Expert: Lynne May - 11/4/2009

Question
Hi Lynne.

  Well for starters I am Malcolm Perrin and have been playing drums for about 11 years now. I mainly have been into marching percussion and have the tuning techniques down solid for that. I have a ludwig trapset however that im having a bit of trouble with taking the ring out the tom heads. I am using remo clear heads for the toms on top and bottom. I was wanting to know if there was a type of tuning or technique that I needed to know to take the nasty sounding ring out the toms. Its overbearing and the listner can not hear all the notes that I am playing. I am a drum corps vet with the Phantom Regiment so therefore I play a high amount of notes and I want it to sound clean as a whistle. I would greatly appreciate it if you could help me out.

thanks,
Malcolm


Answer
Hi, Malcolm--

You will be happy to know that this is a situation which is not difficult to correct. There is a detailed discussion about elimination unwanted ringing at:

http://www.may-studio-music-lessons.com/tuning-drums.html

Once you are on the site, scroll down to the "Muffling" headline. There are several suggestions, but the one I would recommend can be found by clicking on the "REMORINGS" link. I think you will find them very useful.

By the way, have you checked out our Almost Free Drum Tabs?

http://www.may-studio-music-lessons.com/drum-tabs.html

These are quality drum tab presented in traditional  notation. They are guaranteed accurate and easy to read.

Once you experience these tabs, you will never want to go back to the inaccurate and difficult to read tabs that you find free on the internet. You can even order custom made drum tabs for ANY song!

Best Wishes,
Lynne
May Music Studio
http://www.may-studio-music-lessons.com