Bass drum modulator

A device for adjusting the tension of a membrane stretched diametrically across the periphery of a drum shell to form a head of a bass drum comprising:

• (a) an elongated cross member including means for mounting the cross member across the periphery of the drum shell in spaced relation relative to the head;
• (b) an operating arm pivotally connected to said elongated cross member for lateral movement relative to the drum head;
• and
• (c) tensioning means operatively connecting said operating arm to the center portion of the drum head, said tensioning means comprising (i) a fulcrum member with a first end pivotally connected to said elongated cross member and a second end of the fulcrum member including a roller assembly which contacts the center portion of the drum head, (ii) bias means joining the second end of the fulcrum member to the elongated cross member to maintain tension between the operating arm and the drum shell as the operating arm is moved, (iii) tightening means to adjustably connect the first end of the fulcrum to the operating arm, and (iv) stop means to restrict movement of the fulcrum member towards said operating arm whereby lateral movement of the operating arm relative to the drum head moves the roller assembly across the center portion of the drum head to change the tension of the drum head and modulate the pitch of the drum as the drum is being played.