Snare Drum Care and Maintenance

Supplies needed to care for the snare drum:

1. Soft cloth

2. Mild soap

3. Spray to restore roughness to drum heads

General information:

The snare drum has a metal shell and two plastic heads.  The top drum head is called the batter head.  The bottom head is called the snare head.  The heads are held in place by hoops that are fastened together with tension screws.  These screws can be adjusted to tune the drum heads.  The snares are wires that are stretched across the bottom of the drum.  The snares can be turned on or off using the snare strainer.  There is a tension adjustment screw to adjust the tension of the snares.

Cleaning the drum heads:

Almost all school music programs use plastic heads on snare drums.  Plastic heads are not affected by humidity and require very little care.  To clean a plastic head, use a damp cloth and a mild soap.  Dry the head with a towel.  Commercial sprays are available to restore the roughness to the drum head after it has been cleaned.  Let the head dry for about an hour before using it.

Tuning:

Seat the head: Place the head on the drum.  Mount the counterhoop with the same even tension on each screw rod.  Press down on the center of the head with the palm of your hand.  This is to seat the head firmly against the counterhoop, eliminating any slack tension points.

Tune each tension point: Start tuning at the first tension rod to the right of the strainer.  Tap lightly with a stick about two inches from the edge of the head at the first tension screw.  With your drum key, tighten the tension screw until you have a sound that you like.  Continue clockwise around the entire head of the drum, trying to get the same sound at each spot.  Do not use too much tension or you will choke the tone and reduce snare action.  Tune both the batter head and snare head.

Handling and regular maintenance:

Most damage to drums is caused by carelessness.  Most broken heads are caused by an improper stroke or by hitting the head with something other than a drum stick. 

The snare drum is easy to care for.  Keep the heads clean.  Do not write on them.  When tuning the drum, take care not to use too much tension.  Use a case for your drum when traveling with it.  Be sure your drum stand is solid and your drum is properly locked into position.  Never put heavy or pointed objects on the head.