Can't stop busting EMAD bass drum heads!

geoffgiff · #1 (**permalink**) 09-12-2011, 09:14 PM

I just busted my second EMAD in a year and it's starting to hurt my wallet. The bass drum beater literally goes through head at impact point. On my latest head, I put 2 of those falam pads on top of the head where the beater impacts and I *still* went through them. Maybe I hit harder than I think, but I don't feel like I play crazy loud. i use a DW5000 single pedal. Any ideas on what to do? Different, stronger head? More Falam pads? Something wrong with my pedal? Or do I just not know my own strength?
Any ideas appreciated. Cheers.

S.A.L. · #2 (**permalink**) 09-13-2011, 10:03 AM

What kind of beater are you using?

geoffgiff · #3 (**permalink**) 09-13-2011, 10:25 AM

The standard DW5000 beater (black plastic square with felt on one side) - I use the felt side and it doesn't like it's all that worn out, but maybe I need to replace it?

**Tainojim** · #4 (**permalink**) 09-13-2011, 12:43 PM

If your beater is hitting the head at an angle, that will shorten the life of the head. Also if the head is tuned loosely, you'll get the same results.

The beater should be aligned perpendicular to the head during impact. That's at a 90 degree angle.

I use the DW 5000 and DW 7000 with the Remo Pinstripes and never had any problems with them.

geoffgiff · #5 (**permalink**) 09-13-2011, 01:18 PM

You're probably right on both accounts. I definitely tune my batter head low. Secondly, looking at the felt on the beater, it hasn't worn uniformly, meaning it looks like the top half of the felt has worn away at a faster rate than the bottom half. I'm guessing that's indicative of a bad strike angle.

**Tainojim** · #6 (**permalink**) 09-13-2011, 04:57 PM

That would indicate that the pedal needs to be moved closer to the bass head.

The beater has too much travel when it makes contact with the head.

So as to make the beater strike the head evenly, also make sure that the pedal and the bass drum are level to the floor. And when you press the pedal down, it should hit the head flat and even.

This should solve your dilema.

geoffgiff · #7 (**permalink**) 09-13-2011, 05:37 PM

I'll give it a shot. Thanks for the help!

**Tainojim** · #8 (**permalink**) 09-14-2011, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geoffgiff

I'll give it a shot. Thanks for the help!

You may also want to replace that beater if necessary.

Good luck on your venture and happy drummin.

S.A.L. · #9 (**permalink**) 09-14-2011, 07:15 PM

I use the DW beater turned around so that more surface area contacts the head.

drumsagogo · #10 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011, 08:12 PM

Hi, r u using your ankle or your whole leg to depress the pedal? ankle movement will have less momentum and force; I've used EMADs for years, I'm not a heavy player; perhaps you need to consider a more robust head to your playing style/needs, cheers