Note: There are 2 reasons why this isn't in the snare tuning thread;

1)It's inactive even though there are still unanswered questions.

2)This could turn out to be a special case.

I have a 13" Pearl ffx with a white max on top and a evans clear mylar head on bottom (I also have a staccato disk). I love the tuning i have it on now, but I can't get a nice snare sound (It barely sounds different with snares on/off). I have the snares tightened moderately, and i have them straight on the bottom head. I don't want to much response but I don't like how little snare response i get now. Should I take out the staccato disk, or could it be bottom head tuning, etc...

Check the height of the strainer sides (they both have adjustment knobs). If they are too close/far from the head, the snares will either be choked or not vibrate at all.

Also, check out the bottom head tension as a whole- if it's cranked too much, you won't get much sound out of it.

Lastly, check the strainer gut tension knob, if it's too tight/loose you'll get the same problem as I first mentioned.

I'd start by removing the staccato disk. I tried one once and it killed the drum's snare response just like you're describing. They might be useful in a larger line where reduced snare response might be desired for articulation's sake (the idea behind taping or removing guts), but I don't like their sound on a single drum.

And if you're using a Mylar bottom, it shouldn't be necessary to use a staccato disk or other muffling to reduce overtones -- especially if you're using an Evans MS3 since it already has a built-in ring to reduce overtones.

i would definitely take out the staccato disk and see the difference that makes. The bottom head needs to vibrate to get snare response. Also the head can't be too tight because the tighter the head, the shorter duration of vibration ( or less vibration) and that is not good for snare response. I'll tell you that my first mistake with tuning marching snares is usually tightening the bottom head too tight, choking it and killing any and all hopes of good vibration and response. Tune your snare guts individually.. and you might be able to leave the disk in if you just loosen that resonant head.


Carter