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Much has been discussed about stave drum resonant frequencies... some seem to hold

two or more RF's... some seem to be able to identify by tapping on the shell of the drum,

some seem to be located by finding where the open tone has the greatest sustain, some seem

to be located relying on interval tunings... etc.


Just wondered what techniques that you have found that most consistently locate the resonant

frequency (ie the shell preferred tuning) of any requinto/quinto/conga/tumba/super tumba ?

Or, is it even important ?

Peace, Chas

It depends on many factors.

If you're refering to open tones of an individual drum, it would depend on the construction. Each mfr does seem to have its own RF, however each model can be differ. Not to mention any aftermarket remedies etc.

Putting aside the use of the drum and if you're looking for just optimum resonance of a drum, using your ears and experimenting would be the best bet all things considered. Most , if not all drums have their own character, even with mass produced products since they most likely have a skin product as the head. For synthetic skins, I would have to pass judgement on since I don't have too much experience , nor want to

Also note that most drums that I have owned/played do have the fundamental note with multiple harmonics, which can help , or hinder your experience. That can also confuse you that the drum may have multiple RF's. I do believe that some drums do in fact have multiple fundamental notes at close frequencies.

I find the shell/head configuration has its own inherent tone, and is most likely the resonant frequency that the drum would result in the best performance for clean fundamentals and amplitude. That should manifest in the ease (less work) and more sustain.

Considering the use of the drum I personally tend to go with my gut feeling for basic use for what is appropriate for the gig. However, usage for recording is a whole nuther ball o wax, but is fun and a challenge.

IMO, you personal style may be a factor in choosing the right tuning also. I tend to fight with this constantly , as my skinny hands like a little bit more upper resonance (tighter tuning for larger drums)to allow my slap notes develop easily. But that obviously has more wear & tear. On the contrast I also go for a smaller drum in lower tunings.



T

Tonio,

Thanks for the reply.

"Also note that most drums that I have owned/played do have the fundamental note with multiple harmonics, which can help , or hinder your experience. That can also confuse you that the drum may have multiple RF's. I do believe that some drums do in fact have multiple fundamental notes at close frequencies."

This too has been my experience. I do enjoy "chasing" that purest of tones that the shell/skin/hardware/tensioning can provide... hard to quantify it...but your ears/hands sure seem to recognize it when present. Had an older drummer friend of mine that would knuckle up and down the side of a headless drum shell until he found that most musical of notes the shell would provide then attempt to use that as a sonic reference point in tuning....was mystical to me (at the time) ...but his drums sure sounded good.

thanks for the insights.

Peace, Chas