Tape System

Lesson 6/37 | Study Time: 5 Min
Course: How To Tune The Drums
Tape System

Tape System

Using tape dampening has become quite popular with modern drummers. This system allows you to vary the amount of sustain to meet your particular requirements. Cloth tape is the best to use, and it is readily available in an assorttment of colours. Before applying the tape to the drum head, it is necessary to fold the tape to make a series of sound fins.

 

Cloth Tape

 

Making the Fins

 

Sound Fins Ready to Apply

The fins should vary in length from approximately 3 - 5cm depending on the size of the drum and the amount of dampening required. The more fins and the longer they are, the more muffled the drum becomes.

To apply the fins to the drum head, dampen the head first with your finger tips to find the best position. Usually 2 or 3cm in from the edge of the drum is quite effective.

 

Dampen With Fingertips

 

Apply the Tape

Previous Lesson Next Lesson
Steve Shier

Steve Shier

Product Designer
Profile

Class Sessions

1- The Drum 2- Dampening 3- Tuning the Bass 4- Tuning the Toms 5- Tuning the Snare 6- Choosing the Right Heads 7- INTRODUCTION 8- The Bottom Head 9- Clip On System 10- The Playing Head 11- The Shell 12- The Bottom Heads 13- Rock 14- Heavy Metal 15- The Front Head 16- External Ring System 17- The Top Heads 18- The Top Head 19- The Head or Skin 20- Funk 21- Tuning the Toms - Summary 22- Tuning the Toms - Summary 23- Tuning the Snare - Summary 24- The Counter Hoop or Rim 25- Internal Ring System 26- The Tension Mounts 27- Tape System 28- Blues 29- Jazz 30- Internal Padding (Bass Drum Only) 31- The Tension Rods 32- Summary 33- Reggae 34- The Tuning Key 35- Latin 36- The Snare Action 37- The Drum - Summary

Your privacy matters

Cookies and similar technologies are used on our sites to personalize content and ads. You can find further details and change your personal settings below. By clicking OK, or by clicking any content on our sites, you agree to the use of these cookies and similar technologies.

GDPR Cookie Settings

When you visit any of our websites, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. This information might be about you, your preferences or your device and is mostly used to make the site work as you expect it to. The information does not usually directly identify you, but it can give you a more personalized web experience. Because we respect your right to privacy, you can choose not to allow some types of cookies. Click on the different category headings to find out more and manage your preferences. Please note, that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.

  • These cookies are necessary for our website to function properly and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you that amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms, or where they’re essential to providing you with a service you have requested. You cannot opt out of these cookies. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but if you do, some parts of the site will not then work. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable information.
  • These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site, which helps us optimize your experience. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies we will not be able to use your data in this way.
  • These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies then some or all of these services may not function properly.
  • These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They do not store directly personal information but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.