How to tune your Rogers Dyna-Sonic snare drum FACTSHEET 01-5
1. Loosen all tension screws (½ turn at a time) in "sequence" (Fig. 1) untill all tension on the head is relieved. Then re-tighten all tension screws (again in "sequence") with fingers or key until the collar on the tension screw seats itself or contacts the counter hoop ear. Having done this, you will have levelled the counter hoop and head onto the bearing edge of the shell. This starts the head 90% in tune.
2. For the top head (Batter head), turn each tension screw with the drum key one half turn in "sequence". Then repeat this sequence with additional one-half turns until you have completed four half turns.
3. For the bottom head (Snare head), turn each tension screw with the drum key five equal half turns in the same manner described above. 4. Tighten the screw (Fig. 2) at the end of the snare frame (A) all the way with the fingers (without forcing) before adjusting the snare strainer knob (B). Tighten this screw (A) before adjusting snare strainer knob (B). |
5. Check to make sure that the snare frame is centered (Fig. 3). Place snare throw lever to the "on" position. Line up the end of the snare frame with the cutaway section of the counter hoop on the snare butt plate side of the drum.
6. Turn snare strainer knob counter clockwise (Fig. 4) until snares are quite loose (tap lightly with drumstick). If snares rattle and are indistinct, they are loose enough. Now turn snare strainer knob clockwise until rattle disappears and drum sounds crisp when tapped lightly with drumstick. 7. As a final check, tap lightly with a drumstick one inch in from the edge to check for the approximate pitch at each tension screw.
If any one tension screw sounds higher than the others, loosen it ¼ turn. If any one tension screw sounds lower, tighten it ¼ turn. |
How To Tension Your Rogers Dyna-Sonic OWNER'S MANUAL
Your Dyna-Sonic is a sensitive musical instrument. It is finely tuned and inspected at our factory. But, for your safety in shipment, heads cannot be fully tensioned. To adjust your Dyna-Sonic for maximum response, follow these instructions:
1. Release the snares. (Fig.1) 2. Tension Batter (top) head. Turn each tension rod 1/4 turn. Do this in a criss-cross fashion for uniform tensioning. (Under normal conditions, the head and counter hoop will be very close to level over the shell when the head is properly tensioned) (tuned). (Fig. 2) Continue this until the drum head has a slight "give" when firm thumb pressure is applied at the center of the head. If there is no depression, the drum is too tight. (Fig. 2) |
3. Check for Uniform Tension: Tap the batter head lightly 21/2" to 3" from the rim. (Fig. 3) listen. Make slight tension adjustments to achieve uniform sound around the entire head. As you tap it, the head should now produce a sound with an overtone or "ring". (Fig. 3)
4. Tension Snare (Bottom) Head: Follow the same procedure as in tensioning the batter head (step 2). Because the snare head is thinner than the batter head, it does not require as much tension. The snare head should have a slightly higher pitch than the batter head. 5. Check Head Sounds: When you are satisfied each head has been tensioned as instructed, place your hand on the snare head and tap the batter head lightly. Now, place your hand on the batter head and tap the snare head lightly. Remember, the snare head should have a higher pitch than the batter head.
|
6. Adjust Floating Snare Assembly:
a. Place snare strainer lever in the "ON" position. (Fig. 4) Turn knurled strainer screw counter-clockwise until there is no snare sound when throw-off is in "on" position. Tap batter head lightly 21/2-3" from counter hoop and gradually bring snare assembly closer to snare head by turning knurled strainer screw clockwise. b. You will hear distortion just as the snares begin to touch the head. As you continue to bring the snare up, there will be a point where the sound "comes alive". This is the desired sound you want! c. Continue to adjust strainer screw clockwise, and you will hear a low sound as the snares begin to choke the bottom head. Caution! Tap the batter head lightly - not hard. Listen. |
d. Next, back-off the knurled strainer screw to the point where the "alive" sound returns. Because Dyna-Sonic is an exceptionally sensitive drum, you will find that you willgo from "choked" to "alive" sound with very slight adjustment.
NOTE: Make sure that the snare frame is centred on the head when the strainer is in "on" position. You should be able to move the snare frame freely. The snares should not be pressed tightly against the snare head or the head vibrations will be restricted and "choke" the sound. This is the exciting advantage Dyna-Sonic gives you. You tension your snares but you never "choke" your drum. |
7. Check snare cords and wires: Inspect snare cords. They will not be as tight as on a conventional drum. If the snare wires seem too loose in the frame, (not loose on the head, but in the frame), toghten the small slotted screw on the frame. Do not turn this screw more than 1/4 turn in either direction. The snare strands should always have some "give" and be free to vibrate. Tap batter head softly while you do this and listen for desired sound.
|
8. Adjust Internal Muffler: The internal tone control or muffler should just touch the head. Excessive pressure will distort or eliminate the desired sound. When not muffled, your drum will always be "alive" and resonant. Stopping the "ring" completely will eliminate musical overtones, harmonics and projection. Your sound becomes dead and will not project out to the audience.
Your Dyna-Sonic should have a slight "ring" which is audible when you are near it - and from a distance the tone blends musically as it should. Test it for yourself. Stand 20 to 40 feet away while a friend plays your Dyna-Sonic. You'll hear the difference. Leave excessive mufling to the drums which need help.
|
Replacement Heads: Continued top performance of your Rogers Drum will be assured by using "original equipment" heads for replacement. The heads are: Batter - Diplomat Coated or Transparent, Snare - Ambassador Hazy.