# Assembly Manual — Tunable Snare Frame Array ## Tools for Assembly - Drum key (standard 8-32 or M5 version matching lug hardware) - Chromatic tuner (phone app or clip-on) - Combination square - M5 hex driver --- ## Part Check Before Assembly - [ ] 3× welded steel shells (⌀254, ⌀203, ⌀152 mm) - [ ] 1× plasma-cut mounting frame with flanges bent - [ ] 3× Remo Ambassador heads (10″, 8″, 6″) - [ ] 3× counter-hoops (matching each head size) - [ ] 6+6+4 = 16× tension rods + washers (drum-standard 8-32 or M5) - [ ] 6+6+4 = 16× drum lugs (bought, mounted to shell lug ears) - [ ] 3× snare wire mechanisms with thumb-wheel (bought) - [ ] 12× M5 bolts + nuts for shell-to-frame mounting - [ ] 3× snare wire bundles (12, 10, 8 strand) --- ## Assembly Sequence ### Step 1 — Mount Shells to Frame (5 min) 1. Insert Shell A (254 mm, largest) into the leftmost frame cut-out from the drum-face side. 2. Pass M5 bolts through frame lug ear holes into shells. Finger-tight. 3. Verify shell sits flush with frame face; no rocking. Tighten M5 bolts to snug. 4. Repeat for Shell B (center), Shell C (right). 5. Check all three shells are parallel (level along top rims). *[Photo placeholder: frame with 3 shells mounted, rear view showing bolt pattern]* ### Step 2 — Install Lugs on Shell Ears (10 min) 1. If lugs not pre-mounted: bolt each lug to its shell ear using M5 (or 8-32) screw. Lugs should spin freely and not wobble. 2. Inspect all 16 lug anchors — no cross-threading. *[Photo placeholder: close-up of lug ear + lug on Shell A]* ### Step 3 — Seat Drum Heads (5 min) 1. Place Remo Ambassador 10″ on Shell A. Center it; the head rim should seat smoothly on the bearing edge. 2. Place counter-hoop over head. 3. Thread tension rods through counter-hoop into lugs — finger-tight only. Install all rods before tensioning. 4. Repeat for Shell B (8″) and Shell C (6″). *[Photo placeholder: head seated on Shell C, counter-hoop in place, rods finger-tight]* ### Step 4 — Install Snare Mechanisms (5 min) 1. For each drum: loop snare wires across the batter head (bottom face of head). The thumb-wheel bracket should be positioned at 6 o'clock (bottom of drum face). 2. Mount bracket to nearest lug ear or dedicated snare bracket weld point. 3. Thread snare wire anchor to bracket; snug thumb-wheel to light contact tension. *[Photo placeholder: snare wire across head, thumb-wheel at 6 o'clock position]* ### Step 5 — Tune to Target Pitches (20 min) See `tuning-notes.md` for full procedure. Summary: 1. Cross-tension all rods ¼-turn increments until head rings when tapped. 2. Tap near each lug; equalize pitch around the rim. 3. Strike center; read chromatic tuner: - Shell C target: D4 ≈ 294 Hz - Shell B target: A3 ≈ 220 Hz - Shell A target: D3 ≈ 147 Hz 4. Once within ±50 cents: detune, re-tension 2× more to seat head. 5. Final tune: mark rod extension with paint pen. *[Photo placeholder: tuner showing D4 on Shell C, rod markings visible]* ### Step 6 — Snare Adjustment and Final Check (5 min) 1. Disengage all snare mechanisms (fully loosen thumb-wheels). 2. Strike each drum; confirm clear tone, no rattle. 3. Re-engage snares halfway; confirm buzz activates on each drum. 4. Play all three drums in sequence: check no resonance transfer between drums. --- ## Maintenance Notes - **Re-tuning**: temperature and humidity change head tension. Re-check pitch before each play session. - **Head replacement**: standard Remo Ambassador heads; available at any drum shop. - **Snare wire**: replace if worn or buzzing unevenly; standard snare wire bundles fit. - **Frame**: no maintenance required; clean with dry cloth.