Search - Drum Tuning: Sound and Design...Simplified on DVD

Not as deep and concise as I expected

P. N. Bakalos | Maynard, Ma USA | 07/17/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"If you can get past Bob Gatzen's "personality", you can find some good but conventional information such as:

1) Check drums & hoops for out of round condition before tuning
2) Use two keys for tuning speed and tension symmetry
3) Start from the lowest pitch and tune up

But Mr. Gatzen could have been much more conscise in telling us these things.

Peronally, I was interested in learning about the theory and physical acoustics of the drum shell, head resonances, and interaction between heads as well as shell with respect to tuning. This DVD does not cover any of that info, and so far I haven't found a reference that does.

Bob Gatzen says more than once that he is involved in "drum research" and "sound design". Maybe I missed something, but I didn't see any evidence of his reasearch in either topic. The biggest oportunity that I see for "drum research" is for a simpler way to tune the damn things! Having to adjust 16 to 24 tuning lugs per drum (top & bottom heads) seems archaic to me in this day & age of high technology. Basically the same mechanism has been used since the 1st drum was ever built!
(...)

This DVD is OK, but not great in my "humble" opinion."

Drum Tuning Bob Gatzen

Gregory Doucette | 01/23/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This a great resource for anyone who struggles with getting that particular sound they want out of their instrument. The information is well organized and presented in a manner which allows the viewer to focus in on his or her particular problem or concern regarding drum tuning issues. Lots of great information on the different types of drums on the market and the pros and cons of each design.
I highly recommend this video as a must have tool for any drummer"