Help, drum knowledable people!

[SpaceShipOne]

I've got a Mapex Tornado set which sound just great on everything but the kick. The kick sounds like a hard thud instead of a low bassy hit. Both heads are solid....what would happen if I put a small hole in the front head? Other suggestions? It had a big pillow in it which didn't do much.

[Virtual Kevorkian]

Get a pillow, a real feather one, and stick it in there.

Grab some Powerstroke 3 heads, and a 'Falam Slam Pad.' It's a little kevlar-like pad that you put where the beater strikes, gives it a better click.

I'd also tune both heads pretty low - not so low that they're flabbing around and you can't play properly, but pretty much as low as you can go without messing with how you play.

[Venom]

Tape a half dollar to the drum head and get a wooden batter. You'll get a nice clank sound out of it.

[JacksonMIA]

You do realize your question was directed to a class of people who do not exist, don't you?


I've never heard the half dollar thing before, but that sounds kinda interesting. If it didn't adversely mess with the feel of the pedal it's probably worth trying.

Jeff's solution should work quite well.

[Venom]

My drummer in highschool used to do that. He swore Charlie Benanate did it live. I dunno if it was that or just the mix. Either way it sounded neat.

[JacksonMIA]

Cool.

[Kindred_Spirits]

What kind of kick drum sound do you want? For most uses, I find an Evans E-Mad head with the large ring, and a Remo kevlar kick pad should suit most styles. Definitely cut a hole in the resonant head. I can't stand muffling in kick drums. For drum tuning, experiment to suit how you play. Both heads should be at the same tension.

[Markk]

You're better off learning the banjo or something.

[LesStrat]

Two words: Evans Heads

[Virtual Kevorkian]

The half dollar trick was used by Vinnie Paul, as well. I personally prefer plastic beaters on a Falam slam pad, though.

Hole in the resonant head is a must, as mentioned.

[JOLLY]

What is the size of the kick? That might be the way it sounds as to your disliking. Also, try tightening and untightening the head as well. Drums are a peculiar thing to adjust.