Drum Doctors

Cures For Common Drum Problems

SNARE DRUMS

Symptom:
The Snare Drum has too much ring.

Cures:

1. Tune the heads lower.
2. Use a heavier head (i.e. Coated CS with Dot on Bottom or Coated Emperor).
3. Use a full or partial muffling ring.
4. Use an alternate Snare Drum.
5. Have the edges checked and/or recut to a flatter angle.

Symptom:
The Snare Drum doesn’t have enough ring.

Cures:

1. Tune the head higher.
2. Use a thinner head (i.e. Coated Ambassador or Diplomat).
3. Use an alternate Snare Drum.
4. Have the edges checked and/or recut to a sharper angle.

Symptom:
The Snares buzz when the Tom-toms are hit.

Cures:

1. Check that the snares are straight. Replace as needed.
2. Check that the snares are flat and centered on the drum.
3. Loosen the bottom head.
4. Retune the offending toms.
5. Use an alternate Snare Drum.

TOM-TOMS

Symptom:
One or more of the Tom-toms are difficult to tune, don’t blend or have an unwanted 'growl.'

Cures:

1. Check the top heads for dents and replace as necessary.
2. Check the evenness of tension all around on the top an"