Tim Wilson

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I am playing with Under A Banner at the legendary Cavern Club and Pub this Monday 19th May.

We are doing two sets - one in the pub at 8pm and one in the club at 10pm.

I look forward to seeing many of you there.

Tonight Under A Banner hit the SoundHouse in Leicester for a special gig supporting the Edgar's Gift charity. 

We invite you to pay what you like as an entry fee and the doors open at 8pm.

It is usually the case that the best new innovations in the world of drumming come from drummers themselves. In the case of Tuner Fish Lug Locks, Skunk Anansie's Mark Richardson in collaboration with Mark Bigwood and Ian Aguado-Bush have tapped into a need which I think every drummer who plays regularly will relate to.

Whether in the studio or on the stage, if you hit hard, and in a particular a spot near a lug, for example rimshots, they are prone to detuning.

The Tuner Fish Lug Locks serve as a handy solution to this issue and could not be more easy to use. Fitting them is easy. The lock is a fish shaped attachment with a star shaped cavity that fits over the tuning rod, so that the “tail” rests against the hoop, locking it in place. 

I was kindly sent some Tuner Fish secure bands and they provide the extra security you need allowing you to wrap the band around the rod and in turn onto the lug ensuring that they stay on. 

I tried a combination of between two or four lug locks on my snare drum as well as a couple each on a rack and floor tom (on my four piece setup). In all cases, I put the Lug Locks nearest to where my stick comes down and strikes the drum as this is where I have commonly had the most issues with detuning.

Of course, you can put them around every lug, top and bottom, of every drum if you so desire, but I have found that just the small number of Tuner Fish I have at my disposal is so invaluable to my drumming. 

Since attaching the Tuner Fish Lug Locks, I have had many hours of fantastic usage with them and have not needed to retune. The Tuner Fish are available in a variety of colours. I went for the Hot Pink Sparkle variety matched with suitable secure bands. 

I'm looking forward to using them in a recording session over the next few days. Having rehearsed and gigged with them, their durable polycarbonate construction is standing up to my hard hitting. I'm also looking forward to purchasing some more so that I can add more to my other toms for my larger setup.

The online 'noise' that the Tuner Fish Lug Locks are getting is indicative of what a fantastic, affordable and essential product they are. If you're serious about your drumming and keeping your drums sounding great for longer, my advice to you is to get some and put them on your drums. You will start reaping the rewards immediately.

Big thanks to Mark, Ian and all at Tuner Fish Lug Locks for making such a brilliant product.

Links:

Under A Banner are delighted to announce our first few gigs for the Spring as we continue work on our second album. 

April 15th - The Robin 2, Wolverhampton

May 9th - The Boars Head, Kidderminster

I'm having an issue with the snare drum throw for my 13x7 Wallflower Acrylic Snare drum.

This is  a zip strainer, gold plated with three mounting holes. One at the top and two at the bottom.

One of the holes in the throw does not screw in properly ... namely this one.

The hole is worn at the immediate point where the screw goes in. Consequently, as the screw doesn't bite immediately, but rather quite a way in, it means that it is not tightening effectively. It is always loose!

So, given its looseness, once I start to drum, the pressures of drumming  forces the screw to pop out pretty quickly.

I've tried different screws of the same gauge - just to see if there is more bite, but the same issue happens.

So, I need to fix.

Potential solutions - i) Repair job - fix the hole in the throw; ii) Replace the throw.

Who can help either with a throw replacement or an offer to fix? Suggestions welcome please (including quotes).

The band's biggest gig of the year - a new line-up including me, guest musicians doors open 7.30 £5 on the door. £1 donated to Philipine Typhoon Disaster Relief.

Looking for quick sale. I'm selling as I have plentiful electronica choices in drum land now and need to clear some space. Sad to see this go though. 

See pics below.  Will deliver within 25 mile radius of Birmingham City Centre for cost of fuel. 

  Roland TD-6K V-Club Set is in very good condition**. Grab a bargain.  You get: 

The full drum system based around TD-6 Percussion Sound Module and new drum and cymbal pad 

TD-6 Percussion Sound Module offers 64-voice polyphony, 1,024 high-quality drum sounds, 262 backing sounds, 99 kits and a 6-part sequencer 

Five PD-6 8.5" single zone rubber pads provide durable, reliable triggering 

Two CY-6 12" dual-trigger cymbal pads yield natural dynamics and "choke" capabilities 

9 trigger inputs on TD-6 accommodate up to 11 pads and cymbals 

TD-6 module and complete system designed for easy setup and intuitive operation 

FD-7 Hi-Hat Control Pedal 

KD-7 Kick pedal with Yamaha kick pedal 

Cables, connectors and td-6 stand. 

I will also throw in a suitcase containing all the original boxes for the pads and the module if you want too!  **A few issues   - A bit of weathering/rust on metal plate underside of module but otherwise in great working condition  - One of the pad cables needs replacing but all other cables in good working order.  More details on the TD-6K and to download the manual, click here: http://www.roland.co.uk/products/productdetails.aspx?p=177