Changing a snare resonant head is a crucial maintenance task that profoundly affects your drum's sound, sensitivity, and overall performance. By following a clear process, you can ensure your snare drum sounds its best.
How to Change a Snare Resonant Head
Replacing your snare resonant head, also known as the snare side head, involves a few key steps from disassembly and cleaning to careful reassembly and initial tuning. This process ensures optimal drum performance and longevity.
Essential Tools for a Head Change
Having the right tools makes the job much smoother and prevents damage to your drum.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Drum Key | For loosening and tightening tension rods. |
| Microfiber Cloth | For cleaning bearing edges and drum hardware. |
| White Lithium Grease | For lubricating tension rods. |
| New Resonant Head | The replacement head, typically 3-5 mil thick. |
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your Snare Resonant Head
Follow these detailed steps to effectively change your snare resonant head:
1. Disassemble the Old Head
Begin by carefully removing the existing components.
- Remove Snare Wires: Detach the snare wires from both the throw-off and butt plate. It's often easiest to loosen the tension on the throw-off first, then unclip or unscrew the wires entirely. Store them safely to prevent bending.
- Remove Counter Hoop and Old Head: Using your drum key, loosen all tension rods in a star or opposite pattern to release tension evenly. Once loose, remove all tension rods and the resonant counter hoop. Finally, lift off the old, potentially broken or worn-out drum head.
2. Clean the Drum Shell and Hardware
This critical step ensures proper seating for the new head and prolongs the life of your drum.
- Clean Bearing Edges: The bearing edge is where the drum head makes contact with the drum shell. Use a clean microfiber cloth to gently wipe away any dirt, dust, or residue from the bearing edges. A smooth, clean bearing edge allows the new head to seat perfectly and tune accurately. For deeper cleaning, a slightly damp cloth can be used, followed immediately by a dry one.
- Clean Hardware: Wipe down the resonant counter hoop, tension rods, and the exterior of the drum shell to remove any accumulated dirt and dust. This not only makes your drum look better but also prevents grime from interfering with tuning.
3. Install the New Resonant Drum Head
Carefully place your new snare side drum head onto the drum.
- Orient the Head: Ensure the new head is centered on the drum shell, with any logos or branding positioned to your preference. Remember, resonant heads are typically very thin (3-5 mil single-ply) to allow maximum snare wire vibration and sensitivity. Popular choices include the Remo Hazy Snare Side or Evans 300 Snare Side.
4. Reassemble the Counter Hoop and Tension Rods
Once the new head is in place, reattach the hardware.
- Place Counter Hoop: Carefully position the resonant counter hoop over the new drum head, aligning the holes with the lug casings.
- Clean and Lubricate Tension Rods: Before inserting them, take a moment to clean each tension rod thoroughly. Then, slightly dip the threads of each tension rod in a small amount of white lithium grease. This lubrication is vital as it allows the tension rods to turn smoothly, preventing stripping and enabling more precise, consistent tuning.
5. Finger-Tighten and Initial Tension
Begin to apply even tension to the new head.
- Insert Tension Rods: Screw each lubricated tension rod into its respective lug casing, turning it only until it is "finger-tight." This means tightening until you feel resistance, but without applying significant force.
- Seat the Head: Gently press down on the center of the head with your palm (or a drum stick) to help seat it evenly on the bearing edge. You might hear some cracking sounds; this is normal as the Mylar stretches and conforms.
6. Tune the Resonant Head
Tuning the resonant head requires a different approach than the batter head, as it's primarily responsible for snare response and sustain.
- Gradual, Even Tightening: Using your drum key, begin tightening the tension rods in a star pattern (opposite lugs) incrementally, making small turns (e.g., a quarter or half turn at a time).
- Aim for High Pitch: Snare resonant heads are almost always tuned quite high. This allows the snare wires to vibrate freely and provides a crisp, sensitive response. Tap near each tension rod to ensure the pitch is consistent around the drum.
- Check Snare Response: Once tensioned, reattach your snare wires. Adjust the throw-off tension to fine-tune the snare sensitivity. A properly tuned resonant head will make the snare wires crackle with responsiveness, even at lower volumes.
For more in-depth tuning advice, consider exploring resources on Drum Tuning Fundamentals.
Why the Resonant Head Matters
The resonant (snare side) head plays a critical role in the overall sound of your snare drum:
- Snare Response: Its thinness allows the snare wires to vibrate intensely, creating the characteristic "snare" sound.
- Sustain and Tone: It contributes to the drum's sustain and how the fundamental tone resonates.
- Sensitivity: A well-tuned resonant head ensures the snares respond to even the lightest ghost notes.
Regularly changing and properly tuning your snare resonant head is key to maintaining a vibrant, articulate snare sound.
