So you've finally got your drum kit set up at home, ready to unleash your inner Bonham. But hold on a sec, you've gotta face the reality of thin walls and cranky neighbours.
Not to worry, here are 6 ways to keep the beat pumping without the eviction notice blues:
1. Cymbals: From Crash to Whisper
Let's be honest, cymbals are the real volume culprits. But ditching them entirely isn't the answer. Enter, low-volume cymbals, such as Rech's highly sought-after Stealth Cymbals collection. These bad boys are designed for quiet practice and even hold up on small gigs where volume control's crucial. Made from stainless steel, they deliver a satisfying playing experience with significantly reduced noise.
They come in all the essential cymbal types – hi-hats, crashes, rides – in a range of sizes and colours, so you can build your dream low-volume kit.
Got a small gig that requires a more minimal volume output? Throw a set of Stealth Cymbals on the kit to keep the drumming feel without the noise complaints (both inside and outside of the home).
2. Practice Pads: Your Silent Sanctuary
Need to warm up those chops without setting off the neighbourhood dogs? Practice pads are your new best friends. Rech offers a wide range of Practice Pads & Accessories.
Look for pads made from a variety of materials, each offering a different feel and sound. Rubber pads are super quiet, perfect for late-night sessions, while electronic pads can even connect to drum modules for a more dynamic experience.
Don't forget a dedicated kick practice pad too – essential for perfecting your bass drum footwork without the volume or taking up real estate. Practice pads are also great for developing technique and building stamina – all while keeping the peace.
Have you explored the full range of Chaos Practise Pads?
3. Mesh Heads: The Ultimate Volume Tamer
Want to rock out on your full kit but keep the volume down a notch? Mesh heads are your weapon of choice. These innovative drumheads (check out Rech's Chaos Mesh Heads) are a game-changer. Made from a special mesh material, they offer a realistic playing feel with a massive volume reduction – over 95% quieter compared to regular heads!
You can practice full-on fills and thunderous kicks without causing a sonic earthquake in your apartment. Plus, Rech offers them in 1-ply and 2-ply options, allowing you to customise the rebound and feel to your preference. Mesh heads might be your investment piece, but with the noise reduction they offer, it's definitely a worthwhile splurge.
Rech Artist, baileydrummer, did a video featuring the Chaos Mesh Heads, which you can watch here.
4. Chaos Sound Stop Pro Pads: Clip-On Silence for the Drums
Bass drums and toms, they're the most disruptive to any neighbours below. So how do you work your fills and grooves around the full kit with the smallest sound possible and without replacing heads and retuning?
Chaos Sound Stop Pro Pads are your solution. These innovative pads clip onto all of the tom batter heads, including the kick drum. It lets you practice your chops and footwork technique with minimal noise transfer.
Plus, it's designed for durability, so you can crank out those double-bass beats without worry. Imagine finally mastering those complex drum fills without the fear of a knock on the door or the effort of retuning all your drums!
5. Be Respectful: There's a Time and a Place
While this one may not have a sure-fire guarantee, it is a free consideration to make, whenever you sit behind the kit. Playing at full (or half) volume at 11am on a Saturday, go nuts! Do the same at 2am on a Monday... maybe not if you want to avoid any residential hostility.
That brings us to the final point - a key tip for drummers - especially if you're new to your respective area...
6. Bonus Tip: Communication is Key
Even with all these noise-reducing tools at your disposal, a little communication with your neighbours goes a long way. Let them know your practice schedule and maybe even offer a quick explanation or demo of your silent drumming setup. A friendly chat can turn potential complaints into a newfound appreciation for your musical passion.
So there you have it, legends! There's no need to silence your drumming dreams when you've got these awesome tools at your disposal. Check out Rech's extensive range of low-volume drumming gear and get ready to practice in peace.
Remember, happy neighbours means happy (and uninterrupted) drumming sessions – let the rhythm flow!