Cutting a hole in the bass drum...How big, methods etc...

For some visual reference:

Here’s one of my bass drums with the cutout PS3 like @roncadillac suggested. Jumbo hole, perfectly round and clean.

14415526-6E9F-4893-B62F-570E59523095.jpeg

Here’s another head with a 10” cutout. Used the Bass Drum O port cutter thingy to do this one. Large, round and clean.

0B35F60B-B5D1-4F0A-BBE2-F9D716E5D43A.jpeg

These are both 22” bass drums. For a 24”, I’ve used cymbals and x-acto knife as mentioned earlier.
 
NUTHA JASON said:
Re: Cutting Hole in Bass Drum..Best way to do this?

i put loads of gaffa tape on the inside surface first to strengthen it (see diagram). then i trace around a suitagble tin. but i really like zackmans idea. sounds like my kind of guy.
j
ps: keep the hole as small as possible. any more than 7'' and you may as well not have a skin.

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Did a hole with packing tape applied first - cut using a very sharp Exakto knife on the inside surface with a can of Rotel Diced Chilis & Tomatoes.
 
I was wondering, for those who like the boomy deeper sound of a full bass reso but would like a bit decompression still, how about the small holes like those of the DW bass heads ?
How would you proceed to cut like 6 holes the diameter of small coins ?
 
Tamaefx said:
I was wondering, for those who like the boomy deeper sound of a full bass reso but would like a bit decompression still, how about the small holes like those of the DW bass heads ?
How would you proceed to cut like 6 holes the diameter of small coins ?
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I suppose you could use a small coin with a very sharpe exacto knife and carefully cut around it:eek:.
 
Tamaefx said:
I was wondering, for those who like the boomy deeper sound of a full bass reso but would like a bit decompression still, how about the small holes like those of the DW bass heads ?
How would you proceed to cut like 6 holes the diameter of small coins ?
Click to expand...
Use a hot thick knitting needle.

I did that with some of my old Yamaha heads.

Inspired by one of the russ miller heads I have:
1720092601901.jpeg

Or buy them and remove the dw logo.
 
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Some people like them but it’s nearly impossible to stick a D112 in those little diamonds.
 
eddrummer05 said:
Re: What effect does a resonance hole have on the bass drum sound?

oohh yes im with you dog breath
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I think that the hole thing came into being, for reasons as un-musical as making the drum look better and for tossing a mic inside.

The best place you could apply the old adage: "Two Heads Are better Than One" is with drums.
What two heads calls for is good tuning and dampening.
I use two felt strips behind the bass's resonating head that are held there tightly by the head when tightened.

Here's what it looks like from the inside.
Use only one of those felt strips.on the batter side.
These beige colored strips seem scarce now but they're the best! they are less thick and don't stretch too much like the white strips do.
Rich full round tone like a bass guitar string but with short duration; i.e., way less sustain.
Pillows in bass drums makes me roll my eyes. :)
 

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Here's the finished look
Forgot to tell you that the strips run vertically
and you can still see them through the head.
 

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I was going to suggest just buying one with the port already cut into it but then decided I should check pricing first. GC has a Remo Ambassador 22” black bass drum head without the port for $58. The same head with the port costs $95! Should it really cost $37 more with a hole cut out? I think not.
 
MntnMan62 said:
I was going to suggest just buying one with the port already cut into it but then decided I should check pricing first. GC has a Remo Ambassador 22” black bass drum head without the port for $58. The same head with the port costs $95! Should it really cost $37 more with a hole cut out? I think not.
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Understandable perspective regarding the extra cost.

But the factory cut holes are done beautifully and are reinforced well too.

I've tried cutting my own before and they just don't come out as good.

I don't mind paying the extra as a reso bass drum head will last many years....... plus a factory cut hole would last for the life of the head, whereas a hole I do as a DIY wouldn't stand a chance lasting that long.
 
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eons ago early 70s a friends band was paying outdoors on a flat bed. the drums were un -miced.
While they were playing in the middle of a song someone walked over a vocal mic on a stand and placed it directly in front of the drums. Immediately I heard the whole set from that one mic. bass toms cymbals snare hh everything.

Close mic'ing is when for me it gets weird
and doesn't interest me at all
and thankfully I've been able (mostly) to avoid it
(I know know..)
 
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