Quite a selection is available when it comes time to decide on a drum practice pad or complete set.
Prices can be very cheap for basic rubber versions to fairly pricey for the high tech digital models.
Always try to test the ones available at your local music store.
It's very important to know how it feels when playing at a normal stick velocity before purchasing.
If you dislike the unnatural surface that some pads have, it won't get used much.
Or worse it could cause wrist or hand problems.
Pre-Purchase Checklist
How natural and giving is the surface?
Is the stick rebound similar to a drumhead?
Does easy portability matter?
What diameter feels comfortable?
Is a full set including the bass drum needed?
Will a metronome or "computer coach" be required?
Is mounting on a cymbal stand important?
Will it be used on a snare stand?
What is my budget?
Classic Rubber Type
A high quality drum practice pad should be forgiving and flex
like a drumhead. The response of a typical snare drum
is a good example to judge by. The models with firm but pliable
rubber simulate this natural feel to some degree.
How realistic and "drumhead like" the response is depends on the
thickness and quality of the rubber. The Ludwig Gladstone, Real Feel, Drum Workshop
(DW) and Gibraltar are a few examples of these.
This rubber based pad surface has been around for decades and will
get the job done at reasonable cost. Be careful to try them out first because although
similar none will feel identical to the other. My recommendation would be the most
giving surface with natural rebound.
Digital Metronome Type
The "Beatnik" Beatnik Rhythmic Analyzer RA1200P analyzes your
playing and gives you the results. This could be considered a "digital coach".
Unit is battery or AC powered.
The Roland RMP5 has a adjustable mesh head with built in metronome.
The mesh might be too springy for some drummers. There are inputs for triggering, mix
input for your CD player or iPod and 28 sounds to choose from. Runs on battery or AC.
This unit could double as two extra digital drum sounds as an add-on to an acoustic drum kit.
Full Drum Practice Pad Sets
DW (Drum Workshop) offers the "Go Anywhere" portable 5-piece
complete set. It is quiet, with solid construction and easy to set up. 8" and 10" gum
rubber pads including bass drum and all mounting hardware is included.
The Gibraltar GP08 also includes 5 rubber surface drum pads along
with a very stable rack. The 10" bass drum practice pad can be purchased separately.
This is an excellent option as an add-on to single pads. The action is very good and sturdily built.
Specialty Types
Remo's "Ed Thigpen" 14" size is made for brushes and includes a Fiberskyn head.
The ProMark Rubber single pad has a simulated snare sound.
Vic Firth's "Exactopad" features a very unique design.
The Regal Tip Calato 310P mountable gum rubber is reversible.
The Contos RP1 "Rudi-Pad" has the rudiments written on the pad!
Build Your Own!
Consider building a one-of-a-kind personal pad.
For example, find a nice piece of finished solid wood like a kitchen cutting
board in a size you like. Purchase two or three mouse pads and cut them neatly to fit the wood.
Use two stacked for a softer feel. Another one on the
bottom will act as a non-slip surface. Some white school glue
will hold it all together. Thick gum rubber would be an excellent
option also, just harder to find.
Just a plain old mouse pad can make a pocketable portable as long
as you have a hard surface to put it on. Use your imagination
and build a better "drum-trap" as the saying goes.
If you think
about it, there's not to many drum accessories of this importance
that you can make yourself - and save money in the process! Good luck
finding your perfect drum practice pad set-up. Have fun practicing
those diddles!
