Tuning your drum set is one of the most important maintenance activities as a drummer. Even before the drummer starts playing or recording he has to ensure that the drum is well tuned and ready to sound good. A general drum kit consists of bass drum, cymbal, snare, hi-hats and toms.

So while tuning your drum set, you can start by tuning the snare drums.

Tune the top head at the very start. Turn each lug clockwise to increase the tension of the head and to increase the drum pitch. You can also, tune one lug and then tune the lug on its opposite side preferably 180 degrees away. The drums are bound to sound better when you do not tune these lugs in a circular sequence. However, be careful not to tune it too high, as the heads tend to break easily.

While tuning your drum set test the pitch of each lug when finished by lightly playing about one inch away from the lug with a drumstick Also, make sure while tuning your drum set that all lugs have equal pitch. At this point your drum should be tuned.

The next step in tuning your drum set is by tuning the toms.

You can start by tuning the bottom head of each tom-tom. You can then use the same tuning sequence as the snare technique for tuning each lug and then its opposite. After tuning the bottom move to the head. The head is where the pitch is located. Thus, it is very important that you have an idea of what pitch you want. Tune it to the pitch you want.

After you have got the right pitch, check each lug pitch so that it matches the others in the same manners as the snare drums.

After tuning your toms, the next step in tuning your drum set is the bass drums.

Start by tuning the head at first. It is advisable not to spend too much time tuning, as the head does not have much impact on the sound of the drum. After you have spend time tuning the head, you can start tuning the lug of the back head in the same manner as you tune the toms and snare. You should make sure your drum is tuned neither too high nor too low. Bass drum sounds really depend on the style of music you’re playing and how much impact the drum has with the group you play with.

When tuning your drum set, you must initially imagine the tones you want to hear, it is then important that you must discover how to tweak those exact tones from each drum. While tuning your drum set look closely at your snare drum and try to decide exactly what factors most affect the tonal quality.

Notice the square headed screws around the top and bottom rims of the drum. They are known as tension rods or tension screws. They screw into the lugs, which are usually mounted permanently on the sides of the shell of the drum. You may tighten or loosen these screws with a tool called a drum key.

A drum key can be purchased at any music store for a dollar or two. Adjustments to the tension screws with a drum key will affect the tension on the drumhead, which will raise or lower the pitch of the drum.

However, tuning your drum set depends more on your ear and the tone you want.

About the Author: Victor Epand is an expert consultant for guitars, drums, and synthesizers. You can find the best marketplace for guitars, drums, and synthesizers at these 3 sites: guitars,drums, drum sets, drum tuning, and synthesizers, keyboards.
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com

A 6 piece drum kit can vary from one individual drummer to another based on the kind of sound they like. This special kit consists of bass drum, floor tom, snare, toms, hi hats and cymbals.

Differing music styles implement the components of a drum kit in different manners. Those with a rock music set up will prefer a drum beat. Good and effective drumbeat can be created through bass drums and snare drums, which act as the primary instrument in a drum kit. In jazz set up, the ride cymbal and hi hats usually takeover.

Thus, a 6 piece drum kit can be created exactly depending on various factors like musical style, personal preference, and financial resources along with the transportation options of the drummer.

Origin of drums began with the emergence of human civilization. Drum beating as it is still popularly known has been associated with the birth of humankind. 6000BC is presumed as the time when the origination began. The American Indians used gourd and wooden constructed drums for their rituals and ceremonies. Hence, the drums were not always used for creating music. It has also been used for communication purposes.

It was in the 1930s that the evolution for a typical 6 piece drum kit began to take shape with the various instruments in its armory. The initial drum kit consisted of a foot pedal and bass drum, snare, hi hat and cymbal, tom toms, and large hanging cymbals.

The years in the 1960s saw the rise of rock drummers, who began the development of proper 6 piece drum kits that are the standard today. More toms and cymbals, as well as the accumulation of another bass drum were added to boost speed. Electronic drums then came into being with the intention of creating sounds that could not be created acoustically.

This very niche musical accompaniment is divided in two difference parts. The cymbal and hi hats are often referred to as brass ware and considered to be the part of the delicates. Drums, cymbals along with hi hat stands, bass drum pedals and drum seat are referred to as breakables. They are so named because most of the equipments named in this category here are quite prone to customization, adjustment, wear and replacement, especially cymbals and drumheads.

A few things to remember when buying a 6 piece drum kit

It is advisable that while buying drum sets stick with reputable dealers. Make sure you have a guarantee on your drum sets. It is common to go with lower line cymbals for the sake of affordability. However, cymbal packs in groups of two to four are a fine and inexpensive way to purchase starter cymbals. As you grow as a drummer you can always upgrade later.

Before you buy a drum kit, make a checklist and check the following things:

Be sure that both top and bottom heads are on the drums. Check to be sure that none of the tuning lugs on the drums are missing. Make sure the laminate or exterior drum finish is in good condition. Hardware should appear relatively sturdy and all locking mechanisms are secured. Before buying the drumheads check whether it is in relatively good and suitable shape.

The expense to replace them all at once can be sky high. If you are still a beginner, it is often safer buying from an older player, who takes better care of his equipments.

About the Author: Victor Epand is an expert consultant for guitars, drums, and synthesizers. You can find the best marketplace for guitars, drums, and synthesizers at these 3 sites: guitars, drums, 6 piece drum kits, and synthesizers, keyboards.
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com