Snare Buzz
Tue, 02/14/2012 - 01:31
On a recent recording session my frigging snares buzzed to every deep bass strum and lower chord strums. Is this a problem with my tuning and/or tensions on my bottom skin or snare tension? How do recordings eliminate this irritating buzz?
Bob (frustrated in Canada)
Tue, 02/14/2012 - 01:52
#1
OK commenting on my own post. Watching the “Jost” blog accentuates my struggle with drum set up. I would prefer having most of my toms and cymbals below my head and shoulder height. However, with my current set up I am reaching up or shoulder height to hit the toms and cymbals. Is there a problem with my bass size and/or drum brand? I currently use Yamaha Stage Custom drums.
Tue, 02/14/2012 - 12:23
#2
Playing live with other musicians you're always going to get snare buzz. There's not much you can do about it. I wouldn't worry about it too much. I've got to the stage where I think it sounds weird if it's absent.
You can try tuning the bottom head tighter or looser if there's a particular note that's very bad and frequent. Also, you can try loosening (or tightening) the tension rods either side of the snare wires while leaving the others alone. Experiment a bit and see if any of those make a difference.
Regarding tom/cymbal placement it depends on the bass drum size and the depth of the toms. I use a 22" kick and my toms are quite shallow, but I still sometimes feel like I can't get the 12" as low as I'd like.
You could adjust your stool so you sit a little higher. Again, all you can do is experiment and know that it's the same for me, and Vinnie (just check out how his set up has changed over the years).
Sat, 02/18/2012 - 13:00
#3
Hi Barry & Joe,
Your comments on the heights of toms and cymbals is something that is annoying me often as well. I have a superb sounding Noble & Cooley set but due to the size of the bass drum and the height of the toms, the latter are placed higher than my comfort area. That makes me often to decide to use my cheaper but smaller Arbiter set. Because it has an 18" bass drum and shallow toms, the height is 100% what I need and my playing is much more confident.
Regards,
Patrick