What is included in the Tru Tuner Head FX Mounted Shaker package?

The package includes one shaker attachment, one base unit with a suction mount, and two reusable transparent drum dampener pads. These components work together to provide both percussion and sound control.

How does the shaker attach to the drum?

It uses a two-step mounting process. You first place a transparent dampener pad on the drum head, then press the base unit's suction cup onto the pad, and finally clip the shaker into the base.

Can the shaker be removed quickly during a song?

Yes, the shaker attachment is designed to clip in and out of the base unit easily. This allows a drummer to engage or disengage the shaker sound mid-performance without removing the dampening pad.

Does the device affect the natural tone of the drum?

Yes, the system includes dampener pads that are designed to reduce unwanted overtones and ringing. This results in a more controlled, focused drum sound while the shaker is in use.

What types of drums is this shaker compatible with?

The Head FX Shaker is compatible with snare drums, bass drums, congas, and almost any other drum or flat surface that can accommodate the dampener pad. It is versatile enough for both acoustic and world percussion setups.

Is the dampener pad reusable?

Yes, the transparent dampener pads are designed to be reusable and can be repositioned as needed. They provide the necessary flat surface for the suction mount to adhere to.

How does this compare to electronic tuners like the Behringer TU300?

They serve entirely different purposes. The Behringer TU300 is a chromatic tuner for stringed instruments, whereas the Tru Tuner Head FX is a mechanical percussive accessory for drums.

Can the base unit be used for other percussion sounds?

Yes, the base unit is modular and can be used to mount the Head FX Tam attachment. This allows the user to switch between shaker and tambourine sounds using the same mounting system.

Is a metronome included with this product?

No, this is a mechanical percussion accessory. If you require time-keeping, you would need a separate device like the Wittner W801 or a Gear4Music Mechanical Metronome.

What is the typical price for the Tru Tuner Head FX Shaker?

The typical price for the unit is approximately £19. This makes it an affordable entry-point for drummers looking to expand their sound palette.

Does the shaker require batteries to operate?

No, the shaker is purely mechanical and acoustic. It is activated by the kinetic energy and vibration of the drum being struck.

Are the dampening pads visible on the drum?

The pads are transparent, which makes them relatively discreet on the drum head. They are designed to blend in while providing a functional mounting surface.

Gear article

Tru Tuner Head FX Mounted Shaker

The Tru Tuner Head FX Mounted Shaker is a percussive accessory designed for hands-free operation by mounting directly onto drum heads or flat surfaces. Utilizing a suction-based attachment system, it integrates a shaker sound into a drummer's performance while simultaneously providing dampening for unwanted overtones.

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Overview

The Tru Tuner Head FX Mounted Shaker is a specialized percussion tool that allows drummers to automate shaker sounds through their standard playing technique. By mounting the device to a drum skin or percussive surface, the impact of the stick or beater triggers the shaker, removing the need for a separate hand-held instrument. The system is designed to be modular, allowing for quick transitions during live performances.

Mechanism and Installation

The system operates in two distinct stages. First, a reusable transparent drum dampener is applied to the drum head. This pad serves two purposes: reducing harmonic ring and providing a smooth, flat surface for the mechanical hardware. Second, the Head FX base unit is secured to the pad using a high-strength suction mount. The shaker attachment itself clips into this base unit, allowing for instant engagement or removal. The base unit is also compatible with other attachments, such as the Head FX Tam.

Sound Character and Utility

The primary sound profile of the unit is a consistent shaker effect that synchronises perfectly with the drum's attack. Because the shaker is activated by the vibration of the drum, the volume and intensity of the shaker sound scale with the drummer's dynamics. In addition to the percussive effect, the transparent pads provided in the kit offer professional-grade dampening, helping to control sustain and overtones on snare drums, congas, or bass drums.

Comparison and Alternatives

While often categorised alongside maintenance tools like Tuner Fish Lug Locks or electronic devices like the Boss TU-05 and Korg GA-2, the Head FX Shaker serves a different functional role focused on sound augmentation rather than tuning. Unlike traditional foot-pedal operated shakers or handheld models, this unit provides a 'hands-free' experience without requiring additional floor space, making it a compact alternative to stationary percussion rigs.

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Frequently asked questions

What is included in the Tru Tuner Head FX Mounted Shaker package?: The package includes one shaker attachment, one base unit with a suction mount, and two reusable transparent drum dampener pads. These components work together to provide both percussion and sound control.
How does the shaker attach to the drum?: It uses a two-step mounting process. You first place a transparent dampener pad on the drum head, then press the base unit's suction cup onto the pad, and finally clip the shaker into the base.
Can the shaker be removed quickly during a song?: Yes, the shaker attachment is designed to clip in and out of the base unit easily. This allows a drummer to engage or disengage the shaker sound mid-performance without removing the dampening pad.
Does the device affect the natural tone of the drum?: Yes, the system includes dampener pads that are designed to reduce unwanted overtones and ringing. This results in a more controlled, focused drum sound while the shaker is in use.
What types of drums is this shaker compatible with?: The Head FX Shaker is compatible with snare drums, bass drums, congas, and almost any other drum or flat surface that can accommodate the dampener pad. It is versatile enough for both acoustic and world percussion setups.
Is the dampener pad reusable?: Yes, the transparent dampener pads are designed to be reusable and can be repositioned as needed. They provide the necessary flat surface for the suction mount to adhere to.
How does this compare to electronic tuners like the Behringer TU300?: They serve entirely different purposes. The Behringer TU300 is a chromatic tuner for stringed instruments, whereas the Tru Tuner Head FX is a mechanical percussive accessory for drums.
Can the base unit be used for other percussion sounds?: Yes, the base unit is modular and can be used to mount the Head FX Tam attachment. This allows the user to switch between shaker and tambourine sounds using the same mounting system.
Is a metronome included with this product?: No, this is a mechanical percussion accessory. If you require time-keeping, you would need a separate device like the Wittner W801 or a Gear4Music Mechanical Metronome.
What is the typical price for the Tru Tuner Head FX Shaker?: The typical price for the unit is approximately £19. This makes it an affordable entry-point for drummers looking to expand their sound palette.
Does the shaker require batteries to operate?: No, the shaker is purely mechanical and acoustic. It is activated by the kinetic energy and vibration of the drum being struck.
Are the dampening pads visible on the drum?: The pads are transparent, which makes them relatively discreet on the drum head. They are designed to blend in while providing a functional mounting surface.