CigDangle's Official Guide to Quieter Drums

[CigDangle]

Apparently, I struck a real chord (sorry for the bad pun :)) with Rock Band players when I came up with a way to quiet the drum heads. After creating the pads though, I realized the bass pedal and the entire drum kit were major sources of noise, particularly if you, like me, live on the second floor of an apartment building.

So, here are the guides I used to quiet my drum set. I have not been a fan of modifying the sticks, as I want to play to feel as natural, and as true to the original experience as possible.

CigDangle's Quieter Drum Mod (http://generationgamerz.com/v2/insight/time-for-rock-band-arts-crafts.php)

CigDangle's $0.99 Rock Band Bass Pedal Muffler (http://generationgamerz.com/v2/insight/cigdangles-0.99-band-bass-pedal-quieter.php)

I also talk about reducing vibration of the entire kit in the second post above.

As always, I am open to suggestions, and welcome feedback!

Good luck!
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EDIT: Thanks for all the kind words. I really do appreciate it. As a thanks, I want to invite all of you to enter our annual Christmas contest at Generation: Gamerz! You can find the details here (http://generationgamerz.com/v2/generation-gamerz-13-days-of-christmas-contest-rules.php).
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[LoneBal]

This again seems to work really well. Still trying to find that interlocking mat thing. But the pedal thing at least reduced vibration some. But some of it definitely comes from hitting the pads.

I found the higher the set is, the more vibration gets transferred through to the floor.

These two mods are great, thanks again. And for doing this through the bargain basement pricing most of us love.

[obersmith]

Just wanted to say that I followed the drum pad quieting steps and it worked like a dream for me. Had to hit a couple of stores to find all of the materials, but totally worth it. By the way, the magazine ReadyMade has a 20% off coupon for Michael's in the newest issue.

[ThePaska]

Awesome mod, great idea, the drums are way too noisy, I'll be making a trip to Michaels ASAP

[itzninja]

Props :D

From the sounds of it, this really works. I have yet to get Rock Band, but when I do this will be on the top of my to do list.

Thanks a ton!

[Bumpie]

A company is doing something similar and selling them (website Here (http://www.beatdownpads.com/)).

I've already picked up my supplies from Michael so Im going the DIY route.

[xCHRISx]

Got my RB in the mail last night, played one song before doing the mod, which I had materials ready to go for. Works like a charm and looks better than the normal drums with black felt, IMO.

Thanks Cig!

[SoulScreme]

A company is doing something similar and selling them (website Here (http://www.beatdownpads.com/)).

I've already picked up my supplies from Michael so Im going the DIY route.

Should have patented it.

[CigDangle]

A company is doing something similar and selling them (website Here (http://www.beatdownpads.com/)).

I've already picked up my supplies from Michael so Im going the DIY route.

Funny, I did see these guys. I'm not impressed for a few reasons:


Not a big fan of looking at someone's logo

The cuts are terrible: they don't fill the entire pad

According to the site, they are made of two layers of foam. I tried this route first, and although it dampen some of the noise, the stick made a loud snap when it struck the foam rubber. That's when I added the felt - it eliminates that snap


You are better of doing them yourself. Yes, the circle cutter is a bit expensive ($15-20) but it gives you the perfect cut.

Be sure to try out the bass pedal mod too. It works pretty well!

[AVC808]

CigDangle you are the man.


A company is doing something similar and selling them (website Here (http://www.beatdownpads.com/)).

I've already picked up my supplies from Michael so Im going the DIY route.
what a rip, not only did they rip CigDangle's mod, but they priced it high too. I hope most people go the DIY, if they can find the supplies...or find someone to do it for cheaper.

I agree black felt is the way to go.

[CigDangle]

Should have patented it.

Funny you say that; it did cross my mind, but I'm happier that people are enjoying making their own.

By the way, the domain name for this website was registered the day I wrote the original article.

[LoneBal]

Yeah, tried the only foam rubber first when I saw this mod, with the thicker 6mm stuff, since I could only find the adhesive foam in 2mm. It didn't work well, that snap against the foam was loud too. The felt in Cig's mod makes a big difference in reducing the sound.

[SoulScreme]

Funny you say that; it did cross my mind, but I'm happier that people are enjoying making their own.

By the way, the domain name for this website was registered the day I wrote the original article.

I know, I did the WHOIS as well.

[AVC808]

Funny you say that; it did cross my mind, but I'm happier that people are enjoying making their own.

By the way, the domain name for this website was registered the day I wrote the original article.

opportunists are everywhere. i certainly cant blame them for trying.

[CigDangle]

CigDangle you are the man.


what a rip, not only did they rip CigDangle's mod, but they priced it high too. I hope most people go the DIY, if they can find the supplies...or find someone to do it for cheaper.

I agree black felt is the way to go.

Thanks! I'm really glad you like it. I think if I make another set, i might get fancy, and make and outer ring with colored felt and an inner disc with black. Either way, I'm happy with my "Twister Mat".

Check out the bass pedal mod I posted on Generation: Gamerz (http://www.generationgamerz.com) today and let me know what you think!

[AVC808]

Thanks! I'm really glad you like it. I think if I make another set, i might get fancy, and make and outer ring with colored felt and an inner disc with black. Either way, I'm happy with my "Twister Mat".

Check out the bass pedal mod I posted on Generation: Gamerz (http://www.generationgamerz.com) today and let me know what you think!

i think some folks got the respective colored foam, then cut the black felt into a slightly smaller circle so that there is still a ring.

i plan on looking into the bass pedal mod, but wish you posted it earlier. i had to go to home depot the other day for some fluorescent light bulbs (but i did grab my felt for the drum mod froma craft store on the way! i had to pick up the foam from another store). now i have to make another trip to home depot.

[xCHRISx]

Thanks! I'm really glad you like it. I think if I make another set, i might get fancy, and make and outer ring with colored felt and an inner disc with black. Either way, I'm happy with my "Twister Mat".

Check out the bass pedal mod I posted on Generation: Gamerz (http://www.generationgamerz.com) today and let me know what you think!

Yeah what I did was have the colored foam as the base, and then black felt cut slightly smaller on top, so you still see the colored ring from the foam around the outer edge. Looks and works great!

[SoulScreme]

Yeah what I did was have the colored foam as the base, and then black felt cut slightly smaller on top, so you still see the colored ring from the foam around the outer edge. Looks and works great!

Easier, slightly cheaper is to jsut cut the foam and black felt such that it is only as big as the grey area of the pad. Works wonderfully. See my pics.

[erickOnasis412]

awesome suggestions man, thanks for posting these!

quick question - does the "bass pedal muffler" help reduce the chance of the bass pedal breaking as well? i noticed u put the insulation under the orange part to prevent it from coming down all the way, & it seems like that would also prevent it from "arching" which has been why many have been breaking.. do u know if it does infact help reduce the pedal snapping or not really?

[CigDangle]

awesome suggestions man, thanks for posting these!

quick question - does the "bass pedal muffler" help reduce the chance of the bass pedal breaking as well? i noticed u put the insulation under the orange part to prevent it from coming down all the way, & it seems like that would also prevent it from "arching" which has been why many have been breaking.. do u know if it does infact help reduce the pedal snapping or not really?

I can't be sure it would reduce this, but it may. I have not had to much problem with it yet.

If you are very concerned about it breaking, you may want to consider the wood or metal pedal plates I've read some are making.

Good Luck!

[erickOnasis412]

^^ thanks man.. yeah i'm probably going to reinforce my pedal just incase..

i figure though if i'm gonna do that i might as well go all out and i'll more than likely do ur insulation trick to reduce the bass pedal noise and i'm definitely going to do the felt covers on the pads!

[obersmith]

I don't know the locations, but I picked up the circle cutter from Jo-Anns Fabrics in RI and it was on sale for $12.

[mrloofer]

Would something like this do? They are going for 0.99 on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Stanley-ProSeries-Easy-Read-Circle-Cutter_W0QQitemZ230198591387QQihZ013QQcategoryZ207 64QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[AVC808]

Would something like this do? They are going for 0.99 on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Stanley-ProSeries-Easy-Read-Circle-Cutter_W0QQitemZ230198591387QQihZ013QQcategoryZ207 64QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

it will do fine as long as you dont mind a tiny hole in the middle. the craft circle cutters put pressure to the surface to clamp it down while it's cut, so there is no hole left after cutting. well the circle cutter my girlfriend has does that. im not sure what brand it is.

[LoneBal]

it will do fine as long as you dont mind a tiny hole in the middle. the craft circle cutters put pressure to the surface to clamp it down while it's cut, so there is no hole left after cutting. well the circle cutter my girlfriend has does that. im not sure what brand it is.

Yeah, the one I used also just put pressure in the middle, without making a hole. You held down a plunger to keep it in place. It was this one from Fiskars...

http://www.amazon.com/FSK93807097-Circle-Cutter-Cuts-Circles/dp/B0006OKSDY/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=office-products&qid=1196904724&sr=8-1

[thegreatpablo]

The day I read about this mod, last week, I went to Michael's. I was in the aisle with the foam and felt, and there was another guy looking for the exact same thing. :)

Every single store I've gone to, however, has been sold out of the Fiskars Circle Cutter. All they have available are the $30-50 ones. :( I ended up ordering online, though I should have gone to JoAnns.

[bornyank1]

Would this work equally well?

http://www.amazon.com/Thermwell-RS510XB-X6-Pipe-Insulation/dp/B000CFH14Q/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1196907338&sr=8-13

It's 6' x 1/2" instead of 3' x 1/2". That wouldn't matter, would it?

[mastergamer1231]

CigDangle you are the man.


what a rip, not only did they rip CigDangle's mod, but they priced it high too. I hope most people go the DIY, if they can find the supplies...or find someone to do it for cheaper.

I agree black felt is the way to go.
stuuf on those websites makes me p*****, cause u did it first cig, and better

[AVC808]

Would this work equally well?

http://www.amazon.com/Thermwell-RS510XB-X6-Pipe-Insulation/dp/B000CFH14Q/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1196907338&sr=8-13

It's 6' x 1/2" instead of 3' x 1/2". That wouldn't matter, would it?

it shouldnt matter, youre just paying for more material that you wont need, unless youre planning to use the leftovers for something else. i think it would be better to just go to the hardware store and buy it in person so you can see for yourself what you are purchasing.

[CigDangle]

Would this work equally well?

http://www.amazon.com/Thermwell-RS510XB-X6-Pipe-Insulation/dp/B000CFH14Q/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1196907338&sr=8-13

It's 6' x 1/2" instead of 3' x 1/2". That wouldn't matter, would it?

It would work fine, but realize you need about 2" of that 6', so its a bit of a waste. I would just go to the closest home improvement/hardware store and ask for it. Hopefully, they sell individual tubes.

Good luck, and let me know what you guys think of the bass pedal mod!

[Harsher]

My bass pedal makes zero noise while playing, at least I've yet to notice it making any and I'm playing upstairs in a two story house. The drum pads on the other hand do make a lot of noise, which I don't really care though, it's more fun to be loud though and not even care what others think. :p

[polishdog90]

This thread should be stickied. CigDangle is a genious. Once I get my new drum set Ill be modifying it.

[ChodTheWacko]

I also talk about reducing vibration of the entire kit in the second post above.


I think that part is most of the problem for me .

When you hit the two middle pads, you're practically directly hitting the floor.
Or at least you hit near the top of the leg, which directs the force straight down to the floor.
That impact makes more noise than anything else, I think.

Need some sort of shock absorber, under or in the legs.

[bornyank1]

My bass pedal makes zero noise while playing, at least I've yet to notice it making any and I'm playing upstairs in a two story house. The drum pads on the other hand do make a lot of noise, which I don't really care though, it's more fun to be loud though and not even care what others think. :p

I agree...my pedal is broken right now, and I'm waiting for a replacement, but when I had a working pedal, I don't remember it being very audible. Are some peoples' pedals very loud?

[MrWonderr]

I like the interlocking mats with the big alphabet on them. Just in case I forget how to read, ya know?

[ChodTheWacko]

I agree...my pedal is broken right now, and I'm waiting for a replacement, but when I had a working pedal, I don't remember it being very audible. Are some peoples' pedals very loud?

If you play heel up, and stomp on the pedal (which is very easy to do during fast parts, especially if you are not good) it makes quite the impact sound.on the floor.

It's not the pedal itself, really.

[CigDangle]

My bass pedal makes zero noise while playing, at least I've yet to notice it making any and I'm playing upstairs in a two story house. The drum pads on the other hand do make a lot of noise, which I don't really care though, it's more fun to be loud though and not even care what others think. :p

I love to be loud, by my apartment-dwelling status doesn't always allow me to be... :)

[CigDangle]

This thread should be stickied. CigDangle is a genious. Once I get my new drum set Ill be modifying it.

LOL. I don't know about genius, but thanks, I appreciate it.

[CigDangle]

I think that part is most of the problem for me .

When you hit the two middle pads, you're practically directly hitting the floor.
Or at least you hit near the top of the leg, which directs the force straight down to the floor.
That impact makes more noise than anything else, I think.

Need some sort of shock absorber, under or in the legs.

In the bass oedal article, I talk about mats you can get for under $20 that do a pretty good job. Check those out and see what you think...

[CigDangle]

If you play heel up, and stomp on the pedal (which is very easy to do during fast parts, especially if you are not good) it makes quite the impact sound.on the floor.

It's not the pedal itself, really.

That;s the reason for the foam in my bass oedal idea. It softens the the bass pedal taps, and does not allow the hard rubber stoppers on the back of the pedal to strick the base of the unit. Instead, the pedal crashes into foam rubber which gets firmer the further you press the pedal, thus slowing it down gently.

For 99 cents, its worth a try. If you live in the Milwaukee, WI area, I have a ton of extra!

[Amish Robot]

I think that part is most of the problem for me .

When you hit the two middle pads, you're practically directly hitting the floor.
Or at least you hit near the top of the leg, which directs the force straight down to the floor.
That impact makes more noise than anything else, I think.

Need some sort of shock absorber, under or in the legs.

I have no idea if this would work, but it might be worth trying: How about buying pipe insulators big enough to fit around the legs of the kit, and cutting them just long enough so that when you put them on, the top portion of the drums is suspended about 1/8-1/4" from resting on the tops of the legs? Then if you don't clamp the drum heads to the legs, the vibration on each hit could be transferred to the foam instead of down the legs into the base.

I imagine it would be tough to measure accurately, but I think I might give it a shot this weekend and see how it goes. At $1 a pop, it's not much of a loss if it doesn't work.

Edit: another option would be buying insulators small enough to fit inside the legs, and cutting them just long enough so they barely poke over the tops of the legs when the top part isn't on. Same effect, easier to eyeball measurements, and more stable...

[CigDangle]

I have no idea if this would work, but it might be worth trying: How about buying pipe insulators big enough to fit around the legs of the kit, and cutting them just long enough so that when you put them on, the top portion of the drums is suspended about 1/8-1/4" from resting on the tops of the legs? Then if you don't clamp the drum heads to the legs, the vibration on each hit could be transferred to the foam instead of down the legs into the base.

I imagine it would be tough to measure accurately, but I think I might give it a shot this weekend and see how it goes. At $1 a pop, it's not much of a loss if it doesn't work.

Edit: another option would be buying insulators small enough to fit inside the legs, and cutting them just long enough so they barely poke over the tops of the legs when the top part isn't on. Same effect, easier to eyeball measurements, and more stable...

I would be extremely curious to see if this would work. Let us know your results!

[LoneBal]

Amish, that sounds like it could work well. If it works out, be sure to post pics of that. Let us know either way.

[CigDangle]

Thanks for all the kind words. I really do appreciate it. As a thanks, I want to invite all of you to enter our annual Christmas contest at Generation: Gamerz! You can find the details here (http://generationgamerz.com/v2/generation-gamerz-13-days-of-christmas-contest-rules.php).

[CigDangle]

Bump, in lieu of sticky

[capitalfn9]

first of all i want to say bad ass fix, it works like a charm. someone else had mentioned this somewhere but it helped me so i'll say it again. it fixed my drum roll problem too (where it wouldnt register some notes). i guess maybe just a little extra weight was needed so now i dont have to tape the red pad lower to get it to work. brilliant!

[bornyank1]

Hey guys, I didn't have access to a Michael's in my area, so I bought the materials online. Unfortunately, it's hard to see exactly what you're buying when you buy things online sometimes. I just received my black felt, and it is Quick Stick Adhesive-Backed, which at least one poster mentioned as the kind used by the OP. However, it is soft, not stiffened, so it's kind of floppy (that sounds bad, but remember, we're just talking about felt here). Anyway, is it OK that it's not the stiffened kind? I saw someone say that the soft was better, and others that the stiffened is better. I'd hate to have to return this and find somewhere to reorder the stiffened kind. Please let me know, thanks.

[CowboyGP]

I have no idea if this would work, but it might be worth trying: How about buying pipe insulators big enough to fit around the legs of the kit, and cutting them just long enough so that when you put them on, the top portion of the drums is suspended about 1/8-1/4" from resting on the tops of the legs? Then if you don't clamp the drum heads to the legs, the vibration on each hit could be transferred to the foam instead of down the legs into the base.

I imagine it would be tough to measure accurately, but I think I might give it a shot this weekend and see how it goes. At $1 a pop, it's not much of a loss if it doesn't work.

Edit: another option would be buying insulators small enough to fit inside the legs, and cutting them just long enough so they barely poke over the tops of the legs when the top part isn't on. Same effect, easier to eyeball measurements, and more stable...

I've been mulling over the idea of filling the legs and feet with expanding foam. As long as the visible portions were masked off well enough, it shouldn't effect the look of the kit.

I've held off on doing it though, because it would eliminate the height adjustability. I'm just trying to think of ideas other than the mat so I don't have to deal with moving/storing the mat every time I want to play.

I've also thought of the possibility of seeing if PVC pipe diameters are close enough to the diameters of the standard legs. That way I could make a foam-filled set out of PVC for everyday use, but switch back to the standard legs when other people want to play and need the height changed.

Anyone have any thoughts, pro or con?

[Amish Robot]

I've been mulling over the idea of filling the legs and feet with expanding foam. As long as the visible portions were masked off well enough, it shouldn't effect the look of the kit.

I've held off on doing it though, because it would eliminate the height adjustability. I'm just trying to think of ideas other than the mat so I don't have to deal with moving/storing the mat every time I want to play.

I've also thought of the possibility of seeing if PVC pipe diameters are close enough to the diameters of the standard legs. That way I could make a foam-filled set out of PVC for everyday use, but switch back to the standard legs when other people want to play and need the height changed.

Anyone have any thoughts, pro or con?

If the pipe insulators or some other pre-fab foam cylinder that fits snugly in the legs can be found, I'd suggest that over expanding foam simply for the fact that it can be easily removed. Both of them would prevent changing the height without removal, however. If you do use foam, definitely find some PVC pipes and don't mess up the normal legs.

I was going to give this a try this weekend, but I don't know it I will. For one thing, I live in an older apartment with very thick walls and floors. I've already checked with my downstairs neighbor about the noise, and it's not an issue. Second, I'm not sure how to measure the difference. The best idea I could come up with is to put the kit on a piece of cardboard and put some marbles or ball bearings next to it, and eyeball the movement. That's not exactly scientific... :rolleyes:

So there you go. I doubt I'll bother with it unless I get really bored. But if anyone else has a need and wants to give it a shot, I'd really like to hear the results.

[xCHRISx]

I went and grabbed one of those interlocking mats from Sears, but after some very unofficial tests (ie. brought the drum kit up into the bedroom and had the gf play with and without the mat underneath) I couldn't really tell a difference in noise level.

Now, that said, I also couldn't tell if the noise I was hearing was thumping/vibrations on the floor, or if I was simply hearing the sound of the sticks hitting the pads, which the mat wouldn't affect at all.

My downstairs neighbors haven't complained yet and I have about 12 hours of drumming in, so I suppose that's a good sign. I just want to make sure they're not suffering needlessly if I can do anything to quiet it down a bit.

[StoneyW66]

i did this mod last night and all i got to say is WOW. i can hear the song now when i play. not sure if this has been posted but if anyone is wondering how much this costs at michales here it is. i found the foam and felt in the kiddy crafts section. the circle cutter i had to ask for help to find it.

4 sheet of Sticky Back Felt- 0.99 cents each (i got the 4 colors they had black too)

1 pack of "Foamies Sticky Back Foam Sheets"- 4.99 (i could not find single sheets only a pack. the pack came with 12 sheets 2 of each color- red, blue, yellow, green, black and white)

1 Circle cutter. same as the one used in the guide - $15.99

Total cost after Tax. (in Florida Daytona Beach) $26.57 (Leave your girlfriend/wife at home or she will try and buy more crap makeing the trip cost more than it should)



It took about 30 min to do very easy. on the circle cutter you do have to push down and go over a few times to cut all the way through. i would sugest haveing someone hold down the circle cutter while you cut with one hand and hold the foam/felt down with the other. make sure they dont let off till you finish cutting or you will never line it up right again.

Thanks again CigDangle for comming up with this fix!!! :D

[CigDangle]

I went and grabbed one of those interlocking mats from Sears, but after some very unofficial tests (ie. brought the drum kit up into the bedroom and had the gf play with and without the mat underneath) I couldn't really tell a difference in noise level.

Now, that said, I also couldn't tell if the noise I was hearing was thumping/vibrations on the floor, or if I was simply hearing the sound of the sticks hitting the pads, which the mat wouldn't affect at all.

My downstairs neighbors haven't complained yet and I have about 12 hours of drumming in, so I suppose that's a good sign. I just want to make sure they're not suffering needlessly if I can do anything to quiet it down a bit.

Yes, the mat is essentially to help dampen the vibration to the floor. It did help in my case, but then again, it depends on the construction of the dwelling in which you live.

In my case, it help dampen the noise.

[Draconis77]

I'm surprised this hasn't been stickied yet. Thanks for the guide. I am totally doing this when I get the game. I especially like it because I'm sure it will stop them from getting dented and from the pictures it makes them look even better.

[ababypenguin]

very nice, do you think that the bass pedal muffler will prevent this from happening to me again?

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/z2zrusmd/100_1256.jpg

It broke my heart when I broke my set :( I was obviously stomping way too hard, hopefully the foam insulation will slow me down.

[CigDangle]

very nice, do you think that the bass pedal muffler will prevent this from happening to me again?

It broke my heart when I broke my set :( I was obviously stomping way too hard, hopefully the foam insulation will slow me down.

It way, but my recommendation would be to invest in the diamond plate that I've seen in these forums. :)

[bornyank1]

Can anyone answer my question about soft felt vs. stiffened felt? I know that some of you have used both...

[_epacs_]

Awesome guide! Used your method today and used all black felt instead of colored ones like a few others on here. The outcome is great , reduces the noise levels quite a bit and looks pretty cool too. Ended up using a PERFECTLY sized bowl for my circle pattern instead of spending extra money on the circle cutter, but it turned out awesome.

[Quyrean]

I am having problems with the circle cutter not cutting all the way through the felt or foam. The blade is really short. Am I missing something?

[CigDangle]

I am having problems with the circle cutter not cutting all the way through the felt or foam. The blade is really short. Am I missing something?

If you use 2mm foam, you shouldn't have a problem, but be aware, you will have to run the blade around 2 or 3 times, and press firmly down on the blade as you go.

[CigDangle]

Can anyone answer my question about soft felt vs. stiffened felt? I know that some of you have used both...

I used stiffened felt in the original mod, but would suspect soft felt may attribute to even quieter play. I might worry that it would reduce bounce even further and may even affect sensitivity though, so watch for that.

[Amish Robot]

There are already too many sticky threads as it is, but this definitely needs to be linked to in Xzyliac's FAQ.

[bornyank1]

I did my mod today with the soft felt, and it seemed to work out fine. Aesthetically, it might not be quite as pleasing, because the edges aren't quite as clean-cut, but I'm impressed with the sound dampening. I haven't tested the sensitivity yet, but it definitely looks like it would be OK, for what it's worth.

[mastergamer1231]

I am seriously going to need this when i get RB...

[mastergamer1231]

One question, does this void the warranty?

[bornyank1]

I wouldn't think so...it simple involves sticking adhesive pads onto the drums, which can be easily removed. You don't have to tamper with any of the innards or anything.

[iron_city_ap]

My wife and I made a DIY set. The night we went out for supplies, we were getting hit with freezing rain pretty good, so the only place we got to only had the 2mm foam (no sticky stuff). We got that home only to decide that it was quieter, but still pretty loud.

So, we dug around and found some 1" foam and cut that to fit. Rather than use some adhesive, we hot glued some fabric over the foam circle and tied it around the bottom of the drum pads. We were having a Rock Band party in about an hour, so it was real rushed. The finished quality of them is nowhere near as good as Cig's mod. I am out of town right now for work, so I can't post any pics.

I will say the thick foam cuts out almost ALL the noise. No "Thwack", nothing. Its easy to say its just as quiet as the Guitar Hero guitars. The downside is that you have to hit the drums a fair amount harder since the foam sucks away alot of the sensitivity. The upside is you really get to beat on those bad boys. I'm planning on trying a thinner foam and the sticky felt. I think the foam only comes in that lovely green color, but I'm going for silence. Will try to keep you updated.

[blairbryngelson]

they do it here too
www.rockbanddrumpads.com

Looks nice

[AVC808]

man wannabe capitalists are everywhere. that site uses black foam though, not felt, over the colored foam. i was under the impression the felt helped dampen the noise better.

i made mines last night and they are great.

[AVC808]

they do it here too
www.rockbanddrumpads.com

Looks nice

your opinion doesnt count since it's your own damn website.

[bornyank1]

I tested my drums with the mod installed...the red, yellow, and green pads seem just as responsive as they were without the foam and felt, but the blue pad is less responsive, to the point that it's pretty problematic. It doesn't respond to light taps at all, and it's not reliable with heavier strikes, either. I'm wondering whether it's the mod, or whether it's just broken...it wasn't before. Please don't tell me that I have to get new drums now, in addition to the new guitar and bass pedal...this game is great, but I am incredibly tired of all this faulty hardware. There's hardly been a time when all 4 of my instruments were functioning as they're supposed to so far; I'm always waiting for something to come in.

[TigerVoss]

The Mod was awesome. I was so impressed I did my friends for xmas, putting his bands name with felt on the pads. No drop in responsivness but definitely in noise level. :D

[Paradox]

I picked up all my stuff at Wal-Mart today after I got off work. I did double layers of felt (it was kind of thin and floppy, too) so I thought it'd work better. 2mm foam +2 felt layers all stuck together with double-sided tape(I have spray adhesive that I'll use between all the layers later) and its almost totally quiet. Theres no thwack anymore so it does its job. The only problem I'm having now is that the middle of each pad is bubbling after playing for a while. I don't know if this is because I used the double-sided tape or what.

Anyone else have any kind of bubbling issues after playing for a while?

Oh yeah, I went with two black and two red and it looks pretty sweet. I'll have to get some pictures up sometime soon.

[guitarguy316]

so what's the overall consensus?

2mm foam with just regular felt on top?

[CigDangle]

so what's the overall consensus?

2mm foam with just regular felt on top?

I used 2mm foam with stiff felt. Both were self-adhesive.

[CigDangle]

I picked up all my stuff at Wal-Mart today after I got off work. I did double layers of felt (it was kind of thin and floppy, too) so I thought it'd work better. 2mm foam +2 felt layers all stuck together with double-sided tape(I have spray adhesive that I'll use between all the layers later) and its almost totally quiet. Theres no thwack anymore so it does its job. The only problem I'm having now is that the middle of each pad is bubbling after playing for a while. I don't know if this is because I used the double-sided tape or what.

Anyone else have any kind of bubbling issues after playing for a while?

Oh yeah, I went with two black and two red and it looks pretty sweet. I'll have to get some pictures up sometime soon.

That is definitely your problem. I tried using double sided tape during my development of this mod. I finely opted for the self-adhesive, and found it fixed my problems.

[Katdaddy]

I tested my drums with the mod installed...the red, yellow, and green pads seem just as responsive as they were without the foam and felt, but the blue pad is less responsive, to the point that it's pretty problematic. It doesn't respond to light taps at all, and it's not reliable with heavier strikes, either. I'm wondering whether it's the mod, or whether it's just broken...it wasn't before. Please don't tell me that I have to get new drums now, in addition to the new guitar and bass pedal...this game is great, but I am incredibly tired of all this faulty hardware. There's hardly been a time when all 4 of my instruments were functioning as they're supposed to so far; I'm always waiting for something to come in.

My blue pad is giving me the same issue, and I did the mod last night...it's not "problematic", but more sporadic..to the point that when it happens, I get worried, then it doesn't do it for awhile...about the time I calm down, it happens again, so I suppose the jury is still "out".

I love the mod though. I work at Michaels PT, so the materials were excessively cheap... well worth the 10 minutes it took to complete.

[guitarguy316]

so if i want it to be like the original set....

then use the red/green/blue/yellow FOAM

and black felt that is cut a little smaller so it shows the colored circle...

correct?

[bornyank1]

so if i want it to be like the original set....

then use the red/green/blue/yellow FOAM

and black felt that is cut a little smaller so it shows the colored circle...

correct?

Yes, that's right.

[bornyank1]

My blue pad is giving me the same issue, and I did the mod last night...it's not "problematic", but more sporadic..to the point that when it happens, I get worried, then it doesn't do it for awhile...about the time I calm down, it happens again, so I suppose the jury is still "out".

I love the mod though. I work at Michaels PT, so the materials were excessively cheap... well worth the 10 minutes it took to complete.

Weird that it was the blue pad for you, too. Let me know if you take off the foam/felt and test it without. I'd like to know if that fixes the problem, but I haven't removed mine yet, kinda hoping it just...fixes itself.

[CigDangle]

so if i want it to be like the original set....

then use the red/green/blue/yellow FOAM

and black felt that is cut a little smaller so it shows the colored circle...

correct?

That should work. :D

[blairbryngelson]

I have a question for some of the modders here..

Do you find that you like the result of the standard, darker felt colors as the top layer of the mod as opposed to the brightly colored foam pads as the top layer?

My findings is that the foam provides a much more brilliant look and seems to look quite a bit cleaner.

thoughts...

[bornyank1]

I have a question for some of the modders here..

Do you find that you like the result of the standard, darker felt colors as the top layer of the mod as opposed to the brightly colored foam pads as the top layer?

My findings is that the foam provides a much more brilliant look and seems to look quite a bit cleaner.

thoughts...

And let me guess...you just so happen to know somewhere where we can buy some with foam on top? I think everyone on this board probably knows you by now, man.

[polishdog90]

And let me guess...you just so happen to know somewhere where we can buy some with foam on top? I think everyone on this board probably knows you by now, man.

Owned! I lol'd at that

[blairbryngelson]

Man you guys are relentless,

No I am inquiring just to get some feedback.

The reason I wonder is when we create the mods with the felt layer it just doesn't seem to pop like the foam due to the darker colors available in felt from what I've found.

I just wondered if anyone else has discovered that the functionality of the felt over the foam is truly more performant...

[aryall]

I did the mod successfully last night - thanks CigDangle! I was playing into the wee hours in my apartment building with minimal fear of my neighbours freaking out. I figure if my girlfriend can sleep soundly in the next room, my neighbours are hearing very little.

I have experienced some decrease in sensitivity. Weak hits don't always register. I played quiet before my just tapping lightly on the pads, and that simply doesn't cut it anymore because I get too many hits that don't register. On the other hand, having to give a little harder hit has meant that I'm learning to play a little more "properly" - I'm letting the bounce happen and working the drums more vigorously.

The bounce is one of the best parts of this mod. I'm not a drummer, but it feels far more natural to hit the foam than to hit the original pad. The original pad seemed to have almost no bounce, whereas the foam is much bouncier.

Thanks again, great mod.