Drums are one of the loudest musical instruments available. Unlike many electronic instruments (such as the electric guitar), it cannot be muted by using headphones or by turning off the amplifier. It is essential to learn how to reduce the sound of the drums when used in a shared apartment or condominium. There are several methods of doing this which vary in price, effort and effectiveness. You can use a combination of different techniques or even just one.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Physically Silence the Battery
Step 1. Place a cushion in the bass drum
Remove one of the skins and insert soft material, such as a pillow or blanket into the drum. The fabric should make light contact with both heads to be able to dampen the sound. After putting the head back on, tune the bass drum. The cushion attenuates several upper harmonics, making the sound more muted.
Musical instrument shops sell special cushions for just this drum component. They are available in various weights and sizes, allowing you to adjust the sound reduction
Step 2. Use plastic rings
The tom-toms and snare drums can be silenced with plastic rings that are placed on the drum, in order to absorb part of the vibrations generated when hitting the skin; as a result, the sound is less shrill and more manageable.
- Gel mutes can be used in the same way. These are small gel pads that are placed on tom-toms and snare drums to silence them.
- Other home remedies to reduce the sound of these parts of the instrument are to cover part of the drum with fabric, such as an old shirt, thick tape or even rubber!
Step 3. Use the mutes
These are covers that almost completely cover the drumheads or the surface of the cymbals, reducing the intensity of the sound. They are perfect for practicing rhythm or playing technique, but they are not the best choice when you need to hear the exact sound of the drums.
The use of mutes also modifies the rebound of the skin, altering the sensation that the drum transmits to the sticks
Method 2 of 3: Acoustically Isolate the Room
Step 1. Install sound insulation
Sound absorbing panels or padding for drywall can reduce the amount of sound waves that pass through the walls of the room where the battery is located. However, it is an expensive job, often requiring a lot of effort and renovation.
- The cheapest insulation solutions are sound absorbing strips that can be applied to the ceiling, the base of the doors and on the walls.
- If you can't afford sound absorbing foam, hang blankets or quilts on the walls. The fabric may not be ideal, but it absorbs some noise.
Step 2. Build a specific room to play the drums
Soundproofing a room requires major structural changes, such as detaching the drywall panels from the wall frame. Call a carpenter or landlord if you plan to make these changes.
- Make sure your doors and windows are tightly sealed to prevent sound from escaping.
- Well-insulated rooms from an acoustic point of view are also airtight, so good ventilation is essential. Make sure the ventilation system does not alter the insulation.
Step 3. Arrange panels around the battery
These screens direct the sound waves emitted by the drums. The hinged plastic panels can be tilted to direct the sound where you want it, for example away from your parents' bedroom. Screens are useful and practical, but remember that the sound you hear is different than that of an "outdoor" drum set.
- Remember that the purpose of the panels is to target sound waves - often making them echo in your ears. Purchase a pair of earplugs to protect your hearing when using this solution.
- Try combining the panels with other sound absorbing material placed in the room. Tilt the screens so that the sound is directed towards this material.
Method 3 of 3: Use Accessories to Reduce Volume
Step 1. Buy an electronic drum kit
This musical instrument is equipped with earphones that allow the drummer to hear the sound while keeping what other people can hear to a minimum. This is a great solution if you don't mind giving up sound quality in favor of convenience.
- Electronic drums often have additional features, which make them good choices, even if you already have an acoustic instrument; for example, they allow you to record music without difficulty.
- They typically come with a volume control, so you can practice without creating too much noise, even without wearing headphones.
Step 2. Buy a dumb battery
These drums are built with rubber and arranged just like a real drum kit, including a kick drum. Unlike electronic instruments, studio (or mute) drums do not make a sound similar to real drums. However, the material of which it is made allows the sticks to bounce almost like on the skins.
Mute drums are perfect if you have little free space in the room, but want to keep practicing and improving your playing technique. Mount one on a cymbal stand and buy a complete kit when you have more space
Step 3. Use the brushes
It is a type of rod whose end is made of nylon filaments. They are used to obtain a more delicate sound, as well as to perform certain musical techniques. Remember that they have no effect on the volume of the kick drum.
Brushes don't work very well with the hi-hat closed, so plan your practice session well
Step 4. Choose some bundle sticks
These are accessories similar to brushes, but are made of wood or another hard material. They produce a louder sound than regular brushes, while still giving you the same tonality and feel as standard sticks.
