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How to Tune a Snare Drum
When starting to tune any snare, it’s a good idea to first clean off the bearing edges and counter hoops of the drum. As another initial point, it’s also important for you to listen to the head through all steps of the tuning process, so you can obtain a clear, focused sound and understand how your tuning progresses.
Setting Up Your Snare Wires
As you get started tuning your snare drum, you’ll want to be cognizant of a few tips. First, do not over tighten the snare drum basket. The pressure exerted on the hoop can knock the head out of tune and limit its dynamic range.
It’s also a good idea to carefully select your snare sound by choosing the snare wire that you prefer. Snare wire has a dramatic effect on the drum’s sound. So, upgrading to premium snare wire (like EVANS Snare Wire) will improve the drum's overall sound. Different models can make a drum sound drier, darker, brighter, warmer, or more open.
1. Remove old snare wire and adjust the snare tension knob until it’s halfway between its highest and lowest points.
2. Thread the snare cord or strap through the end plates and center the snare wire unit on the bottom head.
3. Using the snare cord or strap, attach one end of the snare wire to the butt end clamp (do not tighten clamp).
4. Center the snare wire unit across the head (end plates must not touch the bearing edge) and then tighten the butt end clamp.
5. Thread the cord or strap through the strainer clamp while in its “off” position and tighten the clamp.
6. Turn the strainer on and adjust the tension knob to your desired snare response.
