Preset library
Drum-tuning starting points
Each preset separates the pitch tapped near one lug from the lower fundamental heard at the center of an assembled two-headed drum. Match the drum size first; then adjust for the actual heads, shell, room, and musical job.
Snare Standard
14" snare
252 Hz batter · 378 Hz resonant
A medium 14-inch snare starting point with the snare-side lug target kept below 400 Hz.
Assembled center-hit target: 185 Hz · F#3
Snare Fat
14" snare
229 Hz batter · 343 Hz resonant
A lower 14-inch snare starting point with a wider, lower-pitched response.
Assembled center-hit target: 165 Hz · E3 -0c
Snare Tight
14" snare
266 Hz batter · 398 Hz resonant
A higher 14-inch snare starting point that keeps the thin snare-side head at 398 Hz.
Assembled center-hit target: 196 Hz · G3
Kick Standard
22" kick
58 Hz batter · 87 Hz resonant
A 22-inch kick starting point with a higher resonant-head lug pitch for definition.
Assembled center-hit target: 38.9 Hz · D#1 +0c
Kick Low
24" kick
49 Hz batter · 74 Hz resonant
A low 24-inch kick starting point; ports, damping, and head choice can move the useful result.
Assembled center-hit target: 32.7 Hz · C1 -0c
Rack Tom Standard
12" rack tom
186 Hz batter · 229 Hz resonant
A 12-inch tom starting point with a B2 assembled fundamental and the resonant head higher.
Assembled center-hit target: 124 Hz · B2 +0c
Floor Tom Standard
16" floor tom
110 Hz batter · 136 Hz resonant
A 16-inch floor-tom starting point with a D2 assembled fundamental and controlled sustain.
Assembled center-hit target: 73.4 Hz · D2 -0c
These numbers are repeatable starting points, not required pitches. Do not keep tightening a head or tension rod that binds, creases, or behaves abnormally.