Are the tension rods coming loose?
I got a new Tama Superstar Classic kit back in December, and immediately put clear Emperors on the batter side, and clear Ambassadors on the bottom. I'm having a hard time keeping them in tune.
Anyone else have a set of the Superstar Classics, and having this problem? Is it the drum or the heads?
I've already been thinking about putting some coated Ambassadors on the batter side, but i don't know. Is there any chance this might help?
HELP!
Are the tension rods coming loose?
SONOR 6 pc Special Edition 3007's red maple, old Pearl Brass 14x6 FF snare, Yamaha Tour Custom maple 8 pc., Tama 4 pc., honey amber B/B, Ludwig Supralite chrome 14x6.5 steel snare, Paiste, Saluda & Zildjianhttp://www.facebook.com/DerailedRockers/
Loaned out Slingerland upgraded 4 pc 1963 black, wrapped maple + 14" Pearl birch FT
^yeah is it a matter of a tension rod loosening?
Also how hard are you playing?
I say that even though I hit really hard but my kit stays in tune.. but it's a PDP/DW
I wouldn't say that i play (too) hard. And yes, now that you mention it, the tension rods have been a little looser...
Put a light dab of Vaseline on the threads. Might also try nylon washers instead of the chrome metal ones.
-Brian
"Too many crappy used drum stuff to list"
Play the SONG......not the DRUMS!!!
"I think that feeling is a lot more important than technique. It's all very well doing a triple paradiddle - but who's going to know you've done it? If you play technically you sound like everybody else. It's being original that counts." ~ John Bonham
Try a little bit of Teflon tape on the tension rod.......
Jim
Premier XPK Drums
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22 bass drum
5 x 14 snare
Premier Hardware
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Just one. SUPPOSEDLY, the nylon washers insulate vibration and help keep the rods from vibrating loose. I've also heard guys say they actually make it worse...or break under higher tensions. I've never had an issue with rods coming loose, and I have lots of old drums with cheap hoops. Some have nylon washers, some have steel. Then again, i don't exactly tear up the kit and I always use Vaseline on the threads. Either way, both are a very inexpensive option. I would try Vaseline first and see if it helps.
-Brian
"Too many crappy used drum stuff to list"
Play the SONG......not the DRUMS!!!
"I think that feeling is a lot more important than technique. It's all very well doing a triple paradiddle - but who's going to know you've done it? If you play technically you sound like everybody else. It's being original that counts." ~ John Bonham
They also make an antivibration tension rod you could try out. Little more expensive though as you'd have to change them all out.
I really want to try out these sleeved nylon washers myself!
Do all the drums go out often, or just the mounted toms?
I personally don't think hoop-mount (star-cast) is a good idea, but what does a rookie know anyway? lol
My superstar custom mounted toms definitely need cleared more often than the other shells (ft, snare, bass).
I haven't tried any type of lug-gel though, and really it's helped me get good at fine-tuning rather quickly for a nice clear smack without warbling overtones.
Two things come to mind. Did you seat the heads by stretching them first, when you first installed them? They are going to loosen a lot at first. 2nd, where I live which is a dry climate in the winter and more humid in the summer will cause the wood to shrink or swell respectively.
I'd give the new heads several weeks to get broke in.
I have a new Superstar Classic kit but that and all the others needed some attention from the time I installed new heads (roughly September) until discovering how crappy they sounded (about a month ago). I'm still fine tuning them even now. But it's not just the TAMAs. I have Yamaha and Pearl that are doing the same thing.
In my humble opinion it's normal but most especially with new heads.
Signature here
Mmm... Saturns.
Even star-cast might not be too bad if one runs the toms fairly flat, but if you like some good angle then all the weight and all the bounce while playing just contributes to lugs backing out, not to mention with all that pressure on the top hoop there just HAS to be some pitch-wobble when the shells are shaking.
The star-mount looks at least some degree better since it greatly reduces pull on the top hoop compared to star-cast.
Actually Teflon tape is used as a sealant on plumbing or pipe fittings.....
Jim
Premier XPK Drums
10, 12, 13, 14, 16 Suspended toms
22 bass drum
5 x 14 snare
Premier Hardware
Offset Double Pedal
Sabian, Meniel cymbals
Tama Metalworks 6.5 x 14" Black Nickel snare
Ahead Drum Cases
Okay......
Jim
Premier XPK Drums
10, 12, 13, 14, 16 Suspended toms
22 bass drum
5 x 14 snare
Premier Hardware
Offset Double Pedal
Sabian, Meniel cymbals
Tama Metalworks 6.5 x 14" Black Nickel snare
Ahead Drum Cases
Yeah, I think the lug locks are the best and easiest solution. late8 wins again!. . . .just kidding! I believe Sonor has the tension rod going through a threaded metal insert inside the lug followed by a nylon insert so when it hits the tight nylon it grips the threaded rod better and all the lugs are equal. My sonor snare is a dream to tune!
Last edited by drummerMD; 02-20-2016 at 09:11 PM.
Although it requires more change, you can also try Evans 360 heads. Having my first set on my Starclassics I find they tune more easily and hold their tune better because of how flat they align on the bearing edges.
Jesse
1986 Tama Crestar - Lacquered Piano White
2016 Roland TD-25K
2015 Tama Starclassic B/B - Indigo Blue Sparkle
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