cone or not cone that is the question

[scotty920]

How can I determine whether I need to replace the cone sensor? Is their a methodical troubleshooting method to follow. Could the cone be pushed down and therefore use washers (where the screws are) to heighten it do the trick?

thanks everybody in advance

[scotty920]

Ok here goes... I can't seem to get any sound around the perimeter of the snare drum. I'm getting sound in the dead center but none from rim to the center. Now I've already posted a thread regarding the issue and the topic turned to hotspots and that they are an annoyance and ways to get rid of them. The way i interpreted it, after further research on this site, is that hotspots are located where the sensor is positioned. But right up to just last week I was getting sound from rim of snare to center (softer to louder) which I think is normal even for an acoustic drum. I believe, though I'm far from an expert, that this would be considered common sense and that the louder area of the drum head would be acceptable not something to get rid of???!!!???. Anyway, I tightened my head and still no better. I checked the sensor (cone) and it does not appear worn. Does anybody have any idea what the problem could be???

Thanks in advance

[cure1973]

DIY or bought kit? Whats the actual problem? Could be piezo or wiring? Bit more info and you'll get the help you need.
I Know my DIY cones are approx 1mm into the head and work fine - they will break down over time though - easy replacement.

[JmanWord]

I merged your post from the other thread you started 12 minutes before this thread. Please don't start multiple threads on the same problem!

[scotty920]

Ok Jman sorry I'll try to avoid multiple threads. The kit is basically a td20 with a td 12 module. I bought it used from the states on ebay. It has all the same drum pads and cymbals pd125 pd120 4pd100 (less the usual extra pd125 for ft) 2cy-14 cy-15 and a cy-12. It also came with dw9000 double bass pedal, dw 5000 hi-hat std, and a dw snare std. Plus a Yamaha sstagepas 300 to boot. It came to $3700 cad and that included shipping and duty. Very good deal I believe for Canadian/American exchange. Cure1973 I don't know what to tell you other then I loosened the rim and retightened it. After that I lost sound from rim to center of the drum. At the center I'm getting sound albeit when striking harder than usual. Also, if I strike closer to the rim hard I will pick up a low snare sound but basically I'm just getting sound in the center(3 inch diameter). By the way the urls for the hotspots thread are not working. Maybe the answer is there but I can't get any of the threads to work. Another thing is that I pushed down on the center of the head while tightening it, maybe i should not have done so. I bought the edrums (my first set) 2 years ago but did not use them much at all. I want to finally get some constructive practice in on a daily basis. I've always used acoustics until now, so I am really a noobie and very green with the terminology. I will be using this site quite often especially when I have any technical issues.

[JmanWord]

Another thing is that I pushed down on the center of the head while tightening it, maybe i should not have done so.

No, not a good idea at all. Piezos are pretty delicate, the ceramic can crack. If you haven't done it already try switching the snare with a tom that is working just to verify the problem is with the pad and not settings in the module or the TRS cable. Here is a thread on a similar problem: http://www.vdrums.com/forum/advanced...at-to-look-for
Here is a post from a while back about symptoms of a damaged piezo. http://www.vdrums.com/forum/advanced...637#post834637 Like I mentioned in that thread it is not a bad idea to replace both the piezo and foam. It is not that expensive and those are a couple of the most critical components.

[cure1973]

Yep I concur with Jman - certainly treat cones with respect! I would be replacing the piezo and probably the cone too - you can use Roland replacements or use Quartz cones equally as good and he's in Canada too! www.quartzpercussions.com

[scotty920]

Just thought I would write back to thank you guys for answering. I'll try another pad to the snare input tomorrow. Now I'm pretty sure i'm in for a new piezo/foam replacement. Saw a video on Youtube showed basically what my problem is and they replaced the foam. But I'll go all the way with piezo replacement as well. And yeah maybe I'll go for the quartz if the local dealer's price is too high. Thanks Jman and cure1973.

[JmanWord]

Just thought I would write back to thank you guys for answering. I'll try another pad to the snare input tomorrow. Now I'm pretty sure i'm in for a new piezo/foam replacement. Saw a video on Youtube showed basically what my problem is and they replaced the foam. But I'll go all the way with piezo replacement as well. And yeah maybe I'll go for the quartz if the local dealer's price is too high. Thanks Jman and cure1973.

If you do end up with Quartz cones make sure you get the cone height correct. They are a little shorter than a Roland cone and provide additional 2 sided disks to make up the height difference. It is critical that the cone be above the bearing edge of the drum for correct triggering. There are others that are using Quartz cones as Roland replacements that could tell you more about the correct height. You could also contact Roland direct to find out their pricing of replacement cone and piezo. J