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Calcimator

Drum Head Tuning Calculator

Calculate fundamental frequency and lug torque for drum head tuning based on size, tension, and material.

Inputs

in

Results

Fundamental Frequency

285.7 Hz

Nearest Note (0=C ... 11=B)2
Batter Head Torque7 in-lbs
Resonant Head Torque6 in-lbs
Estimated Decay1.2 sec
How to Use This Calculator
  1. Enter Drum Diameter, Head Tension, and Head Type.
  2. Set Shell Material.
  3. Review the Fundamental Frequency (Hz) result.
  4. Use Nearest Note (0=C ... 11=B) and Batter Head Torque (in-lbs) to inform your decision.
  5. Use the chart to visualize the results and explore different scenarios by adjusting inputs.

How the result changes with Drum Diameter

Drum DiameterFundamental Frequency
8500 Hz
13307.7 Hz
19210.5 Hz
24166.7 Hz

What each input means

Drum Diameter
Diameter of the drum shell in inches.
Head Tension
1=Low (fat/warm), 2=Medium (balanced), 3=High (bright/crack).
Head Type
1=Clear (bright), 2=Coated (warm), 3=Hydraulic (dead/punchy).
Shell Material
1=Maple (warm, sustain), 2=Birch (bright, focused), 3=Steel (loud, ring).

How this is calculated

Worked example, using the default values

  1. Identify Input Parameters
    4 parameters
    Drum Diameter = 14, Head Tension = 2, Head Type = 1, Shell Material = 1 = 4 input(s) provided
  2. Calculate Fundamental Frequency
    Fundamental Frequency
    285.7 = 285.7
  3. Calculate Nearest Note
    Nearest Note
    2 = 2
  4. Calculate Batter Head Torque
    Batter Head Torque
    7 = 7

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