Abstract: A drum head retainer (20) is provided which indicates the extent of tension applied to a drum head of a drum (10). The retainer comprises a casing (22) having a vertical channel (23) and an apertured side (24) which communicates with the vertical channel. The vertical channel terminates in an upper opening (26) and a lower opening (28). Screws (30) are used to attach the retainer to the side wall (12) of the drum. A threaded bolt (32) passes downwardly into the vertical channel through the upper opening thereof. The bolt is threaded into a flanged nut (34) having a predetermined length. The upper end of the bolt is adapted to pass through means (18), such as a hoop or rim, for providing tension to the drum head. A spring (42) is maintained in the casing between the upper opening and the flange (38) of the nut. Indicating means (21) are provided on the apertured side and display a measure of tension applied to the drum head by means of the position of the top end (40) of the nut with respect thereto.