How do you make dead ringers for a drum set? Please be specific.?

Question

How do you make dead ringers for a drum set? Please be specific.?

Answer 1

It's pretty easy. Just take a drum head the same size as the drum you are making the dead ringer for, I generally just use an old one that I'm replacing, then cut the metal rim off of it. You want to trim just enough of the head above where the metal part was so that it fits flat down against the existing drum head, but be sure to leave enough that it doesn't move around. You'll see what I mean once you start doing it. Then you need to cut out the middle. That part can be a little more tricky. You want to leave about 2" to 3" depending on how much you want to muffle the drum, so find a small cymbal like a splash, or use a plate, saucer, etc. that is a couple inches smaller in diameter than the head. Then just center that in the middle of the head and either cut around it with a utility knife or mark with a pen and cut with scissors. Dead ringers made from heads like this work better than the little thin ones you can buy. Also they stay in place better since you are leaving a little of the part that curves down to hold it in place. I have found the single ply Remo Ambassador heads work best for this.