Tone control type drum muffling is used for controlling ring and unwanted overtone frequencies on the snare drum, bass, and toms. Sound can be noticeably improved when these devices are used properly.

Volume control or muting types are effective at greatly reducing volume while practicing. They also help protect your hearing if you do not use sound reducing earmuffs. At some point most drummers will need to play without disturbing others. This type of drum muffling really fits the bill.

Tone Control Drum Muffling

The major recording studios have used "tone control" type devices since the early days of recording. When the clashing overtones and ring are controlled the focused tone of the drum head comes through much better. This results in noticeably more pleasing tone.

The "Ring-Arrestor" is highly recommended for tone control type drum muffling. It is a favorite choice of pros and has a proven track record. Many extremely positive comments have been noted on this product. The unique patented design simplifies the process. The material used is a superior quality synthetic suede.

Internal muffling devices are not recommended as they tend to choke the drumhead especially on the toms. External clip-on types tend to get in the way a bit too much for my taste, and possible buzz or rattle could occur. They also tend to be less than attractive.

Gary Chaffee has a really nice bass drum muffling solution endorsed by jazz great Peter Erskine. It is adjustable from the drummer�s playing position. This is a nice alternative to the industry standard pillow inside the kick. Evans makes a pillow for this specific purpose, or just find the perfect generic type pillow for your set-up.

Volume Control Drum Muffling

Drum Muffling for reducing volume is a completely different animal. These thick rubber pads cover the entire head and the striking area of the cymbals and hi hat. They consist of a rubber circle that is the exact diameter of the drum. The idea is to deaden the sound to a low level, not improve tone.

Sabian and Vic Firth are two popular types to control volume. They are excellent for DB reducing although much of the original feel of the head is lost. The trade-off is worth it however, because it allows practicing that would otherwise be impossible due to high sound levels.

The Ludwig Billy Gladstone 14 inch vacuum snare pad is a unique snare practice pad that allows good rebound while really cutting the volume. It can also do double-duty as a portable practice pad on hard or soft surfaces. This Ludwig product has been around for 50 years! It works great and is made to last.

Your overall tone and ability to practice at low volume are both enhanced with the use of these two types of drum muffling devices. Find more opportunities to practice without the volume, and also improve your overall drum sound. Have fun!