Anyone tried gum rubber on drums?

[vtjustinb]

I know I've seen a lot of mods out there using mousepads or (eek) foam, but I was wondering if anyone has tried gum rubber.

My whole rationale would be in addition to quieting things down a bit, the gum rubber could actually restore a lot of the rebound missing from the drums right now. Gum rubber is typically used to make drum practice pads, and when placed on a firm surface it has a lot of good rebound.

I called a local pipe fitting fabrication place and they said they could get me a 4'x1' 3/16" sheet for only $15, so I think I might do that.

Was just wondering if anyone had any experience with it from a sensitivity or dampening perspective.

[iron_city_ap]

Give it a shot. Heck, if it doesn't work, you are only out $15.

[Snaffles]

i initially thought of buying a pack of large pencil erasers, and sticking them on the end of the sticks. Should deaden the sound and give it *some* kind of extra rebound.

The rubber sheeting seems a great idea and i might try that if the erasers don't work. Don't like the sound of the foam so far and looking for alternative methods.

[JesusSilencio]

I was planning on get rubber tipped sticks instead, mainly because I couldn't find any good place to buy gum rubber at the right size/thickness.

[iron_city_ap]

The set of pads I'm using right now are made of 1" foam covered in cloth. I have them tied to the drums (no pictures right now). Other than the red one constantly slipping off, they work great and are easily as quiet as the guitar. The biggest problem is that the sensitivity has gone with the sound. You have to hit them pretty hard, which is both good and bad.

I think the balance you have to find is that a softer material will require you to hit harder while a stiffer material will let you keep the drum sensitivity, but will produce more noise. Its just a matter of finding what works for you.

I'm probably going to try making a new set this weekend. Not sure what I'm going to use though. Your audio setup will probably influence it too. When I play with my band, its at a friends house and we just use the TV. At home, I have a big stereo with surround hooked up, so you don't hear anything other than the music.

I am curious to see how the gum rubber works out.