Tuning G2s on Tama Starclassic Birch HELP

[Mr. Tama]

Alright, so I recently bought my Tama Starclassic Birch. Yesterday actually. I am still doing fine tuning to the toms, but I am trying to figure out the PERFECT sound. Right now I am getting almost a plasticy sound out of it. Less of a sing, more of a 'slap' per say. I could also say the the heads don't feel 'soft', if you know what I mean.

Anyone with a Starclassic Birch/Birch Bubinga/WHATEVER kind, let me know.

[kaosotis]

Jason,

If you're getting a slap then they are probably tuned too low (I think). They are big drums, so there might be a tendency to tune them low thinking they need a low sound. But the size alone will give you that big deep sound. I would try tuning them all up some and see if that helps. You have to remember they will tune, sound, feel, etc... much different from your Swingstars b/c they are different wood, different sizes, etc...

Not sure what you mean by "soft" in terms of the feel of the heads.

[Mr. Tama]

Jason,

If you're getting a slap then they are probably tuned too low (I think). They are big drums, so there might be a tendency to tune them low thinking they need a low sound. But the size alone will give you that big deep sound. I would try tuning them all up some and see if that helps. You have to remember they will tune, sound, feel, etc... much different from your Swingstars b/c they are different wood, different sizes, etc...

Not sure what you mean by "soft" in terms of the feel of the heads.

Soft as in a less slappy feel when hitting the drum head. More soft!

And I just took the G2s off completely. Threw on the Remo Pinstripes. The set sounds a lot better!

And Jesse, I tuned the heads high and low. When I tuned them high, they were choked, I loosened em up, too ringy, then too low. =/

[Northern Redneck]

I find Evans heads sound plasticy as well. Throw some palin old coated Ambos on that kit and it will sound terrific.

[Mr. Tama]

Ugh Ambos? I don't like a super open kit. Emperors more like it. I might pick up an Ambassador head just to see what is sounds like.

[ratmycue]

hmm, another vote for remo. yay.


ok all you evans G2 lovers, im sorry.

[audiotech]

It just sounds to me as if the heads were just too loose. You have to get them just past the wrinkle stage and with another 1/8 to a 1/2 turn of the key to each tension rod, the drum should start to resonate. This will probably be the lowest tuning point for that particular drum.

When inspecting the head for wrinkles, always start with all tension rods approximately the same tightness. then press your index finger lightly into the center of the head and then look for the wrinkles at each tension rod. Tighten those rods in a star-like pattern till the wrinkles are gone. Just don't fully turn one rod to get the wrinkles to smooth, but work between all the rods where the winkles are located. This will insure that the head is level on the shell and the tension of each rod will be approximately the same. From hear make sure you have the same tone at each tension rod, this will get the drum in tune with itself.

You will have the maximum resonance from your heads if both the top and bottom heads are tuned to the same pitch. You'll hear this more prominently with single or double ply clear batter heads.

Dennis

[fiacovaz]

You never did say anything about the resos. If you are using G2 batters, then use a G clear for the reso. A thinner head on the bottom will not choke the sound of the batter. I use coated ambassadors with clear diplomats. Great sound!

[DamageDrummer]

fiacovaz and audiotech took the words right out of my mouth. always always always make sure that both the reso head and batter head are tuned correctly, if they are not vibrating together, they are fighting each other, and they will choke for sure.

keep messing with them dude, both heads should vibrate together.

[Mr. Tama]

Alright thanks guys. G1 Resos by the way! But I love the sound of my Remo Clear Pinstripes at the moment.