FOAM CONES, TRIGGERS AND EASY READY TO PLAY SYSTEMS TO CONVERT ACOUSTIC DRUMS TO E-KIT.
GET ONE FREE PIEZO WITH EACH PURCHASE OF FOUR CONES
The conversion of an acoustic drum into electronic kit is relatively easy.
The simplest method is to use the standard shells of an acoustic set. You
can use them as is or cut them in two parts to get the electro look and/or,
to double the number of parts. Some use Remo practice pads. They however
require another type of trigger that in the procedure shown here. The
important thing is to get a support to fix the components necessary for the
transmission of the vibrations from the trigger to the sound module.
QUARTZ PERCUSSIONS offers two type of trigger.
The two models are functional with the positional sensing of compatible module.
The trigger on harness is exclusive to QUARTZ PERCUSSIONS. This system with
the advantage of being installed in a few minutes and does not require
tools. The adjustments are easy with straps to any shell dimensions.
The central trigger is completely isolated from the unwanted vibrations
called crosstalk coming from outside and other pads.
Each unit is provided with its 1/4" stereo connector.
Steps to follow to install the trigger with harness:
1-Remove the metallic hoop and the head.
2- Put the hoop and then the head upside down on a table.
3-Put the trigger in the middle of the reversed head with every belt in
buckle exceeding the outside diameter of the hoop.
4- Reverse the shell on belts by keeping their three links of plastic
outside of the diameter. Do a light pressure on the assembly and adjust
boorishly the tension of belts.
5-Return the whole assembly to tight the head in the required tension.
6-Adjust the tension exercised on the trigger with belts if necessary.
Click on the button beside to see a tutorial on video.
For any question, feel free to ask to quartztrigger@gmail.com
The masterpiece of an electronic pad is the trigger. 1 The one shown here is
composed of a piezo 35mm stuck under an high density foam. It is installed
inside the shell, the head of the cone in contact under the batter head. 2
The vibrations of the head are transmitted via the trigger to the module.
The conical form of the trigger illustrated got the characteristic to be in
contact on a less surface, resulting in an equal consistency of the batter’s
head. The trigger is fixed on an adjustable podium to facilitate theadjustment.
3 It is installed on a crossbar fixed on a square braces at each end.
The bolts of two opposite lugs are used to fix the squares to the shell.
4 The crossbar and the squares braces could be assembled in various ways.
The bar on or under the braces, braces face on top or bottom, first or second hole
of bolt, etc.It is a question of adapting the assembly according to the requirement.
The crossbar could also be made with a piece of wood.
A shell comprising an odd number of lugs will have a support of trigger different from a crossbar.
Some will use a square brace about three inches (8cm) and opening holes on one side correspondents to the screws of the lug. Always isolate with a flexible rubber slice between two parts. The other end of the square keeps
its full length but is perforated to receive an adjustable base on which the
trigger is fixed. In general odd number of lugs is for small shell size and
the trigger will remain enough close to the center.
A piezo stuck inside the shell on the wall is used like sensor for a second zone (rim shot).5
It transmits the vibrations to the sound module coming from the rim.
Preferably, it is fixed at a few centimetres under the bearing edge of
and positioned at 8 o'clock for a right handed or at 4 o'clock for a
left-handed person.
It is important to isolate the crossbar from the walls on a two zone pad.
Rubber discs 6 are installed between each part of the assembly to
isolate both triggers from each other and avoid unwanted triggering.
The wires of each trigger are connected to a connector female of the
type TSR (tip, sleeve, rim). 7 A mono connector is enough
for a pad with only one zone coming from the head.
A two zones pad will require a stereo connector.
The wiring should be welded or ended with terminals.
Don’t ever let the wires hanging loose. They should be
stuck all their lenght. The piezos are very sensitive and to
neglect this aspect can cause false triggering.
A slotted rubber tube split over its full length covers the
rim to make it silent. 8
Some sound modules are not compatible with two zones
pads. The polarity could differs according to the model
of some sounds module used. (11)
The drum head is replaced for a synthetic skin mesh head.
The mesh silences wand. 9
It is possible to manufacture
its own mesh head from the
original hoops or flexible copper
or any flexible tube ¼''which are
sewn a piece of tissue commonly
used for window screens.
The trigger is very sensitive and will react to each of
unwanted vibrations. The method used to stop the
trampoline effect on larger size of head is to pad the back
of the head with a layer of soft foam rubber. Acoustics did
not matter, it is preferable to use smaller shell up to 16''
to build a bass drum. 10
There are adapters on the market
specifically designed to support a drum
converted bass drum. The Jungle Kit
Pearl shown here 12 sells for thirty dollars.
Both legs are attached via two brackets
usually used for floor tom legs. It fits the
rim with a clip sold separately for about
twenty dollars. It can also be set with
standard toms holder bracketfor drum
for about $30.00.