Hey all,
I`ve noticed lately that one of the T-rods on my Ludwig 26" Thermo Mach bass drum has been backing off slightly during play...It is on the batter side and located at about the 8 o`clock position...The t-rod is about the same elevation as my pedal beater...I only used a drop or two of 3 in 1 oil for lube on the rods when I detailed the drum...
Is this common with bigger bass drums?
Cheers
Has this happened to anyone else?
Cheers
I have not experienced this but maybe a wrap of Teflon plumbing tape on the threads might easily solve the problem?
Try wiping off the 3 in one oil. No real reason to lubricate tension rods.
^^^ Yep good suggestions. The lug insert or T rod itself might be getting played out as well. You can always swap a lug from the reso side and see if it holds better. Or just pickup a new lug insert.
Great suggestions so far!! I`ve always used 3 in 1 oil on my t-rods and never had a problem before...Teflon tape might work too...Hmmm...
I think I will have a closer look at the t-rod and insert and change if necessary...
Cheers
Is the BD tuned up high? I would try tightening the rod in question, and loosening the rods around it.
We know two things - the rod movement is in reaction to vibration, and more rod tension = less vulnerability to vibration.
Mitch
I disagree that there is no reason to lubricate tension rods.
First, it helps keep them from corroding.
Second, smoothly operating tension rods make it easier to tune.
I do agree that they don't need to be drenched in lube, so the advice to wipe them down is good. I use just a small bit of white lithium grease.
Teflon tape helps stop rod loosening, as do nylon washers.
-Erik
______
Early '70's Slingerland New Rock #50 in blue agate (20-16-13-12)
Late '50's WFL Swingster/Barrett Deems in black/gold Duco
'70's Slingerland Gene Krupa Sound King COB
early '70's Ludwig Acrolite
'80's Ludwig Rocker II 6 1/2" snare
Rogers Supreme Big "R" hi hat
DTF...I tune this bass low-mid if that makes sense...
Starship...I only use a drop or two per rod and roll them on a paper towel to get rid of any excess oil...I used to use vasoline, but, I found it would crap up inside the insert and lug casing...
I haven`t had a chance to start applying any of these suggestions yet, but, I will soon...
Cheers
I have sometime seen some movement of a few rods but usually on the front reso which is fairly loose and I have been using a miniscule dob of Vaseline on tension rods for around 30+years. In recent years I have adopted Tommy P's BD batter head tuning suggestions which also works fine for me. Tighter at the Horizontal Lugs (3 & 9, 10 & 2, 7 & 5)... then top and bottom sets of lugs loosed right back... No problems with tension, nice rebound and real deep tone. Plus real quick to do...
Cheers
John
