What is the correct top head tension for my HTS700 or 800 snare drum?
We recommend buying a Jim Kilpatrick tuning block to tension your top head. A brand new REMO Cybermax drumhead fitted to an HTS700 or 800 drum will go to number 5 on the tuning block right away. Over the next few weeks, and after regular playing and tuning intervals, the head will eventually go all the way to 8 and 9 and sometimes beyond. The key is to go slowly, tension evenly around the head with no more than a 1/4 turn at any one time. If you’re using a different head and/or drum combo then you’ll have to experiment to know where the limits are.
