Snare Strainer Issues

Had a question come in on Facebook about a finicky snare strainer.

"Hey Steve ! question about my snare, I can't seem to disconnect the snare wire from the reso head, when I disconnect it, it's still buzzing and connected, and then when I re-connect it (flick the switch up) it's got the usual buzz. I can never seem to find the balance so that I can play a nice non-snare wire snare, and then reconnect it to play normal. I hope that makes sense. Is that normal !? I've got a Mapex Black Panther snare."

-Peter

"Yea, it makes sense bro. Nice snare btw! IF I'm a gambling man, your problem comes from when you put the snares on. The throw off only allows you so much leeway in how much you can loosen or tighten your snares. The other component is when you're actually installing the snare. I would loosen the screws where the strings are run through the harness on each side. Then, loosen the knob for the throw off almost all the way. Then, pull the snare strings on each side to where they're just at the point of not touching the head. Tighten the screws back up. Now try to tighten the knob on the throw off. This should give you ALOT more versatility and room for getting various snare sounds. When you have a strainer problem, it either lies in the throwoff tension, a mistake you made in the installation of the strainer, or a malfunction on the part of the harness on your snare."

-Stephen T.

"yeah that does make sense, thanks ! I've had a good play around with it and it's sounding pretty amazing now actually, I tuned it and sorted out the snare wire (I think I had the throw off thingys way too tight, I've got one on either side as well) I've tuned the snare up more, and loosened the snare wire by using the screws. Thanks for the response... now ... on to re-tuning my toms !

thanks again"

-Peter

For downloadable video lessons or to subscribe to weekly LIVE lessons with Stephen, go to www.StephensDrumShed.com

30 Second Drum Lessons???

Every now and then I get complaints. Complaints that I talk to much in my lessons...which I sometimes agree with, LOL! That being said, it's a drum lesson. You play and you talk. That's all there is to do. I have some full half hour lessons and clinics up there, some shorter ten minute lessons, and some still shorter 5 minute lessons (you can find TONS more of them for download on my website HERE).

So I came up with the ultimate drum lesson for you guys that hate all of the talking...they're only 30 seconds long! I've posted a couple of them, and I've gotten a great response...so there will be lots more. They essentially consist of a slow demonstration, a faster demonstration, and then a practical use demonstration. NO TALKING!!! They're not meant to be full drum lessons...just consider them drum "snacks". You can take the stickings and ideas and use them however you want. Hope you enjoy learning them as much as I did!

Intermediate/Advanced - "LIVE" Lesson Sample

A lot of drummers have emailed me wanting to know what the live lessons are like. So, here's an extended "LIVE" lesson from last night. I talk about a linear fill and how to break the sticking down to work on it. You can subscribe here SUBSCRIBE TO LIVE LESSONS WITH STEPHEN

Drum Lesson - Cha-Cha With A Backbeat

Soloing Over An Eighth Note Ostinato

An exercise to get you on your way to soloing over an eighth note ostinato in your feet.

Live Lesson Feedback

We launched the live stream lessons today (talked about the Soca) and it was GREAT! Here's some of the student feedback...

Great job this morning...You have a gift for teaching. I have had a bunch of instructors over the years and have learned something from all of them, but never have I had someone who can teach to the level that you do.

Take care and thanks again,

Marcus



I dig it! That was my first experience taking a live online lesson, and, for me, it's perfect. I have the laptop next to my kit, playing along. I was able to watch the morn lesson before and warm up. World beats are one of my major weaknesses too. Ostinatos 3 & esp 4 were tough for me.

Matt S.



I'm live every Tuesday and Thursday, 10:30am and 6pm CST...come join the madness!

http://stephensdrumshed.com/subscribe

Drum Lesson - "Walk" by The Foo Fighters

Every now and then you just gotta have some fun playing...here's a breakdown of a song I've recently been addicted to.