Replacing a Snare drum

Batter Head

Addison Frank

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Introduction: The purpose of this instruction set is to inform new drummer how to change an old or broken

batter head. Batter heads should be changed right when a snare drum is purchased or after a few

months of consistent playing. The batter head is the white skin attached to the drum that produces

sound when hit. It is responsible for the duration and tone pitch of the drum. This process is not too

complicated and only takes about 10 minutes if you are a beginner.

Be sure to read through the whole introduction before starting the process. It contains an

important tuning method that can damage the head if not done properly. After this, steps follow with

helpful pictures that guide you through how to remove the old head and how to put on the new one.

Words in italics offer helpful suggestions and feedback along the way.

Materials Needed/Key:

Drum Key: This will be used to tighten and loosen the lugs

Petroleum Jelly: This will be used to lubricate the lugs after the old head is removed

New Head

Lug: This is already attached to the drum

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Tuning the Head Parallel:

This tuning method is used widely among drummers to prevent damage to the head while

loosening or tightening the lugs. After tuning one lug, tune the lug directly opposite to it. After tuning

the second lug, tune the lug one beside the first lug. This ensures an equal amount of pressure on the

head throughout tuning, which prevents any stretching that can alter the pitch and duration of the

drum. A picture below is included with numbers signifying the order of lugs to tune.

Removing the Old Head

1. Attach the key to any lug by placing the bottom of the T-shaped key onto the top of the lug.

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2. Loosen the first lug by rotating the key counter-clockwise until it can be loosened by hand. Repeat for the rest of the lugs. Make sure you tune parallel (see introduction).

3. Use your hands to completely remove the lugs from the holes. Remove the lug from the hole, but keep it hanging in the rim. This will make further steps easier.

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4. Remove the metal rim with all the lugs still attached and hanging. Remove the old head and discard it.

Attaching and Tuning the New Head

1. Before you place on the new head, dip every lug into a petroleum jelly container so the bottom half of the threaded section of the lug is covered. This is done cleanest by keeping all the lugs attached to the rim and lowering each lug into the container.

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2. While holding the rim with lubricated lugs in one hand take the new head and place it on the wooden rim of the drum with the other hand. The alignment of the head does not make a difference in the sound of the drum, but placing the logo of the head between two lug holes is a standard style.

3. Place the rim on top of the new head and line up the lugs to fit in the holes.

The rim can be placed on with any lug in any hole.

LOGO

LUG HOLES

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4. Tighten each lug by hand until all lugs are finger-tight.

5. Place your palm in the middle of the head and apply slight pressure. The head will crack. This is just the head stretching and fitting properly to the drum.

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6. Take the key and tighten each lug parallel with two clockwise 180° turns. Lugs 2-8 will feel very loose, but DO NOT FINGER TIGHTEN THEM AGAIN. Continue to tighten each lug two turns with the key.

7. Once you are back at lug one, repeat the process in step six. Continue to tighten until the head feels like a hard surface.

Conclusion: Congratulations! You have replaced a batter snare drum head! In order to ensure the best

sound, do not play on the head for a few hours. This allows the head to properly stretch and fit to the

drum. After a few hours, tighten the head parallel until you have a sound that fits your style. Then you

are ready to play! This head should last a few months of consistent use, or up to a year of inconsistent

use.

Troubleshooting Tips:

If the pitch of the drum drops slightly soon after replacing the head, do not worry! This is the head stretching out. Re-tighten the head back to your desired pitch.

If the pitch of your drum drops significantly at any point or the batter head loses its tension, your top head has broken either on top or under the rim. Time to change the head again!

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If a lug is very hard to turn and the head is holding normal tension, the lug needs to be lubricated. The best time to do this is when changing heads. You may remove the functioning head, but un-stretching and re-stretching the head in such a short time can easily damage the functioning head.

If any lugs are missing, you can buy individual lugs at most music stores.