A Tama Tension Watch is an invaluable tool for any drummer looking to achieve consistent and accurate drum tuning, helping you dial in the perfect sound every time. It works by measuring the tension of the drumhead at various points, ensuring an even tautness across the surface.
Understanding the Tama Tension Watch
Tama offers different models, such as the TW100 and TW200, both designed to simplify the drum tuning process. These devices provide a numerical reading of head tension, allowing drummers to objectively balance the tension at each lug point, which is critical for optimal resonance, sustain, and pitch. While your ear is the ultimate judge, a tension watch provides a reliable starting point and helps identify inconsistencies that are hard to hear.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Your Tama Tension Watch
Using a tension watch effectively involves a systematic approach to ensure uniform tension across your drumhead.
1. Prepare Your Drum Head
Before you begin, ensure your drumhead is properly seated.
- New Heads: If it's a new drumhead, gently press down in the center with your hand to help seat it. You might also want to tune it up to a high pitch and let it sit for a few minutes to stretch before loosening and starting the tuning process.
- Old Heads: Ensure the head is free of excessive dirt or dents that could affect readings.
2. Position the Tension Watch Correctly
Accurate placement is crucial for reliable readings.
- Placement: Place the Tama Tension Watch on the drum head about 1 cm (approximately 0.4 inches) inside from the hoop. This specific placement helps avoid inaccuracies caused by the bearing edge or the hoop itself, ensuring you measure the actual head tension.
- Consistency: Always place the watch in the same orientation and position relative to the lug when taking readings at different points around the drum.
3. Take Initial Readings
Begin by taking a baseline reading or setting your desired tension.
- Gentle Pressure: Place the watch and gently press down so the indicator foot makes firm contact with the drumhead. Read the number displayed on the dial.
- Initial Check: If your head is already installed, take readings at each lug point to see how uneven the current tension is.
4. Adjust and Balance Tension
The goal is to achieve the same tension reading at every lug point around the drum.
- Start Loose: It's often best to start with all tension rods relatively loose.
- Finger Tighten: Gently finger-tighten each tension rod until it just makes contact with the hoop.
- Cross-Pattern Tuning: Begin tightening the tension rods in a criss-cross or opposite pattern. For example, tighten one lug, then the one directly opposite it, then the next, and its opposite. This method helps distribute tension evenly.
- Incremental Adjustments: Turn each tension rod a small, consistent amount (e.g., a quarter turn or half turn) at a time.
- Check and Re-check: After adjusting a few lugs, re-check the tension with your Tama Tension Watch at all lug points. Continue adjusting in your criss-cross pattern until all readings are as close to identical as possible.
- Target Tension: Aim for a specific tension reading based on your desired pitch and drum type (see table below for examples).
5. Repeat for Resonant Head
Once the batter (top) head is tuned, flip your drum over and repeat the entire process for the resonant (bottom) head. The tension of the resonant head significantly influences the drum's sustain and overtone series.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Drum Sound
- Start Low and Go Slow: Always start with lower tension and gradually increase it. This prevents over-tightening and helps you find the sweet spot.
- Listen Actively: While the tension watch provides numbers, your ear is the ultimate judge. Once the tension is balanced, fine-tune by ear for optimal tone and sustain. Tap the drumhead about an inch from each lug and listen for matching pitches.
- Consistency is Key: Use the same placement and pressure when taking readings. Any variation can lead to inconsistent results.
- Document Your Settings: Keep a record of the tension watch readings that produce your favorite sounds for different drums or musical styles. This makes future re-tuning much faster.
- Consider Your Drum Type and Style: Different drums and musical genres benefit from different head tensions. A snare drum might be tighter than a floor tom, for example.
Common Tuning Scenarios and Troubleshooting
| Issue | Potential Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Dead Spots/Rattles | Uneven tension, damaged head, or poorly seated head | Re-check tension at all lugs with the watch. Ensure the head is properly seated. If the head is old or damaged, consider replacing it. |
| Inconsistent Readings | Incorrect placement, uneven pressure, or debris | Ensure consistent placement (1 cm from hoop) and gentle, even pressure. Clean the drumhead surface and the tension watch's foot. |
| Wrinkles in Head | Head not properly seated, or severe uneven tension | Loosen all lugs, press down on the center of the head, and then re-tighten in the criss-cross pattern while watching for wrinkles. Gradually increase tension. |
Sample Tension Ranges
These are general guidelines; actual ideal tension will vary based on head type, drum size, and personal preference.
| Drum Type | Common Tension Range (Tama Tension Watch units) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Snare Drum | Batter: 75-90+ / Resonant: 80-95+ | Often tuned tighter for sensitivity and crack. Resonant head can be tighter or looser than batter depending on desired sustain. |
| Rack Toms | Batter: 70-85 / Resonant: 70-85 | Tuned for pitch and resonance. Usually batter and resonant are close in tension. |
| Floor Toms | Batter: 65-80 / Resonant: 65-80 | Lower pitch, more resonance. |
| Bass Drum | Batter: 60-75 / Resonant: 60-75 | Often tuned looser for more "thump." Some prefer resonant head looser for more sustain. |
Note: These ranges are approximate and can vary with drumhead thickness, type, and specific drum characteristics. Always use your ears for fine-tuning.
Enhancing Your Tuning Skills
While a Tama Tension Watch provides an excellent foundation for even tuning, don't forget to develop your ear. Many online resources and videos offer drum tuning tutorials that combine tension watch usage with aural fine-tuning techniques. Websites like Sweetwater's drum tuning guide or Drumeo's extensive library can provide further insights. By combining the precision of your Tama Tension Watch with the sensitivity of your ears, you'll master the art of drum tuning and unlock the full potential of your drums.
