Tension rods coming lose easily.

[The Kurgan]

You can try teflon thread tape...works on snares great.

[StickS707]

You can try teflon thread tape...works on snares great.

Gig Tested and verified!
I tried the telfon tape thing for a gig this weekend. Wrapped all tension rods (batter and reso sides) on the 10, 12, 14, and 16 toms (the 14 and 16 being the worse offenders, possibly due to their low tuning). Worked like a charm!! The 8 had a bit of loosening, but it was my control tom...it will be getting the teflon tape treatment prior to the next gig. I basically started from the bottom of the tension rod and wrapped approximately half way up the rod.

That being said...it's still BS that I have a '97 Export Select that stays in tune better than the Crystal Beat without any after-market mods. I'll have to check the other manufacturer forums to see if they are having issues with their acrylic kits (has anyone heard of issues with DW, Tama, or Crush?).

[The Kurgan]

Glad it helped. Plus as an added bonus you won't have any leaks !!!

[Kevin Packard]

Forum Members and Pearl Family,

This thread just came to my attention and I must apologize to anyone that feels their query has gone ignored. As excellently as the Forum is moderated by giants like Al and D (as well as personally monitored by our CEO,) there are times when things slip by. All apologies and no excuses, we were remiss and ask for your forgiveness and patience.

Please remember that if you ever have an immediate issue that needs attention, you have a DIRECT line to the company via our Contact Ticket Portal on the website:

http://pearldrum.com/support/contact-us/

The messages submitted there go directly to (and are answered by,) our Customer Service and Product Managers. Our goal is to personally answer each query within 24-48 hours (depending on Holidays, schedules, ect.)

That being said, the detuning issue several have discussed in this thread has come to our attention in rare instances before. The answer you received was actually correct; in most cases a more rigid shell like Acrylic doesn't often absorb the vibrations coming from impact, thus allowing rods to come loose as the vibration is transferred through the lugs. As Pearl's Crystal Beat's are seamless cast shells (and not rolled like RCI/Ludwig/OCDP, ect.) they are more solid for that no-overtone sound and feel, but have been known to have this affect on some tuning points.

I liked the thought of using Teflon Tape (hadn't considered that before but definitely a valid fix,) but to each point, we want to make sure you are getting the most from your instrument. One solid fix would be our Stainless Steel tension rods, which will have a more secure fit and are available on our Reference and Masterworks drums. Please reach out to us through the Contact portal mentioned above, we would love to be able to assist you further.

Thanks again for all your support and patience!

KPack @ Pearl

[StickS707]

I'm gonna test the Stainless Steel tension rods on the 10 and 14 toms this weekend during a 3 set gig. I was originally just going to test the 14 as it is the worst culprit (and probably hit the most...and hardest), but it is tuned pretty low, so I'm adding the 10 to the test as it is probably the next most hit, but tuned quite a bit higher and tighter (comparaitively).

BTW, the rest of the toms still have teflon tape on the tension rods from the gig a couple of weekends ago and only needed very, very, minor tuning adjustments (the adjustments were well within normal tolerances). So I'll be able to compare the teflon-covered vs. SS rods. Will update on Sunday.

[StickS707]

I'm gonna test the Stainless Steel tension rods on the 10 and 14 toms this weekend during a 3 set gig. I was originally just going to test the 14 as it is the worst culprit (and probably hit the most...and hardest), but it is tuned pretty low, so I'm adding the 10 to the test as it is probably the next most hit, but tuned quite a bit higher and tighter (comparaitively).

BTW, the rest of the toms still have teflon tape on the tension rods from the gig a couple of weekends ago and only needed very, very, minor tuning adjustments (the adjustments were well within normal tolerances). So I'll be able to compare the teflon-covered vs. SS rods. Will update on Sunday.

I forgot to post the results of the SS tension rod test....in a word: SOLID! Both the 10 and 14 toms stayed in tune all night (and still are a week later). I used nylon washers, btw. The teflon tape solution is still solid, also.

[Boy_Narf]

Are the stainless steel rods a free replacement from Pearl or did you have to pay for them? I picked up an 18" kick recently and intend to start using it live so I'm curious.

Thanks,