Hey Jim,

I was wondering what angle the guys tilted their snares at last year and this year.  Always curious as to how you get those things exactly tilted together.

I can't speak for Jim, but I use a piece of paper cut into a right triangle at the desired angle to set all of my drums the same when I have to make such adjustments.  For instance, if you decided that 15 degrees is the amount of tilt you want, print this...

http://www.ossmann.com/protractor/conventional-protractor.pdf

Then just draw a line from the vertex point (the little cross hair) through the desired angle. Next, cut along that line and you will be left with a template. This might be a bit more anal than some might need and choose to use, but it works.  Then loosen the tilting attachment (on Randall May stuff), put the longest side of the triangle on the attachment with the 15degree angle on the right side.  Next, lower the left side of it until the top edge of the triangle is parallel with the rim. Tighten and play :-)

Like I said, it may seem like a bit much, but you're guaranteed to get the same results ever time, pending that you understand how to operate a protractor ;-) And no, I don't mean the ones that have  four engines and pull tons of weight behind them.

It's all ball bearings these days...

Actually, I can't say for sure what degree the actual angle is. No protractors in our gig bag. It's something we've tried not to be too over analytical about. Since each player is built a little differently in terms of height, this can vary slightly. The main point is to put the drum at an angle that gives the left hand a natural angle when in playing position. So it's somewhat personalized to each player.

I can't weigh in on this, I just thought I'd make sure to give a big thumbs up for working a Fletch reference in there (unless you really do use ball bearings, in which case never mind)

We use the XL Specialty Lite carriers, and there is already a way to tilt the mechanism to accommodate the angle. I'm all for drawing triangles and using ball bearings, but this is definitely the idiot-proof way to go. Meaning, I'm the idiot they designed it for...

I love that part in Fletch. 

[quote author=Fliggity link=topic=1943.msg9737#msg9737 date=1187459081]
I love that part in Fletch. 
[/quote]

me too!

Now you prepare that Fetzer valve with some 3-in-1 oil and some gauze pads. And I'm gonna need 'bout ten quarts of anti-freeze, preferably Prestone. No, no make that Quaker State.

";Moooooon River...";

Not the same scene, but for my money, the funniest line of all.