Gear article
Tuner Fish Secure Bands (Red)
The Tuner Fish Secure Bands are a budget-friendly drum hardware accessory designed to supplement the efficacy of lug locks. These elasticated bands provide a physical anchor that prevents plastic lug locks from detaching during intense drumming sessions.
See live pricesOverview
Tuner Fish Secure Bands are specialised elastic loops designed to work in tandem with the brand's signature lug locks. While standard lug locks fit over the head of a drum tension rod to prevent detuning, they can occasionally vibrate loose or 'bounce' off the drum under heavy impact or during transportation. These red bands act as a secondary security measure, tethering the lock to the lug casing or the tension rod itself to ensure stability.
Design and Functionality
The bands are manufactured from a durable, high-tension elastic material capable of withstanding the high-frequency vibrations associated with acoustic drums. Their primary utility is twofold:
- Stabilisation: They create a downward or inward tension that keeps the lug lock firmly seated against the rim.
- Resonant Side Locking: They are particularly effective for the resonant side of the drum, where gravity might otherwise cause a standard lug lock to fall off over time.
By ensuring the tension rod cannot rotate, the bands help maintain the drum's pitch even during aggressive playing styles.
Target Audience
These bands are primarily designed for touring drummers and heavy hitters who experience significant 'vibration creep' or detuning during performances. They are also highly beneficial for studio setups where consistent pitch across long recording sessions is vital. Given their low price point of approximately £3, they serve as a cost-effective insurance policy for a drummer's existing tuning setup.
Market Context and Alternatives
Within the wider market of drum accessories and tuning aids, the Tuner Fish Secure Bands occupy a niche separate from electronic devices such as the Boss TU-05 or Korg GA-2, which are designed for chromatic pitch detection. Unlike mechanical metronomes from Gear4music or Wittner, which assist with timing, the Secure Bands are purely structural maintenance tools. They are typically purchased alongside Tuner Fish Lug Lock packs in various colours, such as the Red 4-pack or Orange 8-pack.
Related gear
£22.00 ($28)Boss
Boss TU-05 Rechargeable Clip-on Guitar Tuner
£9.99 ($13)Tuner Fish
Tuner Fish Lug Locks Orange 8 Pack
£229.00 ($291)Wittner
Wittner W801 Wooden Metronome Mahogany
£5.99 ($8)Tuner Fish
Tuner Fish Lug Locks Red 4 Pack
£15.50 ($20)Korg
Korg GripTune Clip-On Tuner
£12.50 ($16)Korg
Korg GA-2 Guitar/Bass Tuner
£29.99 ($38)Gear4Music
Mechanical Metronome with Thermo-Hygrometer by Gear4music
£21.05 ($27)Behringer
Behringer TU300 Chromatic Tuner
Frequently asked questions
- What is the primary purpose of Tuner Fish Secure Bands?
- They are designed to prevent Tuner Fish lug locks from bouncing off or vibrating loose from the tension rods during heavy play.
- Can these bands be used on the bottom of the drum?
- Yes, these bands allow you to securely lock the tension rods on the resonant side of the drum, preventing gravity from causing the locks to fall off.
- What is the typical price for a set of Secure Bands?
- They typically retail for approximately £3 GBP, making them an affordable maintenance accessory.
- Do the Secure Bands help with loosening tension rods?
- Yes, by keeping the lug locks securely in place, they prevent the tension rods from rotating and loosening over time.
- What colour are these specific Secure Bands?
- This specific model of Tuner Fish Secure Bands comes in a red finish.
- Are these bands electronic tuning devices?
- No, unlike the Korg GA-2 or Boss TU-05, these are purely mechanical hardware accessories and do not require batteries or electricity.
- Are these bands compatible with other brands of lug locks?
- They are specifically designed for the Tuner Fish Lug Lock system, though they may fit similar tension-rod-based locking products.
- How many bands are typically included in a pack?
- While quantities can vary by retailer, they are generally sold in small, affordable packs to match common drum lug configurations.
- Do these bands affect the sound of the drum?
- No, they have no direct impact on the drum's timbre; they only act to preserve the existing tuning by anchoring the lug locks.
- Are these bands durable enough for touring?
- Yes, they are described as an essential for heavy hitters who require their hardware to stay in place regardless of impact force.
- How do these compare to a chromatic tuner like the Behringer TU300?
- These are physical hardware retainers, whereas the Behringer TU300 is an electronic device used to measure and display pitch.
- Are these bands necessary if I already have lug locks?
- They are recommended if you find your lug locks frequently pop off during play or if you want to lock the resonant head of your drum.
