Single-tension
Encyclopedia
Single-tension is one of several ways to apply the necessary tension to drum
heads. Single-tension systems largely replaced the ancient rope-tension
methods in the late 19th Century and are still used today in lower-priced drums for student use.
In this system, one long tension rod with a threaded end extends through the hoop holding the top drum head and then down outside the drum shell to a threaded hole in the bottom hoop. There usually is a small guide halfway down on single-tension drum shells to keep the tension rods straight.
In older drums, the hoops are often held tight by separate clamps through which the threaded tension rod fits.
Tension is applied by turning a special key that fits into a hexagonal drive, but many bass drums (especially those models designed for concert use) have permanent wing-nuts permanently affixed to each tension rod, even on double-tension drums.
Drum
The drum is a member of the percussion group of musical instruments, which is technically classified as the membranophones. Drums consist of at least one membrane, called a drumhead or drum skin, that is stretched over a shell and struck, either directly with the player's hands, or with a...
heads. Single-tension systems largely replaced the ancient rope-tension
Rope-tension
Rope-tension is the oldest system for applying tension to drum heads and was common until the late 19th Century.A long rope is passed alternately between the top and bottom drum head hoops that are held to the shell by clamps which incorporate holes for the rope...
methods in the late 19th Century and are still used today in lower-priced drums for student use.
In this system, one long tension rod with a threaded end extends through the hoop holding the top drum head and then down outside the drum shell to a threaded hole in the bottom hoop. There usually is a small guide halfway down on single-tension drum shells to keep the tension rods straight.
In older drums, the hoops are often held tight by separate clamps through which the threaded tension rod fits.
Tension is applied by turning a special key that fits into a hexagonal drive, but many bass drums (especially those models designed for concert use) have permanent wing-nuts permanently affixed to each tension rod, even on double-tension drums.