I need some advise. (off topic drum related)

Acephspades · August 14th, 2006, 10:07 PM

Okay here's the deal.... I have a real heavy handed drummer and we are thinking about going from a 4 piece to a 3 piece band and I am wanting to find a way in which we can get him to control his volume.

He's tried bamboo sticks only to shred them. He doesn't want the bulk of hauling a plexi shield, (remember we are trying to downsize, equipment included) he doesn't have the money for an elctronic set. I am looking for some type of muffling method that won't muffle the tone of the set but just something that will take the brunt of the attack. I knew a drummer that used to use wash rags taped to the bass drum at the kick pedal and on the centers of the other heads, but I can't recall if it muffled his drum tone that much or not.

I know it's a goofy question but I think if we can get his volume under control we can have a decent sound for a 3 piece. I know we have tried to get him to lay off hgis attack but the results usually lead to mistakes. If we could find something that would allow him to play his usual way yet decrease the volume I think it would make everyone happy.

Any suggestions or tips would be appreciated.

Tim Armstrong · August 14th, 2006, 10:46 PM

Hmmmm....

Perhaps smaller, quieter drum sets like This One or maybe This One or This Cocktail Drum Kit (the "Broadway Junior set" would bring down the volume...

Cheers, Tim

swooda · August 14th, 2006, 11:39 PM

I've experienced the same problem in several bands. Unfortunately IMHO the drummer is the single instrument that will set the tone for a band. If your drummer has no dynamics no matter what you try the band will have no dynamics.

Tim Armstrong · August 14th, 2006, 11:43 PM

Yeah, the real secret is one we all try to avoid...

...PRACTICE!!!

If he really wants to be a good drummer, he needs to put in the woodshed time getting his act together at ANY volume level...

Good luck!

Tim

pottedmeat42 · August 14th, 2006, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acephspades

He's tried bamboo sticks only to shred them.

have him try the Promark Lightening Rods. They are sturdier than the typical rods ("bamboo") sticks. They have nearly the same feel for the player w/less volume.

You could also have him try some double ply heads (hydraulics anyone?). These heads have muffling characterictics that may help you (some drummers hate them b/c of the tone).

-jason

51mike · August 15th, 2006, 07:12 AM

He just has to accept that he needs to learn dynamics. It's really not that hard to do.

popthree · August 15th, 2006, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pottedmeat42

have him try the Promark Lightening Rods. They are sturdier than the typical rods ("bamboo") sticks. They have nearly the same feel for the player w/less volume.
-jason

there is also a similar product that is made of some sort of plastic or fiberglass. actually looks like heavy monofilament.

though, i vote for a shock collar personally

Big John · August 15th, 2006, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 51mike

He just has to accept that he needs to learn dynamics. It's really not that hard to do.

Absolutely !!!

(mind you the shock collar sounds good !!)

Dont discount the plexi screens though, they arent that much of a pain to transport as they are usually modular so can be torn down and shipped quite easily, they just look so strange and if they arent clean they look even stranger, guess it does the hide the drummer though !!

August 14th, 2006, 10:07 PM	#1 (permalink)
Acephspades Tele-Meister Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Kansas Posts: 417	I need some advise. (off topic drum related) Okay here's the deal.... I have a real heavy handed drummer and we are thinking about going from a 4 piece to a 3 piece band and I am wanting to find a way in which we can get him to control his volume. He's tried bamboo sticks only to shred them. He doesn't want the bulk of hauling a plexi shield, (remember we are trying to downsize, equipment included) he doesn't have the money for an elctronic set. I am looking for some type of muffling method that won't muffle the tone of the set but just something that will take the brunt of the attack. I knew a drummer that used to use wash rags taped to the bass drum at the kick pedal and on the centers of the other heads, but I can't recall if it muffled his drum tone that much or not. I know it's a goofy question but I think if we can get his volume under control we can have a decent sound for a 3 piece. I know we have tried to get him to lay off hgis attack but the results usually lead to mistakes. If we could find something that would allow him to play his usual way yet decrease the volume I think it would make everyone happy. Any suggestions or tips would be appreciated.

August 14th, 2006, 10:46 PM	#2 (permalink)
Tim Armstrong Moderator Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Berlin, Maryland, USA Age: 49 Posts: 8,923	Hmmmm.... Perhaps smaller, quieter drum sets like This One or maybe This One or This Cocktail Drum Kit (the "Broadway Junior set" would bring down the volume... Cheers, Tim __________________ http://www.moodswingers.org Last edited by Tim Armstrong; August 14th, 2006 at 11:45 PM.

August 14th, 2006, 11:39 PM	#3 (permalink)
swooda Tele-Holic Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: New Orleans, LA Age: 53 Posts: 692	I've experienced the same problem in several bands. Unfortunately IMHO the drummer is the single instrument that will set the tone for a band. If your drummer has no dynamics no matter what you try the band will have no dynamics. __________________ Lettin’ the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin’ it back.

August 14th, 2006, 11:43 PM	#4 (permalink)
Tim Armstrong Moderator Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Berlin, Maryland, USA Age: 49 Posts: 8,923	Yeah, the real secret is one we all try to avoid... ...PRACTICE!!! If he really wants to be a good drummer, he needs to put in the woodshed time getting his act together at ANY volume level... Good luck! Tim __________________ http://www.moodswingers.org

August 15th, 2006, 07:12 AM	#6 (permalink)
51mike Tele-Holic Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Webster, NY Age: 58 Posts: 597 11 Photos	He just has to accept that he needs to learn dynamics. It's really not that hard to do.