Help! Do I "soundproof" my practice space? OR buy an Electric kit?

[Tazerdlaze]

I play my drums in the garage. Moving blankets did next to nothing to reduce the sound. So I bought RTOM black hole pads and Zildjian L80 cymbals. They really do cut the volume way down. Neighbors dont complain. My wife can still hear the drums in the house but they aren't disruptive. I like the sound of L80s and the RTOMs are great, you still get the tone of your drums, just a lower volume.

Maybe this is the way to go? I don't think this is a terrible option at all. Would still allow me to jam with friends at a lower volume as well. Thanks for the suggestion. When you purchased blankets did you buy from vocalboothtogo? Or were they really just moving blankets? This video here has decent results with these acoustic blankets and was kind of what I was thinking of doing

 

[latzanimal]

There is a company in Canada called https://sonopan.com that makes sound barriers in 4 x 8 sheets that are pretty effective. However, they will only ship to the US in 65 sheet increments. I was quoted $5300 for a shipment. If I could find enough others to go in, I'd consider getting a shipment. Problem would be coordinating and distribution.

It is available at Home Depot in Canada. Haven't checked with my local store to see if they would import a shipment. It would probably go from $81.50 a sheet to $160 a sheet...

 

[rikkrebs]

I play my drums in the garage. Moving blankets did next to nothing to reduce the sound. So I bought RTOM black hole pads and Zildjian L80 cymbals. They really do cut the volume way down. Neighbors dont complain. My wife can still hear the drums in the house but they aren't disruptive. I like the sound of L80s and the RTOMs are great, you still get the tone of your drums, just a lower volume.

Good Advice.

I have RTOM heads in my teaching studio along with MUTE silent. I had the L80's and the MUTE sound and feel better to me. They were also only $70 shipped to my for a 16,18,20 with 14" hats pack.

 

[malkire]

Maybe this is the way to go? I don't think this is a terrible option at all. Would still allow me to jam with friends at a lower volume as well. Thanks for the suggestion. When you purchased blankets did you buy from vocalboothtogo? Or were they really just moving blankets? This video here has decent results with these acoustic blankets and was kind of what I was thinking of doing

Just moving blankets. The bit of research I did suggested that moving blankets were similar in composition to the acoustic blankets and much cheaper. I bought quite a lot of moving blankets and some acoustic curtains. They didnt do much in my case. Hopefully you'll have better results. I really do like the RTOMs and L80 cymbals. The RTOMs just snap onto the drums, so they can be removed easily for full volume situations. I havent tried mesh heads, but from what I've read those are way too bouncy, dont feel good, and don't give you any real tone. I want to hear my drums, I just want them quieter. The RTOMS do that. The L80s sound pretty good and are MUCH easier on the ears then my As

 

[Steech]

It’s a long shot, but you could start perusing local Craigslist for a used whisper room. They’re expensive, but if someone needs to get rid of one, you can find deals. That will give you a taste of what a well built room in a room will do for you. Probably too small for rehearsals, but it will get you playing and give you time to plan for a bigger room.

The whisper rooms don’t really do too much for reducing drum volume. Good Hands drum shop in NYC has one and you can still hear most of the volume when someone’s playing in it.

 

[bpaluzzi]

The bit of research I did suggested that moving blankets were similar in composition to the acoustic blankets and much cheaper.

They're not. True acoustic blankets are mass-loaded.

 

[Olrocker]

Silentstrokes + L80s + Roland TM-2 module + Roland triggers + open-back headphones works for me.

 

[eddiej]

I don't think there is an inexpensive solution to be had.

Carving out a drum room from your garage would also require having climate control (heat & a/c) in addition to some of the sound dampening measures previously discussed. If it's a detached garage you would also have security issues to address.

Maybe I missed it but does your house have a basement? If it does not take water making a drum room in the basement might be an option. Make sure you get a dehumidifier.

As for an electronic kit, I've been researching them for different reasons. IMHO unless you are spending $1200 or more all you are buying is a toy.

 

[DanRH]

I have my shed which is a Tuff Shed which has my SC kit with some sound treatment and my garage with used Yamaha DTX720 I picked up used for $1100. The DTX kit gets a lot more use than the SC kit. It’s just easier. If I need to work something out, I just go out to the garage, but yes, I'm in Northern CA. Playing the eKit with others is out . I really don’t use the eKit other than working stuff out for my self. And Personally, I hate low volume cymbals. But that’s me. I know I’m not being much help here in regard to your situation.