The University of Texas School of Music



FAQs: Drum Set


Questions:

  • How do I tune my toms to have a pitch bend ('dip' tuning)?
  • Where can I find the history of jazz drumming?

    Q. How do I tune my toms to have a pitch bend ('dip' tuning)?

    A. This a popular sound used by such drummers as Dave Weckl and Carter Beauford. It is best achieved with a double ply plastic head on top (i.e. Remo pinstripe, Evans hydraulic) and a thinner (single plastic) bottom head. First tune one of the heads to its lowest possible tone but with no wrinkles left in the head (just above the wrinkle). Next, tune the opposite head to the same pitch. Now de-tune the top head by turning one of the lugs a half turn. You want to tune the top head anywhere from a semi-tone to a whole tone from the pitch of the bottom head. The wider the interval between the top and bottom heads, the more pitch bend you will achieve. Once the interval is greater than a third the tone will become dead.

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    Q. Where can I find the history of jazz drumming?

    A. Evolution of Bebop Drumming

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