Head Replacement and Maintenance

A snare drum head, if used on a regular basis, should be replaced every year. When a head is starting to wear down, it will stretch out and become insensitive to stick response. When you replace the head on a snare drum, you should take the time to do some basic maintenance. Below, you will find a step-by-step guide on how to replace a snare drum head and do basic maintenance on your snare drum.

1. If you do not wish to keep your snare drum head, loosen the tension rods in any order that you wish. If you would like to keep your snare drum head, you will need to loosen the tension rods in a rotating motion that is mentioned later in this explanation. (see picture #1)

2. Once you have taken the head off, take a few minutes and tighten all screws on the inside of the snare drum. Since you will only have this opportunity approximately once a year, this would be an excellent chance for you to do some basic maintenance. (see picture #2)

3. Before putting on a new head, you should dust the bearing edge (or rim) of the snare drum with talcum powder. This will allow the head to move freely while being tuned. Unlike the use of a light paraffin oil on the bearing edge of a timpani, this practice is not recommended with a snare drum. Grease or oil, if used on the bearing edge of a snare drum, will reduce the free vibrations of the head and will soak into the wooden shell.

4. Now place the new head onto the snare shell. It is a good idea to have the printing (name of company) directly across from the snare release lever. This will come in handy as you set up your snare for performance. Place the counter hoop over the new head and line up the holes in which the tension rods will be placed.

5. Before placing the tension rods back into place, make sure that you lubricate them with a light lubricating grease. This will help the tension rods to move freely while tightening the head.

6. Now you are ready to start tightening the tension rods. Start by twisting them by hand until each of them are tight. Then take a tension rod wrench and tighten one of the tension rods with one revolution. This should be followed by doing the same to the tension rod that is directly across from it. Continue in a counterclockwise motion around the head of the drum. (see pictures #3, #4 and #5)

7. You should tighten the tension rods until adequate tension is achieved. You will know when you have reached this goal when your stick rebounds well off of the head and the tone is high-pitched, clear and ringing. To fine tune the head, match the pitch all of the way around the drum 1-2 inches in front of each tension rod.

The Snares

Under the drum, you will find the snares. They rest against the snare head which gives the snare drum it's characteristic sound. It is important to take care of your snares and the mechanism that holds the snares in place. You will notice that it is easy to take care of the snares if the correct tension is applied. (see picture #1)

Just as you tightened screws on the inside of the snare drum when replace a head, you also need to tighten a few screws on the outside of the shell. This are located around the mechanism that hold the snares in place. (see picture #2)

In order to adjust the tension of the snare, you will first need to make sure that snare release lever is "on," or raised up. Loosen the screws that hold the snare in place and pull the snare to the desired tightness. Ideally, the snares need to be able to move somewhat freely. If the snares are too tight, you will not receive an ideal sound. (see picture #3)

Damage To The Snare Head

You will notice that the snare head is substantially thinner than the batter head. Therefore, it is quite ease to damage. The leading way that young percussionist damage the snare head is by not being careful when putting the snare drum on a stand. There are three arms that secure around the shell of the drum. When you put the snare drum on a stand, you must make sure that all three arms are on the outside of the shell. It is very easy to accidentally poke one of the arms through the snare head. (see picture for incorrect placement)