Best practice pads & devices according to redditors
We found 89 Reddit comments discussing the best practice pads & devices. We ranked the 34 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 89 Reddit comments discussing the best practice pads & devices. We ranked the 34 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
RealFeel by Evans Folding Bass Pedal Practice Pad https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003URZWLW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ps93AbX2AQGEW but for the same money, just get Yamaha KP65 Electronic Drum Kick Tower https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001R2RA4E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_.s93AbVXPQXMB
Nah, this practice pad is a million times better. Don't waste your money.
Look, I'm in the wrong place. I'm just browsing popular new on my phone- I don't play drums, but somehow I know this. You can buy silencers off amazon for a couple buckaroos.
https://www.amazon.com/SoundOff-Evans-Drum-Mute-Standard/dp/B0007P3528
It seems lame to me to have an expensive acoustic drum set and then have up mute it, but nothing can capture that feel of an authentic set accurately, so I digress. You do you, man.
Some of the items I already owned and a few I bought used, but the 12" pads are Evens ($28 each on Amazon) and the Cymbals were ($13 each on Amazon). The Cymbals were unfortunatly a really hard plastic so I ended up putting old rubber drum mutes on top of them. I got the bass drum pad used from guitar center for $60 and an extra old snare stand for $18. The rest I already owned.
Cymbals https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002F7AEC/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_hlH0DbC78QM0X
12" pads
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FMDIXY/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_GpH0DbAHS5CJC
That really depends. Personally I'd say that you'll never become interested in drumming unless you can get on an actual set, but I totally understand not wanting to spend 500+ on something you might dislike. Drumming on a pad is not a bad idea to get rhythms down and such, but it doesn't really translate to an actual set. Instead, or in addition to a pad, you should try to find someone who has a set of their own. If you don't know anyone personally, you may want to make some friends at a local music store (Guitar Center is always a solid go-to) and see if they can show you some basics, either in-store or at home.
Also, note that a lot of drum places, Guitar Center included, allow you to play whatever sets they're displaying. Don't be afraid to sit down and try em out.
Its also definitely worth looking for a cheap hand-me-down set on Craigslist or eBay or something. I got mine for just over 200 and have slowly been upgrading it ever since until I had a fully fleshed out set. Plus, if you do make a purchase and you end up not liking it, chances are someone else will take it.
Other than that, I don't know what to tell you other than welcome to drummer-hood. Oh and also, if you do get a drum pad, I'd suggest this one. I've had it for over 3 years and I love it.
This, these, and one of these will get you started for $53.10
Or if you want to go nuts, one of these.
The only thing you really need in the beginning is a practice pad like that one, this book and a pair of sticks.
If you can bear practicing like this without giving up because of the boredom that is learning the fundamentals, a second-hand e-drum kit is an inexpensive and space-saving way of getting into playing on a whole set. It also means you won't annoy your neighbors too much.
My Innovative Percussion Pad is pretty lightweight and feels great to play on. It's 12 inches or so, fits perfectly in a backpack.
They’ll help a little but you’ll still hear it through the wall. Ideally the kit needs to be on a raised board with minimal contact with the ground.
Theres a good DIY method using tennis balls
Otherwise they should really buy a practice pad for the kid.
I see a lot of people using this : http://www.amazon.co.uk/Evans-RealFeel-inch-Practice-Pad/dp/B000FT9ZIO/ref=sr_1_2?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1409067215&sr=1-2
You can pretty easily find online metronomes as well.
I've had this bass riff stuck in my head for a couple of days now and had been playing it over and over on my bass ukulele trying to remember what song it was -- Ms. Shins (who's an accomplished drummer) started filling it out with her drum pad and about 30 minutes later it hit her what song it was. Bloody hell. I can be pretty damned thick at times.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjWd_7OzO84
Ever seen these? Really good for tight spaces, kinda pricey though.
http://www.amazon.com/Drum-Workshop-CPPADTS5-Anywhere-Stand/dp/B000UJEGT2/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1377546972&sr=8-7&keywords=practice+pad+drums
http://amzn.com/B0007P3528
I got it from amazon and it was 68 bucks I’d say it could could be heard in an open office setting but if you don’t have it up against a wall it may be quite enough. I’d worry more about the creaking of your kick honestly.
How about this if you can't get a proper kit?
Get yourself a good practice pad!
My Personal Favorite: Aquarian Tru Bounce
Another Option
And start practicing RUDIMENTS.
This site will show you the sheet music, as well as a video and audio sample so you know what to play. These rudiments are your basic drumming vocabulary - everything we play as drummer's uses rhythms and techniques that can be developed through practicing these. With a pad, you'll learn to develop control over the stick, which is the hardest part of getting started.
When you have the chance to get on a kit, it'll make the transition easier!
I dig it! Don't take this the wrong way, it's just an observation...but it reminds me of a RealFeel practice pad: https://www.amazon.com/RealFeel-Evans-Practice-Pad-Inch/dp/B000FT9ZIO
You could go cheaper if you buy a practice pad stand, a practice pas and a bass drum kick pad. I'd also highly suggest that you get yourself a metronome to practice to.
But if you are lazy and don't mind spending a little bit extra money buy the DW Practice Anywhere Kit
DW Drum Workshop CPPADTS5 Go Anywhere Pad Set with Stand https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000UJEGT2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_TNQJAbAAFFK4M
They think it will be louder even if you don't play the current kit? You can tell them you'll get mute pads like these.
If you are a real beginner, then this remo pad is what you need. https://www.amazon.com/Remo-RT-0008-00-Practice-Ambassador-Drumhead/dp/B0002E56H6
it will give you the best idea of how drums rebound and respond to the stick at your level, and its super cheap. As you advance, you may want to invest in a rubber pad like this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000FMDIXY/ref=pd_aw_lpo_267_bs_tr_img_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=3SH33RTP2XM0BMQYPPX8
Personally, i really dont think you need a fancy electronic pad, especially as a beginner, but even at higher levels i dont see any benefits that having good ears or a good teacher dont privide. i think theyre just a waste of money, and especially if you are going to be playing latin music, not helpful. The only time i can see them being helpful is in training drumlines, but idk. Id love to hear other peoplea opinions on them!
Purchase "Stick Control: For the Snare Drummer" to learn rudiments ($10 US) and a drum pad. One that has a bit of volume to it and a rim as well is by Remo 10" size: https://www.guitarcenter.com/Remo/Practice-Pad-442968.gc
I just picked up an Evans 12" pad since it is more silent:
Evans Realfeel 2-Sided Practice Pad, 12 Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FMDIXY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_G8zBDbK01796S
I bought the drumeo one. I like it because it has 4 tiers. It simulates moving around the kit but you only have to buy one pad. A little pricey at $60 amazon but I don’t regret it.
https://www.amazon.com/Drumeo-P4-Practice-Pad-Planet/dp/B01IRNGWDK
I was thinking of this one http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000FMDIXY/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
This one by benny grab is pretty good.
This is the one I own, its really good as well.
If dont have a stand or designated table to put you drum pad on, you can consider this .
I think /u/calunderscoretissue is refering to practice pads.
I'd say get the book Stick Control, maybe a cheap metronome and do exactly what it says. Buy a good drum pad. These things will improve your playing to a new level, not to mention decrease fatigue. Drumming behind a drumset isn't all there is to playing drums. Dig it.
I'm not trying to be funny or mean here. This. Ten minutes every time before you hit the set^(more would be better but you get the idea)
Evans Apprentice. It's decent, but I've never had another one so I'm not sure if it's that much better or worse than others out there.
Those actually look perfect. Gonna watch some YouTube vids on them now. Little pricey though. Do you have any experience with with mutes like these by any chance?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000SSMJG2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_.y8XDbASENADM
Wondering if those can also be good options for me.
I had a look at Billy Hyde pad but it is slightly over my budget. Do you know if Stagg practice pads are good? I found it on Amazon and the review looks good
https://www.amazon.co.uk/TD-08R-Ten-Sided-Desktop-Practice-8-Inch/dp/B06XGZTCZX/ref=sr_1_2?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1521216364&sr=1-2&keywords=practice+drum+pad
Drum kit.
Tunebot
Moongels
Cajon
I've been using Moongel Drum Dampening pads to clean the stylus in my Sumiko Blackbird cartridge for more than a year and it works fantastic. Before every side of every record. Like Oznow but much cheaper.
For practicing at home, I really like the Evans RealFeel practice pad. I went for the 12" so I can use it in my extra snare stand easily.
As for sticks, you can either go for what feels the best for now or go on the heavier side for chops building as /u/justawildyaz said.
Personally, I love these ProMark Neil Peart signature sticks.
Good luck, newbie. Rock it.
Well, I guess thats up to you. I wouldn't spend the full 3 hours working on just double bass though, thats just crazy. If its really important to you, 40mins to an hour per day is a healthy amount of time to focus on one aspect of your drumming. Heres the pad I have myself, http://www.amazon.com/RealFeel-Evans-Folding-Pedal-Practice/dp/B003URZWLW would definitely recommend it.
Just read one of the reviews for it there where some guy thought the pedal was going to come with it, lol!
The trick with this stuff is finding the right thickness: ideally an 8th of an inch does the trick. Dunno how thick the stuff in the Amazon link is, and if you're paying more than a few bucks (liks: 3$ tops) you might as well buy the real thing:
https://www.amazon.com/Moongel-RTOM-Resonance-Pads/dp/B00GXNZP80
Heavy sticks with easy exercises. The Finger Control Book by Roy Burnes and Lewis Malin is great for proper technique. Hell, you can see the pictures from the beginning of the book on Amazon for free. Using heavier sticks than you normally play with is just like adding more weight to a workout.
Get yourself a nice practice pad if you don't already have one.
Make sure your fingers are in the right grip, and play quarter notes with a strong upstroke -- snap up into a stretched wrist. For the downstroke, just relax your wrist and let it fall.
Most people focus on hitting the drums. The upstroke is equally if not more important than the downstroke for proper technique development.
I've never had a reason to do any stretches. In general, static stretching is good after exercise but bad before it. Warm up with some technical exercises that work your fingers/wrist and stretch them dynamically.
Most importantly, stop when you feel pain. Massaging afterward is great, and ice to follow doesn't hurt.
I would highly suggest some lessons with a drum teacher familiar with that book that demonstrates superb, relaxed technique. If you're in Southern California, I can make a recommendation.
I picked these up and have been happy with them.
https://www.amazon.com/Vic-Firth-MUTEPP6-Fusion-Cymbal/dp/B009D659H6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1526494781&sr=8-1&keywords=vic+firth+drum+pads
I only started over Christmas but I've been learning through the rudiments on this practice pad: http://www.amazon.com/Evans-2-Sided-Practice-Pad-Inch/dp/B000FMDIXY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420331721&sr=8-1&keywords=practice+pad.
I've been using this site : http://www.vicfirth.com/education/rudiments.php ,they have some explanations of what each rudiment is (I am total beginner to music so couldn't understand the more complicated ones just from the notation) and some different levels that I have been attempting (bronze to platinum).
Depending on the quality of their setup, a nicer practice pad for the snare would be a terrific gift, and only cost ~$30.
These are the pads I would recommend:
Durable, Reliable. What I use at home
Precise rebound for marching band or metal
Flagship practice pad. Beautiful feel/response, but $50 I/O $30
Here is the mobile version of your link
Hi Everyone,
My name is Paul and I'm the founder of Movement Drum Co. I created business because I realized how difficult it is to practice/play the drums. My mission is to help drummers practice and play anywhere.
www.movementdrum.co
Our product is also available on amazon -https://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Portable-Practice-Pad-Black/dp/B01F320XLK?ie=UTF8&redirect=true
Oh man, I have mesh heads on my electronic kit, but I am kind of craving setting my acoustic set back up. A reason for buying my electronic kit was to reduce the noise, but it seems like I can buy
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007P3514/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_img?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2O9QTWKZVO66Q&coliid=I2U8AY8IEJNMZF
and/or https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007P3528/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2O9QTWKZVO66Q&coliid=I23QIMXX86KA7E
or maybe some mesh heads. Very exciting. Any recommendations?
sorry, i should've been more specific: i already have a practice pad- https://www.amazon.co.uk/TD-08R-Ten-Sided-Desktop-Practice-8-Inch/dp/B06XGZTCZX/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=practice+pads&qid=1565791557&s=gateway&sr=8-3 - i was looking for something with sound to play around with, while primarily using my practice pad for rudiments and timing, ect.
Where you looking for something different from this?
Vic Firth Drum Set Mute Prepack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FREODC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_YkhpxbHGYM107
Here is the desktop version of your link
I dig this one: http://www.amazon.com/Vic-Firth-Heavy-Hitter-Slim/dp/B0002F5C8S/
It's got a quiet and a loud side, it's roomy and sits on my snare nicely without much room to slide around. Its response is on the bouncy side, which I like. Mine has stood up to 2.5 years of consistent practice without showing any wear to speak of, though it does look a bit dirty now. I like the tone it generates- clear and higher pitched than other practice pads I've used.
On the downside, it's large, pretty heavy, and can't be mounted on a cymbal stand.
The most realistic practice pad that I can think of is Xymox, supposed to be just like a marching snare although I've never used one(to be fair, I've also never played on a marching snare).
I usually use an Evans Soundoff which has less rebound than the snare drum I keep it on top of, but still has some rebound. It's a great way to build your chops though, and I prefer it to a pillow which doesn't feel much like a drum at all.
I also own a Beatnik, which is a great practice pad as well. It's quite a bit bouncier than a snare drum, but it's a good tool to measure your accuracy and consistency more exactly than your ear and a metronome could. I should probably use it more than I do, lol.
http://www.amazon.com/Drum-Workshop-CPPADTS5-Anywhere-Stand/dp/B000UJEGT2
This is probably what you are looking for. At $170 it's way cheaper than a full on electronic set, but gets you the ability to practice with the pedal and moving around a set. Great for dorm rooms or small practice space.
http://www.amazon.com/Beatnik-RA1200P-RA1200p-Rhythmic-Analyzer/dp/B000GF1CNS
real time analysis of your accuracy, volume
analysis of all subdivisions from 1 to 8 from tempos 25 - , can program patterns like OP listed, can program in rests, can take out notes from subdivisions, etc.
Is this the stuff you use? How do you know it's the same as the "official" stylus cleaner? Never knew there was such a cheaper alternative but I'd like to give it a try if its really the same stuff.
Depending on your walls you might be able to get away with these.
George Lawrence Stone's Stick Control
I use that book daily, along with a good drum pad like this
Above was some recommendation for practicing with drummers; I would go even further and recommend actual simple drumming.
There's a very useful gadget called the Beatnik Rhythmic Analyzer that is a drum practice pad is interactive, and will give you feedback about how well you matched the metronome.
http://www.amazon.com/Beatnik-RA1200P-RA1200p-Rhythmic-Analyzer/dp/B000GF1CNS
I found one used on ebay for $50.
IMHO 90% of rhythm skills are transferable to other instruments. (My primary instrument is guitar.)
If you're really short on money, you could still try drumming with your fingers to a metronome, letting you focus on just that single thing.
These work insanely well and they're cheap.
http://www.amazon.com/SoundOff-Evans-Drum-Mute-Standard/dp/B0007P3528/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1416235633&sr=8-2&keywords=evans+drum+mute
Just search by size if you need a different size and they sell them individually as well, but that's a great price for the set. Then I bought some cheap hand towels at Target, cut a hole in the middle and draped them over the cymbals.
The mutes still let the drums have a distinct sound, but very muffled and quite. The towels on the cymbals don't let them ring, but you still get a decent "clank" to let you know you hit it.
All in all...I invested like $25 and unless you're in the room, you can't hear anything....cept maybe a cymbal here and there.
Try one of those DW practice pad kits. They're about 163 dollars on amazon.com right now and they'll supplement you with everything that you'll need to start building your stick and bass drum chops.
Some of the best drummers started with literally nothing, so just make the best of your situation and go two feet off the cliff!
http://www.amazon.com/Drum-Workshop-CPPADTS5-Anywhere-Stand/dp/B000UJEGT2
If you just want a 'basic, all around' stick I would recommend SD1s from Vic Firth. They are a great, standard size stick that can be used for a lot of different purposes.
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https://www.amazon.com/Vic-Firth-American-SD1-General/dp/B0002F4TKA
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If you want to immediately start out with marching percussion, the stick I would recommend starting with Ralph Hardimons also from Vic Firth.
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https://www.amazon.com/Vic-Firth-Corpsmaster-Signature-Hardimon/dp/B0002F6NJA?keywords=Corpsmaster+drum+sticks&qid=1540777270&s=Musical+Instruments&sr=1-1&ref=sr_1_1
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There are other types of marching sticks with some different features that can be better or worse for you depending on what you are playing, your natural playing tendency and other things but these are sticks that have a nice weight, about the standard size for marching sticks and will help you while at least starting off and learning some of the basics.
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As far as practice pad, I would recommend any double sided pad with two different types of material to play on. One that I have used for many, many years that I believe is a great pad is the double sided Reel Feel pad.
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https://www.amazon.com/Evans-2-Sided-Practice-Pad-Inch/dp/B000FMDIXY
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There are other pads than this that are also really good, I am not saying this is the "only" pad you should get, but that this pad will certainly work for what you need.
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I hope this helps some.
Here is the advice that I will give you: I suggest going out getting a practice pad, any piece of rubber like this and whenever you are watching TV, your playing a game of fortnite or whatever kids play these days, even just during lunch, Just tap on it. It is all about muscle memory. Muscle memory is extremely helped by daily practice so make sure to tap a little bit every day.
WALL OF TEXT AHEAD.
I am a guitarist/bassist turned drummer as well. I've recently discovered that it's much easier to keep time and play syncopated rhythms on the kick if you change the tension to loose. Check this video out if you haven't yet. Dave's slide technique changed the way I kick, and my knees don't hurt nearly as much.
As for finding "independence" of your limbs, repetition is key. Do it slowly, and create muscle memory. Another way I've been able to start attempting more complex things is that I visualize the rhythms themselves in "shapes", similar to what I would do for a chord progression on guitar or bass.
I visualize a line where my arms have to move in order to hit the correct drums and cymbals. I do this slowly and build up speed and eventually I can get it down.
Also, BUY A PRACTICE PAD! THIS ONE! I bought mine a few months ago since I used to live about an hour away from my kit, and I would practice rudiments daily and then apply them on my kit at the end of the week. I can do a lot of the rudiments now, which helps you learn how to save your arms from getting tired, and you learn more wrist control to find more efficiency out of your stroke.
TL;DR: Make sure you set up your kit correctly, practice slowly to build muscle memory, and eventually you can start creating what you head in your head.
Hey Paradigm84! Guess what. :) I ordered drum sticks and a practice pad. Everything should be here within the next week. I ordered the below items:
Your input helped me in getting this equipment. Thank you!
He has autism. In a world where he is constantly being corrected, music therapy allows him to react naturally and enjoy the moment. There's no wrong way. He also learns turn taking when he and the therapist go back and forth through singing.
What do you think of this one? https://www.amazon.com/Evans-RealFeel-2-Sided-Practice-Pad/dp/B000FMDIXY/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1542302041&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=drum+practice+pads&psc=1#
Get a practice pad drum set such as this.
i have had the Evans real feel pad for a while and it is really good for a durable pad and it plays pretty well too. never heard of the drumeo 4 surface before though. https://www.amazon.com/RealFeel-Evans-Practice-Pad-Inch/dp/B000FMDIXY?th=1 this is the link to the pad that i use myself if you want to check it out.