Hey there, fellow rhythm enthusiasts! Ron here, your go-to percussion junkie and DIY drum hacker. Today, we’re diving deep into the world of homemade drum dampening. If you’ve ever struggled with overly resonant drums or if your wallet groans every time you eye those fancy dampening gels, then this post is for you. We’re going to explore some ingenious, budget-friendly solutions that’ll help you achieve that perfect drum sound without emptying your piggy bank.
Drum dampening is an essential skill for any serious drummer. It’s the art of controlling unwanted overtones and resonance, allowing you to fine-tune your drum’s voice to suit any musical situation. While there are plenty of commercial products out there designed to dampen drums, many of them come with a hefty price tag. But fear not! With a little creativity and some household items, you can achieve professional-level sound control without spending a fortune.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything from quick and dirty solutions you can whip up in seconds to more elaborate DIY projects that’ll give those store-bought dampeners a run for their money. So, grab your sticks, and let’s dive in!
The Science of Drum Dampening: Understanding Resonance
Before we start crafting our homemade solutions, it’s crucial to understand what we’re trying to achieve. Drum dampening is all about controlling resonance. But what exactly is resonance, and why do we sometimes need to tame it?
Resonance occurs when an object vibrates at its natural frequency. In the case of drums, when you strike the drumhead, it vibrates not only at its fundamental frequency but also at various overtones. These overtones can sometimes be undesirable, especially in recording situations or when playing in certain musical styles.
The goal of dampening is to selectively reduce these overtones without completely killing the drum’s natural voice. It’s a delicate balance – too little dampening and your drums might sound overly ringy or boomy, too much and they’ll sound dead and lifeless.
Different drums and different musical situations call for varying levels of dampening. A jazz drummer might want more open, resonant tones, while a rock drummer might prefer a tighter, more controlled sound. The key is to have a range of dampening techniques at your disposal so you can adapt to any musical context.
Now that we understand the ‘why’ of drum dampening, let’s dive into the ‘how’ with some DIY solutions that won’t break the bank.
The Wallet Trick: Instant Snare Control
Let’s start with one of the quickest, easiest, and most classic drum dampening tricks in the book – the wallet trick. This method is perfect for on-the-fly adjustments to your snare drum and requires nothing more than the wallet you probably already have in your pocket.
How to Do the Wallet Trick
- Take your wallet and place it on the edge of your snare drum head.
- Experiment with different positions. Placing the wallet closer to the center will dampen more overtones, while placing it nearer the edge will have a more subtle effect.
- Try opening your wallet to different thicknesses. A thicker wallet will provide more dampening.
The beauty of the wallet trick is its simplicity and adjustability. You can quickly add or remove the wallet between songs, or even mid-song if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s particularly effective for reducing the ring on snare drums, giving you a drier, more focused sound that cuts through the mix.
However, the wallet trick isn’t just for snares. You can use it on toms as well, though you might want to use something a bit lighter, like a small notebook or a folded handkerchief.
Remember, the wallet trick is a temporary solution. While it’s great for gigs or practice sessions, you probably don’t want to leave your wallet on your drum for extended periods. Not only might you forget it (and who wants to lose their wallet?), but the constant vibration could potentially damage cards or electronics in your wallet.
The Duct Tape Savior: Customizable Dampening
If you’re looking for a more permanent solution that still costs next to nothing, look no further than your toolbox. Duct tape, the universal fixer of all things, can be a drummer’s best friend when it comes to dampening.
Creating Duct Tape Dampeners
- Cut small strips of duct tape, about 1-2 inches long.
- Fold the strip in half, sticky side out, leaving a small non-sticky tab for easy removal.
- Place the folded tape on your drum head, experimenting with different positions.
The great thing about duct tape dampeners is their versatility. You can use multiple pieces to dampen different areas of the drum head, and easily peel them off and reposition as needed. They’re particularly effective on toms, where you might want to control sustain without completely killing the drum’s resonance.
For a more polished look, you can use gaffer tape instead of duct tape. It’s a bit more expensive, but it’s designed to be removed without leaving residue, which can be a concern with long-term use of duct tape on drum heads.
Remember, a little goes a long way with tape dampening. Start with small pieces and add more as needed. You can always add more dampening, but if you go too far, you might end up with a drum that sounds more like a cardboard box than a musical instrument!
The Moon Gel Alternative: DIY Dampening Pads
Moon Gels and similar commercial dampening pads are popular for a reason – they’re effective and easy to use. But they can also be pricey, especially if you’re outfitting a whole kit. Luckily, we can create our own version using materials you might already have at home.
Creating Homemade Dampening Pads
You’ll need:
- Silicone caulk (clear works best)
- Parchment paper
- A flat surface
Instructions:
- Squeeze out small dollops of silicone caulk onto parchment paper. Aim for circles about the size of a quarter.
- Let the silicone cure completely. This usually takes 24-48 hours.
- Once cured, peel the silicone pads off the parchment paper.
These homemade dampening pads work just like their commercial counterparts. Place them on your drum heads, and they’ll stick lightly while dampening overtones. The best part? You can make dozens of these for the price of one pack of commercial dampening pads.
The beauty of these DIY pads is their reusability and adjustability. You can easily move them around to find the sweet spot on each drum. Plus, if they get dirty, you can just wash them with soap and water, and they’ll be good as new.
Experiment with different sizes and thicknesses of silicone dollops to create a variety of dampening effects. Smaller, thinner pads will provide subtle dampening, while larger, thicker ones will have a more pronounced effect.
The T-Shirt Technique: Repurposing Old Clothes
If you’re like me, you probably have a drawer full of old t-shirts that you never wear anymore. Well, good news – those shirts can have a second life as drum dampeners! This method is particularly effective for bass drums but can be adapted for toms as well.
Using T-Shirts for Drum Dampening
- Take an old t-shirt and roll it up tightly.
- Place the rolled shirt inside your bass drum, resting against the batter head.
- Adjust the position and tightness of the roll to achieve your desired level of dampening.
The t-shirt method allows for a lot of customization. A loosely rolled shirt will provide gentle dampening, while a tighter roll will have a more pronounced effect. You can even use multiple shirts for extra control.
For toms, you can cut your old t-shirt into strips and lay them across the drum heads. This provides a similar effect to the wallet trick but with a bit more permanence and less risk of falling off mid-performance.
One of the great advantages of the t-shirt method is that it’s easily adjustable. During sound check, you can quickly reach into your bass drum and adjust the position of the shirt to fine-tune your sound. Plus, if you’re traveling light, you can always unroll the shirt and wear it if you find yourself short on clean laundry!
The Felt Strip Solution: Precision Dampening
For those looking for a more professional-looking solution that still doesn’t break the bank, felt strips are your new best friend. This method requires a bit more effort up front but provides a clean, customizable dampening solution that works wonders on toms and snares.
Creating Felt Strip Dampeners
You’ll need:
- A sheet of adhesive-backed felt (available at most craft stores)
- Scissors
- A ruler
Instructions:
- Cut strips of felt about 1 inch wide and 6-8 inches long.
- Remove the backing and stick the felt strip to the drum head, starting at the edge and extending towards the center.
- Trim the strip as needed to achieve your desired level of dampening.
The felt strip method allows for incredibly precise control over your drum’s resonance. By adjusting the length and position of the strip, you can fine-tune the dampening effect. Longer strips that extend further towards the center of the head will provide more dampening, while shorter strips will have a subtler effect.
One of the advantages of felt strips is their durability. Unlike tape, which may need to be replaced frequently, felt strips can last for months with proper care. They also provide a more even dampening effect compared to single-point solutions like the wallet trick.
For an even more professional look, you can use colored felt that matches your drum finish. This can make your dampening solution nearly invisible from a distance, perfect for those who want the sound control without altering the appearance of their kit.
The Pillowcase Hack: Bass Drum Bliss
While we’ve touched on bass drum dampening with the t-shirt method, let’s dive a bit deeper with a solution that offers even more control – the pillowcase hack.
Implementing the Pillowcase Hack
You’ll need:
- An old pillowcase
- Some stuffing material (old clothes, foam, etc.)
- Safety pins
Instructions:
- Stuff the pillowcase to your desired firmness. More stuffing will provide more dampening.
- Use safety pins to close the open end of the pillowcase.
- Place the stuffed pillowcase inside your bass drum, resting against the batter head.
The pillowcase hack is incredibly versatile. By adjusting the amount and type of stuffing, you can fine-tune your bass drum’s sound with remarkable precision. Want a tight, punchy sound for rock? Use more stuffing. Looking for a more open, boomy tone for jazz? Use less stuffing or a looser pillowcase.
One of the great advantages of this method is that you can create multiple pillowcase dampeners with different characteristics. This allows you to quickly swap out dampeners to adjust your sound for different musical styles or venues.
For even more control, consider cutting a small hole in the pillowcase and inserting a length of rope. This will allow you to adjust the position of the dampener from outside the drum, perfect for on-the-fly adjustments during a gig.
The Microfiber Marvel: Gentle Dampening for Cymbals
While most of our discussion has focused on drums, let’s not forget about cymbals. Overly bright or ringy cymbals can be just as problematic as resonant drums. Enter the microfiber marvel – a gentle, effective way to tame unruly cymbals.
Using Microfiber for Cymbal Dampening
You’ll need:
- A microfiber cleaning cloth
- Scissors
- A small piece of tape (optional)
Instructions:
- Cut small strips from your microfiber cloth, about 1 inch wide and 2-3 inches long.
- Drape the strip over the edge of your cymbal.
- If needed, use a small piece of tape to secure the strip in place.
The microfiber method is particularly effective for reducing high-frequency overtones in cymbals without deadening their overall sound. It’s especially useful for ride cymbals, where you might want to maintain the stick definition while reducing some of the wash.
One of the great things about this method is its gentleness. Unlike some dampening solutions that might potentially damage your cymbals over time, microfiber is soft and non-abrasive. Plus, in a pinch, you can always use the cloth for its intended purpose – cleaning your cymbals!
Experiment with different positions around the cymbal’s edge. Placing the microfiber strip near the bell will have a more pronounced effect, while placing it closer to the edge will provide subtler dampening.
Conclusion: The Art of Budget-Friendly Drum Dampening
And there you have it, folks! A comprehensive guide to homemade drum dampening solutions that won’t break the bank. From the classic wallet trick to DIY dampening pads and everything in between, we’ve explored a range of techniques that can help you achieve the perfect drum sound on a budget.
Remember, the key to effective drum dampening is experimentation. What works for one drummer or one musical style might not work for another. Don’t be afraid to mix and match these techniques, and always trust your ears. The perfect drum sound is the one that fits the music you’re playing and makes you happy as a drummer.
Moreover, these DIY solutions aren’t just about saving money (although that’s a nice bonus!). They’re about understanding your instrument on a deeper level and developing the skills to shape its sound to your exact specifications. By experimenting with these homemade dampening techniques, you’re not just becoming a better drummer – you’re becoming a better sound engineer for your own kit.
So, the next time you’re faced with a resonant drum or an overly bright cymbal, don’t immediately reach for your wallet to buy an expensive dampening solution. Look around your house, get creative, and remember the techniques we’ve discussed here. With a little ingenuity, you can achieve professional-level sound control using items you probably already have lying around.
Keep experimenting, keep creating, and most importantly, keep drumming. Until next time, this is Ron, signing off. May your drums be ever in tune and your wallet ever full!
