A practice drum pad is equipment a drummer uses for quiet practice or warm-up before a performance. It is also known as a drum pad and utilized by other percussionists too. Essentially, when you strike practice drum pads, they work by approximating the tension and response of an actual drum head. Additionally, they reduce the rebound on the muscles of the drummer or percussionist.
Types of practice drum pads
There are primarily two types of practice drum pads which percussionists use in various ways, and they come in multiple shapes, sizes, and from different brands. Essentially, you may have to choose between using a plastic or rubber practice pad.
1. The plastic head practice pad
Plastic being a lighter material makes such derived pads more sensitive, allowing a diversity of practice across different sound types and practice styles. However, the downside to the plastic head practice drum pad is that it is louder and less bouncy. As a result, it is not entirely suited for places requiring silence. Additionally, it puts a minor strain on the arm muscles of the drummer because of its diminished rebound factor. But there is a silver lining here since the resistance due to the reduced rebound can help more experienced drummers further sharpen their skills.
2. The Rubber head practice pad
Such practice pads pose a more rebound factor and put less stress on the player's arms, making them an excellent choice for practicing rolls. In addition, they conform more to the noise reduction quality of the practice pads because they are more silent. The rebound quality makes it an excellent choice for beginner drummers.
Four top things to look out for before buying practice drum pads
Before you purchase a drum pad, here are a few things to keep in mind so that you get the best value for your money.
· Portability of the drum pad
If you intend to practice severally and perhaps carry your drum pad, then you might want to consider portability strongly. That way, you will save space and be more mobile with your practice when using a smaller pad.
· The versatility of the sound
The essence of a large variety of drum pads on the market today is to give percussionists a diversity of options to work with since there are many drum types. As a result, the various drum pads are there to sound like multiple actual drum surfaces. Therefore, when buying drum pads, you should aim for those with multiple sounds to feel like you are working with many surfaces.
· Rebound, volume, and assemblage
The rebound helps with the strain on your muscles while you practice. Also, the assemblage helps with the ease with which you package and repackage the drum pads before and after use. It would be best if you cared not to glue the playing surface back to the wood or a pad that sounds so hard that you cannot play it at home.
· Close to quiet performance
Generally, the idea behind using a practice drum pad is to practice anytime and anywhere. As a result, several practice pads are designed to have a close to quiet function instead of being as loud as the standard drum set. Therefore practice pads are not supposed to pose a disturbance for you to use them at will. If you buy a rubber surface drum pad, you should aim for above 80% noise control and a little less if you go for a plastic surface pad.
How to care for your practice drum pads
Routine Care and maintenance are necessary to preserve any equipment, and practice drum pads are no exception. As a rule of thumb, the first part of maintenance and Care is the packaging. By this, you should always ensure that you put the drum pad back into its package or bag after practice. The repackaging process is to limit dust and other particles, especially if it has an adhesive surface. Also, a little cleaning with a damp rag would suffice. Windex provides an excellent surface cleaner for your drum pads. However, it would be best to be careful not to over-clean to prevent wearing off the striking surface.
Pricing for practice drum pads
The price range for practice drum pads varies due to a couple of factors. Things like the surface material, type, brand, portability and versatility, all influence pricing. As a result, the price range of practice pads can range from a low as $15 to $45. There are also the more pricy ones, which are possibly due to branding and possibly shipping costs. However, before buying a practice drum pad, it is essential to do a thorough market survey and match it with your purpose for purchasing a practice drum pad. That way, you stand a better chance of making more informed choices about your purchase.
FAQS
Q. What should I look for in a practice drum pad?
A. Essentially, one of the most valuable qualities to look out for in a practice drum pad is versatility. You want a pad with at least two sides, one harder than the other and offering varying levels of playing competence. Lastly, you also want a pad that can both stand-alone and can be mounted. That way, you get more value for your money.
Q. Are practice pads worth it?
A. Choosing to buy or not buy a practice pad is q pretty personal decision. As a result, investing in a practice pad can be worth it if you learn and develop different playing techniques. However, they are not necessary for teaching beats and fills.
Q. Can I teach myself drums?
A. The modern age of information explosion makes it possible to teach yourself any skill, provided you are willing to practice, have time and dedication. Therefore, the internet is replete with instructional materials for those who want to take advantage of it. However, if self-learning is not your thing, there is nothing wrong with seeking out a teacher or an academy.