on top of the bass drum. Begin tightening the tension rods using the tuning key, tightening one tension rod and then tightening the one directly opposite from it. Tighten a little at a time. Don't crank it tight before moving onto another tension rod.
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3
Tap the drum head using the bass drum mallet about 2 or 3 inches away from each tension rod to make sure the pitches match. Adjust as necessary. You want a nice, clear sound that doesn't sound too muffled or too boomy. In general, the 28-inch bass drum should be tuned to about a minor third to a perfect fifth apart from the drum higher and the drum lower than it in the bass drum section.
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4
Turn over the drum and repeat the process in Steps 2 and 3 for the other drum head. Make sure the pitches of both drum heads match. Alternate hitting each drum head to help ensure they sound correct.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Marching Band Drums image by bayu harsa from Fotolia.com
