Piezo-Rim switch snare from cymbal?

[perceval]

Since I have a Yamaha module, it's not easy doing a DIY project for the snare, because Yamaha uses rim switch for rim sounds.

So, right now, I have a single zone piezo in my snare, and I have to add something like a trigger bar to my snare and an additional input on my module for a rim click. Kinda over the top since I am using only 1 zone on a 3-zone input!

I have the XM cymbal laying around. Gave it a go and plugged it in the snare input, I get head sound on the bow, and rim sound on the edge.
So, I'm thinking of ripping the piezo/switch assembly from the XM cymbal and putting the whole thing in my snare.

Before I start gutting a perfectly good working cymbal, what do you think? Logic is sound, or am I pursuing a white whale here?

Also, I don't think I would be able to put the rim switch on the shell like a piezo. I guess I need to install it on the metal hoop somehow.

[fulrmr(Daniel)]

Hmmm...snip the wires.....put bullet connectors on them....drill a small hole in the shell to run the wires through.....and mount it on the inside of the rim protector (fuel/vacuum line)and just set it on the rim like any other DIY rim protector project....reconnect the wires. Could work...right?

[ignotus]

What size is your snare? Maybe you could use one of these and avoid gutting the cymbal: http://www.85china.com/product/21174...0side%20switch

[Sylv1co]

Me, I'm skeptical
The switch must seat on a hard surface, how can you put it on the hoop of your snare ?
Do you even know the real diameter of the switch ? If it's not exactly the same diameter of the hoop, it could be impossible to put it on.

See here, it could give you an idea of how to make a switch on your snare.
Problem is the rim silencer, you must find something that fit on it.
This is the s-hoop : http://www.google.fr/imgres?imgurl=h...9QEwAw&dur=499

http://www.google.fr/imgres?imgurl=http://www.bigbangdist.com/images/s_hoop_flyer01.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.bigbangdist.com/s-hoop_brochure.htm&h=827&w=640&sz=331&tbnid=R1Ih2G4tf-V2QM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=70&zoom=1&usg=__iUr84h3qpM-LvdfqmNqwGovH4YU=&docid=W07hFe1BPzhpIM&sa=X&ei=DkigUsqQKeOS0AXfrIHwBw&ved=0CEQQ9QEwBA&dur=497

You can use the hoop itself as the first electrode (just put a wire on one screw of any lug inside the shell), then (more difficult) find smething to put on it to make the second electrode that will make contact when you hit the rim.

[Cheddies]

Wouldn't it be easier to just add a second Piezo to the snare and build a keith rapier circuit to make the second piezo send like a switch?

[fulrmr(Daniel)]

Me, I'm skeptical
The switch must seat on a hard surface, how can you put it on the hoop of your snare ?
Do you even know the real diameter of the switch ? If it's not exactly the same diameter of the hoop, it could be impossible to put it on.

See here, it could give you an idea of how to make a switch on your snare.
Problem is the rim silencer, you must find something that fit on it.
This is the s-hoop : http://www.google.fr/imgres?imgurl=h...9QEwAw&dur=499

http://www.google.fr/imgres?imgurl=http://www.bigbangdist.com/images/s_hoop_flyer01.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.bigbangdist.com/s-hoop_brochure.htm&h=827&w=640&sz=331&tbnid=R1Ih2G4tf-V2QM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=70&zoom=1&usg=__iUr84h3qpM-LvdfqmNqwGovH4YU=&docid=W07hFe1BPzhpIM&sa=X&ei=DkigUsqQKeOS0AXfrIHwBw&ved=0CEQQ9QEwBA&dur=497

You can use the hoop itself as the first electrode (just put a wire on one screw of any lug inside the shell), then (more difficult) find smething to put on it to make the second electrode that will make contact when you hit the rim.

excellent option...why not line the rubber rim protector with a metal strip for the second conductor..or just separate a strip from the rim itself with some foam tape just like a mechanical switch on a cymbal and then put the rim protector over it?

[ignotus]

You could just put the membrane switch on the s-hoop and cover it with a strip of rubber.

Just checked the fit with a 10" membrane switch on a 10" snare hoop and the radius is in fact very slightly off, though not enough to make it unusable.

[perceval]

What size is your snare? Maybe you could use one of these and avoid gutting the cymbal: http://www.85china.com/product/21174...0side%20switch

Snare is 14", cymbal is 13"... I knew I forgot something important! radius of snare and switch! ha ha!

That'd be a great find because they are in my backyard... and funny enough, they want to add $200 for shipping! Guess I'll pass!
Thanks for the idea. I checked for a local supplier of switch membranes, but couldn't find one.

[perceval]

What size is your snare? Maybe you could use one of these and avoid gutting the cymbal: http://www.85china.com/product/21174...0side%20switch

I tried the KR circuit already. It's a bit unreliable. Even when I built the whole thing with pots on each piezo, I could never find a setting that would trigger well... tried it live once, and it was a mess with rim clicks instead of head sounds too often...

[perceval]

Originally posted by Sylv1co View Post
Me, I'm skeptical
The switch must seat on a hard surface, how can you put it on the hoop of your snare ?
Do you even know the real diameter of the switch ? If it's not exactly the same diameter of the hoop, it could be impossible to put it on.

See here, it could give you an idea of how to make a switch on your snare.
Problem is the rim silencer, you must find something that fit on it.
This is the s-hoop : http://www.google.fr/imgres?imgurl=h...9QEwAw&dur=499
http://www.google.fr/imgres?imgurl=h...9QEwBA&dur=497

You can use the hoop itself as the first electrode (just put a wire on one screw of any lug inside the shell), then (more difficult) find smething to put on it to make the second electrode that will make contact when you hit the rim.

excellent option...why not line the rubber rim protector with a metal strip for the second conductor..or just separate a strip from the rim itself with some foam tape just like a mechanical switch on a cymbal and then put the rim protector over it?

Wait, there's no more voodoo stuff going on than 2 metal strips touching after impact? no more magic circuitry going on? hmmm... that's something I will have to try.

[Sylv1co]

No voodoo, no magic, as simple as this.

[fulrmr(Daniel)]

Exactly.

[Cheddies]

I tried the KR circuit already. It's a bit unreliable. Even when I built the whole thing with pots on each piezo, I could never find a setting that would trigger well... tried it live once, and it was a mess with rim clicks instead of head sounds too often...

Hmmph - thats got to be annoying.

[ignotus]

Snare is 14", cymbal is 13"... I knew I forgot something important! radius of snare and switch! ha ha!

That'd be a great find because they are in my backyard... and funny enough, they want to add $200 for shipping! Guess I'll pass!
Thanks for the idea. I checked for a local supplier of switch membranes, but couldn't find one.

[perceval]

I think I see why the $200. They post the weight of a single item at 50,000g (50kg).... if they use that to calculate shipping, than $200 is about right!

[hairmetal-81]

I have nothing intelligent to contribute, really.
But weren't you fancying a Yamaha silicon pad?


Too expensive?
Too small?
No mesh?

All of the above?



HTH

[Cheddies]

I love those silicone DTX pads - but they are jolly expensive!

[perceval]

Yep, I wanted a silicon snare pad, because it is probably the loudest part of my kit now (and one that gets played often too!)

I was passed twice while trying to buy from people here (I guess Taiwan is really far) and buying new is just crazy! I get no deals like musicianfriends over here, so I have to pay full price, and even importing some pads will cost me some hefty shipping and taxes...

The local scene is practically non-existent. When something second-hand does come up, people are just stupid. I've seen an old non expanded TD10 kit .. seller was asking $3,000 for it. Duh!

So, looking for options. DIYing seemed to be the best option to beat those crazy prices.
If I can get a DIY switch thing going, then I might invest in some Drumtec mesh. I hear (and read from digitaldrummer) good things about them, and will surely be a lot quieter than my very loud XM mesh heads (they give quite a loud thump... but they trigger well enough.)