Comparing 6 Different Drum Dampeners - Which one do you prefer?

[@NickCostaMusic]

Win a complete set of Tandem Drops! FOLLOW me on Instagram @practicallynick . LIKE the tandem drops post, and TAG 3 people in the COMMENTS section. You have until 11:59pm EST on 3/7/24 to enter - good luck! 🥁

[@BrassAttack1]

@NickCostaMusic you did a really nice job on this video. Thank you. I too run my kit wide open, but sometimes we find ourselves in situations where an engineer or client may request a muffled or different sound, and these devices can help. SnareWeight also produces a very effective, adjustable muffling system as well. Thanks for the time and effort you put into this presentation. Well done!

[@NickCostaMusic]

Absolutely, @BrassAttack1 ! When I was younger I use to sigh in my head when an engineer (studio or live) would tell me we needed to tape up the drums to dampen them. Now being a bit older I totally understand why - it's a different sound under the mic than behind the drums. I really hope one day Tandem makes a product that can be used on the bottom head too. Maybe one day! Appreciate you checking out the video and leaving a comment - thank you

[@ForeverDownByLaw]

In my experience, any muffling that bounces off the head when hit, then comes down to dampen, sounds the best. Old school methods, such as tape/napkin do this well, as do the snare weight leather dampeners. I do occasionally use Moon Gel, but the fact that it is stuck on the head and doesn't allow it to sing makes it inferior imo.

[@ForeverDownByLaw]

Also, dampener rings, such as those made by Aquarian or Remo, do a nice job for the same reasons and really can give quick tone options. By the way, that snare sounds great and in my world no dampening would be needed. For my 6.5x14 Supro, a PS3 top head is all that's needed for nearly any situation.

[@NickCostaMusic]

I agree with you - it helps make the drum sound more natural, IMO. I think the drops are a great alternative to gels just because you don't need to deal with the sticky residue that can be left behind

[@NickCostaMusic]

That's a great snare setup! I've always been afraid of trying a PS3 on the snare just because of how heavy it is, though I might need to check it out. Appreciate the info!

[@doughawkins7983]

Gadd Rings. We called them Gadd Rings.

[@NickCostaMusic]

That makes total sense, the king of dead drums!

[@Spagz]

Great vid. Entered to win! 🎉😂

[@NickCostaMusic]

Aw yeah - let’s go, @spagz !

[@bobomchobo]

Thank you for this! Also...I think you accidentally said 'Lugwig"...

[@NickCostaMusic]

You’re very welcome, thank you for checking out the video! As for Ludwig, that’s my Philly accent…😉

[@alsdrumhang]

If I win Imma try them all on the snare and all on the floor tom at once. Because some men just want to watch the world burn🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@NickCostaMusic]

Now I kinda hope you win, so I can see this!!😂

[@alsdrumhang]

Double dog dare accepted@@NickCostaMusic

[@josephwhoric8832]

Internal Tone Controls Do Not Rattle !!!!!!

[@NickCostaMusic]

Some on my drums, when they're disengaged have🤷🏻‍♂️

[@BrassAttack1]

Some internal mufflere can rattle. On some vintage mufflers the cork or rubber washer, that secures the felt to the backing plate, can dry out causing the metal backing plate to rattle. This can typically be remedied by peening the securing rivet and/or replacing the cork or rubber washer.

[@aaronsudasna]

The drops are cool, but honestly all of them sound the same to me. I didn’t like either of the BFSD products, too dead.

[@NickCostaMusic]

Very subtle difference between them for sure, which is why I like em - though I completely understand if they don’t provide enough. Besides the drops or the BFSD stuff, is there anything you use to dampen your snare?

[@aaronsudasna]

@@NickCostaMusic I’m more of a wide open guy, but if I feel like I need dampening, I’ll install an internal muffler

[@NickCostaMusic]

I’m the same way - usually will put a heavier top head if I feel the drum needs dampening. Appreciate you taking the time to check the vid and leave a comment!

[@kvmalley]

I’ve always loved open drums too @NickCostaMusic! I played worship for a long time and got used to using gel, as it’s usually easy to just leave in place with church drums. I’d bring my own snare and a Big Fat SD for that thud! I was onboard the Kickstarter for Drops and I love them! Depending which you use, you can still have plenty of resonance which I love! They work real good on toms too! I know why I don’t use BFSD anymore, especially after this vid!

[@NickCostaMusic]

That's exactly why I got them - I can see them being super helpful when an engineer is hearing an odd overtone both live or in studio. Can't wait to try them out on toms!