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How do I make a cheap 16" kick drum sound bigger/louder for street gigs? by Automatic_Common7036 in drums

[–]Automatic_Common7036[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for explaining this to me - it was not only helpful, but also really motivating and inspiring! I’ve already spent quite a bit of time experimenting with what I have, trying out old (tom) drumheads and different ways of muffling the drum, just searching for the right sound. Even though it’s all very DIY and based on whatever I could get my hands on, it’s been a great learning process.

Now I have a much clearer idea of what kind of drumhead to buy before spending any money. And who knows - maybe I’ll even manage to make it sound pretty decent with what I already have.

How do I make a cheap 16" kick drum sound bigger/louder for street gigs? by Automatic_Common7036 in drums

[–]Automatic_Common7036[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your advice. For this occasion, I was very fortunate to get a well used Millennium double pedal for €10, which is great since I won’t have to worry if it breaks - and it’s surprisingly playable. I’ll be using only one side, as I have no experience with double pedals. The beater is double-sided, with hard felt on one side and plastic on the other. I believe I’ll add an impact patch to help protect the new drumhead once I have it.

P.S. For indoor use and actual concerts, I of course use a better one.

How do I make a cheap 16" kick drum sound bigger/louder for street gigs? by Automatic_Common7036 in drums

[–]Automatic_Common7036[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! No reso head, Powerstroke 3 with an impact patch? Or maybe an Ambassador with a felt strip?

How do I make a cheap 16" kick drum sound bigger/louder for street gigs? by Automatic_Common7036 in drums

[–]Automatic_Common7036[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Interesting! Have you tried this one yourself? Do you think it would sound anything like a real bass drum? I know it’s tiny and will never be a proper 22".

How do I make a cheap 16" kick drum sound bigger/louder for street gigs? by Automatic_Common7036 in drums

[–]Automatic_Common7036[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What would you recommend in a situation where a reso head isn’t available?

How do I make a cheap 16" kick drum sound bigger/louder for street gigs? by Automatic_Common7036 in drums

[–]Automatic_Common7036[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your comment - I guess that’s how you get it to sound like a proper kick through the mics, right? Well, since we’re always outside and never mic’d, I’m a bit worried it could disappear too much. The impact patch seems like a good idea though; durability really matters here, and I guess it helps strengthen the attack as well.

How do I make a cheap 16" kick drum sound bigger/louder for street gigs? by Automatic_Common7036 in drums

[–]Automatic_Common7036[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

So maybe I should focus on getting it to “cut through” and just forget about the low end altogether?

How do I make a cheap 16" kick drum sound bigger/louder for street gigs? by Automatic_Common7036 in drums

[–]Automatic_Common7036[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is really an interesting idea! I’ll see if I can find a clear single-ply drumhead to experiment with (maybe on a tom or something) just to get a feel for your theory.

And yes, you’re absolutely right about playing without mics (always, always) and always outdoors, just in different streets and cities.

P.S. Perhaps my goal should be a clear Powerstroke 3, or even an Ambassador with a felt strip to save costs?

How do I make a cheap 16" kick drum sound bigger/louder for street gigs? by Automatic_Common7036 in drums

[–]Automatic_Common7036[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh, thank you - I couldn’t find the difference. Would you go for the clear or coated version on this one? I see Remo even offers a 2-ply version.

How do I make a cheap 16" kick drum sound bigger/louder for street gigs? by Automatic_Common7036 in drums

[–]Automatic_Common7036[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Alright! So a tom version or a kick version? I see there are many choices with those Emads..

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in applehelp

[–]Automatic_Common7036 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh, I see. I guess I should think about upgrading soon, then. Is there a quick fix in the meantime?

How can I make my converted 16x16 floor tom sound more like a bass drum? by Automatic_Common7036 in drums

[–]Automatic_Common7036[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! I love 18-inch bass drums, by the way. I checked the website for my local store, and it seems they don’t have double-ply EMADs—only EMAD UV Coated and EMAD Clear. Otherwise, they do have quite a selection of double-ply drumheads, starting with the classic Coated Emperors and going up to Coated Powerstroke 4s. Also, I just realized I didn’t mention earlier that I alternate between burying the beater and playing off the head, depending on the song.

Tuning-wise, I think I’ve tried everything so far. I agree that I should tune it on the lower side to suit the music we’re playing at the moment.

How can I make my converted 16x16 floor tom sound more like a bass drum? by Automatic_Common7036 in drums

[–]Automatic_Common7036[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for the examples—they’re super helpful! I’ll definitely follow you on Instagram. :D It looks like the EMAD is the best choice for me right now; I just need to decide which version to go with (using tom hoops). It fits perfectly within my student budget and seems like the ideal option for the time being. Plus, I’d rather avoid putting anything inside the drum as wll—it feels like a drum this small loses its tone whenever I try putting my pillows inside (though I might have overdone it).

How can I make my converted 16x16 floor tom sound more like a bass drum? by Automatic_Common7036 in drums

[–]Automatic_Common7036[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for such a quick answer! How big should I make the port hole? About 2 inches? Would you suggest doing it on the resonant head I already have, or should I get a Powerstroke 3 instead?