tom to snare conversion?

Anyone done this with acceptable results? I'm debating on whether or not I should do this myself... I have experience in woodwork and whatnot, but is there anything special I should do? Any tips?

Many thanks....

j.

It will ring more than your loudest telephone.

Why do it? You're better off buying a used old, deeper snare and doing it up. If you're set on it though these tips may help:

- the wood used for toms is meant to produce a sustained tone, so ringing is inevitable.

- sticking a line of sponge in the mid-section will produce a damping effect. So will gaffer taping the bottom skin.

- use a thicker snare head such as remo ebony or black spot rather than conventional snare batter.

The wood used for a tom and the wood used for a snare are very often the same wood.
BUT---since drum heads are responsible for 90% of the sound, it is OK to mix wood types on the snare, toms and bass.
To convert a tom to a snare, you will need a strainer (switch) a snare butt, the proper size snares and a snare side hoop.
You will also need to cut "Snare beds" in the bearing edge.
If you take your time, it comes out fine.
It is a LOT different sound then you are used to.

Hope this helps.

Mike