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Thread: *Bass Drum Volume*

  1. #1

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    Question *Bass Drum Volume*

    I want to get more volume out of my bass drum.
    How do I do this?
    Should I tune it higher?
    Do you guys generally have the resonant head tuned higher than the kick head?
    Thanks
    http://www.youtube.com/user/UrFunny767

    Drums:
    Pearl Vision Birch
    22x18 Kick
    Pearl Sensitone Steel Snare 14x5.5
    12x9,13x10,16x16 Toms

    Cymbals:
    Zildjian A Custom 16in Crash
    Sabian XS20 16in Medium Thin Crash
    Zildjian A Armand 10in Splash
    Wuhan 16in China
    Zildjian ZBT 14in Hats (I hate it)
    Zildjian ZBT 20in Ride (I hate it)

    Hardware:
    Pearl Eliminator Demon Drive Single Kick Pedal
    Crappy PDP Cymbal Stands

  2. #2

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    Default Re: *Bass Drum Volume*

    You want more volume? I can't make mine quieter.

    First of all, what heads are you using? That will help figure it out.

    Secondly, you usually tune the resonant head looser, if not as loose as possible,just above wrinkle.

    In general I don't tune my bass drum heads very tight. If you want more volume, you don't want the heads tuned higher, particularly the reso head. Also, use the spurs to lift the drum (at least the reso side) off the floor. I haven't done this but it supposedly can make a big difference.

    Check the drum tuning bible for more in depth info.
    Jesse

    1986 Tama Crestar - Lacquered Piano White
    2016 Roland TD-25K
    2015 Tama Starclassic B/B - Indigo Blue Sparkle

  3. #3

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    Default Re: *Bass Drum Volume*

    Make sure it's not stuffed full of pillows, because that really decreases the volume.
    Matt

  4. #4

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    Default Re: *Bass Drum Volume*

    Quote Originally Posted by kaosotis View Post
    You want more volume? I can't make mine quieter.

    First of all, what heads are you using? That will help figure it out.

    Secondly, you usually tune the resonant head looser, if not as loose as possible,just above wrinkle.

    In general I don't tune my bass drum heads very tight. If you want more volume, you don't want the heads tuned higher, particularly the reso head. Also, use the spurs to lift the drum (at least the reso side) off the floor. I haven't done this but it supposedly can make a big difference.

    Check the drum tuning bible for more in depth info.
    I have..
    Aquarian Superkick 2
    Pearl Stock (reso side)
    both 22"
    Also I have a pillow in there
    Thanks for the tips
    Last edited by Nik276; 08-24-2009 at 10:36 AM.
    http://www.youtube.com/user/UrFunny767

    Drums:
    Pearl Vision Birch
    22x18 Kick
    Pearl Sensitone Steel Snare 14x5.5
    12x9,13x10,16x16 Toms

    Cymbals:
    Zildjian A Custom 16in Crash
    Sabian XS20 16in Medium Thin Crash
    Zildjian A Armand 10in Splash
    Wuhan 16in China
    Zildjian ZBT 14in Hats (I hate it)
    Zildjian ZBT 20in Ride (I hate it)

    Hardware:
    Pearl Eliminator Demon Drive Single Kick Pedal
    Crappy PDP Cymbal Stands

  5. #5

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    Default Re: *Bass Drum Volume*

    Quote Originally Posted by yohin View Post
    Make sure it's not stuffed full of pillows, because that really decreases the volume.
    I have one pillow in there
    I`ll try taking it out
    Thanks for the tip
    http://www.youtube.com/user/UrFunny767

    Drums:
    Pearl Vision Birch
    22x18 Kick
    Pearl Sensitone Steel Snare 14x5.5
    12x9,13x10,16x16 Toms

    Cymbals:
    Zildjian A Custom 16in Crash
    Sabian XS20 16in Medium Thin Crash
    Zildjian A Armand 10in Splash
    Wuhan 16in China
    Zildjian ZBT 14in Hats (I hate it)
    Zildjian ZBT 20in Ride (I hate it)

    Hardware:
    Pearl Eliminator Demon Drive Single Kick Pedal
    Crappy PDP Cymbal Stands

  6. #6

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    Default Re: *Bass Drum Volume*

    NIK, i have always raised my BD up with spurs off the floor..this helps projection..at least that has been my experience..there was a real neat BD video here regarding tuning check it out..
    Enjoy the Music!

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  7. #7

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    Default Re: *Bass Drum Volume*

    Quote Originally Posted by MartyM View Post
    NIK, i have always raised my BD up with spurs off the floor..this helps projection..at least that has been my experience..there was a real neat BD video here regarding tuning check it out..
    Yeah, I do to.
    It looks weird without it also
    http://www.youtube.com/user/UrFunny767

    Drums:
    Pearl Vision Birch
    22x18 Kick
    Pearl Sensitone Steel Snare 14x5.5
    12x9,13x10,16x16 Toms

    Cymbals:
    Zildjian A Custom 16in Crash
    Sabian XS20 16in Medium Thin Crash
    Zildjian A Armand 10in Splash
    Wuhan 16in China
    Zildjian ZBT 14in Hats (I hate it)
    Zildjian ZBT 20in Ride (I hate it)

    Hardware:
    Pearl Eliminator Demon Drive Single Kick Pedal
    Crappy PDP Cymbal Stands

  8. #8

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    Default Re: *Bass Drum Volume*

    First off, what drum set do you have? If it is a set that has the same thickness on each shell, you will automatically find that the bigger toms and bass do not have enough projection to equal your smaller toms and snare. I have this problem and it honestly sucks. I have used a Superkick II and I noticed my bass isn't near the volume it needs to be.

    Try using a single ply batter on your bass, this will help a ton. It will not be as low pitch as the 2ply head, but at least you can hear it. If you like the Superkick II try the Superkick I, it is a single ply version of the II.

    If you try that and it still isn't loud enough, try porting your reso head.

  9. #9

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    Default Re: *Bass Drum Volume*

    Take the pillow out, Get rid of the heavily muffled SuperkickII and try a PS3. Tune both your heads the same and tune them to the shell. Also dont bury your beater.

  10. #10

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    Default Re: *Bass Drum Volume*

    Oh yeah, by the way...

    If you tighten your pedal spring tension you will get more power into your kicks. I would leave the tension to what you are comfortable playing with, but try that if you try everything else and it still isn't loud enough.

  11. #11

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    Default Re: *Bass Drum Volume*

    Quote Originally Posted by Northern Redneck View Post
    Take the pillow out, Get rid of the heavily muffled SuperkickII and try a PS3. Tune both your heads the same and tune them to the shell. Also dont bury your beater.
    NR's right. A Superkick II is specifically to muffle the drum, as is the pillow. What you'll find with this set up is that it sounds good to you and right near the kit, but won't project nearly enough. You'll particularly run into problems with this setup playing outdoors if unmic'd.

    I use an EMAD2, but I take the ring off for outdoors, and definitely don't use anything inside the drum unless I'm trying to quiet it for practice.
    Jesse

    1986 Tama Crestar - Lacquered Piano White
    2016 Roland TD-25K
    2015 Tama Starclassic B/B - Indigo Blue Sparkle

  12. #12

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    Default Re: *Bass Drum Volume*

    play without pillows in the bass and port the reso
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  13. #13

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    Default Re: *Bass Drum Volume*

    Are we taking about live performance or recording? If recording, I would cut out the mid range on you bass channel in the 400htz region and side chain the bass track with the bass guitar with a micro second fad drop at the attack of the bass to allow the bass to cut through. Place your mic about 1 to 2 inches from the batter head through the port and use a subkick mic to allow for the chest thumping feel that you can't hear but feel.

  14. #14

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    Default Re: *Bass Drum Volume*

    You could also just keep it the same way it is, and get a bass drum mic.

  15. #15

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    Default Re: *Bass Drum Volume*

    Also, another quick tip is to move the beater up further on the head, that way you'll have more leverage and more power, think of it like holding a drum stick, you'r not going to get as loud holding it near the tip as apposed to holding the butt end of it. Hope you find this tip helpful good luck!
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