Mike Johnston Introduces Tune-Bot Drum Tuner

An introduction of the first true drum tuner. Includes information about the device and how to use it properly. For more information visit www.tune-bot.com

[@julesplace9107]

A few years ago I had a guy trying to sell me one of these since I had just bought a new drum set. I didn't want to be rude to they guy, but I just didn't have the best experience with drum tuning gadgets. Dials were marginally effective, and I loved the torque key Evans makes, but you are measuring resistance of several parts; not specifically the tension on a particular zone of your head. So, I let this guy bring this thing over and he took what was a great sounding snare drum and really sent it to a whole different level! Seriously. It was no gimmick, it took a little bit to get the hang of it, but it was well worth it. Guys who have been doing it by ear for decades are astonished at the difference it makes. I just got new drums, and a new Tune-Bot. Simple, fast. accurate.

[@toritovalenzuela]

Just got this and it has completely leveled up my DW performance kit. I thought it sounded ok before and now it sounds unbelievable.

[@TAILLGUNNERR]

damn... the more he explains it - the more intrigued i get yet... the more he explains it - the more expensive it sounds

[@LoneR33GTs]

Where I remain a little confused, is that in the beginning, Mike gets the 'fundamental' pitch, then finds the lug tension he likes the best, and then tensions all the other lugs to that point. If he were to have again tapped the center of the drum, I think he would have found that his fundamental tension had changed (now higher). So, why bother with the fundamental tension number at all in the beginning? Why not wait until you are finished to get the note/pitch that you desire? [A TuneBot owner]

[@MalibuGlassMI]

I am right there with you...I have talked about this for a long time. Someone help...

[@CARV.R]

Has anybody answered this yet lol

[@clintkandel1499]

I believe the answer is not a “right or wrong” answer. I think the process used is determined by each user and what they need.

[@clintkandel1499]

…if someone is trying to tune a drum to a specific note (like F#, C, G). Getting the fundamental close to the note frequency then fine tuning will make the process much faster. If someone is ok with the fundamental frequency being between 150-160. Then get it close and fine tune it once and go…

[@clintkandel1499]

Try both ways to see what works best for you. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@stevelaporta5791]

well done mike. i just have one suggestion. you didn't turn the drum over and measure the bottom head. as you well know, the relationship of the top and bottom heads is critical in terms of how long the drum resonates, whether there is a pitch bend, etc. depending on the condition and the type/thickness of the two heads, you may want them to be the same or the top higher or the bottom higher. cheers, steve

[@DoubleDowner]

I just bought one..... I love it ! there were some erratic reading but that was my fault for not hitting the same place / same strength.... plus the filter button eliminates that completely ! people bitching about erratic readings aren't using it right, my kit has never sounded better !

[@MrBrianx21]

I wouldn't call it a waste, the drum guy at my local music store showed me this just today starting from scratch with a completely bare shell, then tuned the heads perfectly. They sounded brilliant. Obviously the only way to get better at tuning is drums is by, well, tuning drums, but this looks like a great tool to help people who don't necessarily have the best ear for pitch.

[@isMike999]

I agree ....guy tuned my whole 5 piece set in an hour...I'm a beginner drummer and this thing looks cool BUT DAMN confusing

[@sbw89]

This device beats the DrumDial by a mile. The drumDial was really good for my bass drums, but the smaller drums were more difficult. This device measures frequency, not tension. Considering I always sucked at tuning drums, this device has been great for me. Especially for anyone who has a high end drum kit that seeks perfect "wood" sound. If your someone that puts pride in your drum sound, this is a must buy. Even the best of guitar players use tuners, why not drummers? For the guy a few comments down that claims he does just fine tuning his drums using his ears, I guess that means George Lynch should know how to tune his guitar with his ears as well? This device is for the OCD people (like myself) that seek perfect sound. If sound isn't important to you, just do it by ear and save yourself $100. Truthfully, I couldn't imagine not having it at this point....

[@tommasotemporin]

just ordered mine ;) finally i won't struggle anymore to tune my 7 pieces drums XD

[@tommasotemporin]

***** it was ;)

[@MrNgakakguling2]

how does they help you now? do you still you use it? and would you recommend?

[@Mremilioish]

This is not a paid advertisement. Mike liked the product and was cool enough to help us out. Check out the video titled "Mike Johnston: Bloopers" to hear his thoughts on the product. Anything that helps you getting your drums sounding better is definitely valuable in my book, thanks!

[@BigFatCock0]

This is actually really fucking awesome.

[@Orgakoyd]

he hardly made any adjustments to that tom and it sounds COMPLETELY different from how it sounded at the beginning.i think they did something to the sound(through the mic or something) the second time he hit it.

[@jasonmireau]

COL S. Trautman Yeah, I noticed this too. They could blame it on different mic placement, but it sounds like it has been EQed to bring out the attack on the second hit.

[@the6ig6adwolf]

Aryan Adibmehr it's called editing

[@DoubleDowner]

dude... no joke, I bought this and my drums have never sounded better... I actually enjoy playing them now ... lol

[@stylerprofyler]

This was WAY better than the demo videos i've seen. I'm actually really excited for this. Tuning is forever dreadful.

[@funkysc100]

Tunebot is an ultimate tool for a drummer.. I have one and i will never regret that decision. :)

[@margovallen]

I need to grab me one of these Tune-Bots. Great presentation!

[@andthensome512]

The best drum tuning invention ever made.

[@TYRONE_SHOELACES]

I just got the exact same one for 10 bucks from a stupid kid that can't use it .. hehe

[@drummercasper]

Just picked up one of these this past weekend... love it!!!

[@rickbean8580]

pretty sweet.. I've tried one of these out and it works great. Had to get used to it at first but it's definitely better than my ear and I think it would save me alot of time in the long run. Might get one of these when I have the cash...

[@NerismaStudios]

I feel like the people bashing the Tune-Bot are the same people who bash the Drum Dial, for the exact same reasons: they did not take the patience to learn how to use the device. I've had the original tune-bot since before they released the "gig" version of it, and once you get the knack of how to use it, it is a great tool for one to use. I do want to say, this is NOT a magic pill for amazing sounding drums, because you still have to know how to seat the head correctly to be able to get a good reading. This SHOULD go without saying.

[@Mremilioish]

Take a look at our tuning calculator, found on our website, it shows you which top and bottom head pitches can get you to certain notes. Also, the tuning guide gives you information on tuning to notes. For example, take your stamped note, that will be your fundamental frequency, then multiply that freq. by 1.5 for your top head freq. and multiply the fundamental freq. by 1.8 for your bottom head freq. This is better explained in the tuning guide.

[@poroto67]

Just got mine. What a fantastic tool!

[@duelldrumcovers]

The Monster Cable of tuners. You guys going after guitar tuners next? How about applying for a patent on the Chord? Oh wait, you've essentially done that.

[@matticus24yum]

Learning to tune by ear is a very valuable skill, and once it's mastered I'd say that it's even easier to tune a drum than this it is using this tuner. It's difficult skill to learn, and sure, while learning how to tune by ear is useful in the long run, this device is much more useful for a lot of people. That drum sounded tuned better than any drum I've ever tuned. But I agree, learning to tune by yourself is probably a lot better for your ears' sensitivity to music.

[@sbrand3998]

This guy is like a youth pastor.

[@bluesgut]

S BRAND that's funny dude. I have thought the same thing. Mike is an incredible teacher though. I subscribe to his lessons and listen to his podcast.

[@Coffeetableleg]

Seeing a lot of people on here bad mouthing the tune bot (granted I have the tune bot gig model), I used it last night to tune up my drums and is so easy to tune correctly in no time from full loose heads. Now only down side for me, I haven’t really found a tuning calculator that gets my drums where I want them. Tune-bot.com gives me odd numbers to use and so far is too low and not sure how to change that. I’m new to using the tuner but it’s a hell of a tool to figure out really good tuning. I’ve heard some people using same tuning top and bottom (Mike Johnston’s preference I believe) and the calculator uses 2 completely different numbers and the fundamental frequency is usually wrong even tho the numbers match exact. Also when you get a drum tuned correctly, you can hear a major difference just from tiny little tweaks like you hear in the video. Was crazy how much the sound changed with a 5hz change on a few lugs.

[@barabek12]

Great video! After that I prefer fixating the lugs to prevent detuning. I'm personally using Drumlock

[@seriously777]

Just got a tune-bot today. Very easy. Very accurate. Great piece of equipment. Hey 43studio43, do you have a microwave? Air conditioning? A flatscreen TV? Technology is a good thing.

[@XeRo333]

I use the Rob Brown tuning method and while that's the fastest way to get my drums tuned I also want to be sure I dont have any lugs that're lower or higher than all the rest so I think this'll help with fine tuning, so I'm only getting one solid note from drum to drum.

[@brianbentley8578]

This really helped me!! Thanks for sharing.

[@clintsdrums]

Would love to see a video on your approach for tuning drums!

[@Vesaniah4]

we were all asking to be precise about our tuning and faster... now we have it .

[@MrCrush352]

Buddy Rich always said "You don't tune drums, you tension them." I want one!

[@mythicislepro]

I don't know any drummers personally whose kits sound amazing because they tune their drums to a specific note, not intentionally/pre-meditated anyways. This type of tuning is something that guys like Terry Bozzio use, it's really useful for more "compositional" drumming where the drums themselves are a centerpiece musically and rhythmically. If you play any kind of rock, metal, pop etc. the best bet is just to feel it out/listen. When it's kicking ass, whip out the tune bot and save the tone.

[@22pcirish]

Are there any plans to issue some instructions/ advice for those of us switching to low volume heads?

[@doedsstierna]

When he hits it again 3 minutes in, the sound is obviously eq'd to bring out the attack and fundamental pitch of the drum. Probably something done to the dynamics too. Veeeeery sneaky.

[@doedsstierna]

Actually it doesn't even sound like the same room or microphone. I guess another drum hit was recorded and dubbed over. I have no idea whether this product is useful or not but the trickery that the producers felt was necessary in this video suggests it's not.

[@TC-lk2ev]

+Tobias Eklund As someone who owns it, and could never tune drums before I can honestly say it is worth it. I'd highly recommend picking one up.

[@cameronmurphy5850]

+Tobias Eklund hahah nailed this one dude. This is fucking pathetic. Sounds like a sample from a generic library also

[@JETFILMCHANNEL]

I'm pretty sure he messed up and hit the rim but just rolled with it.

[@doedsstierna]

I'm not sure what you mean. If you listen to the hit at 56 seconds in and compare to the "tuned" hit 3 minutes in, you can clearly hear that there is processing present on the last hit that isn't there on the first. There's no rim hitting visible or audible.

[@Mremilioish]

Nothing like a well tuned set! enjoy

[@MrMercManSir]

this is one of those exceptional products where i can't bother to look at the price tag. this thing is a lifesaver.

[@bobby9727]

I purchased the tune bot and it was worth every penny.

[@TheBaxtersMusic]

What is your problem? He was extremely informative about the product. And the bit referring it to a guitar player's tuner was clever and insightful. I'm confused as to why you would argue against this product at all. I agree that a trained ear after years of experience comes in handy, but products like this are starting to give drummers (new or experienced) a better sense of what sounds good/right. Hell if it means that we'll see less drummers playing cardboard boxes on youtube, I'm all for it.

[@JoeEmAll]

Drummers should buy this more

[@smurfhunterguy]

AWWWWH YEAH, YOU USED STREET SWEEPER SOCIAL CLUB IN THE INTRO. you have my money.

[@godzilla964]

Should you put a moon gel on your drum while you tune?

[@Mremilioish]

We just came out with tuning calculator apps for android and iOS. The apps give you tuning suggestions and advice. iOS: bit.ly/1iDxSdA android: bit.ly/1iIa86O

[@SydneyDrumLessonsAvalon]

windows phone please!

[@antwanfilikian128]

i have good ear for sound, I listen well ,and I learned to tune my Drums By Ear, and it works well every Time , Every Drummer That Played on my Kit They all said it sounds Amazing. try to learn to tune by ear if you can .

[@MikeMiheli]

Like tuning a guitar or bass, shouldn't you tune "up" to the desired pitch to help keep the tension on the screws?

[@Mremilioish]

yes, that is the best way

[@benfrank8649]

Street Sweeper Social Club in the intro?

[@bobability]

You should check out the review by Its All Things Drums.

[@mpcoleman]

I'd like to hear before and after the tune-bot with e.q. on both. The 0:57 sounds like it was recorded with the cam-corder mic. 3:00 was obviously e.q.'d. It's hard to hear objectively here.

[@tambian89]

Seriously can't wait to get one of these, awesome job guys!!!!!

[@michaelmorgan8812]

So the bottom head is the same tuning as the top Head?

[@AmariLynn8]

Wow not confusing at all 😂 This would drive me insane!!!

[@PeteyxPANICx]

I wonder if this would be good with marching drums... What do you guys think?

[@bi-polarexpress6628]

Proper tuning has always been a problem for me. Just bought a new DW Collectors kit and would like to know how to use the Tune-Bot to tune each drum to its own note. Tune-Bot's own videos do not go over this feature. Thanks for your time

[@adesojiadeyeye423]

I just got mine - a newer version; I will tuning my drums soon. If anyone could provide guidance to me regarding the Fundamental pitch - can I vary the fundamental pitch for each of the set - if yes kindly provide guidance. Thanks…a nice video too by Mike.

[@Mremilioish]

Yes, you can vary the fundamental pitch for each drum. Send me an email at [e-mail] if you have any more questions or need more explanation on that.

[@insertmetalusernamehere]

@@Mremilioish sorry to comment jack. I'm waiting on a pearl export from Sweetwater water. It's an 8 piece drum set. Will this tuner help with that? I was always afraid of getting an acoustic set because of not knowing how to tune the set.

[@FusionHowie]

Purchased a tune bot from Midwest percussion. Great item! I believe Tune Bot will go after the hot pro drummers to obtain what notes they are using using tune bot. What a trip to have Simon or Garvin's exact tunings!!!!! Still waiting for Waffle Bot!!!

[@MelkMan7]

2:59 Dat tone O.O

[@liiliiliiliil]

@ 3:00 did hi by mistake hit the rim instead of the drumhead and never corrected it for the demo? lol

[@sharksdelight]

If the tom is out of tune and you hit it, won't the fundemental pitch of the drum be off and therefore all your subsequent tuning settings? Great advertising for this product but do you really use it? Just how do you know where to start in terms of the original setting.

[@thomasnappo6309]

Want to see a Video of a tunebot tunning a Drum from scratch...how to find the sound you want.

[@dndtruce]

is there a recommended fundamental pitch for each drum that comes with the purchase of the Tune Bot????

[@brianwills5707]

Yes. You can view the manual on their website which shows many suggested tuning intervals. They also have an online calculator that will generate recommendations. You may need to try a few before you find what sounds best to your ear.

[@MeowfaceMusic]

Hi Mike. ¿So the thing that makes this gadget better than a regular whatever tuner is that it doesn't read all those other pesky frequencies? At the end of the day, have you noticed better tone quality coming from your drums having begun using the Tune·Bot? Worth it?

[@VocalAndDrumCovers]

If it sounds good to your own ear that is all that matters. If you're happy with the sound of your kit it's fine

[@TrashMojo]

would be willing to try this, but like everything in drumming to just try something out for a while the price is to high

[@mpcoleman]

Totally cool! I hope people us it as a help, not a replacement for ears.

[@Inflikted2237]

I need a little help! I purchased the tune bot about a month ago; although it's helped me get my drums perfectly in tune, I still haven't been able to find the pitch, and tune that i really want. I'm looking for a mid-low range, with a lot of attack, and low sustain. I have a Pearl kit, with an 10', 12' racks, and 14',16' floor toms. They all have Remo pinstripe batters, and Evans G2 resonant. What would be some good Hz and possible muting techniques to give me the tone I'm looking for?

[@Mremilioish]

10" 184 top, 304 btm 12" 155 top, 259 btm 14" 123 top, 206 btm 16" 92 top, 154 btm

[@Mremilioish]

Overtone Labs or 10" 174, 291 12" 146, 245 14" 116, 194 16" 87, 145

[@logan979]

is the reso head muted or muffled while tuning the top batter after determining the fundamental.

[@DavidPhillips53]

Just got mine, but I tried to save a few bucks and bought the GigBot - the smaller version. There's quite a few options missing, but I didn't think I needed them. I started out trying to tune an expensive custom built 10 lug 14" x 5.5" maple snare that I've been having trouble tuning. All this thing has done is to frustrate me even further. It jumps around madly with even the slightest tweaking, and I simply cannot get it to read out the same frequencies at each lug. I'v been at it for a couple of hours now, and it's close in pitch, but now the snare sounds choked. Gonna take a break and try it on my toms.If it doesn't work properly on my Gretsch Renowns - in the bin it goes!

[@Mremilioish]

+David Phillips Sorry to hear that you are having problems with you tune-bot gig. If you are still having issues, send me an email at [e-mail]

[@DavidPhillips53]

+Overtone Labs Figured out what I was doing wrong. No details, but I'm an idiot haha I retract all negative comments. I love it!

[@sidx45]

Somewhat un-related "tuning" question. I bought a set of the red shot d-drum triggers.I've tried all kinds of tune set up / tensions on the heads to get a good digital pick up..I've tried muffling them..I even bought remo black suede heads, since they are supposed to be best for digital trigger pick up, and Im still getting minimal pick up form the triggers. Any suggestions, thnx

[@RascalXmas]

I get the feeling that Mike Johnston is a cool guy

[@justinleeming3705]

Can some one tell me the song and artist used in this intro?

[@sunnibird]

What if you're fundamental tone is different from Tunebot Calculator but lugs are reading where recommended? Doesn't make sense.

[@quaddrummer1770]

Does the Tune-Bot work well with marching percussion instruments?

[@pine207]

In reference to the note or pitching of the drums (snare tom toms floor toms and bass) , how would you go about tuning them, im relatively new to drums and i don't want to sound like a moron, but i was wondering do you tune each drum to the same pitch or say a step down as you move from smaller to the bigger drums? i know both things i said are most likely wrong but any help would be appreciated thank you.

[@axleaquino7484]

Does this work for Marching Percussion instruments as well?

[@leemcd56]

Yes. I've seen it used to tune quads before.

[@jlucasound]

Where were you 30 years ago!! :-)

[@marc8vino]

The lowest note your drum can produce? It measures the fundamental pitch. It's reading what your drum is currently tuned at. That does not make sense. I'm trying this and changing the tuning changes the fundamental pitch.

[@Hoprgras]

This Device is helping me Greatly!

[@mikeschumacher9715]

I was tuning my 18" to the websites suggestions. I had one lug that registered 3.5 under. Small little adjustment and it jumped to 331 over. Tried several times, reset the Tune-Bot, same results. I muffled the resonance head and lightly tapped the head. Same results again. Any suggestions?

[@Mremilioish]

Try to mute the opposite head if you aren't doing that. Also, if you use the Filter mode it will keep you from picking up the false +331 reading. Do not use the Filter until you already have a lug pitch reading

[@08alexnyc]

I'm really interested in this product however I have one concern: On my bass drum, I use a full front head with a foam muffler at the bottom. When ear-tuning, I'm able to get a tone except from the area where the muffler is making contact with the head. Here, of course, there is no tone; just a thud. Will the Tune Bot work in this situation?

[@marc8vino]

I thought the fundamental pitch of the drum would mean that is the pitch the drum want to be at or the shell. If the heads are loose then the pitch will be low or visa versa. I think by saying the fundamental pitch of the drum means what the fundamental pitch is at the current tuning. I tightened a few lugs and the fundamental pitch changes. I guess you need to get the drum close to where you want it and then get the fundamental pitch. The average pitch of your tuning at that point in time. That wording seems misleading to me. I think this might take some practice to use this thing to its potential.

[@senor_sid]

I love you. Thank you for saying this its been bothering me for sooooooo long!! I was just too lazy to type:P

[@Drumfreak4JC]

Does this work for marching percussion too?

[@davefondevilla5640]

How much is the tuner?

[@michaeldonaldllewellyn6294]

How do you tell the time with your wrist watch , it's so small

[@gkstjd51]

Can TuneBot tune up a djembe?

[@dakotahgulledge7114]

Would you tune the resonant head to itself also, then tune the batter?

[@Mremilioish]

not sure what you mean by tune the resonant head to itself. It doesn't matter which head you tune first but I usually start with the resonant head.

[@crazyxr6t]

I heard Bozio just bought three of these!

[@DjMinusMusic]

My god! I need this!

[@SlowStig]

I usually use my *other brand analogic tuner with a needle, numbers and something eavy to press the drumhead* to see how good I am at tuning my drum and training my ears and my wrist to feel the pitch and the tension. Atm I've a range of +/-2 from a defined pitch but with that electronic monster my personal challenge should be much more funny, I'm thinking to give it a try...

[@drummerboy6358]

great product I am getting

[@mythicislepro]

This is a very helpful tool. But uh...seriously, have you looked at all the tunebot videos on youtube of people's tuned kits that use this? There are like two that don't sound way weird. This is because most people don't know how to tune a kit by ear and what to actually look for tone wise. I started tuning drums when I got my first kit 5 years ago and--guess what--it sucked for awhile. Like 2 years before I was just ok at it, but it paid off. Learn to tune first, and then maybe get a tune bot.

[@christianquiocho9692]

Does this work for marching drums as well?

[@Chris.p.moyles]

This is a good idea, but doesn't tackle to the issue of tuning to a key, then having the band play in a a different key that is in an odd interval related to that key. Kick and bass making a minor third in a a major key song, for example, makes for mud unless serious side-chaining is happening.

[@FPChris]

how does it work on lower frequencies?

[@jostego]

Will this work well on bass drums?

[@andremarquesrosa]

Did someone bought this ? any opinions ?

[@Gorangrooves]

WOW. It looks like a fantastic product. I was wondering when somebody was going to come up with a drum tuner that makes sense. I found the drum dial to be far inferior to tuning by ear. I am interested in testing this tool out. Thanks for the great and informative video, Mike!

[@totigerus]

did you ever get one?

[@Gorangrooves]

@@totigerus yes. Works great.

[@totigerus]

@@Gorangrooves Cool I had the drum dial and hated it. But tune bot looks completely different.

[@Gorangrooves]

@@totigerus Yeah, this is a proper tuner, but for drums. I can tune drums perfectly by ear (which is what I do most of the time), but I've used the tuner numerous times when sampling drums. It allows me to keep a record of precisely what pitch I tune each head and can replicate the tuning at a later date, should I need to.

[@cureboyz]

How much is this man?