Taping a snare drum is a quick and effective method to modify its sound, primarily to reduce unwanted overtones, control sustain, and achieve a drier, more focused tone. It's a popular technique used by drummers in various settings, from live performances to studio recordings.
Why Tape Your Snare Drum?
Drummers tape their snare drums for several key reasons, all focused on sound shaping:
- Taming Overtones: Snare drums can produce ringing or resonant frequencies (overtones) that sound harsh or messy, especially in recordings. Taping helps dampen these.
- Reducing Sustain: If your snare rings out for too long, tape can shorten its decay, leading to a punchier, more articulate sound.
- Achieving a Drier Tone: Many musical styles, particularly rock and funk, benefit from a tighter, less resonant snare sound.
- Controlling Attack: While primarily affecting sustain, tape can subtly change the initial impact sound of the drum.
Choosing the Right Tape
The type of tape you use significantly impacts the level of dampening and ease of use. Here's a look at common choices:
| Tape Type | Description | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gaffer Tape | Fabric-based, strong adhesive but removes cleanly. | Strong hold, leaves no residue, repositionable. | More expensive than other options. |
| Painter's Tape | Low-tack adhesive, designed for easy removal from delicate surfaces. | Very easy to remove, minimal residue. | Weaker hold, may need more frequent reapplication. |
| Duct Tape | Strong, general-purpose tape with aggressive adhesive. | Very strong hold, readily available. | Can leave sticky residue, harder to remove cleanly. |
| Masking Tape | Similar to painter's tape but often with a slightly stronger adhesive. | Inexpensive, decent hold, generally removes well. | Can sometimes leave residue if left on too long. |
For general use and especially on expensive drum heads, gaffer tape is often recommended due to its clean removal.
Step-by-Step Guide to Taping Your Snare Drum
The goal is to apply tape strategically to control the drum's vibrations without completely deadening its sound.
Basic Muffling Technique
This method is excellent for subtle dampening and controlling resonant overtones.
- Prepare the Tape: Tear off a one-inch (2.5cm) length of one-inch wide tape. You can adjust the length and width slightly depending on how much dampening you need.
- Form a Tube: Roll the tape 'back on itself' so that you form a narrow tube with the sticky side facing outwards. This creates a small, elevated contact point that still allows the head to resonate, but with reduced sustain.
- Position on the Head: Place this sticky tube parallel to the rim, approximately one inch (2.5cm) in from the edge. This placement provides subtle muffling, effectively targeting higher-pitched overtones without choking the drum's fundamental tone.
Experimenting with Placement and Amount
The location and amount of tape significantly impact the resulting sound:
- Near the Rim: Applying tape closer to the edge generally reduces sustain and high-frequency overtones. This is often preferred for a "wet" or resonant snare.
- Closer to the Center: Moving the tape further towards the center of the drum head will result in more significant dampening, creating a drier, punchier sound.
- Multiple Pieces: For even more control, you can apply two or more small pieces of tape. Try placing them opposite each other (e.g., at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock) or in a triangle formation.
- Size Matters: A larger piece of tape, or multiple pieces, will provide more dampening. Start small and add more if needed.
Tips for Effective Taping
- Clean Drum Head: Ensure your drum head is clean and free of dust or grime before applying tape. This helps the tape adhere properly and prevents it from peeling off prematurely.
- Start Small: Always begin with a small piece of tape or just one application. Listen critically to the drum's sound and add more or adjust placement as necessary. You can always add more, but it's harder to "untame" a choked drum.
- Listen and Adjust: The best way to find the sweet spot is through experimentation. Play the drum after each adjustment and listen for the desired change in sustain and overtones.
- Consider the Venue: The acoustics of your playing environment (studio, small club, large hall) will influence how much muffling is needed. A live, open room might require more dampening than a treated studio.
- Bottom Head: While most taping is done on the batter (top) head, sometimes a small piece of tape can be applied to the resonant (bottom) head to further control sympathetic vibrations or ring.
Alternatives to Tape
While tape is a convenient solution, several other products are designed specifically for drum dampening:
- Drum Gels: Products like Moongel are small, sticky pads that you place directly on the drum head. They are reusable, leave no residue, and offer varying degrees of dampening.
- Muffling Rings: These are thin plastic or mylar rings that sit directly on the drum head's edge. They offer a consistent level of dampening and are great for achieving a classic "studio" sound. You can find examples like Remo O-Rings.
- External Dampeners: Some drummers use items like wallets, tea towels, or dedicated drum dampening pads that rest on the drum head.
- Internal Mufflers: Some snare drums feature built-in internal mufflers, which can be adjusted with a knob on the drum's exterior.
By understanding the techniques and options available, you can effectively use tape or other dampening methods to sculpt your snare drum's sound to perfection. For more comprehensive drum sound shaping, consider exploring drum tuning guides as well.
