How to Change Drum Heads

Is your drum head getting worn out? Do you hate the sound it makes? It may be time to change it. Not sure how? Read on!

Steps

1
Find a new drum head. Do some research to find good ones if you don't already have a preference. If you can, test them out yourself.
- If you can't try it out, choose one that can be returned in case you don't like the sound.
2
Clean off debris from the side and rub a block of paraffin wax on the side. This ensures the drum will go off smoothly and you won't break anything.

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3
Loosen all the threaded drum rods using the tuning peg. Turn each peg 1/2 to 1 rotation at a time until it can be removed.
4
Remove the rods, adapter claws, washers, and anything attaching the drum head to the drum.
- Don't force anything off! This could lead to damage to your drum! Instead, gently loosen the objects until they come off with ease.
- Place greased objects in bags so they don't stain anything.
5
Take the drum off.
6
Set your drum down on a flat, stable, surface, such as a table or a floor.
7
Put the head and counter hoop onto the drum. Make sure the drum head is centered!
8
Put some paraffin wax, silicon, or oil onto your rods, if needed.
9
Replace the pegs and tighten.
10
Put your palm onto the drum head and push down. If you hear cracking or popping, you're not breaking anything! The head is jut setting.
11
Tighten the rods again. This time, you'll be applying light pressure on the hoop above the rod.
12
Tighten the rods a half turn with a drum key.
13
Tune your new drum head.

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