Drums do have pitch. #we're just not used to being able to identify the pitch with such little sustain (on most drums... tympani being the obvious but not only example). #Congas, for instance, are typically played in pairs that are a minor third apart (between the high and low congas). #On a djembe, it is the low tone that has a more audible (to us) pitch than the slap tone... this is where having a tunable drum comes in handy. #Sometimes tuning a drum is about getting the right tension on the head for the most effective response to various hand strokes. #Like with mandos, most drums have a kind of "sweet spot" where the tension on the head, size/shape of the body and technique of the player is just right. #And sometimes tuning really is about pitch. #I have played with groups of drummers where there the pitches of the drums play off eachother in such a way that they create a nearly melodic line/phrase. #
I respectfully disagree with the "it doesn't/shouldn't make a difference" approach. #When a drum is played with melodic instruments or voices, one can usually tell when it is out of tune with the melodic instruments... it sounds like that is what's happening in Richard H's group.
What to do? #Depends on the drum. #If it is tunable with a mechanical adjustment (hex wrench or some such...around the rim), then try adding or decreasing tension to get a different and more in-tune pitch. #If the top rim is attached with rope, then "pulling the diamonds" may help...but there is less precise control over what the new pitch will be. #If the head is skin (vs. plastic) the tension and pitch can be affected by heat and dryness (to tighten and raise the pitch) or moisture (to loosen/lower)... which is a rather imprecise way of doing it, but worth a try. #Otherwise, look for a different drum or (dare I suggest it?) tune the instruments TO the drum.
KE
Karen Escovitz
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Otter OM #1
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If you're gonna walk on thin ice, you might as well dance!
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