A Quiet Drumming Setup That's Fun To Play

Learn about my quiet drumming setup that I enjoy playing. The feeling is still there when I practice drums and this quiet drumming setup helps me prepare for my gigs. It might help you make peace with your neighbors too!
Most quiet drumming practice setups including electronic drums, don't have real feeling of playing acoustic drums. With my setup, you can practice your drums quietly but still feel like you're playing on a real drum kit.
Here is the Amazon affiliate link to these great practice cymbals: amzn.to/3ubHURs
Here is the Amazon affiliate link to the practice pads: amzn.to/32NKamy
Buying through the links is an easy way to support my KZbin drum lessons. Thank you 🤙
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Introduction
01:38 Toms and snare drum setup
06:46 Bass drum setup
10:47 Cymbals setup
13:54 Bass drum pointers
15:47 Control vibration
19:10 Other resources for your drumming
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[@bkheaney]

I'm graduating from Berklee majoring in performance on drums, and figuring out how I'm gonna practice after i graduate and lose access to the rooms has been a huge concern. This video was a big help. Thank you!

[@bkheaney]

Also, you have great technique and your sound is really crisp! I dig it. Great setup and fantastic solutions. I really like the bass pedal made of the squishy ball.

[@jazzdrumschool]

Congratulations on soon completing your Berklee studies! I'm sure it's changed a lot since I was there in the early 90's!!! Yes, give my ideas a try and see how it works for you. The point really is that we have so many options today. Thank goodness! Keep swinging my friend 🤙

[@jazzdrumschool]

Many thanks for this comment too! Thanks for your kind words and yes, the toy ball works soooo great!

[@jorymil]

Where you live makes a big difference. There's studio space in a lot of larger cities that makes it easier, especially if you don't mind playing a house kit. There's always the "musicians’ house" sort of thing. Von's setup is really good. If you're staying in Boston, I've visited space over in Cambridgeport and in Allston near the Pike.

[@jazzdrumschool]

Thanks for sharing!

[@johnbelfiglio562]

It’s a good setup for an impromptu jam when you have some musician friends over one evening

[@jazzdrumschool]

Hey that's a great idea! If you haven't already, you might also like the sequel to this video. In part 2, I explore Evans dB One heads and cymbals: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3Wtk313md2Ld9k Another cool option for those jam sessions. Keep swinging my friend 🤙

[@johnbelfiglio562]

@@jazzdrumschool I’ll definitely check it out. Thanks!

[@angeloprofera3296]

This is the most helpful type of video I've seen so far. Even my favorite drumming channels weren't so transparent when it comes to the sound. But you said out loud what I was thinking in my head - regarding the mesh heads. I just bought my first acoustic together with mesh heads, currently at work and can't wait to go home to set it up. But thanks to your video, I'm now sure what I'm looking for. Something I enjoy playing. Amen.

[@jazzdrumschool]

Angel thanks so much for watching and for your comment! I'm so glad you found my video helpful. I like to be honest with my reviews of products because I want you and other drummers to find exactly what works for you. I hope you had a great time playing on your new drum set. Congratulations! Keep swinging my friend 🤙

[@angeloprofera3296]

@@jazzdrumschool Thank you so much! I already have and I will continue on having the absolute. time of my life playing acoustic, hehe. Thanks a lot! & Keep on swinging as well my friend! I'll be very happy to return for the next little situation my drums give me to solve.. :)

[@MrTommywomy]

This actually realy helped my witj decideing what practice things to get

[@jazzdrumschool]

Great! You might also enjoy this more recent video about a quiet drum set up: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3Wtk313md2Ld9k Keep swinging my friend🤙

[@MrTommywomy]

@@jazzdrumschool chears

[@willmonson7730]

I enjoy this.Lots of straight forward stuff about playing MUSIC!

[@jazzdrumschool]

Will thanks so much for watching and taking the time to comment! It sounds like you and I think alike. My goal in teaching has always been to help drummers connect their playing to the music. If you haven't already, take a look at my online Jazz Drum School. Everything there too is in that same thinking as well. Many thanks again and keep swinging my friend!

[@gdt76]

Really enjoyed the thorough explanations and the sound samples in this video - thanks so much for a very helpful video! Gavin

[@jazzdrumschool]

Hey Gavin thanks for the comment and for watching! I'm so glad it was helpful. Let me know if how it goes with your quiet drum practice setup. Keep swinging my friend 🤙

[@Subala_Villa]

Thank you so much, one of the best videos on quiet drumming set ups super helpful

[@jazzdrumschool]

Thanks for watching and for the kind words! I'm glad it was helpful. As drummers we seem to always have to think about volume. All the best with your practice and keep swinging my friend!

[@Strykjarn1]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I have been searching around the internet for tips to play quiet in my apartment. You have some of the best tips. 🎼🥁🎼🥁

[@jazzdrumschool]

Thanks so much for kind words and for watching! I'm really glad my video was helpful. I totally know how you feel. Let us know how it goes!

[@JayCohen-cw3yc]

Remo Silent Stroke drumheads are the answer!

[@jazzdrumschool]

Thanks Jay for the comment and for watching! I tried them but wasn't so impressed. I just did a new video where I showcase Evans dB1 heads: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3Wtk313md2Ld9k Let us know what you think about those. Keep swinging my friend 🤙

[@hooliovoncoolio]

This is such a detailed and well done video. I took tons away from it!

[@jazzdrumschool]

I'm so glad you enjoyed and it was helpful. It's a lifetime of quiet drum practice setup challenges and successes in one video. Let me know if you decide to use any of the things or ideas I shared. I'd love to hear. Keep swinging my friend🤙

[@russellwilson2769]

Thanks for the info - great video! I'm currently researching low volume kit ideas for home practice, so this helped a lot. Thanks again! :-)

[@jazzdrumschool]

Russell thanks for commenting and for watching! I'm glad it was helpful. Wishing you the best in figuring out your kit. Keep swinging my friend🤙

[@mertaltin2533]

This video was very enlightening for me! Thanks for sharing your wisdom

[@jazzdrumschool]

Thanks so much for the kind words and for watching! I'm glad it was helpful. Keep swinging my friend 🤙

[@jamieondrums]

Brilliant video mate! Building a drumshed to allow me to practice more often and my biggest problem has always been getting a quiet snare sound without comprimising feel That tip about the sabian quiet tone is great!

[@jazzdrumschool]

Jamie thanks so much for the comment and for watching! I'm psyched for you to have a drum shet. So you'll literally be "shedding" soon. Yes that Quiet Tone really makes a difference. I highly recommend it if you can find one on e-bay or someplace that sells used gear. Swing on my friend🤙

[@alexsouza1750]

Nice vidtube brother great explanation for quiet practice and jazz demonstrate congrats I am work on the thing to snare head 🥁🔔

[@jazzdrumschool]

Thanks Alex for the comment and for watching! I'm glad it was helpful. Yes, the Quiet Tone has been a real game changer for sure. All the best getting things set up and keep swinging my friend 🤙

[@lonniecurtis3540]

hi sir I just ordered the quiet tone 10" practice pad great idea I did have the rubber pad on but not enough rebound or snare sound thank you..

[@jazzdrumschool]

Great choice thanks much! You'll really enjoy it. It's one of those inventions that actually helps us practice with real feeling. Keep swinging my friend 🤙

[@77eternalsunshine]

This vid was so helpful. Thank you very much.

[@jazzdrumschool]

Thanks so much and I'm so glad it was helpful! Are you creating a quiet practice kit for your drumming?

[@77eternalsunshine]

@@jazzdrumschool yes, I will be doing that. I am living in a quiet neighborhood. I have been looking at vids for quiet cymbals that are affordable, came across a few sets that I like the sound of, but they are unfindable. Since I don't live in an apartment, I am looking at ones that aren't silent, just quieter. Your concept of picking different solutions for different parts of the kit is genius.

[@jazzdrumschool]

Thanks so much! I did another quiet drum setup video lately: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3Wtk313md2Ld9k I think you'll like it. The cymbals are absolutely brilliant!

[@zvikamark6305]

Great Video. one of the best that I saw. I practiced for years with the Gumi on the cymbals ,it was the worst thing, I did not enjoy playing , the same is for the snare. E drums I do not like the truth is I do not enjoy to practice at home.

[@jazzdrumschool]

I’m glad you found it helpful Mark. I hear ya on the cymbal mutes and electronic drums. This setup is not perfect but I can definitely practice well for gigs. Let me know if you end up using some of the things I suggested. Keep swinging 🤙

[@Adothedream]

Hi! Thanks a lot for the tips on the bass drum, consider rtom black hole for your tom! They are great on the tom but not on the snare….

[@jazzdrumschool]

Thanks for the comment and for the suggestion! I'll look into it!

[@Luminous_B]

Great video sir. God bless you.

[@Luminous_B]

Such a great drum teacher. You're really good. I'd just love to see you do some gospel chops like they call them hahahaha

[@jazzdrumschool]

Thanks so much for watching and for your kind words! I'm glad you enjoyed and I hope my video helps you put together a fun quiet practice drum kit. Keep swinging my friend 🤙

[@jazzdrumschool]

LOL 😂 Thanks for the suggestion but I'd probably end up with a drum stick in my eye if I tried playing gospel chops. 🤪

[@rondeangelis7384]

Luv my quiet tone. Combined with the Aquarian superpads and L80s, magnificent. Albeit superpads more expensive but well worth the investment. Great feel and jusy place over your acoustic heads. But you had a very good point about edrums. For jazz playing, the dynamics for the cymbals would be an issue. The drums you can get pretty much tuned in. So , i turn the electronic module off, throw on the superpads , turn the mics on and i think I’m playing like von baron 😢. Gotta get my dollar store ball, great idea. Keep up the great instruction vids. You address all facets of playing styles and genre 👌🤙

[@jazzdrumschool]

Ron, thanks for the comment and for sharing your set up! I love it. I checked out the Super Pads and they look great. Micing really improves the experience too doesn't it? I'm glad you find my videos helpful and it's great to connect with you Ron. Keep groovin' on those Super Pads my friend🤙

[@rondeangelis7384]

@@jazzdrumschool hi we conversed few months ago about berklee. I studied off campus brazillian with henrique Almeida And sergio Bellotti at their studios. Great experiences getting to know the teachers at berklee and became friends with skip hadden, john ramsey. Henrique is a monster. Gary chaffee retired and turned over his course content to Henrique. I guess that says something.. i wish i started earlier, so much to learn .. endless journey 🙏🏻

[@jazzdrumschool]

Thanks for the reminder Ron! It sounds like it's time for you to share some drum instruction videos too!🥁🤙

[@TheSPACEDIEVEST1]

I tried all those products and I am much more happier playing the drums without them. If it doesn’t feel or sound like my drums then I don’t want to play it. You also have to be careful that you don’t get accustomed to the pads and loose the feel of actual drumheads.

[@jazzdrumschool]

Thanks for sharing your experience here. I agree with you about sound and feel. Regular drums always take the cake. Still, in my previous home, this setup served me well and helped me to prepare for my gigs when I couldn't open up because of noise considerations. Keep swinging my friend!

[@pablolopez653]

I finally finished building my home practice kit totally inspired on this video. L80s, quiet tone, soundoffs, dollar store ball, all on the go! Aditionally, I sticked a piece of viscoelastic foam where the bass drum beater beats and that came to be PERFECT. It reduces so much the volume but also giving you the sound and the articulation. I have one question, though. I have my toms with a high jazz tuning and when I put the soundoffs they just get too low, rock sounding. On the video your toms sound pretty much like jazz toms, how could I fix this? I have stock, transparent heads on the batter sides, maybe a skinfiber or a coated head would help?

[@jazzdrumschool]

Hey that's awesome! Way to go! I hope you make a video of you playing it so we can all check it out. I'm so glad my video was helpful. Regarding the toms, try tuning your bottom (resonant) head of your toms slightly higher than the batter head. That might just do the trick. Let me know my friend 🤙

[@cdwizzerd]

highly recommend the db1 range of mesh heads from evans. they feel & sound excellent

[@jazzdrumschool]

Thanks very much for your recommendation and for watching! I'll check them out. Keep swinging my friend🤙

[@Namelessforever_]

@@jazzdrumschoolI’m so curious to know if you tried the DB1 heads yet? And if so, what did you think? Great vid by the way!

[@jazzdrumschool]

I did and here's my video review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3Wtk313md2Ld9k I think they're a great option!

[@cdwizzerd]

@@jazzdrumschool try em with fake-calf skin as reso heads on the toms. remo, or evans, its really doesnt matter the toms will sound so full and beautiful

[@benjaminbresler3712]

Great video! Where did you get the rod for the bass drum beater?

[@jazzdrumschool]

Thanks for the kind comment and for watching! I'm glad you enjoyed. It's actually just a regular bass drum beater rod and I removed the hard felt beater. I then replaced it with a dollar store memory foam-type toy ball. I hope that helps and keep swinging my friend 🤙

[@91bigeasy]

This is perfect for my needs!

[@jazzdrumschool]

Great! Glad it was helpful. Check out my Quiet Setup 2.0 video too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3Wtk313md2Ld9k It might give you some more ideas. Keep swinging 🤙

[@91bigeasy]

@@jazzdrumschool I just watched it and now I’m torn between the sabian snare pad and the DB1 snare head! lol

[@jazzdrumschool]

Let us know what you decide!

[@91bigeasy]

@@jazzdrumschool I went with the Sabian! More versatile/useful for my needs. Plus I can play brushes on it.

[@jazzdrumschool]

Great!

[@drumbient472]

Thank you very much for your inspiring and effective advice. Unfortunately, my Quiet Tone came without these 4 internal feet, so I had to return it to the store. It's a simple construction so I'll try to go DIY :) I didn't like R-Tom at all and for now I also think that Evans Sound Off on toms is the coolest. The foam ball beater is great, but the Tama BSQ5S is even quieter. The ball makes a better sound. On the bottom hat there is a damping ring made of a strip of elastic fabric, I don't like this high tone. Now it is muffled too much, but the sound is more pleasant for me. Best regards and I wish you successful experiments with dampening the drums :)

[@jazzdrumschool]

Thanks for the comment and sharing your experiences! That's too bad about your Quiet Tone. I wonder why. Thanks for the tip about the Tama beater too. I recently did a review of the Evans dB One heads for a quiet drum set up: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3Wtk313md2Ld9k You might also enjoy it too. Keep swinging my friend 🤙

[@rv4tyler]

Marriage saver!!

[@jazzdrumschool]

LOL 😂

[@ScoobyDios]

i love this video, do you think is worth doing acoustic insulation in the room, is it more expensive? the cymbals are pretty expensive btw

[@jazzdrumschool]

Thanks for the kind words and question! I think it's worth putting blankets or thermal floor rugs on the walls. Cover all the windows and corners for sure. Also try to hang blankets or rugs above you too. Put down thick puzzle mat or cork mat and rugs under your kit. You might even stick 2 sheets of plywood together and put 50 or so tennis balls under them to make a quick and cheap drum riser. I did this before and it really reduces the vibration from the kick pedal and hi-hat pedal. I recently built a box-shaped inside drum room that has cut down the sound by 80%. If I have time, I'll make a video about it. It cost me about $1500 total. The cymbals are expensive. You might also check out my sequel video about a quiet drum set up: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3Wtk313md2Ld9k You'll get some other ideas and cymbals that I think sound better than the Zildjian Low Volume cymbals. Keep swinging my friend 🤙

[@ScoobyDios]

​@@jazzdrumschool Thank youu, already watched the follow up right after this one haha, i would love a video on your sound insulation

[@jazzdrumschool]

I'll add it to the cue! I think a lot of drummers will be surprised just how inexpensive and quickly one can build a room like mine. If you've subscribed, you get the notification. Have a swinging great day 🤙

[@jakkeh6326]

Do you know if the new quiet tone also gives good snare sound? They moved the feet so that they don't touch the snare head anymore, not sure if I should buy it 🤔

[@jazzdrumschool]

Thanks for watching and for the question Jake. I have no idea. Interesting development. If you get one, please feel free to share here. Keep swinging man 🤙

[@jakkeh6326]

@@jazzdrumschool Ok so here’s the update: I bought the new one and it works great! Works just like in your video but the pad rests on the rim instead of the head, still sounds great though 👍

[@jazzdrumschool]

Wow, great to know! Thanks for sharing so we all can learn from your experience.

[@SimplicityForGood]

is the Evans DB One the best choice now in 2024? or what about the ROland version of silent drum heads? what mesh in 2024 do you guys think works best in an apartment?

[@jazzdrumschool]

Thanks for watching and for the questions! I've tried various heads and I do think that the Evans db One heads are great. They'd be my pick. You might also check out this video I did about them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3Wtk313md2Ld9k Keep swinging my friend 🤙

[@peterfactora3843]

Howzit and Aloha Von! Long time no see! What a great channel you got going. Great info, advice and very creative. Do you get to visit Honolulu from time to time?

[@jazzdrumschool]

Peter! Thanks brah! It's great to hear from you! Means a lot coming from you my friend! I hope to get back this year around Christmas time. I'll be sure to let you know if we can make it! How're the gigs going?

[@peterfactora3843]

@@jazzdrumschool Gigs are pretty much back to normal. Gigging 4 to 5 times a month. No steady 3-6 nighter gigs anymore though. Works good for me. 4-5 gigs a month keeps me Happy! How's the gigs over there in Japan? Please let me know if heading over. Be great to hook up with you.

[@jazzdrumschool]

@@peterfactora3843 That sounds great! Well I'd love to see you play when I come. I'll be sure to let you know. Gigs are getting back to normal here too. Thankfully about 10-12 gigs a month which is perfect for me too. So happy to be playing with humans again😂

[@glennkelly4058]

There are s number of Chinese/generic version of the quiet cymbals at a fraction of the cost.

[@jazzdrumschool]

Thanks for watching! I'm only familiar with the Zildjian Low Volume Cymbals so can't speak to other brands but thanks for the comment. Keep swinging my friend 🤙

[@mykneeshurt8393]

I just got a Tama kit. I can play as loud as I want but the kit is SO LOUD that my ears ring after five minutes. Wearing ear plugs isn't really enjoyable. I need to figure out a fix so I can practice and play. Thank you for this video.

[@jazzdrumschool]

My pleasure and yes, protect those ears! I have an article about the ear plugs I use when things get a little too loud: vonbaronmusic.com/best-earplugs-for-drummers/ Hope it's helpful. Glad the quiet setup I use also gave you some ideas. Keep swinging my friend 🤙

[@jcushon]

Please resend the plywood floor with tennis ball fix for drums info. Thanks!

[@jazzdrumschool]

Just sent it over!

[@jorymil]

Have you found the hats to be ok? I find mine (same 13s you have) really pingy and high-pitched. I really like my 18" ride, though: it's a nice sounding cymbal, and not just of the ”practice" variety. I have the 20” and don't like it nearly as much. Will try the 16 once I sell the 20.

[@jazzdrumschool]

Thanks for the comment and sharing! Sounds like you’re getting your setup the way you want it. My hats sound pretty good. No pingyness. Maybe yours are slightly heavier? I hope you find some you like. Keep swinging my friend🤙

[@ShyrusBean]

Living in an apartment, is it better to get an e drums or do this instead?

[@jazzdrumschool]

Thanks for the comment and for watching! Do you live on the ground floor or 2nd floor or above?

[@ShyrusBean]

@@jazzdrumschool 2nd floor, the highest one of the building. I'm a beginner and technically I would have a place where I could play a acoustic drum (just the kit, without cymbals, snare and pedal). It's a "common rehearsal room" we've built in the town I'm living in. I would have just a few hours during the week, though I think e-drums would be more useful because I could hear "a true drum kit" while I'm using headphones, but I think I would lose some of the technics that I can practice using only a acoustic kit.

[@degoisb]

​@@ShyrusBeanlook up online the diy tennis ball drum stage. That should help with vibrations and soundproofing.

[@jazzdrumschool]

Sorry for the delay here! Earlier this year I built a mostly sound proof room inside a room. I'm planning a short video about it in the near future. I understand you challenges my friend. We have to go through so much just play our kit!

[@jazzdrumschool]

Yes! I did this before on the 2nd floor of our house and it really did almost completely cancel out the vibration from the kick and hi-hat pedals.

[@JMcNultyDrums]

Great content here, thank you.

[@jazzdrumschool]

I’m glad it was helpful. Thanks always for watching and commenting Johnathan!

[@clarknova7331]

Thanks for adding the link to this video in your reply to me previously. You’ve confirmed a lot of what I was already thinking, but also given me some great additional tips and food for thought. I completely agree mesh heads just don’t feel right, nor do rubber cymbal mutes. Lightweight inlays on regular heads seem to be the way to go (I’ve been quite impressed by drum tortillas). From watching lots of other comparison videos, I had decided against Zildjian L80 cymbals as the stick attack totally dominated the cymbal wash, but on your video, they actually sound like cymbals! I’ll definitely be exploring a puzzle mat to combat sound transmission (a cheap and easy alternative to building a tennis ball DIY drum riser!), and using a modified beater and external damping material to control kick volume/tone. I still need to explore the Sabian Quiet Tone snare head in more detail. All in all, another excellent, informative and useful video - you’ve just gained another subscriber ;-)

[@jazzdrumschool]

Clark, thanks so much for subscribing and for your great comment! I've heard of drum tortillas but never used them. I'm gonna look into those. Yeah, the Zildjian cymbals seem to work great for me. No complaints whatsoever but probably best to go with what your ears tell you. I saw that video on the drum riser with the tennis balls. Pretty ingenious although much more involved than puzzle mat. I may make that someday though if I move to a house with wooden floor. I'm thinking ebay or an auction site may be the way to go to find a Sabian Quiet Tone practice pad. Not sure if they're even still making it. Many thanks again 🤙

[@andrewallenpainter1616]

Where are you in Japan? I’m down in Fukuoka…

[@jazzdrumschool]

Hey Andre thanks for connecting! I'm in Nishinomiya next to Kobe. Let me know if you're ever coming my way and I'll let you know if I'm heading to Fukuoka to play. Keep swinging my friend 🤙

[@andrewallenpainter1616]

@@jazzdrumschool awesome! I used to teach at Mukogawa Women’s University some 3 decades ago, when I lived in Kyoto… cheers!

[@rickviehdorfer4755]

I noticed that you have an Evans head on your Q-T. Is it possible to change the head on this practice pad? I currently use a Super Pad on my snare but I’d like to try one of these and being able to use a specific head might be an advantage. Thank you.

[@jazzdrumschool]

Rick thanks for the question! Yes, you can put any drum head you like on a Quiet Tone practice pad. It's still my go-to when I need to tone things down. Keep swinging my friend🤙

[@jazzdrumschool]

Nice!