Drum Dial Drum Tuner Vs. Tama Tension Watch- Do They Work?

**drums32** · 10-10-2008, 03:19 PM

Can someone tell me if these drum tuners work, if so which is better this tama one or drum dial?

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Tama-TW1...43-i1135227.gc

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Drumdial...87-i1136239.gc

**PYRRHO** · 10-10-2008, 03:27 PM

Neither are tuners...YOU are a tuner. They are tools to aid in achieving even tension around the head. Even tension along does not make a drum sound good.

**fireintherain** · 10-10-2008, 03:28 PM

i used the Drum Dial before at my church for a snare. it works pretty well. the chartthat comes with it is pretty accurate, a little low for tuning if you ask me, but it sounds great if you do it right. Haven't tried it on toms or a kick yet.

**thismercifulfate** · 10-10-2008, 03:30 PM

They would work well on a perfect drumset, which doesn't exist. Even then, like PYRRHO said, you still need to do the actual work. A great sounding drum needs to have a batter and resonant head which have consonant tunings. Your ear is the best tuning tool out there and is free.

**drumtechdad** · 10-10-2008, 03:53 PM

I have a Drum Dial. It makes a good paperweight.

Thing is, they only get you close. I've never heard a drum tuned to "perfection" with a drum dial that didn't need lug-to-lug fine-tuning. And I've used it on drums that were demonstrably perfectly tuned and gotten varying readings.

They are also fooled sometimes--you'll get a high reading on a tension rod that's totally loose.

Their best use is to easily replicate a previous tuning when reheading--though I do the same thing with a $20 pitch-pipe. Also, they can be useful if you simply have to tune a drum backstage when the previous band is on and you can't hear anything.

I think the $60 would be far better spent on a couple of lessons with a drummer who can tune.

**StUkAx** · 10-10-2008, 05:03 PM

I think it`s a good tool if you have 2 kicks, its easy to tune them equal

**Rio_mang** · 10-10-2008, 06:02 PM

You can get one for about $5

You're the tuner!

**Demian** · 10-10-2008, 06:06 PM

**Banks** · 10-10-2008, 07:31 PM

meh they work fine. But as previously said you will mostlikely have to do some fine tuning. I dont even use mine anymore.

**cadconversions** · 10-11-2008, 01:13 AM

If you are having trouble learning how to or don't know how to tune - buy it NOW! Then as you listen to the drum as you use the dial it will teach your ears about the pitches (was that lower or higher), etc... I've not used mine in a long time but have owned the tama since it was first introduced. I've learned a few tricks to get the most reliable readings on the drum.

**ConvertedLudwigPLayer** · 10-11-2008, 12:31 PM

I have limited time to play, so anything that will help me with tuning is a big plus. It doesn't tune the drums for you, but will help you to develop an ear and help you to determine what you like. IT will allow you to have a gauge of where you are and quickly make adjustments when playing with various tunings. If you try something and don't like, simply go back to where you were or try another.

I think it is a nice tool to have, but it won't get you perfect tuning.