Too Loud

[SkilleDrummer]

I play my Pearl Forums in a garage band with my friends often. They usually complain that I play way too loud for them. I have actually played as softly as I could (while still playing quickly enough) and found that they are still to loud. Is there any way for me to muffle them without hurting the sound quality? I have tried muffle pads, but I have found that they change the sound considerably and make the drums too quiet.

[Gene Okamoto]

Have you tried these...

http://www.regaltip.com/products/531R.html

or similar type of rod-sticks?

[SkilleDrummer]

That's a good idea, but I also need some suggestions on things I could change on the actual kit that I could change.

[xxxDISENGAGExxx]

its really tough to kill volume without changing the sound. My guess is that the garage has a big echo effect and your drums' soundwaves bounce all over the place. I'll also bet that your friends are using pretty small amps. Tell them to get bigger amps!

Seriously though, look at your setup first. I'd change the way all the band members are positioned first. Try to get the drums positioned so that they don't sound as loud. When I played in an echo-y basement, I used to put a the amps in front of my kit so that the sound was blocked to an extent. Put an old speaker cab or small piece of furniture in front of the bass drum if you want. Don't mess with your drums unless you absolutely have to. Most likey, its the room, not your drums or drumming technique that is causing the problem.

[ViperX]

Try putting something infront of your drums that could deflect some of the sound back to you. (eg. large sheet of wood, acrylic)

[SKiezws]

Try getting a sheet and hanging it from the celing all around you...

I have always wanted to try that...but havent ever fond the time. My guess is that this would absorb a lot of the sound and a lot of the echo. Also, they mught want to ear ear plugs.

[lildrummerboi]

yeah tell them to get ear plugs first unless they want to go def and the sheet idea does work carpet also works too

[SkilleDrummer]

I've heard of plexiglass or some similar material being used as a sort of (sound shield). Does it work, and if so, how much does it cost?

['Stumpy' Pepys]

I found that Remo Muffl's brought the level of my kit down a fair bit.

[xxxDISENGAGExxx]

plexiglass shields are generally used for small professional venues and certain "live" recording situations. They're expensive and bulky. You could get some seriously nice cymbals or a new snare for the $$ you'd waste on a shield. Have you tried any of the no-cost solutions that everybody has been posting yet? spending several hundred dollars to improve sound in a garage is just not worth it!

[luvmydrumz]

We practice with a mixer and Headphones.
The keys, bass and vocals are through the board and guitar and drums are live.
It works great. i can drum as loud as I want.