*HEY Y'ALL. If you've had one headache too many trying to tune your snare, go grab it right now and tune it along with me in this workshop. All you'll need is two drum keys! Keep in mind that every single snare is different, so exact number of turns is irrelevant. Don't overthink it. Use your feel and your ears. Let's go! 🤓🥁*
The biggest challenge to doing this was finding 2 drum keys. I have a bunch but who knows where the hell they are. Thanks for the tip though, seriously simplifies things
Awesome tutorial Rob!!! Can't tell you how many times I've spent hours overthinking and having mental breakdowns over this issue... Your method works without the headache...Thanks!!
@@mikeglazier5993 Hey Mike, here's a tip. I don't know how close you live to a music store, or a drum shop. Or maybe you could buy some online. DW makes some really cool drum keys, and they come in 2 packs. And they come pre drilled so they're easy to attach to a key chain.
Freaking awesome! Of the snares I own I decided to go with the Stewart Copeland model for this tutorial. Steel snares usually break my brain in half, now it sounds better than it ever did! Thank you Rob!
I love this guy, I have adopted the "feel" mentallity. I feel my drums, I feel the sound no need for fancy methods that take ages. Great video as always.
Drums aren't manufactured to the tolerances where a number of turns of the drum key makes any sense. One thing no one ever mentions though is his ability to actually play, which makes the drum sound good. If I was playing his drum set, you can bet 1 million dollars it wouldn't sound as good.
Torque o meters are for other tune-specific drums and other shells. This video is a general free- feel tune guide. Fine tuning in recording or emphasis based activity might require a tuning dial to correct any anomalies in the tension aspect. Enjoy...
Hey Rob! Just uploaded spanish subtitles and video title+description translation as well. Please make sure to approve them so my fellow spaniards and latin americans can appreciate this great workshop. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
After finishing the video 3 times, I can say BY FAR best tuning video out there. I began on an electric kit and never had to learn, so now I play on an acoustic, I have to tune. Ive watched tens of videos and this is by far the best and most clear. Amazing amazing stuff. Now I gotta go ask my wife if I can given on patron 😁
Yep, that's my situation exactly. I play an e-kit so I never had to learn to tune... but now I'm in charge of a backline at some amateur talent shows and the rental drums sound like crap even though they're very good drums.. these videos helped a lot!
I've been playing drums since 5th grade in 1964. I always obsessed about tuning when changing heads. I worked this along with you and you're right -- it really is this simple. Thanks so much!
What’s up everyone. I don’t normally write any comments on anything, but I had to on this one. Rob is a geniuses!!!! I have been trying for years to find a person to tell me how to tune my drums. I have watched many, many videos on utube and all over the internet, none of them have achieved the results to make my drum set sound right. I stumbled on Rob”s instructional video the other day and gave it a try. WOW, what a easy and perfect way to achieve perfection. THIS WORKS !!!!!! Thank you so much.
You have cured me of crappy sounding snare drum. For over 30 years my snare drum has suffered. Thank you Mr. Brown for all your work you put in to helping us drummer around the world!!!!
This guy is so down to earth...its so refreshing...and I tell you what: he's right. I tuned my sonor kit lately after I had watched his tuning advises and it worked well...as he said: it is no rocket science after all.
I did everything you said on my snare , Tom's, floor tom ,and bass drum , the only problem I had a lot of ring on my bass drum so I put a throw fleece in it man my drums( Tama's ) sound like phil Collins in the air tonight, it's like my drums are alive now , wow what a difference, beatdown your the man I will be sending you a donation soon wow you know your stuff A+ sir the church is in for a surprise tomorrow morning Thank you , I'm gonna see what else you have going on, peace God bless and thank you . I will be sending you a thank you gift next week.
I'm gonna jump in here... 60 year touring and studio drummer here. Let me just say this gentleman here is the ONE TO LISTEN TO and he'll never die of stress. Why? Because he's a seasoned drummer who doesn't take this stuff too seriously. Folks, this is all about DEVELOPING your sound. Your sticks are simply an extension of your arms and the sound you have in your head. DrumDials and Tune-Bots are wonderful instruments, but professionals like Mr Brown and Corey from Sounds Like a Drum are instructors who are trying to teach you simply to develop not only your distinctive sound, but your EAR, because every drummer eventually develops a custom sound. Studio owners and many engineers will tell you the industry is suffering from a lack of drummers who simply cannot KEEP TIME. Put simply...park your ego, study rudiments as though your career depended on it, and I promise you the rest will come. I'm pushing 70 and still get calls to fill in gigs, studio work, and TV work. It's a great life, but success comes only through repeated and consistent devotion to your craft.
I feel after watching a handful of your videos that its such a breather. Many other drum tutorials is almost always SO much fast talking and horribly over complicated. I really like your style man.
This is one of the most useful videos I’ve ever come across. Over the weekend done a 12 hour studio session and used this technique to tune my snare several times. It sounded incredible. I was happy, the sound engineer and producers were happy and kept commenting on how great the snare sounded. Thanks man 👍
I'm a self taught hack that just learned behind a kit years ago. I've realized my technique is trash so i've been going backwards and now working on real fundamentals. I'm also revisiting a lot of things like tuning tips and getting sounds out of a drum that I actually want. Your videos have been great man really. Can't stress it enough. A pleasure to watch and listen, thank you.
I know. I have a CB snare that my sister-in-law bought at a yard sale for $10. I told my wife to give her $20 for it. It had a couple of broken lugs and the throw-off didn't work. I spent $12 for parts to fix it. The drummer that I have been working with lately has a 1970 Ludwig kit. When he comes over he brings his own kick pedal and a Sabian 10" splash that he really likes. One day I asked him, "Why don't you bring your Supraphonic?" He said, "Becuase I don't care what it is, your snaredrum sounds great!" It's all tuning. And I have been recommending your tuning videos to anybody who wants to know. Good to see the updates.
After using your method to properly thumpify my kick drum the other day, I knew I had to fix my snare. Drove to my local music shop this morning and picked up a new Evan's 300 snare side and a Remo coated ambassador. Sat down with this video playing and literally just followed along. Cranked up the bottom head until it felt good and tight (tighter than i've ever gone in 24 years), then did the top head. Tested it, tightened a little more, and then it was PERFECT. The entire process was less than 10 minutes start to finish. No tapping in front of each lug. No counting turns. No praying. Just feel and common sense, like you said. I've literally spent entire weekends trying to tune my snare in the past and now I can do an entire head swap in under 10 minutes. This is EASILY the best tuning method on youtube. I've had this snare since 2002 and this the best it's ever sounded, hands down. Thank you so much, Rob. This method needs to be common knowledge amongst drummers.
Rob, Thank you SO much for this game changing series of No Hassle Drum Tuning lessons! This has been a life saver for me., learning how to NOT over-think-it. ALL of my drum kits, from 16-24" kicks and various low priced snare and toms now sound so great! My band members last night were amazed at the difference (Gretsch kit), and drumming on them is much more fun now. "Opened up" sound all around, I'm just floored. The method fixed up my Gretsch Catalina Jazz and Ludwig breakbeat kits so well, that I had to drag out my formerly pathetic sounding 1971 Ludwig super classic 24x14" kick drum (that I saved as it has Chuck Berry's signature on it, from a '91 gig I played with him) and try your method on it. If it could be saved, I was going to be amazed. I'm amazed and ever SO THANKFUL to you for making it so easy. I believe that a hidden part of your lesson is just to "be confided that the drums ARE going to sound great", casting all differing opinions about tunings by genre out-the-window, and just letting the drums SING in their own voice. What a concept. I bow deeply to your sweet caring soul, and your talent, brilliance, and bravery.
We should call you Rob "Magic" Brown. IT INCREDIBLY WORKED. Despite having a really low quality snare, with heads of over a year old, I achieved a sound I've never achieved before. It was also the fastest and easiest method I'd tried. Thanks you so much Rob "Beatdown" Brown!
Man Rob I'm glad I grabbed my snare and followed along with you man. I've been having a hard time lately trying to get rid of snare buzz. I have 12 toms and no matter what I'd do, one of them would make the snare buzz. I was going nuts yesterday. I did this method with you and not only is my snare sounding great, but the buzz is now gone too. Much appreciated man! Simple is sometimes better. Now let me get back to building my rocket ship.
How about whichever "one" of those 12 Tom's is creating the noise you take that Tom and throw it in the trash. I'm sure 11 Tom's if enough for you to hack away your out of time single strokes at.
Glad I came across your video Rob. One would think that after playing drums for 55+ years I would know how to tune a snare to my liking. But, I've been so frustrated with my DW snare the past few years I was ready to trade it in. So I changed my snare drum tuning method according to your video, and lo and behold I am now liking the sound of this drum more than I ever have. Yes, less science and more feel. Thank you
Thank you for these tuning tutorials! I just got my first drum kit about 2 weeks ago for Christmas. I have had a lot of stress and worry about tuning. Your tutorials are super easy to follow. I want to thank you for sharing your methods for everyone. P.s. I am only 11, so I have not played drums long, maybe 9-10 months.
Just purchased a used 5.5x14 Craviotto snare. I thought I may have tightened the bottom head "too tight", so I loosened both heads and started from scratch and applied your tuning method. After about 10-15 min of retuning, I found out that I had brought the bottom head right back to where it previously was. Which wasn't too tight at all, but "finger feel bottom head tight". No matter what level of player a drummer may be-beginner to big name pro, your videos apply! Keep on groovin and putting forth more quality videos!
GREAT lesson! As an old automobile mechanic i say look at the drum key, feel it in your hands, it is engineered to put a certain amount of tension into the system, if it's getting hard to turn the key with your bare hands, that's too much!
No joke man. Im feeling Sooolid with your videos, been about 10yrs for me. Gettin back to the skins and your helping me stay groovy and starting with a prefect foundation Rob...Primo
I had been fighting tuning my rack toms and floor toms for years! I watched your other video and have to say. They sound better than ever! Tuning until the wrinkles are gone is the best method ever!!! Thanks!
After watching about 20 snare tuning videos I was completely confused. Plus, about 80% of them I thought the snare did not sound all that great when they got done. OTOH, you got 3 great sounds in a few minutes. The most frustrating thing is when I hear "the bottom head needs to be nice and tight - but not too tight". The magic words this time were "don't overthink it". I had my snare sounding the best ever in about 2 minutes, plus one more minute to adjust the snares a little better (I just installed new Puresound snares - the split ones, I forget the name).. Love your vids and your personality too. All the best from another Brown (Phil).
This guy is a savior to all who haven't been playing drums their whole lives but need to get up and running quickly. My drums sound 100% better because of this guy!
I am truly gobsmacked after watching this video! Since I started playing in '64, I have struggled to get a sound I like from the instrument, whether it be a budget snare way back in the day, or the top-of-the-line US-made tubs I'm playing' today. Having followed Rob's clear and no nonsense advice, my snare drum sounds fabulous!!! Bye-bye tympanic meters, tuning to exact notes, turning each lug an exact number of times blahblahblah.. Beatdown's method WORKS - thank you, Rob; you've made an old man very happy... 😊
I always struggled with how exactly to tune my snare, and watching this helped so much! My snare sounds great now :D thank you so much for this! You're the man.
ive played since 1969.if only i had this method back then.thanks a million rob.my whole kit sounds great fast now.yes the key is bottom snare head tight.blessings to you.its never to late.
I just tuned 2 snares in 15 minutes max using this video and they sound better than I have ever heard them. I have a set of tom heads coming later this week for my son's kit and will be using his tom tuning video to do that. Thanks Rob, you rock!
Thanks Rob. Got my second snare out yesterday and it sounded really bad- dull, poor snare response. Tried tweaking (one drum key) as it had sounded good last time I played it but couldn’t get anywhere and it just choked. Followed your advice here (with I must admit some cynicism) and I’m truly astounded by how quickly I got a fantastic sound in about 5 minutes. Best it’s ever sounded with a little bit of ring which I also like. The 2 keys seem to be the key! Thanks again Rob. Amazing.
After years of trying different methods, you have taken all the science and methodology out of tuning drums. I changed the resonant and batter heads on my 7 piece Tama Star classic kit in under 2 hours! Best of all, it has never sounded better! Thanks for keeping it simple and real!
Wow... when you dropped the tuning way down low - it's EXACTLY the sound I'd been trying to achieve. I always tuned my snare like an orchestral snare - very mid-tone and crisp. After seeing this --- I'm convinced. I need to re-tune. Can't wait to get home and try it.
You rule man! From the tom and kick vids from while back to the snare. When people talk to me about tuning, I just tell em Rob "Beatdown" Brown. Tuning is such a big deal, and so many references I've been to over the years make it so complicated. Your tuning vids are priceless man. Can't thank ya enough bud.
I think I have used every technique. Then I came across you’re turning videos and I’m so incredibly pleased how I was able to dial in my set so quickly and it sounds amazing 🤩. Rob ; a big shout out to you and you’re channel. I love you’re kit, you’re approach to breaking things down. Enjoying all your stuff. Thanks man
Provided me the main piece of info I needed - "tighten up that bottom head!" Brian - drummer for over 50 years - now 70 years (smiling) still playing guitar and percussion and light drums. Thanks!!
Man I absolutely love your videos. I really dig the laid back mentality. You explain things so much more simple. I’ve used your method and my drums sound great. Thanks bro
3 года назад+1
I've had your video in my Watch Later for months now and just realised that your method could've saved HOURS of time trying to get my toms to sound right if only I had watched it earlier... Thank you so much for your great tips and videos!
I got both versions of the tune bot, drum dial, and a torque key. Tried so many methods of tuning. I ran into his method. And it sounds just as good but a whole lot easier. Thx.
Stixx and Stonerz I do too. The cool thing about the tune bot is that if you’re recording and want to recall snare sounds you bank the tunings and get it right back where you want with precision.
I love this guy many of the teachers say they are doing there vids for learners but to me it's more like look what I can do that you cant or kinda showing off a little but rob really does break everything down for slowwww people like me and he makes ya feel like wanting to continue on to learn instead of giving up, which I felt like doing with so many of the other teachers, many many thanks x
Beginning again drummer here, revisiting tuning after last years attempt to technically understand it all with tuners, charts, key spreads, tension tuners, and asking all of my drumming friends way too many questions. Got a new dream kit to spark the fire again, setting them up and just stumbled on to this site in looking for new drum tuning methods since I forgot everything I thought I learned last year (lol). Rob Brown is such a cool dude, shoots straight, and gets right to the point! I luckily gave his newest Tom video a shot and was a little skeptical at first. I then searched to see if he had a snare specific one since I wanted to start with my new snare. Sure enough, here it is! I decided to respect the dude after watching how easy the Tom one seemed (still not sure it could really be that easy) and grabbed my snare to work it along with video like he suggest. 10 minutes later my snare sounds amazing and I fine tuned the chain to perfection! I couldn't believe it! That was way too easy, and I literally spent weeks reading, learning, and trying with frustration and NASA detail to get my old drum set to sound right. Rob is the man and I'm so happy I found him just now! I will tune all my new drums in the Rob method and sure I'll be happy! Can't wait to learn from all the other videos I see he has! Jackpot Ah-Ha find! Thanks man! Rock on!
It took me decades to appreciate the ring! I finally got a Pearl Masters Custom Extra custom made with a clear black finish (you can still see the wood grain) and their die cast hoops with top of the line hardware in 2002 and already had a Pearl Sensitone steel shell that came with a previous kit and I finally really heard the DRUM’s sound. The complete difference in the crack, the ringing, the different frequencies and now I love the overtones and ringing from my different snares!
Wow tuning drums made easy , seems like it wud take me 30 minutes to tune , I'm going to try this method , rob u made it look so easy, thank u you always inspire me !! Thank u buddy God bless u
I love no-nonsense solutions and training when something has to be fixed NOW. That is what you get here. Rob is one talented dude that knows exactly how to present what you need to know when you are looking for help.
The low snare tuning at 13:50 is so great... put an Eventide H910 on that, just as it is, and it's the Dennis Davis snare sound on David Bowie's Low. Tape a wallet on the head and it's the Al Jackson sound on Al Green's Let's Stay Together. Rob is The Man. And the best thing about him is his personality. He doesn't have to mystify things and go out of his way to make it seem complicated, like so many others do. He just gives it to you straight and right to the point.
im playing on a Gretsch 14 x 6.5 Silver Series Snare Drum, Walnut with Maple Inlay not the best out there but it does its job, what i discovered is that the sneer vires also play a importan role in the setup how tight or loose they are
Hi there... I like your style. You are right-on the point that there are a gazillion videos out there that makes drum tuning a specialize science; that is... until I stumbled upon your tuning workshop. You hit the nail on the head [pun intended]. It helped me a lot. I play percussion by ear and love it. great work man... keep it up.
Rob, OH, I feel so much better! I tuned with your two key method and kept a bit of the ring instead spending hours trying to eliminate it- now I'm in business. Thanks much. Jim Chatterton
Personally I don't like to crank up resonant drumhead because it kills the tonality of the drum. I like to tune resonant head and batter head in some kind "tone in" relation. In other words: to keep them play/sing along. Recently I purchased Ludwig 14x8 raw brass snare (I wasn't entirely happy about previous Yamaha Recording Custom brass 14x6.5 and I returned it) and it sounds fantastic in low (both resonant and batter head) tuning.
Rob, I tried to tune my snare w/ that tune bot thing and it sounded like craaap. They suggest putting the the snare side a 5th up from the batter fundamental. A RUclips drum tuning site says to not make snare side overly tight and it causes 'choking'. Baloney. Went back to your method. Not only does it sound better, but much more sensitivity. With a lower snare side tune, the drum sounded compressed. It was hard to get ghost notes to be quiet enough. Thanks again.
"Sounds dope to me man"..... I love your videos Rob. Simplicity (not overthinking), common sense, and feel! I've been playing this way for 43yrs, and you're just confirming my way of thinking! Your a Godsend to the drumming world! Oh; and your an amazing drummer. Your tuning videos have to be in the top 20 of all videos on youtube! THANK YOU!
Rob Brown, thanks for all of your tutoring and help. Don’t ever loose your simplicity and your care for sharing your knowledge. I really do follow your advices. There are al lot of us who respect you and admire you. Thanks a lot guy !
As much as I overthought tom tuning... I way overthought snare tuning. Again, my mind is blown how easily you demystified tuning and now I've got all 3 of my snares sounding better than the ever have. Excellent content, love it, man.
Thank you so much!! I tuned my whole kit using your methods and now my kit sounds amazing!! As far as the kick drum goes after watching your tutorial, I'll never use a pillow or blankets inside the kick ever again. SUBSCRIBED
I've already followed your instructions for my toms! Oh boy, never sounded better. I'll re-tune my snare drum tomorrow with these steps! Thank you very much for the awesome tutorials! Peace and love from Mexico! 🤟🏿
I have been tuning drums for years. I like this very quick method. Yall please don’t ever be to old or to proud to learn something new. I am going to share this with my brothers at church right away. Thank you brother Rob, and may The Lord bless you and yours. Preciate you.
Yup. All feel. It’s something that is hard to explain but feel is real. And so is your ears. Just listen. Great education on a simple thing my man. Nailed it. Don’t over think it. You groove and I’m glad I found ya! Learning a lot
Awesome. I’m a 39 year old guitarist of 25 years who’s just decided to pick up the drums (hope it’s not too late!). So I def don’t have time to go through years of a crappy sounding snare. Great lessons, love the style. Cheers from the UK!
I’ve not enjoyed playing for a while because my kit has sounded awful, but this has sorted it! I didn’t have a clue how to tune before. Now snare, toms and base videos all watched and it feels great to be playing! Thanks for your help!
Rob I've been playing almost 58 years and I study a tremendous number of videos daily. I have to say that you're the one I trust. Your explanations are concise, simple, and always 100% effective. Thank you.
Every time somebody asked me how I get my drums to sound the way they do... I send them his videos! I have been able to play the drums since I was a toddler but I've never been good at turning my drums until I watched his videos. I loved his " don't overthink it" mentality! Nowadays I can make any drum set sound pretty good within a few minutes because of his videos.
First of all, I really dig your videos. I gotta say that I use the cross pattern method like you. The only difference I use is I tap near the bearing edge while using a cross pattern and get the sound the same all around the drum. This works on all the except the bass. I don’t remember who taught me this method but it’s been over 30 years. Your method is way easier and your drum sounds are amazing. You can teach an old dog new tricks so I will give your method a go on one of my snares during a new heads replacement in the near future.
I have watched so many snare vids that haven’t helped me tune a single bit, no matter how in depth they went, but this video was so easy to follow and so not frustrating that I got a good sound after only 20 minutes of tuning. Rob Brown is amazing
"Fast and easy" he says. Nearly 20 minutes later... All jokes aside, I do appreciate your non-clinical approach to this. A lot of videos on this subject cite near clinical tuning techniques. You detuned it a bit, "sounds dope to me man." Thanks for that. Helps some of us novices recognize that this is achievable without clinical precision. Big ups mate!
*HEY Y'ALL. If you've had one headache too many trying to tune your snare, go grab it right now and tune it along with me in this workshop. All you'll need is two drum keys! Keep in mind that every single snare is different, so exact number of turns is irrelevant. Don't overthink it. Use your feel and your ears. Let's go! 🤓🥁*
keep it up mate, just found your channel, drums instantly sound better. can do alot with correct tuning alone.
The biggest challenge to doing this was finding 2 drum keys. I have a bunch but who knows where the hell they are. Thanks for the tip though, seriously simplifies things
Awesome tutorial Rob!!! Can't tell you how many times I've spent hours overthinking and having mental breakdowns over this issue... Your method works without the headache...Thanks!!
@@mikeglazier5993 Hey Mike, here's a tip. I don't know how close you live to a music store, or a drum shop. Or maybe you could buy some online. DW makes some really cool drum keys, and they come in 2 packs. And they come pre drilled so they're easy to attach to a key chain.
Freaking awesome! Of the snares I own I decided to go with the Stewart Copeland model for this tutorial. Steel snares usually break my brain in half, now it sounds better than it ever did! Thank you Rob!
I love this guy, I have adopted the "feel" mentallity. I feel my drums, I feel the sound no need for fancy methods that take ages. Great video as always.
Drums aren't manufactured to the tolerances where a number of turns of the drum key makes any sense. One thing no one ever mentions though is his ability to actually play, which makes the drum sound good. If I was playing his drum set, you can bet 1 million dollars it wouldn't sound as good.
Ive been in the zone a few times its a trip.
Meanwhile, this is taking me ages.
Hi, Bro!)) Can you send a link to that video that makes you find out that magic feel?))) I am also searching for it))
Shucks. Now I need to toss my famous drummer Tune-O-Meter, and my torque wrench, tuning fork, slide rule and safety glasses.
eBay 👌🏽
Torque o meters are for other tune-specific drums and other shells. This video is a general free- feel tune guide. Fine tuning in recording or emphasis based activity might require a tuning dial to correct any anomalies in the tension aspect. Enjoy...
Throw away those tack gloves too.
I didn’t go that far but I did buy a Tama tension watch and found it not to be very accurate.
Those things still come in handy. I love the torque wrench. It hasn’t helped me tune for sht but I love it.
This is legit the best drum channel. I love the no-nonsense vibe. Always informative, and I've been playing drums for 20 years!
He really breaks it down,hope I get to play good some day
My whole kit sounding so damn good; I've been following all of your tuning advice and just loving the simplicity and speed of it all. So fresh.
Right? ...feelin it! I got all fresh heads, and tuned according to beatdowns teachings
Mine still sounds like shit
Maybe because it’s used j want a brand new set but it’s expensive
@SpamMullet well some of the lug screws on the drum shell are stripped so I can’t tighten every lug
@SpamMullet I’m saving up for the Tama Imperialstar because all my cymbals are cracked anyways😅
Hey Rob! Just uploaded spanish subtitles and video title+description translation as well. Please make sure to approve them so my fellow spaniards and latin americans can appreciate this great workshop. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
And at least like my comment... This thing takes time man! Cheers :-)
This is why I like your channel, been having a ringy, just nasty sounding snare. After this video, sounds amazing
After finishing the video 3 times, I can say BY FAR best tuning video out there. I began on an electric kit and never had to learn, so now I play on an acoustic, I have to tune. Ive watched tens of videos and this is by far the best and most clear. Amazing amazing stuff. Now I gotta go ask my wife if I can given on patron 😁
Cool stuff, man. Thanks for checkin it out. Good luck with the wife 😊
Yep, that's my situation exactly. I play an e-kit so I never had to learn to tune... but now I'm in charge of a backline at some amateur talent shows and the rental drums sound like crap even though they're very good drums.. these videos helped a lot!
Lol gotta ask permission??? Lol
I've been playing drums since 5th grade in 1964. I always obsessed about tuning when changing heads. I worked this along with you and you're right -- it really is this simple. Thanks so much!
Why would people ‘dislike’ a teacher ?Bro..you’re an inspiration!Love from Bangladesh.
What’s up everyone. I don’t normally write any comments on anything, but I had to on this one. Rob is a geniuses!!!! I have been trying for years to find a person to tell me how to tune my drums. I have watched many, many videos on utube and all over the internet, none of them have achieved the results to make my drum set sound right. I stumbled on Rob”s instructional video the other day and gave it a try. WOW, what a easy and perfect way to achieve perfection. THIS WORKS !!!!!! Thank you so much.
You have cured me of crappy sounding snare drum. For over 30 years my snare drum has suffered. Thank you Mr. Brown for all your work you put in to helping us drummer around the world!!!!
It's worth doing
This guy is so down to earth...its so refreshing...and I tell you what: he's right. I tuned my sonor kit lately after I had watched his tuning advises and it worked well...as he said: it is no rocket science after all.
I did everything you said on my snare , Tom's, floor tom ,and bass drum , the only problem I had a lot of ring on my bass drum so I put a throw fleece in it man my drums( Tama's ) sound like phil Collins in the air tonight, it's like my drums are alive now , wow what a difference, beatdown your the man I will be sending you a donation soon wow you know your stuff A+ sir the church is in for a surprise tomorrow morning Thank you , I'm gonna see what else you have going on, peace God bless and thank you . I will be sending you a thank you gift next week.
You just tuned my snare to perfection. You just converted 200 dollars of snare into at least 2000. Thank you.
I'm gonna jump in here...
60 year touring and studio drummer here. Let me just say this gentleman here is the ONE TO LISTEN TO and he'll never die of stress. Why? Because he's a seasoned drummer who doesn't take this stuff too seriously.
Folks, this is all about DEVELOPING your sound. Your sticks are simply an extension of your arms and the sound you have in your
head. DrumDials and Tune-Bots are wonderful instruments, but professionals like Mr Brown and Corey from Sounds Like a Drum are instructors who are trying to teach you simply to develop not only your distinctive sound, but your EAR, because every drummer eventually develops a custom sound.
Studio owners and many engineers will tell you the industry is suffering from a lack of drummers who simply cannot KEEP TIME. Put simply...park your ego, study rudiments as though your career depended on it, and I promise you the rest will come. I'm pushing 70 and still get calls to fill in gigs, studio work, and TV work. It's a great life, but success comes only through repeated and consistent devotion to your craft.
I feel after watching a handful of your videos that its such a breather. Many other drum tutorials is almost always SO much fast talking and horribly over complicated. I really like your style man.
My wife is so happy now with her snare. You saved her a trip to the music center. Thanks Rob.
This is one of the most useful videos I’ve ever come across. Over the weekend done a 12 hour studio session and used this technique to tune my snare several times. It sounded incredible. I was happy, the sound engineer and producers were happy and kept commenting on how great the snare sounded.
Thanks man 👍
I'm a self taught hack that just learned behind a kit years ago. I've realized my technique is trash so i've been going backwards and now working on real fundamentals. I'm also revisiting a lot of things like tuning tips and getting sounds out of a drum that I actually want. Your videos have been great man really. Can't stress it enough. A pleasure to watch and listen, thank you.
Man, you made it sound like 3 different snare drums!
It's that easy, man🤘🏽🙂
I know. I have a CB snare that my sister-in-law bought at a yard sale for $10. I told my wife to give her $20 for it. It had a couple of broken lugs and the throw-off didn't work. I spent $12 for parts to fix it.
The drummer that I have been working with lately has a 1970 Ludwig kit. When he comes over he brings his own kick pedal and a Sabian 10" splash that he really likes.
One day I asked him, "Why don't you bring your Supraphonic?"
He said, "Becuase I don't care what it is, your snaredrum sounds great!"
It's all tuning. And I have been recommending your tuning videos to anybody who wants to know. Good to see the updates.
What’s the deal with tuning with the snares on or off?
After using your method to properly thumpify my kick drum the other day, I knew I had to fix my snare. Drove to my local music shop this morning and picked up a new Evan's 300 snare side and a Remo coated ambassador. Sat down with this video playing and literally just followed along. Cranked up the bottom head until it felt good and tight (tighter than i've ever gone in 24 years), then did the top head. Tested it, tightened a little more, and then it was PERFECT. The entire process was less than 10 minutes start to finish. No tapping in front of each lug. No counting turns. No praying. Just feel and common sense, like you said. I've literally spent entire weekends trying to tune my snare in the past and now I can do an entire head swap in under 10 minutes. This is EASILY the best tuning method on youtube. I've had this snare since 2002 and this the best it's ever sounded, hands down. Thank you so much, Rob. This method needs to be common knowledge amongst drummers.
Rob, Thank you SO much for this game changing series of No Hassle Drum Tuning lessons! This has been a life saver for me., learning how to NOT over-think-it. ALL of my drum kits, from 16-24" kicks and various low priced snare and toms now sound so great! My band members last night were amazed at the difference (Gretsch kit), and drumming on them is much more fun now. "Opened up" sound all around, I'm just floored. The method fixed up my Gretsch Catalina Jazz and Ludwig breakbeat kits so well, that I had to drag out my formerly pathetic sounding 1971 Ludwig super classic 24x14" kick drum (that I saved as it has Chuck Berry's signature on it, from a '91 gig I played with him) and try your method on it. If it could be saved, I was going to be amazed. I'm amazed and ever SO THANKFUL to you for making it so easy. I believe that a hidden part of your lesson is just to "be confided that the drums ARE going to sound great", casting all differing opinions about tunings by genre out-the-window, and just letting the drums SING in their own voice. What a concept. I bow deeply to your sweet caring soul, and your talent, brilliance, and bravery.
We should call you Rob "Magic" Brown. IT INCREDIBLY WORKED. Despite having a really low quality snare, with heads of over a year old, I achieved a sound I've never achieved before. It was also the fastest and easiest method I'd tried. Thanks you so much Rob "Beatdown" Brown!
Man Rob I'm glad I grabbed my snare and followed along with you man. I've been having a hard time lately trying to get rid of snare buzz. I have 12 toms and no matter what I'd do, one of them would make the snare buzz. I was going nuts yesterday.
I did this method with you and not only is my snare sounding great, but the buzz is now gone too.
Much appreciated man! Simple is sometimes better. Now let me get back to building my rocket ship.
Good stuff, man. 12 toms?!! I hope you don't have to carry that thing out much 😲
Neil, is that you?
12 toms. Whaaaaaaaat?
12 Tom's?
How about whichever "one" of those 12 Tom's is creating the noise you take that Tom and throw it in the trash. I'm sure 11 Tom's if enough for you to hack away your out of time single strokes at.
Glad I came across your video Rob. One would think that after playing drums for 55+ years I would know how to tune a snare to my liking. But, I've been so frustrated with my DW snare the past few years I was ready to trade it in. So I changed my snare drum tuning method according to your video, and lo and behold I am now liking the sound of this drum more than I ever have. Yes, less science and more feel. Thank you
Thank you for these tuning tutorials! I just got my first drum kit about 2 weeks ago for Christmas. I have had a lot of stress and worry about tuning. Your tutorials are super easy to follow. I want to thank you for sharing your methods for everyone. P.s. I am only 11, so I have not played drums long, maybe 9-10 months.
Just purchased a used 5.5x14 Craviotto snare. I thought I may have tightened the bottom head "too tight", so I loosened both heads and started from scratch and applied your tuning method. After about 10-15 min of retuning, I found out that I had brought the bottom head right back to where it previously was. Which wasn't too tight at all, but "finger feel bottom head tight". No matter what level of player a drummer may be-beginner to big name pro, your videos apply! Keep on groovin and putting forth more quality videos!
GREAT lesson! As an old automobile mechanic i say look at the drum key, feel it in your hands, it is engineered to put a certain amount of tension into the system, if it's getting hard to turn the key with your bare hands, that's too much!
No joke man. Im feeling Sooolid with your videos, been about 10yrs for me. Gettin back to the skins and your helping me stay groovy and starting with a prefect foundation Rob...Primo
Didn’t think this would actually work but this is the best my snare has ever sounded haha!
I have battled with my snare drum for YEARS and even paid people to tune it for me!!! You sir, have answered my prayers. Top bloke! 🥁
Rob is too cool - he explains things in really clear and understandable ways - thank you
I had been fighting tuning my rack toms and floor toms for years! I watched your other video and have to say. They sound better than ever! Tuning until the wrinkles are gone is the best method ever!!! Thanks!
I got a fantastic result out of my snare drum. Thank you, thank you so much for sharing this with us. Stay safe you all! Greetings from 🇧🇷🇧🇷
Without question the greatest snare tuning, tutorial I’ve ever experienced
After watching about 20 snare tuning videos I was completely confused. Plus, about 80% of them I thought the snare did not sound all that great when they got done. OTOH, you got 3 great sounds in a few minutes. The most frustrating thing is when I hear "the bottom head needs to be nice and tight - but not too tight". The magic words this time were "don't overthink it". I had my snare sounding the best ever in about 2 minutes, plus one more minute to adjust the snares a little better (I just installed new Puresound snares - the split ones, I forget the name).. Love your vids and your personality too. All the best from another Brown (Phil).
This guy is a savior to all who haven't been playing drums their whole lives but need to get up and running quickly. My drums sound 100% better because of this guy!
Just did a gig and listening to some recorded playback, my snare sounds tits awesome, all thanks to you sir! 🥂❤️
Ur probably the best drums teacher in RUclips, at least after all Ive seen so far. Everything simple is just magic.
I've been trying to get a good snare sound _and_ feel since 1975. You are my tuning hero! Thank you, sir.
I read "tuning hero" as "burning taco".
... Must be time for bed.
I am truly gobsmacked after watching this video! Since I started playing in '64, I have struggled to get a sound I like from the instrument, whether it be a budget snare way back in the day, or the top-of-the-line US-made tubs I'm playing' today.
Having followed Rob's clear and no nonsense advice, my snare drum sounds fabulous!!! Bye-bye tympanic meters, tuning to exact notes, turning each lug an exact number of times blahblahblah..
Beatdown's method WORKS - thank you, Rob; you've made an old man very happy... 😊
I always struggled with how exactly to tune my snare, and watching this helped so much! My snare sounds great now :D thank you so much for this! You're the man.
ive played since 1969.if only i had this method back then.thanks a million rob.my whole kit sounds great fast now.yes the key is bottom snare head tight.blessings to you.its never to late.
Even after more than 40 years as a drummer I find your advice refreshing and very informative ! Keep it up Rob :-) Cheers !
I just tuned 2 snares in 15 minutes max using this video and they sound better than I have ever heard them. I have a set of tom heads coming later this week for my son's kit and will be using his tom tuning video to do that. Thanks Rob, you rock!
Thanks Rob. Got my second snare out yesterday and it sounded really bad- dull, poor snare response. Tried tweaking (one drum key) as it had sounded good last time I played it but couldn’t get anywhere and it just choked. Followed your advice here (with I must admit some cynicism) and I’m truly astounded by how quickly I got a fantastic sound in about 5 minutes. Best it’s ever sounded with a little bit of ring which I also like. The 2 keys seem to be the key!
Thanks again Rob. Amazing.
After years of trying different methods, you have taken all the science and methodology out of tuning drums. I changed the resonant and batter heads on my 7 piece Tama Star classic kit in under 2 hours! Best of all, it has never sounded better! Thanks for keeping it simple and real!
Wow... when you dropped the tuning way down low - it's EXACTLY the sound I'd been trying to achieve. I always tuned my snare like an orchestral snare - very mid-tone and crisp. After seeing this --- I'm convinced. I need to re-tune. Can't wait to get home and try it.
vasoftball5 same.. heard the low tune and was like “damn thats the one”
You rule man! From the tom and kick vids from while back to the snare. When people talk to me about tuning, I just tell em Rob "Beatdown" Brown. Tuning is such a big deal, and so many references I've been to over the years make it so complicated. Your tuning vids are priceless man. Can't thank ya enough bud.
Rob, I like you technical advice, and I love your sense of humor!
Easily the most FREEING tuning tutorial. Definitely recommending this to all drummer friends.
I think I have used every technique. Then I came across you’re turning videos and I’m so incredibly pleased how I was able to dial in my set so quickly and it sounds amazing 🤩. Rob ; a big shout out to you and you’re channel. I love you’re kit, you’re approach to breaking things down. Enjoying all your stuff. Thanks man
Provided me the main piece of info I needed - "tighten up that bottom head!" Brian - drummer for over 50 years - now 70 years (smiling) still playing guitar and percussion and light drums. Thanks!!
Nice vid! You should do a updated vid on the snare wires and how to put them on the snare
I saw this video did the same as rob instructed and now my snare sounds at the top of the world.Dude this video is awesome like the comment who agree.
Man I absolutely love your videos. I really dig the laid back mentality. You explain things so much more simple. I’ve used your method and my drums sound great. Thanks bro
I've had your video in my Watch Later for months now and just realised that your method could've saved HOURS of time trying to get my toms to sound right if only I had watched it earlier... Thank you so much for your great tips and videos!
I got both versions of the tune bot, drum dial, and a torque key. Tried so many methods of tuning. I ran into his method. And it sounds just as good but a whole lot easier. Thx.
Stixx and Stonerz I do too. The cool thing about the tune bot is that if you’re recording and want to recall snare sounds you bank the tunings and get it right back where you want with precision.
I wasted so much time w stupid tuning gadgets. This technique took my two tries and now my snare sounds legit. Thank you!
He got me, "I know your happy" felt like a you better subscribe.
I love this guy many of the teachers say they are doing there vids for learners but to me it's more like look what I can do that you cant or kinda showing off a little but rob really does break everything down for slowwww people like me and he makes ya feel like wanting to continue on to learn instead of giving up, which I felt like doing with so many of the other teachers, many many thanks x
"2 keys- Don't over think tuning-bottom head cranked" The 3 commandments!
Until the head splits LOL !
Beginning again drummer here, revisiting tuning after last years attempt to technically understand it all with tuners, charts, key spreads, tension tuners, and asking all of my drumming friends way too many questions. Got a new dream kit to spark the fire again, setting them up and just stumbled on to this site in looking for new drum tuning methods since I forgot everything I thought I learned last year (lol). Rob Brown is such a cool dude, shoots straight, and gets right to the point! I luckily gave his newest Tom video a shot and was a little skeptical at first. I then searched to see if he had a snare specific one since I wanted to start with my new snare. Sure enough, here it is! I decided to respect the dude after watching how easy the Tom one seemed (still not sure it could really be that easy) and grabbed my snare to work it along with video like he suggest. 10 minutes later my snare sounds amazing and I fine tuned the chain to perfection! I couldn't believe it! That was way too easy, and I literally spent weeks reading, learning, and trying with frustration and NASA detail to get my old drum set to sound right. Rob is the man and I'm so happy I found him just now! I will tune all my new drums in the Rob method and sure I'll be happy! Can't wait to learn from all the other videos I see he has! Jackpot Ah-Ha find! Thanks man! Rock on!
i’m so blessed you exist just all i can say and thank you😅
It took me decades to appreciate the ring! I finally got a Pearl Masters Custom Extra custom made with a clear black finish (you can still see the wood grain) and their die cast hoops with top of the line hardware in 2002 and already had a Pearl Sensitone steel shell that came with a previous kit and I finally really heard the DRUM’s sound. The complete difference in the crack, the ringing, the different frequencies and now I love the overtones and ringing from my different snares!
Wow tuning drums made easy , seems like it wud take me 30 minutes to tune , I'm going to try this method , rob u made it look so easy, thank u you always inspire me !! Thank u buddy God bless u
Just want to give you a shoutout, Rob. From tuning snares and Tom’s to playing fills, you make drumming make sense. Thanks, buddy!
Glad I found your channel, Rob.. Your tips and advice are straight forward along with real life situations.. Subscribed :o)
Good stuff, man. Welcome 🙂
I love no-nonsense solutions and training when something has to be fixed NOW. That is what you get here. Rob is one talented dude that knows exactly how to present what you need to know when you are looking for help.
When he said go i sprinted into my house and kicked my toe so hard, I got the 2 drum keys by the way
🤣🤣🤣
Did it hurt right away?
Luckily it was close by.
Just press pause.
How’s your toe doing these days?
The low snare tuning at 13:50 is so great... put an Eventide H910 on that, just as it is, and it's the Dennis Davis snare sound on David Bowie's Low. Tape a wallet on the head and it's the Al Jackson sound on Al Green's Let's Stay Together. Rob is The Man. And the best thing about him is his personality. He doesn't have to mystify things and go out of his way to make it seem complicated, like so many others do. He just gives it to you straight and right to the point.
im playing on a Gretsch 14 x 6.5 Silver Series Snare Drum, Walnut with Maple Inlay not the best out there but it does its job, what i discovered is that the sneer vires also play a importan role in the setup how tight or loose they are
Hi there... I like your style. You are right-on the point that there are a gazillion videos out there that makes drum tuning a specialize science; that is... until I stumbled upon your tuning workshop. You hit the nail on the head [pun intended]. It helped me a lot. I play percussion by ear and love it. great work man... keep it up.
Are you going to do an updated Tom tuning video as well?
Yep. It’s comin’. Updating the whole tuning series
Great can’t wait to watch them keep up the good work.
Rob, OH, I feel so much better! I tuned with your two key method and kept a bit of the ring instead spending hours trying to eliminate
it- now I'm in business. Thanks much. Jim Chatterton
Personally I don't like to crank up resonant drumhead because it kills the tonality of the drum. I like to tune resonant head and batter head in some kind "tone in" relation. In other words: to keep them play/sing along. Recently I purchased Ludwig 14x8 raw brass snare (I wasn't entirely happy about previous Yamaha Recording Custom brass 14x6.5 and I returned it) and it sounds fantastic in low (both resonant and batter head) tuning.
Your advice is great for this 'old guy' who's still learning (re)learning and always learning. Thanks!
“That’s all there is to it “.
*8 minutes left in video *
Rob, I tried to tune my snare w/ that tune bot thing and it sounded like craaap. They suggest putting the the snare side a 5th up from the batter fundamental. A RUclips drum tuning site says to not make snare side overly tight and it causes 'choking'. Baloney. Went back to your method. Not only does it sound better, but much more sensitivity. With a lower snare side tune, the drum sounded compressed. It was hard to get ghost notes to be quiet enough. Thanks again.
I've watched more than a dozen videos on this subject. This is the first video that actually worked for me. Thank you so much!
"Sounds dope to me man"..... I love your videos Rob. Simplicity (not overthinking), common sense, and feel! I've been playing this way for 43yrs, and you're just confirming my way of thinking! Your a Godsend to the drumming world! Oh; and your an amazing drummer. Your tuning videos have to be in the top 20 of all videos on youtube! THANK YOU!
Rob Brown, thanks for all of your tutoring and help. Don’t ever loose your simplicity and your care for sharing your knowledge. I really do follow your advices. There are al lot of us who respect you and admire you. Thanks a lot guy !
As much as I overthought tom tuning... I way overthought snare tuning. Again, my mind is blown how easily you demystified tuning and now I've got all 3 of my snares sounding better than the ever have. Excellent content, love it, man.
Watched this vid about a few years back and haven't changed my method of tuning since. Absolute legend Rob, thanks a ton!
Thank you so much!! I tuned my whole kit using your methods and now my kit sounds amazing!! As far as the kick drum goes after watching your tutorial, I'll never use a pillow or blankets inside the kick ever again. SUBSCRIBED
I've already followed your instructions for my toms! Oh boy, never sounded better. I'll re-tune my snare drum tomorrow with these steps!
Thank you very much for the awesome tutorials!
Peace and love from Mexico! 🤟🏿
Update: the snare sounds great!!!! Thanks again for the awesome tutorials! 🤟🏿
I’m sooo glad I found Rob’s videos. Tuning is no longer a chore.
I have been tuning drums for years. I like this very quick method. Yall please don’t ever be to old or to proud to learn something new. I am going to share this with my brothers at church right away. Thank you brother Rob, and may The Lord bless you and yours. Preciate you.
Yup. All feel. It’s something that is hard to explain but feel is real. And so is your ears. Just listen. Great education on a simple thing my man. Nailed it. Don’t over think it. You groove and I’m glad I found ya! Learning a lot
I just got back into drumming after 10 years. My snare sounds great now, thank you!!!
I've been playing for like 100 years and thanks to you, my snare never sounded better. Thank you!
Year's and year's of overthinking tuning a drum and this is all there is to it! Damn and thank you!!!
Awesome. I’m a 39 year old guitarist of 25 years who’s just decided to pick up the drums (hope it’s not too late!). So I def don’t have time to go through years of a crappy sounding snare.
Great lessons, love the style.
Cheers from the UK!
I’ve not enjoyed playing for a while because my kit has sounded awful, but this has sorted it!
I didn’t have a clue how to tune before. Now snare, toms and base videos all watched and it feels great to be playing!
Thanks for your help!
Rob I've been playing almost 58 years and I study a tremendous number of videos daily. I have to say that you're the one I trust. Your explanations are concise, simple, and always 100% effective. Thank you.
Every time somebody asked me how I get my drums to sound the way they do... I send them his videos! I have been able to play the drums since I was a toddler but I've never been good at turning my drums until I watched his videos. I loved his " don't overthink it" mentality! Nowadays I can make any drum set sound pretty good within a few minutes because of his videos.
First of all, I really dig your videos. I gotta say that I use the cross pattern method like you. The only difference I use is I tap near the bearing edge while using a cross pattern and get the sound the same all around the drum. This works on all the except the bass. I don’t remember who taught me this method but it’s been over 30 years. Your method is way easier and your drum sounds are amazing. You can teach an old dog new tricks so I will give your method a go on one of my snares during a new heads replacement in the near future.
I have watched so many snare vids that haven’t helped me tune a single bit, no matter how in depth they went, but this video was so easy to follow and so not frustrating that I got a good sound after only 20 minutes of tuning. Rob Brown is amazing
"Fast and easy" he says. Nearly 20 minutes later... All jokes aside, I do appreciate your non-clinical approach to this. A lot of videos on this subject cite near clinical tuning techniques. You detuned it a bit, "sounds dope to me man." Thanks for that. Helps some of us novices recognize that this is achievable without clinical precision. Big ups mate!