Tuning Gadjets.

[DrummerJeremy]

Hey Guys,

Should I invest in getting

Evans Torque Key
Or
Drum Dial

Now the Torque key is about 20-25$ , drum dial is about 50-100$, Please tell me about them, if you've had expiernce and which is better or does the job better.

Thanks!

[pastor_bob]

DJ, I have the Evans Torque key, and it will help you get to a relatively even tuning on each tension rod, since the key "breaks" at a similar tension on each rod. You do have to make sure you lubricate the tension rods so that they turn freely. My question would be what you think your problem might be with tuning. Are you having trouble deciding what pitch you want on each drum, or is it more a matter of making sure that the head is tensioned evenly? If you can give us an idea, we can really help you out here. There are plenty of knowledgable and friendly people here, and nobody will look down on you for needing help with tuning. Everyone was there once.

[DrummerJeremy]

DJ, I have the Evans Torque key, and it will help you get to a relatively even tuning on each tension rod, since the key "breaks" at a similar tension on each rod. You do have to make sure you lubricate the tension rods so that they turn freely. My question would be what you think your problem might be with tuning. Are you having trouble deciding what pitch you want on each drum, or is it more a matter of making sure that the head is tensioned evenly? If you can give us an idea, we can really help you out here. There are plenty of knowledgable and friendly people here, and nobody will look down on you for needing help with tuning. Everyone was there once.

Hey Pastor,
Thank for your'e help and reply, Im not sure what it is, I just want a really good sound out of the tom, I can get the same pitch at different lugs, but Im not sure what it is im doing wrong I just get buzzing from the tom, overtones, and not a sold pitch.

So would a torque key be a good buy? what does it specifically do?

[pastor_bob]

If overtones are a problem, what heads are you using, and are you using any dampening rings, or moon gel? Also, how are you tuning your toms in relation to each other, and how are you tuning your resonant heads in relation to the batter head - is the resonant head tuned slightly higher, lower, or the same as the batter head?

As to the Evans Torque key, you dial in a specific tension (and that is a by guess and by golly estimate), and then as you turn each tension rod, the top part of the key "breaks" when it reachs the tension that was dialed in. I'll include a picture of it. It is the top black part that kicks loose, or "breaks" when the tension is reached. It will not help you tune the toms to each other. For instance, I tune my toms a fourth apart by singing the first 2 notes of "Here comes the bride." The notes for "Here comes" are 4 notes apart. I have a 6 piece kit with 2 ride toms and 2 floor toms.

Edit: I found a video that shows the Torque Key

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM9PBIZWE-A"]YouTube - How To Use The Evans Torque Key!![/ame]

[xweasel]

I use a DrumDial, and it's a great little thing. It helps me tune the drum into a certain range, but you sometimes still have to give the drums a little tweaking by ear to get the sound you're looking for. I would say it was worth the NZD$145 I paid for it.

[Biff Mannings]

I own and use the Evans torque key and I think it's great. It gets you to a good zone so you can fine tune your kit quickly and efficiently. Makes tuning much faster IMO, plus its cheap. If I were you I'd get it.

[cole1paul]

If money's not a factor, I'd go for the dial. I have a torque key and it works... adequately. Dials are way more accurate.

[JayW]

I actually like the drum dial. A lot of people don't, but I use it when I'm changing out all of the heads, just as a reference point to speed things up. I still tune them by ear, but it comes pretty close with my 10" and 12" mounted toms but it seems off a good bit on the 14" and 16" floor toms going by their pre set tunings. In the end, you still need to trust your ears! I don't believe you can just use a drum dial and be set. I paid about $50 for mine new.

[nucjd]

Before you invest in any gadgets check Bob Gatzens videos. I have posted this before. It is crucial to get the sound you want out of your drums. I have posted this before and it is invaluable.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcvQDh7U6Lo&feature=player_embedded"]YouTube - "Drummers Only" Bob Gatzen Tuning Tip #3[/ame]

[Imperialstar]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJ9Unab1OzU"]YouTube - Bob Gatzen - Tom Tuning[/ame]

[kaosotis]

I'd have to agree that before you get a Drum Dial (which I own and use similarly to JayW) it makes sense to work on your tuning technique first. You can never rely on a device to get you tuned up perfectly, they just get you close. The skills needed to tune completely are basically the same as learning to fine tune after using a drum dial.

If you have them $, get the Drum Dial, but spend some time learning to tune better as well and you'll be much happier with the results.

[Russ]

Evans Torque Key:
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rDSa1eDnlc"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rDSa1eDnlc[/ame]

Rhythmtech DTS:
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYxBNrq8Idc"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYxBNrq8Idc[/ame]

Drumdial(demonstrated on snare):
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smteGYurRrE"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smteGYurRrE[/ame]

Tuning with a regular key:
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1W7QMibXzlM&feature=related"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1W7QMibXzlM&feature=related[/ame]