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FAQ - Drums
I received a damaged or defective drum set, how do I return or exchange it? Returns and exchanges are handled differently depending on whether the problem is due to shipping damage or a defect in the product. Shipping damage is handled by processing an insurance claim with the carrier. Defects are handled by the manufacturer as a warranty replacement or exchange. In either case, the first thing to do is contact us via email and tell us what the problem is. This must be done within the first 30 days of receiving the item. After that you will need to contact the manufacturer directly. To contact us send an email to support@musicianshut.com and make sure to provide your order number and contact information. You cannot simply return the item! We must assign a RMA number and assess the problem to determine the best course of action. For more details please read our Return Policy. I don't have any experience with drums, how do I assemble my drum set? The procedures for assembling your drum kit will depend on the manufacturer and type of kit you purchased. In general, if the heads were not installed, you will need to start there. See how to tune a drum set for details on installing the heads and tuning the drums. Next, attach the pedal to the bass drum. The pedal should be centered. You may have to adjust the height of the beater. Next, if the bass drum does not have a mount attached to it but has a base for the mount, attach the mount(s) to the base, then attach the tom(s) to the mount arm(s). If your kit included a floor tom with legs, you may need to attach the long, thin legs to the floor tom for support. Next, open the snare drum stand and place the snare drum in the stand. The snare stand is a basket like stand with a tripod assembly. Position the snare drum to the left of the pedal and the floor tom to the right. Next open all the cymbal stands and place them to the left and/or right of the kit. Place the washers and felt pads on the cymbal stands, then place the cymbals on top. You may also have received sleeves to further protect the cymbal from the metal stand. If so, slide those in before adding the felt pads and washers. You may place an additional felt pad and washer above the cymbals. Now place the throne behind the pedal and your drum kit assembly should be complete. If you have any questions please refer to the manufacturer's Web site for more information and reference pictures and diagrams. What is the warranty on my drum set? Each manufacturer has a different warranty. Please check the manufacturer's Web site for more information. How do I select a drum set? Please see how to choose a drum set in our Drum Buyer's Guide. Can I order custom sizes and colors? Unfortunately, we cannot customize kits at this time. However, add-on drums and various drum mounts, racks and hardware options are available, making a custom-like set-up a reality. Can you refinish my drums? We do not offer any type of refinishing service. You may consider contacting a drum specialist or search the Internet for companies that specialize in refinishing. What's the difference between maple and birch? Maple shells naturally have long and slow sustain ratios causing a warm and resonant tone throughout the drum. Birchwood shells tend to contain opposite tonal properties from maple. Birch naturally has short, fast sustain ratios causing a higher pitch and greater attack velocity. How do I care for my lacquer finishes? Caring for any of our lacquer finishes could be compared to caring for your car. Since our lacquers are of the same caliber as those in the auto industry, we recommend a similar process. For a thorough cleaning, we suggest you remove all lugs and hardware from the shell. Clean the drums with a solution of mild detergent (dishwashing soap works well) and water, then dry completely with a soft clean cloth. To add a great shine, procure a petroleum-based liquid wax from an auto parts store. Follow the directions on the wax using small amounts on a soft clean cloth. Applied sparingly will yield the best results. How do I care for my matte finishes? A light dusting will generally do in most cases for matte finishes. For a more thorough cleaning, use a damp (not wet) rag and dry the shell immediately after. You may find it easier to clean the shell by removing the lugs and hardware. If you want to restore a little luster to the shell, use Minwax Tung Oil to accomplish this (found at most paint or hardware stores). After removing the lugs and cleaning the shells as described above, rub small amounts of the Minwax onto the shell. Using a clean cloth, rub it in thoroughly until it disappears. This is something that need not be done more than once a year. How do I care for my covered finishes? Covered finishes can be cleaned with a solution of mild detergent (dishwashing soap works well) and water. For a thorough cleaning, remove all lugs and hardware from the shell. How do I clean my hardware? To clean the stands or lugs and counter-hoops on your drums, most household appliance cleaners will work fine. Avoid any product that contains ammonia. How do I tune my drums? For complete tuning instructions please see how to tune a drum set in our Drum Buyer's Guide. Here is a summary: We recommend using single ply heads to achieve the maximum resonance. To begin, place the drum on a carpeted floor or on a towel over a table. Start with the bottom head making sure it is seated evenly with the tension rods finger tight. As you tap lightly on the head at each tension rod (about an inch in from the counterhoop), slowly tighten them. It works well if you start at a specific tension rod then move across the drum to the opposite one - then move two over - then across - and so on. Bring the tone up a little each time you go around the drum. To eliminate some overtones place your finger lightly on the center of the drumhead as you tap. Go to every other tension rod to fine-tune it, from one to the next. In the end, the pitch should be the same at each rod. What pitch that will be is up to you. The drum will hum once the shell's fundamental pitch is found with a sound similar to tuning a guitar by playing harmonic notes. When you're satisfied with that, flip the drum over and do the same on the top head. Be patient and don't be afraid to experiment. You can always try again. For a great pitch-bend, tune the bottom head down just a little. For the bass drum, tune the heads as loosely as possible - just enough to eliminate any wrinkles. Use the same tuning pattern above to achieve an equal pitch at each tension rod. How do I properly store my drums? It is very important to protect your drums from damage and temperature extremes. It is recommended that cases or soft bags be used when transporting and storing drums. If your drums are set up for an extended period of time, keep them covered. Keep drums away from and out of damp or cold areas. How do I control for damage from potential extreme temperatures? Extreme temperature shifts within a short period of time do pose a potential hazard to drum shells and their finishes. As humidity and temperature change, the moisture content within the cells of the wood is affected. This can make the shells expand or contract, warp or even crack. A general consensus among drum manufacturers has been that drums are safe and comfortable when stored in an environment in which you are comfortable in. For more information on drums please see our Drum Guide. | |
 
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