DIY tuning table: an IKEA hack for drummers
You might have seen tuning tables used by drum techs, in drum factories etc, like the one John Good uses in this video.
The concept of a rotating tuning surface like that is to make it easy for you to rotate the drum while you're going around the head and (un)tensioning the rods in star patterns etc. Simultaneously you want the head that's on the other side of the drum to be muted; that way, when you tap the head you're tensioning you're only hearing that head and how it's (not yet) in tune without the other head resonating along. It really makes for quicker head changes especially with multiple drums, like when I'm doing session or sub work and swap out all my tom heads for a different type.
Anyway, I wanted to share that IKEA has the SNUDDA lazy Suzan (for an IKEA price) that's just perfect to use for this. If you get some foam, preferably 10mm or about 3/8" thick, you can cut out a circle and top the lazy Suzan with that, and also make a smaller circle to put on top of that for smaller drums. My foam is a bit too thick; I wanted a small circle to mute the head of a 14" floor (for example) but have the rim rest on the larger circle. Still it works fine just fine this way.
It's a very cheap solution (it cost me €15) but in my opinion also a perfect solution. Why?
- The top surface is 38cm / 15". Perfect for 16" and bigger floor toms and kick drums.
- The bottom 'foot' is 18cm / 7". Cut a 7" circle and you can actually use the lazy Suzan upside down for toms sized 8" and bigger
- The whole thing is about 4cm / 1 ½" not counting the foam, so it's high enough that if you put a kick drum on it the wood hoops will still be clear of the surface of the table itself
Give it a go if this seems useful to you. Would love to hear if you're building one yourself, and if you already have something like this please share that as well!
