Hey Mike and list,
I also have a large ashiko like the one you are trying to tune. It's a
standing type drum with cut outs for the feet, yes? I have two others that are
a little bigger too, both 44" tall with a 14" head on one and approx. 16"
head on the other. You can see them at
http://hometown.aol.com/bones45991/Dansdrumpageindex.html
(long name, small site). I have found that drums of this size will always
ring somewhat simply because of their size. I have done what you did with
pulling and pulling and thinking maybe I overpulled past the balance point so I
also
backed off, but then continued pulling again when that wasn't working either.
End story, a little of that foam you mentioned will help somewhat but will
not take care of all of the ring. Also they just don't sound all that great when
they are pulled super tight anyways. In the future when it comes time to
replace the head on mine, I just may try a cowskin and see how that works. Why
not
eh?

Good luck,
Dan E.
St. Paul, MN
p.s. I have to mention that a friend has put together a site for Minneapolis-
St. Paul, MN area drum circles and other drum related events. You can place
your events for the twin cities area on the calendar for free. The address is
www.twincitiesdrumjams.org
Mike wrote:
<< Hi all
I hope evey one is having a great December. I am tuning an Ashiko
arox 40" tall 13.5 head, and 7.5 exhaust. im at that pint where you
ask your self do I continue pulling dimonds hoping the ringing will
disapear or do I stop and stick some of that sticky back foam stuff
you use on doors and windows on the inside. I have good base but a
real bell tone when making tones and slaps.... >>