I have a Ludwig 62 wmp super classic snare drum with the "classic" old type strainer{the big Chrome thing with I think "classic" on it}. When I tighten the knob on the strainer all the way {to get rid of too much buzzing or ringing on the snare piece } the metal snare stilll doesn't tighten up on the drum quite enough to my tastes{looking for a little tighter tone} . I am assuming I have to tighten the string on the strainer or re-adjust the string to tighten the snare , right? Not sure how to do this if that's what I do. I have never messed with this kind of strainer adjustment, so I am asking how to get the snare part to where it tightens a bit more on the bottom of the drum . Can somehow please give me some advice on this? thanks in advance. adam
question about tightening strainer string on vintage classic strainer?
Turn the adjustment knob almost all the way loose and then loosen the screws that hold the strings JUST enough to be able to take up a little of the slack in them. Then re-tighten the screws and then flip the snare lever "on" and begin to tighten the adjustment knob until the snares contact the bottom head evenly -DON'T OVER-TIGHTEN THE SNARE WIRES to get rid of all the buzz. And try to get each end of the snare wires equi-distant from the edge of the drum -centered in other words.
You won't ever get rid of all the buzz -it's just the nature of snare drums in general
"Nietzsche is dead." -God
Agreed, this pretty much sounds like it is the problem, in that you're running out of screw threads before desired tension is achieved.
You'll no doubt have to toy with first turning-releasing the tension on the Adjustment screw, re-adjust, and re-tighten the Snare Wire Cords, set the Snare Wires in the strainer "off" setting so that they are not contacting the head when on its stand, yet aren't hanging very far beneath the head either.
It's a back, and forth sort of affair that actually takes longer to describe, than to do.
When the snares are applied, like O-lugs explains, you must make sure that the Snare Wires are exactly centered over the Snare Side Head. You can't have the ends touching the shell on either side.
You'll have to maybe make adjustments to either the cords on the Strainer, or Strainer Butt to get this right.
In the end, you ultimately wish to achieve having your Adjustment screw with a good latitude of adjustment in either direction. This way, you can either get that taught, tight Stewart Copeland type (From the Police) "Gunshot" sort of sound, to the looser nice, and "fat" snare sound. Lubricating the threaded screw and the pivot points of the Strainer with a drop of oil from time to time insures easy adjustment also.
Hope this helps, and that I haven't confused in any way. Mark
thanks again Mark and O lugs. These are great explanations of how to do this. Just wanted to get advice before preceeding and making mess of things. Once again, thanks,ADAM
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