How To Cut A Hole In Your Bass Drum Head | Brent's Hang

[@adammyers3590]

My son is a drummer and it was very helpful to find this video. So simple to do after watching. Thanks

[@BigBlueGuy]

I was looking into buying a bass drum head with a pre-cut hole. Thankfully I thought about this kind of product I should try first. Thanks for all the details!

[@WebNstyne]

My method involves taping a metal ring(a 6" drum hoop works) to the desired spot on the head, flip it over, and go around the inside of the ring with a Soldering iron. This cauterizes the head, preventing any splits. Plus you can go around it as many times as you need to. Simply pick at the burned plastic, and it peels off

[@larrycooper7261]

Just an FYI...when using the hole cutter be sure you use something underneath that will securely hold the tack. I tried using a piece of cardboard and the tack walked all over the place, resulting in a less than acceptable finished product. Fortunately I had opted to try a 4" hole so I was able to swap the cardboard for one of my wife's kitchen cutting boards, which proved to be more a more substantial substrate to which the tack could bite, and cut a larger hole. I then covered the opening with a port hold protector and am very happy with the outcome.

[@sepulcesar]

I need to cut a hole in my bass drum head for my first recording session... this was a great help!!

[@RedeyePerc]

I have the hole cutter. It works exactly as advertised and was pretty cheap. Great product.

[@jamiekmett8847]

Brent, I love these pieces... GREAT JOB!!!!

[@BigBlueGuy]

That was a great demonstration. It is exactly what I was looking for as far as knowing what to expect when getting a hole making tool. I looked up the price for a drum head with the hole already made, and they cost at least 6-7 times more than the tool!

[@athantroquille7605]

I should have used a hole protector... now I have a kid

[@SimbaDrumz]

colterthefresh I’m done🤣🔥

[@SmugSuspenders]

**Badum tsss**

[@mohdamiruddinsulaiman1383]

Well...shit

[@juanmprietor8158]

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF FF FF FFFFFFFFFFF FF FF FF FF

[@crabbiesam2572]

Oof!

[@wkrp71]

Well, I have a DIY suggestions for cutting a bass drum head hole that won't cost you a cent, and it looks just as good as if it had been done with a professional "hole cutter". Use a smaller drum head, tin can, or anything else that is circular and trace (with a pen) a circle on the head you want to cut a whole in. Then, use a pair of scissors and cut out the hole, using your traced circle as a guide. When I first did this, I initially thought my hole wouldn't appear circular. But to the naked eye, even from as little as one to two feet away, your hole will look fine and perfectly circular. One would have to get less than 6 inches from the hole to see that it's not a perfect circle, but one DOES NOT need to spend money on a tool that you'll use once every few years to cut a hole in your bass drum head. I hope this helps.

[@natewenger9049]

So, get the hole cutter for both ways or just get the protector and use a regular blade?

[@SmugSuspenders]

Yeah, it seems they kinda counteract themselves in this video :p

[@pAPPY12100]

Thanks for the valuable info. Looks very neat and sure beats the old scissors attempt.

[@therealTOTOfan]

just make yourself a BIG meal containing beans, take the aluminium can place it on the stil hot stove and then press it against the head, works every time!

[@danjwalker]

Literally the first sentence in the description. "We're not talking heating up the pork & beans can and burning it through the logo head!" Or the fact that he mentions this at the very beginning of the video... 0:16

[@beckydrummer1271]

Wow!! Thank you so so much ! Been playing a year and ready to gig,.,, put been putting off cutting a hole in my beloved Gretsch/Remo head ! Saw the fancy tool and thought this is too much aggro, then you showed it done with a razor blade (we Brits call it a Stanley knife) .... perfect ! Piece of piss! (Also an. English expression!)... you rock ! 😀

[@71dhwand]

I just trie this and my porthole came out PERFECT ! Thanks for the tutorial !!!!

[@jimmyperez6277]

“This week we’re talking about holes!” Me: oh fuck yea, I love that movie! Hahaha

[@mikekiss648]

Great tool. I have that head but a pre existing hole that is already torn ... therefore need best method to cut bigger hole

[@GibraltarHardware]

One way would be to tape a piece of cardboard really well to the front side of the head (over the hole). This will allow you to place the spike of the cutter in the center of the hole (in the cardboard), and keep the head in place as you cut a larger hole.

[@WorldRockumentaryChannel]

I built a suitcase bass drum. Can this same method be used? The suitcase is made from some sort of hard vinyl linolium type of material. The 4" woudl work best.

[@cunnerzzz]

I've just spent an hour doing this. At first no problems, however when it came to 'clicking' into place it wasn't having ANY of it, as soon as 80% was clicked there would always be 20% that simply wouldnt fit down. I made sure that there was no head blocking it and stopping it from passing through. It's done now, but it most certainly wasn't as simple as this video portrays, or have I done something wrong?

[@jac37040]

cunnerzzz I had the same issue the female ring would not stay adhered all the way around but no one will ever notice- it’s inside the drum. Outside looks great at least.

[@andrewssd]

So why didn't you use the cutter with the thumbtack to make the hole for the hole protector?

[@TheCrystalyne]

Hi, will the cutter cut a 4 or 6 inch hole that can then be protected using the hole protector?? Instead of cutting with a knife as you have??

[@GibraltarHardware]

Greetings! The port hole protector used in this video is a 6”.

[@ForeignAid]

mines bigger

[@SmugSuspenders]

@@ForeignAid Yeah, right

[@RossChandler.]

Will definitely purchase this on payday, Brent stop this I want to buy it all! Love the videos man keep em up

[@lateralus8123]

Pure genius! Thanks Brent!

[@martincopes3818]

So if I buy a Gibraltar SC-GPHP-4W Port Hole Protector I do not need to buy a Hole Cutter right? I can just place the hole protector and then cut like you did?

[@GibraltarHardware]

Yes you are correct. You will not need a hole cutter with the port hole protector. A box cutter or razor blade of some kind will work.

[@superbmediacontentcreator]

+Martín Copes Yea pretty stupid video wasn't it?

[@TheCarExp]

GibraltarDIY The outside of the rim (chrome part) came off. Why? Does tightening the head play a factor in this?

[@hazamarock]

Great video. I wanna ask some questions, I have a cajon port by kick port and im thinking wanna set to my 16" bass drum head. Which position of blade need to position? Is it better to buy that protecter? Set a protecter and cajon port. How do you recommend?

[@GibraltarHardware]

Mamoru Iwasaki you'll probably want to refer to Kickport on this one and use that as your basis for measurement.

[@tommatthews1111]

Probably going to buy the porthole protector. Can I cut the hole with a standard blade or do I need that porthole cutter? Also, will having the porthole dead centre on the head change the sound in anyway. Would it sound different if it was towards the side than if it was in the middle?

[@GibraltarHardware]

tom matthews Yes, you can use a regular blade but it will be a whole lot harder to cut. the port hole does affect the tone.

[@jamesalfaro9171]

Thank you very much for your answer, Happy Summer!

[@rogertyler4131]

Thank you so much for educating me.

[@xox8a8y9ir1xox]

Quick question i bought my son a jr drum set. And I was wondering what size whole should be cut out. I was going to wait until he started his lessons and ask the instructor, but hes getting the drums for xmas and I just want to make sure he has everything he needs.

[@GibraltarHardware]

The most common hole diameter is 6”, though it doesn’t have to be this size. The reason this size is more common, is it gives plenty of space to mic the drum without being too large. 4”, 5”, or 6” will work. My preferences would be either the 5” or 6” diameter.

[@m2p2b]

Bret, the port hole protector you use here is the 4" or the 6"??? Greetings from Chile, Southamerica

[@Busdude97]

Oh, actually do have any videos on tuning double bass drums?

[@zhongxina8426]

whats the difference if i put the porthole to the side or center of the drumhead?

[@deangordon2215]

Does anybody know how to remove the protector without damaging the skin? I'm not a drummer, but picked up a skin for my band and want to get it printed. The drum store guy cut and fit the protector saying it's better to fit it first as the width of the print could cause a problem. However the print guy doesn't want to cut round the protector in case damages the skin. So now I need to get the thing off 😤

[@miguedrummer]

I did exactly this, but the inner part just got out, and now it doesn’t fit again. The outter part is still very well glued and seems unremovable though

[@Busdude97]

do you guys have any bigger sizes for the protectors, and can I get that cutting tool at any music store or just online?

[@GibraltarHardware]

+Busdude97 If our dealers don't have it in stock they can order it for you.

[@fontenotjp52]

Gibraltar now offers a hole cutter?

[@cDisturbed.]

On the inside of my bass skin I have a clear bit which is apparently the built-in dampener. But this seems to be around 4” so my hole will be quite central to avoid cutting the clear film… is that okay?

[@GibraltarHardware]

The placement of the hole won’t affect the sound. It’s more about how you prefer your bass drum to look, or how you mic your bass drum.

[@cDisturbed.]

@@GibraltarHardware thank you! Also now I have a hole in it I’m not sure how to dampen it 😂 I have a pillow and a towel in it so guess that’s okay lol

[@zhongxina8426]

can you reuse the porthole protector? like transfer it from drumhead to drumhead? (yes i do this but not often)

[@GibraltarHardware]

Gino Tuano no, there is adhesive on it. Once you apply it, it is stuck on the head

[@zhongxina8426]

@@GibraltarHardware nooooooo!

[@m2p2b]

Thanks a lot. I already purchased one on ebay to make my bass drum cooler and better sound

[@bruhmoment-yr4fn]

can you just cut the head with a regular knife, or do you have to use a specific blade?

[@GibraltarHardware]

bruh moment as long as the knife is super sharp, it should be fine.

[@vonpeoples4973]

Is it okay to just use duct tape after cutting the hole?@@GibraltarHardware

[@GibraltarHardware]

@@vonpeoples4973 you can use duct tape once you are finished. It will help to protect the edges of the hole so you don’t tear the edge when placing bass drum mics inside.

[@luiiggi.m]

Can I use the o cutter for a 6 inch hole or use a regular blade for the hole protector that is 6 inches

[@GibraltarHardware]

You can use the cutter. 😄

[@richardliles4415]

Thank you.

[@MrDonkeykong321]

ill definitly buy this and then take it back!

[@jasonchristy466]

Would having a port give a better sound or with out the port hole ? And where can get that port hole cutter?

[@GibraltarHardware]

Having a port will give the drum more attack and separation between notes, which will help it cut through other instruments. Ports are popular in all styles of music. However, it is more common to find players who don’t use ports in jazz. Stylistically jazz isn’t bottom heavy when it comes to drumset. It’s more about the ride cymbal and snare. Whereas in rock, it’s all about the bass drum and snare. You should be able to find a port hole cutter from a local Gibraltar dealer. If they don’t have one available, you can have them order it from us.

[@jasonchristy466]

I have a pearl export and I hear that you should only should have a port hole if your recording with microphone and thanks about the port cutter.

[@GibraltarHardware]

jason christy Hey Jason, players don’t cut a hole specifically to record. They cut a hole to achieve a sound they want. There are plenty of recordings done without a hole cut in the front head.

[@jasonchristy466]

Thanks this really help , thank you for help

[@sprancenatuc]

What material have used for the ring?

[@Puebow]

Really need to lay bass drum head on a solid wood surface so the pin can be anchored, the entire head needs to be secure as well, could be as simple as 4 drywall screws around the outside rim into the wood table, to keep it from sliding. In addition some paper towels between the wood and glossy front head to keep from scratching the surface.

[@ironJERRY100]

I didnt know about this kind of tools, I just grabbed a can of chilli heated it and pushed it towards the drumhead hoping for the best

[@f.quiros747]

Hi! What is the size in this video of the resonant bass drum head used with the 6” port hole protector?

[@GibraltarHardware]

F. Quiros thanks for the comment! This video was done 7 or 8 years ago. I think it was probably a 22”.

[@f.quiros747]

GibraltarDIY thanks! Sorry I just realised it was that long ago. One more question: I’ve always been told you shouldn’t cut port holes bigger than 5” on 22” heads. Is that a myth? Can you still get good resonant sound with a 6” port hole? Thank you.

[@jakeseitz]

@@f.quiros747 I have a 22” and used the 6”, it works great

[@DysfuntionalHabit]

would this work with a fibre skin?

[@NoOne0439]

What kind of blade is he using when he was installing the protector?

[@GibraltarHardware]

I was using a box cutter, but any sharp blade will work.

[@stlheavyboi]

Did you guys buy HOLZ?

[@tamtamnz6529]

That's a handy awesome tool 👍🏽👊🏽😊when I did mine , I just use a tin can 😊

[@sushi31796]

What is The link to find the hole protecter.Thanks :D

[@GibraltarHardware]

On the Gibraltar website: www.gibraltarhardware.com/index.cfm?fa=partsdetail&curcat=2&bnd=11&cid=119&sid=770&pid=2964

[@cDisturbed.]

What size hole should I use

[@GibraltarHardware]

It depends on how you mic your bass drum and what kind you use. Personally, I think the 5” or 6” are good sizes for any style or type of micing.

[@jamesalfaro3155]

What distance from the inner kick drum rim to the edge of the hole?

[@GibraltarHardware]

I usually like to cut the hole anywhere from 2-3” away from the edge of the drum. Placement of a port hole is more of a personal preference. You could place it at the top of the bass drum head if you wanted. It just needs to be in a place that a bass drum mic will be able to reach easily. Not all venues use the same type mic stands.

[@tbizzie]

Awesome shirt!!!!!!!!!

[@prodrumm3r1]

YESSS YOUR SHIRT

[@cortomaltenezer4514]

Why I need hole in the bass drum head it all?

[@moondewri7080]

Thank you, Bro...

[@dead9757]

Why do you need to cut a whole in the bass drum tho?

[@GibraltarHardware]

Improper Productions because it changes the sound of the bass drum, it adds more punch. It also has helps when micing.

[@kestrel_audio]

What do you use the hole for.. Mic??

[@calebknott8021]

Yes, and it changes the sound of your bass drum.

[@WorldWidedog0]

Yes

[@juanandresairameza8016]

Thank you!!!

[@skylerpearce4073]

Nice shirt!

[@GibraltarHardware]

haha thanks Ross!

[@BADD400]

good info.

[@vanajmoorthy4018]

I'm just asking, why is this necessary?

[@Cross_network]

+Vanaj Moorthy It lets you mic your bass head.

[@vanajmoorthy4018]

I know, I realized afterwards but thanks anyway

[@jarratt7297]

You could put a pillow or rags in to make your bass drum sound good

[@rickbours197]

Ah yes, if you want to prevent any resonation and completely kill your bass drum's natural sound: fill it up with rags and slacken the head until it wrinkles. Who wants to have that awful John Bonham sound anyway, right??I think cutting holes for miking purposes is a bad idea too... especially if you are doing it just to facilitate incompetent sound engineers. I would prefer to install an internal mike, in order to avoid that.

[@thomasherbert9970]

drumheadauthority.com/articles/bass-drum-hole/

[@kimcody4209]

Nice foo fighters shirt man!

[@larrytate1657]

I want a three inch hole protector

[@Pablotercero90]

Has someone tried to cut the hole with a hole saw?

[@PaulyRhythm]

Love it!!!

[@b0bbybr0wn]

why would you want a hole in your bass drum? What does it do?

[@Lukasblade2]

What the hole does is allow air to escape when you kick it. This can give a more clean sound. I'm pretty sure it also helps with the issue of the bass pedal bouncing on the bass when you kick it.

[@b0bbybr0wn]

Lukasblade2 thanks

[@Lukasblade2]

+Lukasblade2 Just my theory on it though so I'm probably wrong

[@xfxf2f824]

no its for putting things in and out of it to make it sound better

[@dwaynestafford7587]

The main thing it does is allow for external mic mounting... Higher quality for bass drum through sound systems.

[@thesuccessfulbarber]

The soup can trick works great. The only problem for them is you dont have to buy their special tool to do it.

[@Anearthworm]

Why do people always cut it on the right side?

[@dan_gr00ve_scientist]

my port hole is on the left side actually

[@davehampsonofficial]

Make sure it’s nice and good

[@zapatasghost]

Ok. so who has a used one for sale??

[@randyjoble4607]

so, just 1 take?

[@konarider]

Oh man, a sound guy did that to my bass drum port with, ironically enough, a beta 57. I was so pissed.

[@seanytoyguns8638]

Wouldn't it be easier to do while the head is on the drum and tight

[@squwelchy000]

I wish I'd seen this a couple of days ago. I just cut a hole in my front head with a razor. It looks pretty good, but it's nowhere near perfect.

[@Motleymick]

Why not just make drum heads with a hole cut from the factory????

[@TheSweetnessjosh]

Cool

[@CrusaderSmjolk]

nice t-shirt

[@larryimhofjr.6185]

I actually found this video pretty informative. I've never cut a hole in my kick logo head, but the video pointed me in the right direction. The cutting tool looked questionable. I think my niece has sharper tools in her easy bake oven set. I got lost after the video (now I just call it the vid) had me "easily punching" holes all over the fucking place. So check it out and then really check out about 45 seconds into the vid and do something more constructive... like play.

[@maxqd3]

I mean, the heated cab method works fine

[@fluff9231]

Not the intro😂🙌

[@SmugSuspenders]

I need this like I need a hole in my head

[@Eric-vv6ov]

Do not try to install the Holtz rear ring. It’s impossible to snap on. This is a manufacturing nightmare. Just use the front. It’s got strong adhesive and will stay without the back ring.

[@ConnorByrneDrums]

Should've used the hole cutter, now I have a wrecked bass drum head and have wasted money on the port hole.

[@ForeignAid]

Brent's Wang

[@jensjessen9153]

Ich kaufe das bereits fertig mit verstärkten Rand.

[@TheRealDrumWhisperer]

Put the mallet and screwdriver away-you have more chances of slipping and ruining the head. A simple conga key or wrench will finish that last bit with ease by using it as leverage on the inner ring. I've installed thousands of these for folks quickly and efficiently...never needed the mallet and flathead. I dunno why this bugs me🤦‍♂️

[@yucatansuckaman5726]

Brent Barnett? My names Brent Bump.

[@connorcampbell144]

Change your KZbin channel name cause it's racist. Black lives matter

[@LockMakesStuff]

I liked for the Foo Fighters shirt

[@runningbull6178]

holy shit

[@koolBOY8323]

i used a folgers can...when they were \M/etal...lol

[@bidder321]

Did anyone else notice the murmur at 2:50?

[@soarsis]

was this supposed to be a video of the 2 worst ways to do a bass hole

[@gabeblums2062]

Eat ass

[@readytokill123]

What was wrong with the 2 methods he showed?

[@johnw6508]

Yeah, what's wrong with these methods? They work great.

[@NoiseSignal]

So you made a video part stating to buy a product that cuts holes in a bass drum head. But after that there is a video part stating you really don't need the product you have just shown to us. So why produce it when nobody wil buy it? Confusing at it finest!

[@Sparkledrummer44]

lol i just used a hot can and burned the hole in