Drum tuning

[AZSundevil]

Ok... I know this thread probably belongs in another area but I thought there might be some drum makers/ singers who could give me some advice. Our drum groups drum has tightened up with the warming weather to a point where it sounds " tingy" ( dunno if thats a word) We prefer a deeper sound. Its a good sized drum with a "lip". NOW the question...Is there a good way to loosen the head a bit to tone it down without redoing the whole drum? The lacing is also rawhide. Any advice would be appreciated.

[WhoMe]

I've seen singers with the same problem put water on the drum prior to singing. This is only temporary however. Once the hide is wet, the drumsticks beating the drum will loosen the hide.

[LSS]

Give it life....

give it water!

Grandpa wants a fresh drink too.




LSS

[soopashinaab]

^^ What those two said!!

[AZSundevil]

Hey thanks for the advice guys. Yeah we have put some water on it lately at the start of the powwow or a little bit before grand entry. Would putting water on the hide every time we set up start to weaken the hide? We usually set up maybe once or twice a month. Or would adding the water eventually loosen it a bit?

[shinobmatt]

Hey thanks for the advice guys. Yeah we have put some water on it lately at the start of the powwow or a little bit before grand entry. Would putting water on the hide every time we set up start to weaken the hide? We usually set up maybe once or twice a month. Or would adding the water eventually loosen it a bit?

yeah watering the head it self does start to weaken it only matter of time before it tears (it depends on if you beat the heck out of or just hit it jus right). wetting the straps (lacing) is alot better at loosing the the head and wont fatigue as fast as weeting the head. but wetting the straps does help keep the head looser longer than wetting the head.

[Pheji Wanbli]

maybe we can help!

Hey thanks for the advice guys. Yeah we have put some water on it lately at the start of the powwow or a little bit before grand entry. Would putting water on the hide every time we set up start to weaken the hide? We usually set up maybe once or twice a month. Or would adding the water eventually loosen it a bit?

first what size is the drum. do you know what the shell is constructed of! what type of raw hide is on it. what type of lacing was used.. deer. horse. elk. buffalo. look closely as how the patern of the lacing is on the sides. being alot or not enough.. there is drum makers out there that have the no how on to construct a northern or southern sounding drum..