Drum Tech Announces New Tuning Method for Acoustic Drums

Imagine the ability to change the pitch of a drumhead with only one adjustment -- turn a key clockwise and the head's pitch goes up, turn it counterclockwise and the head's pitch goes down. Now imagine never having to adjust individual tension rods again. It would mean that you could play the drum while you tune it, just like a melodic instrument. The sound of these drums could be quickly customized for virtually any acoustical environment, any style of music, or even for a specific song without ever having to leave your drum throne.

Drum Tech's new DTS One-Touch Drum Tuning System retrofits to most hoop-and-tension-rod type acoustic drums and is now available exclusively through musical instrument dealers for 8", 10", 12", 13", 14", 15", 16", and 18" diameter drums.

Three Components
DTS (US Patent #7,045,696) is comprised of three basic components: the Single Bolt Tension Assembly, the Tension Distribution Cable, and the Tension Brackets.

How It Works
With the slotted ends inserted between the tension rod head and the drum hoop, DTS Tension Brackets act like levers at each tension point around the drum. Pushing in at the bottom of each Tension Bracket, applies pressure to both the under-side of the tension rod head and to the hoop. This leverage forces the hoop down since the tension rod is secured to the lug and cannot move.

The Tension Assembly and the Distribution Cable work together to form a ring that glides on channels at the bottom of each of the Tension Brackets. As the DTS Tension Bolt (not shown) is turned clockwise, the two cable-ends come closer together, effectively shrinking the size of the ring, which in turn, simultaneously applies inward pressure to every Tension Bracket. This raises the pitch of the drumhead. Turning the DTS Tension Bolt counter clockwise has the opposite effect.

Advertisement

Concept
Tuning drums is difficult and time-consuming largely because many tension rods around each drumhead must be individually adjusted to approximately equal tension for the head to produce a clean tone. The DTS facilitates tuning a drumhead with only one adjustment, eliminating the need to individually adjust each tension rod. This saves a tremendous amount of time and permits the desired pitch to be found with ease because the full range of a drumhead can be heard in seconds.

The DTS also streamlines the process of finding the proper pitch relationship between the top and bottom heads, the most important part of tuning a drum. Using DTS, the appropriate relationship between the heads is found by ear while striking the top head and sweeping the resonating bottom head through its range, much like tuning a guitar. This process is impossible using conventional tuning methods.

Although installation of the DTS on the top and bottom heads of a drum allows for maximum versatility, a DTS installed on just the bottom head still makes this precise head-to-head tuning possible. DTS:

• Eliminates the need to adjust individual tension rods.
• Allows the drummer to play the drum while tuning it.
• Requires no tools or drum modifications for installation.
• Is compatible with many makes and models of drums, both current and vintage.

For more information, visit their web site at www.drumtech.com.