An adjusting throw-off device for use on a drum having a side wall and a head, comprising a support body attachable to side wall of the drum, a hand manipulable lever having pivotal attachment to the body, a tensioning member operatively connectible to a strap that tensions release strands extending adjacent the drum head, the member having operative guided relation with the body in tilting and in endwise extension and retraction modes, and operative connection with the lever to tension the strap and strands to captivate the lever when the lever is swung toward the support body, and to de-tension the strap and strands when the lever is swung away from the support body.