| Solutions
Believe me, I play drums and surf drum forums, and this is a quesiton that MANY drummers also ask. (It bothers them, too.) No shame in this practical question. Here are some pracical things to try:
1. Drum positioning. Suggest that the drummer angle the rack tom a bit differently, and the snare, too. Small moves will let them keep their comfort zone happening, while lessening the rattles. (Reposition your mics after! : )
2. A small piece of cloth (small!) placed between the snare wires and the snare resonant head can help.
3. As has been suggested, SLIGHTLY loosening the four lugs nearest the snare bed can make an improvement - and not fundamentally change the tone of the drum, as a poster above me feared.
4. MY FAVORITE: suggest that they try different snare wires. When I switched to a set of "PureSound EQ" snare wires, WOW the snare (A) sounded better and (B) cut my snare vibrations to practically nil! Having a set of puresounds in the locker is a good thing. $30 can save the day.
5. "3 in one" machine oil on the moving parts of the snare strainer throwoff will ensure a DEAD silent snare release / engagement (if done with a smooth hand and not just "whacked"). This opens up the "throw off the snares for the tom parts" idea.
6. As has been said, adjusting the reso head on the nearest / "offending" tom can be a good compromise. It won't change the tone THAT much (minor adjustments here), and can solve the problem or cut it down greatly.
7. Lastly (should be "firstly"), experiment with a different strainer tension (adjust the tension knob just for this song). Try finding a happy comromise.
These are all valid approaches that pro drummers have used with success. Hope some of these ideas can maybe help someone.
Take care,
Ed |