STEP 1 -
Uncoil the excess rope after the
last triangle. You will be creating new tri-
angles as you work around the drum.
STEP 2 - From the last triangle, working
in the same direction as previous row of
triangles, look at the next 2 separate vertical
ropes; verticals-1 & -2. Lay the loose rope
over verticals-1 & -2.
STEP 3 - Pass the loose end backwards
only under vertical-2.
STEP 4 - Lay the loose rope over vertical-1 and pass
the loose rope back under verticals-1 & -2. If your
drum wraps right to left, as in the photos, you should
be looking at a Z pattern in the loose rope. If your
drum wraps left to right, you should see an S pattern.
STEP 5 - The object of this weave is to pull the vertical-1
under the vertical-2. Pull down hard on the rope. This
will add a triangle to the ropes.
Repeat this procedure moving in one direction around
the drum until the head is tightened. Then tie off your
loose rope and secure it around your drum. Pull the
ropes firmly and steadily; pulling quickly can create
friction which can damage the finish, or wear the ropes.
As with any fine furniture, care should be taken to preserve the beautiful
finish of your wood drum. To maintain the finish, dust with a soft cloth.
Keep the table away from direct sunlight or heat/air-conditioning vents.
The natural oils from your hands will be beneficial to your drum, so play
it often.
Protect your drum head from unintentional harm. Try to keep sharp
objects away from the head, do not play the drum while wearing rings or
wrist jewelry, use soft tipped beaters such as the ones provided rather than
wooden sticks, wipe up any spills immediately, and always use coasters
for drinks. Never use harsh cleaners on the table. Scratches in the top
can be minimized by rubbing the scratch with a wet rag and letting it dry
naturally.
Your drum is made from natural materials; the head will react to
temperature and humidity. If the sound goes flat, you can re-tune or
rejuvenate the head.
Fixed Heads: Pedestal Style Card Drum Tables
To rejuvenate a loose head, wet a cloth well and wring it out. Use a white
or beige cloth with colors that will not bleed. Place the wet cloth on the
playing surface of the drum head. Make sure it does not drip, and does
not hang over the edges of the playing surface. You do not want the
attachment surface on the sides to get wet. Leave the wet cloth on the skin
for 30 minutes to 1 hour. After removing the wet cloth allow the skin to
dry over night, at normal temperatures. The tightness will return to
almost the original condition, unless the attachment has changed.
Rope-tuned Drums
Care and Maintenance
These directions and photos are available online at www.mid-east.com/Info/drum_ropes.html
Rope Tuned Heads: Djembes, Ashikos and Coffee,
End & Accent Drum Tables
You may need to tighten the head by rope tuning. The drum is tightened by weaving
triangles with the extra rope. The more triangles, the tighter the head becomes.
Important!
When tuning, pull the ropes firmly and steadily. Pulling the
ropes quickly can create friction when you tune the drum. The
friction can damage the finish on your drum, or wear the ropes.
Rope-tuned Drums
