Lug Tuning and Equalizing the Drumhead

Lug tuning is sometimes called 'equalizing the drumhead' or 'clearing the drumhead' and ensures that the tuning is even at every point around the perimeter of the drum. We often evaluate this at each of the lug positions around the drumhead, and make adjustments with the tension rods that connect the hoop and drumhead to the lugs and the drum shell. Accurate lug tuning is important because, when completed, it allows the drum to vibrate evenly and smoothly. An uneven (or 'uncleared' / 'unequalized') drumhead can cause unwanted frequencies to interact and cancel each other out, resulting in a pulsing, warbling or beating effect on the drum sound. If you can hear a tone that comes in and out, sounding...[lesson locked]