Drummers need to practice as much as possible. And while practicing on a full kit is the best option, it isn’t always practical or convenient to do so. That’s where drum quiet pads come in handy. Drum quiet pads give you the freedom to practice drums (almost) anywhere, without the need for a real kit. They save your ears, keep the neighbours happy, and also allow you to hear each stick strike a lot more clearly than when practicing on a regular acoustic drum set.
While there are a few different types of drum quiet pads out there, the Sabian Quiet Tone mesh pad is probably the best. It’s super quiet, feels like a real drum head, and is even able to be tuned! This means that you can tune it tight for a sensitive playing surface, or lower for increasing strength and endurance. It can be mounted to a snare stand, played on your lap, or even placed on a table. The only downside is that it’s not very portable, and it can be a bit flimsy.
Another great option is a DW Go Anywhere Drum Pad Set, which takes the concept of a drum practice pad to the next level. The kit comes with a bass drum pad designed for both single and double pedals, as well as a multi-surface snare drum pad. The snare drum pad has both white and grey areas, which are used to simulate the feel of a snare drum and cymbal. This allows drummers to work on both their movement around the kit, and their stick and foot technique simultaneously. The DW multi-surface drum pad has one more trick up its sleeve, with a white area that can be used to work on sticking patterns, and a grey/black surface that’s ideal for muting.
The drum pads in this kit are also extremely versatile, allowing drummers to adjust the height of their bass drum pedals. They can also be positioned at an angle, meaning that drummers of all skill levels can train their feet to play in an efficient way. Similarly, the bass drum pad can be tilted to change the amount of pressure needed for each note, giving drummers a range of workout options.
Drum quiet pads are a fantastic option for drummers of all levels. They’ll let you practice drums almost anywhere, save your ears, and even keep your neighbours happy! They can be used for all of the same reasons that drum rudiment drills are so important, helping to improve your speed, accuracy, and consistency. To find the perfect drum quiet pad for you, make sure to check out Sweetwater’s detailed filters based on brands, series, price points, and more. You can even watch product videos to see your gear in action before making a purchase!