1. A Typical tuning method is to have the batter head control the attack portion of the sound and the resonant head to control the “sustain” portion of the sound.
  2. For more punch (as in a more defined sound) tune the batter side up in pitch 1-2 notes (even as much as 4-5 notes on some drums) from the resonant side. The resonant side will need to be very close to the wrinkle stage to also have a deep note to the otherwise higher pitched batter head. It’s easier to hear a good low resonant tone from the resonant side without a pillow touching that head. Avoid the temptation to keep the batter side real low and loose in pitch. All this does is give more of a plastic “slap” type sound when tuned this way. The batter side really needs to be up higher in pitch than most think to make the drum pop out of the mix.
  3. For a more “clicky” sound, use single ply batter heads tuned just to a point of the lowest note and detune ½ turn on each lug. A hard felt beater without a patch works well.  If you go to wood or plastic beaters, use the patch.
  4. A fat kick drum is achieved the same way a “fat” tom sound is achieved. Taking the resonant head and tuning to the lowest note, and then detuning a slight amount (1/16 to 1/8 of a turn) creates a “fat, loose or dark” drum sound. The batter head is then used to alter the pitch.  Note that the pitch for a “fat” tuning can be somewhat limited.
  5. For a short “open” burst of resonant tone, followed by a muted overtone, try using one of the EQ pads placed loosely against either head so that when the beater strikes the head, the upper portion of the pad (the “hinged” section) floats away from the head yet returns quickly.  You can effect the duration of the sound by the positioning of the pad.  This also works when using 2 pads where one remains firm against the head while the other on top or against the other head provided the “hinged” sound.
  6. Don’t have a pillow or pad?  Try using strips of felt or cotton sheet material of varying inches in width placed near the center of the drumhead, these get held on by the head, stretch them tight.  As a guide try 4.5” on a 20”; 5” on a 22”; 5.5” on a 24”.  Used on 1 head, this is the equivalent of 25-30% coverage or like two EQ pads per head.  Also, a towel rolled up and taped to the inside bottom of one or both heads works.  An old feather pillow or folded blanket works equally well. Be creative! Anything that “lightly” touches the head will work, if done in the same percentage of cover given above in “Pads and/or Pillows”.  For that “hinged” sound, try a towel or cloth taped to the head on just the upper edge so that it floats on and off the head with the beater strike.
  7. Get the drum up off the floor as much as your pedal and spurs will allow for more resonance.