Is it important to tune up after down?

[fumbled time]

I have been tuning strings for yrs. and always make sure that I tune down and then bring the tension back up to the desired sound. This not only exstends life but puts your string at a positive tension. In a few drum tuning video's I've watched, When tuning down they just tune down and not below the quarter turn and then back up to it(a relaxed state) vs. (tuned up as a positive state to leave the skin in) Does this matter with drum skins
Thanks F/T

[pastor_bob]

FT, I have heard that when tuning down, you should tune below and then back up, as you described - just like with a guitar. It makes sense to me, and I'll look forward to hearing what the more experienced folks have to say.

[CharlyG]

With locking tuners, i doubt it makes much diff. You should always tension the wires when first putting on to help stretch them out. I think it is easier to bring up flat than to take down sharp. I think it's our ears. I don't think it matters much after they stretch. I could be wrong......but I been tunin my bass and guitar fer 30+ years

It should be the same with a drum. Tune and then push down on hte center of the head for a bit to stretch and then retune. Should be good to go IMHO

[kaosotis]

I tend to tune down, then up, but I don't know if that's habit or has any value.

[fiacovaz]

Never really thought about it except to say that I have always tuned the heads down then up. I must have retained this from the times I played timpani in both high school and college.

[Northern Redneck]

You dont have to tune down first, but you should always tune up.

[Quadcam79]

FWIW this is according to "The Drum Tuning Bible"

"DO NOT EVER TUNE DOWN TO A NOTE, TUNE UP. If a lug is too high detune below what you are trying to achieve and then bring it back up to pitch. "

same as you would a guitar to maintain that positive tension

[fumbled time]

FWIW this is according to "The Drum Tuning Bible"

"DO NOT EVER TUNE DOWN TO A NOTE, TUNE UP. If a lug is too high detune below what you are trying to achieve and then bring it back up to pitch. "

same as you would a guitar to maintain that positive tension

Thank you. I always use this method it makes the most sense.

[bassist learning drums]

I have always tuned up my bass. After stretching new strings, I would tune them sharp and leave it for about 10 minutes. Then I would stretch them some more, then tune UP to the desired pitch.
From what Quad said from the drum tuning bible, I would agree.

[mkennedy]

I ALWAYS tune down below and then up to the pitch I'm seeking. It has to do with the friction on the tension rod and a positive tension.

[Riouel]

whith new head i tune up to strech a bit and go down after

[Fades Away]

I ALWAYS tune down below and then up to the pitch I'm seeking. It has to do with the friction on the tension rod and a positive tension.

Yes that is supposedly the "correct" way to do it. Same rule applies to tuning guitar's and pianos. but to each their own i guess, i too tune up. If anything just loosin the lug a little bit and put it back where it was.

[Lesizmor]

I ALWAYS tune down below and then up to the pitch I'm seeking. It has to do with the friction on the tension rod and a positive tension.

Precisely!


-Les

[aikakone]

Nothing to add except... "Fascinating."

Like the other string players here, I learned the down and then up way as a rule. Nice to know it makes sense across the board.

[itchie]

i would rather take the head off and start again

[Cuz Doc drummer]

Funny question!
I really never thought of it, I don't change tom heads for years but the snare is tight and a new head usually cracks it's way up. A couple hand slaps a few stick beats loosen it up and ear it in...

But if you mean tuning to a gig with the heads you've been using, just do what it takes, every room sounds different and your ear needs to be at ease with sound your projecting...

[fumbled time]

I am amazed at the differing opinions on tuning, It is personal pref. right! And really the question was aimed toward maintaining skin life. I agree "itchie" I usually just lossen the head and retighten to finger tight first and then the key. But once I find the reso. I want then I fine tune each lug down and then up to pitch(desired response) as long as it works for you and sounds good, keep the beat!
F/T

[gonefishin]

FWIW this is according to "The Drum Tuning Bible"

"DO NOT EVER TUNE DOWN TO A NOTE, TUNE UP. If a lug is too high detune below what you are trying to achieve and then bring it back up to pitch. "

same as you would a guitar to maintain that positive tension

I never knew there was a right and wrong way to tune . I have allways tuned up.....so it looks like I ve done something right .

[concrete Building]

ya dere is a wrong way. I remember. Da first time i played my dads old snare (still works), da head felt ALOT like paper. So, I tried tunin it, but i tuned it clockwise. I eventually popped da head an we went to da store n met my current drum teacher, who tuned da head an taught me how to do it. I forgot how eventually, but wen I got my Tama Imperialstar (I love dat kit!), it had instructions on how to tune, an now i still remember how!