My marching bass drum skins keep splitting round edge were it rests between the shell and the hoop. What could be causing it and how could we rectify the problem. We've gone through 4 sets of skins in less than a year. could it be the drum is buckled? Any advice would be helpful.

Sarah, April 2008

Hi Sarah,

It could be a number of things:
a) the pitch your tuning to is too high for the depth of the drum
b) un-even tuning of the tuning rods
c) rough edges to your bass hoop.

Although I haven't seen it - I think c) is probably the most likely answer. Next time you take your skin off, run your fingers round the edge of the shell and the hoop to check there aren't any sharp edges or splinters. If there are, a gentle sanding of the rough area should help.

Drummer Bummer

p.s. be careful with your fingers!

Drummer Bummer, November 2008