Tuning the Snare Drum Bonham style

[thunderdrums.spencer]

Tuning the snare drum...man that was what I've been waiting for ...Just like tuning the bass drum video...it shows the things I've been doing wrong for years...no wonder I was never happy with the sound produced..I always cranked the snot out of the batter less on reso..This video shows all you need to know without getting all technical and leaving you clueless.. And it was only like $3. and worth more than gold.. If your having issues you should get tuning bass/ snare vids. It's God sent !!!

[DansRailroad]

I purchased this download and let me tell you, it was an immense help to getting that signature sound.  On my end, I had to stretch my batter head out quite a bit more before I got it to handle tuning.  From my experience with Remo emperor heads, they take a while to season.  I ended up getting the pitch after a few days of stretching and retuning but still had to work in the batter, occasionally tightening the head a half turn or more before it broke in and held the tuning.  At the same time, I was making minor adjustments to the reso head and snare wires.  I had to muffle the drum very slightly as well to help with snare buzz from the 42 strands but overall I am pleased with the tone, as it closely matches Bonham's Supra as it sounded in communication breakdown.    Thanks again for taking the time to make this how to!
~Daniel

[fmbighair]

I know EXACTLY what you mean. Thats my all time favorite snare sound. Really open and resonant but with lots of beef. I really think its that natural "hum" of the supraphonic. It increases as the tension goes up. Baracuda is a great example too.

[Canadiarockmusic]

Dude, I didn't really watch the video, but but with your beginning and my adjustments, I got an open, fat, and wide sound!!!! Thanks alot! :D

[adamb]

Great sounding drum and great playin too

[scott]

I couldn't live without my 402 lol. It's literally perfect for me.

[Baggies]

nice drum sound...particularly well balanced kick and snare.

[jesseleite]

i have purchased your bass and snare drum tuning videos. very good job! i can't wait until you do a tom tuning video!

[GrooveDrumming]

@Who2Are1You
I'm happy to hear you got a great snare sound! Lower tuning only adjust the reso and the batter VERY minimal. Thanks again!

[Zachary_Stec]

I have a 6.5x14 ludwig supraphonic smooth bronze snare drum, and I got the bonham sound by tuning the bottom head tightly, but still having a fat "pop" sound. And for the batter head I tuned it to have a slight ring and loosened the snare wires to the desired sound, it works great for me!

[GrooveDrumming]

Yes, my tuning technique will make your snare sound great too. The aluminum supraphonic snare (LM402) has a distinct sound that no other one does. You can have a snare that is 6.5 inches but if it's not aluminum it won't sound like Bonzo's. In fact, Bonzo didn't like the brass (cob) snare but the cheaper aluminum model.

[GrooveDrumming]

@Bonzotriplets1
Yes, it really does really make a difference with the 2-ply. The reso is not as critical and I have had success with pretty much any kind but I find the ambassador (snare side) works best.

[GrooveDrumming]

@MrHammerhead66
Yes, i would, you'll be surprised how good it will sound imo. I used to have one but in a Tama version. Now I have a metal Yamaha and love it almost as much as my LM402.

[baschieriluca]

Sorry Kronier but you do not take a led zeppelin studio records for testing the sound of bonham snare. the audio is extremly re-worked.
If you check and compare the sound of this snare with the original live records you understand Zalac did a great Job!!!

[GrooveDrumming]

@jesseleite
Hey Jesse, I'm still rounding up new heads for the toms/floors and then the creation of this tuning vid will begin. Thank you so much for the support bro.

[dereklepiesza]

bought this video a while ago, huge help!

[GrooveDrumming]

Yes, I apply this same technique to steel, maple and birch.

[GrooveDrumming]

@JCProductions75
Has to be a "snare side" non-coated ambassador (very thin like paper). A regular coated for the reso will not work properly. Use it for the batter only. If you put the ambassador on for the batter make sure to use the lighter diplomat for the reso..."snare side".

[XxStrongDrumsxX]

Do you honestly think that a snare drum recorded with modern technology is going to sound exactly the same as a snare drum recorded with vintage technology? Bonham's snare drum had plenty of resonance, but the way that the drums were recorded accentuated the attack of the drum. In reality, this truly does sound almost exactly like Bonham's snare drum.

[GrooveDrumming]

@Canadiarockmusic
That's cool bro! You're welcome.