Drummer Connection Forum

Home Forum Tech Talk Acoustic Drums

Which side up for snare wires?

b2solo - Thu, 09/23/2010 - 20:26 | 942 views

Greetings,

I have tuned my snare a few times, and the first few times I was very careful to note how the snare wires were attached. I recently changed drum heads through out my kit, and I wasn't so careful this time. The snare wires still seem good to me. But for the life of me I can't remember which side should lie next to the resonant head. I wouldn't care one way or the other but now I have this annoying after ring-buzz. (I went to Evan 300 on the resonant head, so that could be a factor)

I guessed that the snares should be flush with the skin which puts the little rivet heads of the snare wires right on the skin. Maybe it should be the other way around?

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Drummer Comments (2)

[+] Add Comment

LEE5336 Says Re: Which side up for snare wires?

Submitted On: Saturday, Sep 25, 2010 - 10:40 AM

As Warren says, I believe you need to have the wires as close to the head as possible so as to avoid excess buzz/rattle.

I too use the Drum Dial. It has improved my tuning time a lot. Eventually I hope to be able to tune by ear alone, til then the Drum Dial has been great tool to use.

Warren Wright Says Re: Which side up for snare wires?

Submitted On: Saturday, Sep 25, 2010 - 2:23 AM

The plate that the snare wires are soldered to should be placed so that the wires are lying against the resonant head, and the amount of space should be equal between the left side of the head and the left strainer plate and the right side of the head and the right strainer plate. Also make sure the plates and aligned straight with each other. The choice of snare wires will also effect snare "buzz" as will tuning. Ive been using a precision instrument to 'tune' my drums for years...its called a "Drum Dial" and Tama also makes a similar tool. It measures "head tension", specifically used at the tuning lug positions and setting them all at the same tension will help you get a drum 'in tune'. Once thats done, you lightly mute the center of the head and lightly tap around each tuning lug; I use either a pencil or an ink pen and when you do this, you can hear the harmonic tone...simply pick a tone you prefer and tune all the rest of them to that one tone.
Flip the drum over, raise the snare wires off the head by placing your drum stick under the snare wires and supporting the stick on the drum rim. Repeat the process. Note: Tuning the batter head tighter than the resonant head will result in a lower overall tone of the drum. Tuning the resonant head tighter than the batter head will result in a higher overall tone of the drum.
Good luck to you and keep enjoying our fascinating craft.