Practice Pads

[Bad Drummer]

Hey guys,

I have started to teach, and I'm beginning to get some students (this is for community service of course). Because its for community service, I don't have any income from it, so I don't want to have to buy practice pads for my students, but I don't want to have my students shell out the money for a practice pad (it's hard enough to keep students!). What are some ideas for cheap practice pads that I can just make by myself?

Happy Thanksgiving by the way.

[RickJames]

Mouse pads would work as make shift practice pads.

[Bad Drummer]

Thanks. I think I will try that. Any other ideas, folks?

[vince]

Thanks. I think I will try that. Any other ideas, folks?

I cut a circle in wood, and glued on It an old aerobic carpet... Almost noiseless, and without too much rebound !

[NUTHA JASON]

i have made loads of different pads over the years. like i once nailed an old pair of thongs tp a piece of wood. i found a tractor tire innertube and cut it into a single band that was about 15 cm wide and 3 metres long. then i wound this around a piece of wood over and over. those foam peak hats work too.

j

[somedrummer]

Mousepads and plywood. And maybe some glue.

[Casper "DrPowerStroke" Paludan]

Mousepads and plywood. And maybe some glue.
I don't understand peoople that recommend no-rebound surfaces. Then why not just ask everybody to bring their own pillow or let them play on their jeans?

If you are not going to teach the kids about rebound, I wonder what you will teach them? The rebound is one of the truly thrilling elements of drum technique, fundamental to all drumset technique, so my advice would be to get some good rubber and glue it to wood. It would surprise me if you don't get a pad on par vith RealFeel's or Vic's. DPS

[matt949]

I am going to purcahse a practice pad probably this weekend and the only question i have is which pads hold up the longest?
only brads i know are reel feel, remo, and vic firth. is a there any other i should look at instead?

[lowender]

Depends on your budget I guess. I started off with a Big Dog pad (about 8" I think) which I still have in my kit bag just in case and can say that it's as good as any others I've played and only about £12.

I recently shelled out for a 12" reel feel to stick on my snare (it hexagonal and fits a treat) or just to put in my snare basket as the 8"er didn't fit so well on its own and would move around on my snare if I laid into it a bit.

I'm very happy with my reel feel but it cost me about £38 and I only got it cos I was a bit flush. Otherwise I probably would have got one of the bigger Big Dog pads.

Hope that helps.

[nerdy]

the pro mark xpads are good. theyre like forty bucks though.

[pinkdaffodil]

I have been looking for a new practice pad after busting my old homemade one, and I finally purchased a HQ "real feel" pad.
I hope I am not repeating anyone here, but do anyone out there know of anything a little more "real feel". Sometimes it feels like an absolute waiste of time practicing on the practice pad, as I will have to do it all over on my snare anyway. It may be because of the way I have tuned my snare (I am a complete idiot at tuning drums), but the bounce of the pad is just way too much. I have been thinking about a moongel pad, but before I do anything, I'd like to hear what you guys thing....

[eyeofthebeholder447]

i usually use a pad that cost quite cheap (no idea what it cost since i bought it about 5 years ago!) and it has much less bounce than my snare which I find good as it prepares you more for rudiments, and if you can play at a certain speed on a less bouncy pad then ur sure to play faster on a more bouncy snare.

Anyway more to the point...it shouldnt make that much difference but u may want 2 try out some different pads to c one that suites you. IMO less bouncier ones do the job.

[pinkdaffodil]

Which one is it that you use????

[Lil' Drummer Boy]

I have an HQ real feel double sided and it feels pretty real to me

[glen gratto]

Hi Guys,I love Remo tunable pads,they feel like a snare drum and you can adjust tuning.As you get older,there is too much vibration with rubber pads.Bad for your hands!They dont feel anything like a drum,and there is no rim,I hate rubber!!!!

[jangus]

Yeah I use a realfeel for practicing when it needs to be quiet, but any other chance I get I have one of the Remo pads with an actual head on it. And I imagine the vibration from the rubber pads can eventually have a negative effect on your joints.

[jamndrummer]

http://www.indoorstorm.com/fcs/product_info.php?products_id=192

You will be well pleased practicing on this!

[bouncingdude]

I have been drumming since the age of 7 and have also plenty of schooling in the bag. Fall 2004 I had an accident and had a hairline fracture in my left hand (I play traditional grip). I was in a cast for 6 weeks and after the cast was removed my left hand and muscles were extremely weak. Rehab was not an easy road either. I was determined to make a come back and as soon my left hand was strong enough I started to practice my technique again. This is what I have done and it has worked wonders for me. Practice rudiments, finger control, mueller technique, etc. on a moongel pad. Get the heaviest sticks you can find, e.g. oak corps drumming sticks and then put stick weights on the sticks. It WILL feel awkward and difficult at first but I promise, the results, if you are patient, will be amazing. My hands are stronger than ever now and I can do things with much more ease on the drums that I couldn't do before. The moongel pad is amazing and your technique will benefit tremendously.

After practicing on the moongel pad with heavy sticks and stickweights, I feel like my hands go on auto pilot when putting a pair of 5As in them. It's incredible.

Very important! As with any kind of weight training, if you feel pain, stop or slow down.

Good luck!

[Casper "DrPowerStroke" Paludan]

[QUOTE=glen gratto]As you get older,there is too much vibration with rubber pads.QUOTE]
I am sorry, but this is nonsense. There is nothing bad about practicing on rubber. If you want an example, look at Jim Chapin. 85 and playing all day, every day on a HQ pad in his lap. He can hardly walk but he has hands like a 20 year old.

To the original question about the use of practicing on a bouncy surface: this is extremely important to do. In fact, for even more rebound, use a light stick such as Dom Famularo's Pad Stick. The idea is to learn to use rebound effectively, not replicate the feel of a drum. The drum has what rebound it has, but if you learn ON a drum only, you might pick up the bad habit of pulling up needlessly. The pad teaches the rebound, and as I see it, that is THE most important technique lesson. Everything else you can practice on a drum.

In extension of my above pooint I strongle warn against using weights, pillows, and any other tool that will teach you to pull up, rebound or no rebound. It will develop the opposite of graceful technique.

As for which pad to use, I like Vic Firth's pad. The rubber is better than HQ's.

Happy shedding! DPS

[Panos_from_greece!]

Yes that was exactly what i wanted to say too.The pad teaches you the rebound.It should be better for you to use a little heavier stick (for example a 5b in pad if you play 5a in drums) and you'll gradually excel the art of rebound!This will affect your drumming tremendously because you wont have to make extra lifting moves on the stick.You'll just feel the drum's rebound so perfectly that you will almost instantly adjust the right movements of your hands!

I hope i helped

[Casper "DrPowerStroke" Paludan]

I am going to purcahse a practice pad probably this weekend and the only question i have is which pads hold up the longest?
only brads i know are reel feel, remo, and vic firth. is a there any other i should look at instead?
I swear by Vic, their rubber is great!
DPS

[Bryan]

I swear by Vic, their rubber is great!
DPS

I love my VIc Firth as well, great feel to it.

I did have a real feel for about 8 years and never had a problem with it either, but if I'm not mistaken the Vic Firth is slightly less expensive.

[da cheese walks]

Haha!!!Im a scab!!i didnt bother buyin a pad....I made my own...got a table mat an stuck a mouse mat to it,with the underside of the mouse-mat facing out....it may not have a brand name but it works really well!!!

[eyeofthebeholder447]

Which one is it that you use????

(sorry about the delay in reply) Its an all black cheap "Percussion" one. It takes a beating. Iv had it for 5 years now and its shown little wear only marks. I use it alot and it has proved to get my hands quicker and prepared me more for playing on the kit.

I tried to attach a pic but it was to big file. If you desperatly want a picture of it id be happy to email one or whatever...

[Peter J]

Hey Pink

I know what you mean about rubber pads and the excessive rebound--However, this is not a bad thing if your still training your hands to play utilizing stick rebound. If you feel your comfortable with rebound check out a pad made by Sabian called the Quiet Touch-- it really replicates the feel of a snare drum and it is tunable--not for sound but for tension to control rebound--it even has the diameter of a snare--the best part is that it has vibration sensitive feet and is designed to be placed on a snare drum to get the snare sound without the volume.

Pete

[Ronnie]

I have been spending alot of time lately with my practice pads. I've noticed a huge improvement in my stick control and speed executing my chops. I've tried the pillow exercises but did not like them, for they left my hands aching and cramped. The best way I've been able to gain speed and control is to, Frist practice with my " Porto Practice Pad", made by W.L.F. Drum Company, yes it's ancient, mine dates back to the 60's, but it's a very thick piece of rubber that gives you minimal rebound without straining your hands. Then moving to a harder pad that has better responce. Wow the result's for me have been great.

I don't know if anyone makes a soft rubber pad like the "Porto" any more? There are so many Practice Pads out there today, and the cost of a good pad is crazy. I have to ask, is it realy worth $40.00 for a pad of rubber. I've played the "HQ Reel Feel" at the local stores and liked the feel of that pad the most of all the ones I've tried. But the thing is that real drums with real heads don't feel the same as a great practice pad. Maybe my snare that's cranked up tight, but the tom's don't.

So the Million Dollar Question is, If speed and crontrol is gained from using softer pads that make your hands build endurance, or for you pillow beaters, using pillows for strength building, " Is using super responsive practice pads helping us, or giving us a false sence of feel to our practice "? Yes nothing is better than playing the real thing, our real drums, but shelling out lots of money for a pad, or even the latest craze of practice pad sets that are ridiculously priced, seems to be more of a way for marketing companies to make more money from us starving drummer's.

Sorry for rambling.

[Stu_Strib]

Well a drum feels more like a practice pad than a pillow, so using the pad is only going to help teach the muscle groups in your fingers, hands, wrists, and arms.

[pete_on_drums]

hi
I use these practice pads that I got from Gear4music.com
http://www.gear4music.com/index.php?sec=proddetails&pcode=SDP6
and they are quite good! except that you dont get any cymbal pads and I still dont get how you put the bass drum pad on!
but they are pretty good.
In my local drum shop. you can get one of them snare practice pads(bit like them real feel pads,) for £18 or the smaller 6" one for £11.

[Frummer]

IMHO i feel that rubber bouncy pads are like pampering your hands...and when you get on a real set...you fumble.That always happen to me.

I recommend the e-pad...not too bouncy...not too soft...defintely faster and smoother once on drumset...try it =D

[nadslaing]

I recenently purchased a good old Billy Hydes rubber practice pad. I too agree that the bounce is too much. I was practicing my parradiddles today on the practice pad at about 120bpm, then decided to give it a go on the actual snare drum. Needless to say, I struggled big time. The bounce off the snare just doesn't feel the same.

[shuffle]

I am often away from my set, for travelling purposes, and I also spend a lot of time on the practice pad. I used to carry a Vic Firth rubber pad, but I never liked the feel of it. I recently bought a Roland RMP-3 practice pad, and I like it very much.

The remo mesh head's feel is much better than the rubber pad, and you can adjust its tension. You get a built-in metronome, and you can use a headset which gives you both the sound of the metronome and the plain sound of the stick.

Very expensive, however, for a practice pad, as for all Roland products.

[ReX]

I'm just wondering how often (if ever) others replace, or get a new practice pad. I've had my current one (Real Feel) for about three years. I have a sneaking suspicion that the rubber is slllooowwwwlllyyy getting a bit harder. Not helped in the least by my using it as a drinks coaster, sitting in the sun (I like to practice poolside), etc.

Logic suggests that a pad might "crap out" after a while, although not nearly as soon as a batter side head. Thoughts? Experiences? Am I being a*al?

[toxegendrummer]

There is a chance that leaving it out in the sun may have dried it out a bit...never had this problem with a practise pad

[jollymosher]

yah, thats a safe bet dude. haha ide suggest a new one. and just dont leave it out.

[ReX]

Yeah...I rarely leave it out for long, but UV's do have their way with things.

[Martal]

What pad,if any,are you guys using?I have a small Stagg one and am thinking of upgrading,if you will.Its so small that its bugging me.I tried to do the Weckl DoubleStroke Technique today and can barely fit 1 sticks motion on it.

[Drummerboy3940]

I use a double sided Real Reel Practice Pad. It is the bigger version. I dont know the correct size but I think it is either a 12 or 14 inch. It is big enough for all three snares in my drumline to warm up on with more than enough space.

[Ekim]

I have the Reel Feel too. Great pad. I usually only use the rubber bouncy side. I should switch it more often.

[fourstringdrums]

I have the HQ Reel Feel (12") I love it. It has a much nicer feel and is quieter (to me) than the Vic Firth.

[radiofriendlyunitshifter]

and as do i. awesome tool. i have the remo practice pad, and although it was very drum-like, it was just too loud.

[Drummerboy3940]

I also have a pad that has snare beads in it to create a snare drum like sound.

[RMS]

I also have a pad that has snare beads in it to create a snare drum like sound.
I have that pad, too. Starts with an "X"...

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

I use a Shaw 6" red pad. It's really, really good. Much better than the Pearl one I was using before, I got a deal on it too because I bought it from Noonan. Heh. I really want to try out Shaw sticks as well, they look like quality items.

[Drums558]

I bought a Roland Rythm Coach and love it. You can change the tension on the mesh head to feel more like a real drum, plus it has a built in metronome and many other electronic features to practice along with.
Has anyone tried the beatnik (?) pad?
Mike

[syaoran05]

i use a think hardbound english-filipino dictionary. the thickness of the book gives just the right amount of give so that it doesnt feel like a wall. i hit the back cover real hard at first to soften the hard cover. it feels like a real snare. i keep the front cover as it is and i hit it lightly to keep the hardness. it feels like one unusual snare that i played that i think was tuned insanely tight and i even thought they put plywood under the batter head or something. its noisier than a practice pad but hey i never spent more than $4 on that. and it helps me on my language too hehehe

[rendezvous_drummer]

I have tis crappy pad that my cousin wrote a whole bunch of police rules. He's obsessed with the police....anyways i hate it because their is little rebound. I want to get a real feel one though.

[metalheadeza666]

I use a tiny VicFirth pad. It is a better idea to use the larger ones because as a previous poster said you can use it without your sticks getting in the way of each other or not being able to use both sticks on it. I'm lookin to upgrade soon.

[Disco Stu]

I use a Beato Stealth Practice Pad. I actually got it free with a set of Beato Bags that I bought, but I love it. It is small though, so probably not your cup of tea.

[syaoran05]

im still for the thick hardbound books... you hear each stroke distinctively so i guess it will help on polishing your rudiments or something... i think large encyclopedias will do the trick hehehe

[Class A Drummer]

Im using a very small Remo pad. I love it because i can tighten it with a screw driver, as you would normally with a tuning key.

[kzdruma]

I own, and love, my HQ real feel 6" pad. Vic Firth also makes a good pad

[jollymosher]

i have a remo. its loud its heavy and it doesnt have enoff bounce (even after tuning)

[Chip]

I have a mousepad on a wooden table for exaggurated rebound to help for control, I use a pillow so I can then do the exercises on low toms etc. I also have a different mousepad that nicely replicates a drum/cymbal.

[Latin Groover]

I need a real practice pad, because the one i have now, well it isnt really a practice pad, you know how when you get the 2 sided ones. 1 side is a soft warm up side, then the hard real feel 'workout' side on the other half. The pad i have now is MDF with some i spose 'medium-hard' foam(no foam is really hard though) then with a smaller circle of soft foam glued ontop. Now i dont believe this is any good at all so ive been tossing up between 3 ideas.

1) I found for $70AUD a REMO pad kit (the one that has black pads and red rims) on EBAY, plus shippping so it will end up something like $140 i think. But does any1 have this set, is it any good, do they feel realistic.
2) The Thomas Lang REMO kit, this is what i really want, but i cant buy it brand new, cause its so damb much, and ive been on ebay everyday for the past 27 days to look for one but there is never one for sale. Any1 got one i can buy? This seems like the best kit out there ut yea.
3) We all know those ruber compund pads that come with a stand, like $70AUD so i spose around 40-50US. Im thinking just buy 4 of them then get a bass drum one as well. Now this idea is good because i can buy 1 thing at a time, which is good cause i need to save my money for a trip im going on. (Im going to Germany for 1month. Maybe i can find some DW members while im over there, Karl.[Trips in September]) So i could get it piece by piece. But is it a good idea? Would it be better to get one of the proper practice kits. And also if anyone has the 'red rimmed' remo kit, can you tell if the pads have different sounds...higher pitched pads for the toms. And same with the Thomas Lang one, (but i think it does). I think i could buy different sized 'rubber' pads for different sounds.
Anyway what should i do. I would love some quick responses cause the red rimmed kit auction ends soon. Thanks

wat about these any experience

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/DW-Go-Anywhere-practice-Pad-Drum-Kit-NICE-and-QUIET_W0QQitemZ150015019371QQihZ005QQcategoryZ6443 8QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/XYMOX-SNARE-MARCHING-DRUM-PRACTICE-KIT-PAD-paxp_W0QQitemZ290012147830QQihZ019QQcategoryZ11705 0QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Wat does Derrick have? His has a snare sound

[Latin Groover]

Just had another idea. Does anyone have any expeirence with those REMO tuneable pads, you can get them on a stand and they're tuneable so clearly ill get different tones, but whats the feel like...

[Chip]

I was just searching eBay for 'em. There's heaps, but I don't know how loud they are, I want a really quiet one, like library quiet, I want to be able to not disturb anyone. The RTOM ones look good, but I don't know how loud they would be. I'm going to Canberra maybe this weekend, if they have some good quiet ones I might get one.

If you have one, answer me this.....How quiet are they (any practice pad)? The ones in the MD videos seem kinda loud for my needs.

[Latin Groover]

I was just searching eBay for 'em. There's heaps, but I don't know how loud they are, I want a really quiet one, like library quiet, I want to be able to not disturb anyone. The RTOM ones look good, but I don't know how loud they would be. I'm going to Canberra maybe this weekend, if they have some good quiet ones I might get one.

If you have one, answer me this.....How quiet are they (any practice pad)? The ones in the MD videos seem kinda loud for my needs.

HEY, quit hijacking me thread!

Nah its ok, wat r these RTOM ones ur talkin about? Are in the same situation as me.

[Chip]

RTOM Practice Pad (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/RTOM-7-Moongel-Snare-Pad-For-Drum-Practice_W0QQitemZ7309074990QQihZ016QQcategoryZ101 73QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem), there you go, my cranky friend, haha, just kidding.

It seems to be some sort of membranophone-practice-pad. Wierd.

[Latin Groover]

Mmmm seems pretty 'revolutinary'. Looks pretty heavey and chunky though, but if it has great feel thats all you need. It doesn't come with the stand does it? My only critisim is how high the 'rim' is above the pad, it may force you to play with your arms up higher?

[Latin Groover]

hey chip waddya think of this

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Roland-RM-2-Electronic-Practice-Drum-Pad_W0QQitemZ150003151359QQihZ005QQcategoryZ38097Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

and this ones near you

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/PRACTICE-DRUM-PAD-METRONOME-2-IN-1-BRAND-NEW_W0QQitemZ160002935401QQihZ006QQcategoryZ38097Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

But this was the sort of pad i was talking about for building the kit piece by piece.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Billy-Hyde-Drum-Practice-Pad_W0QQitemZ150005031091QQihZ005QQcategoryZ622QQs sPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Any good?

[Latin Groover]

Does any1 have any experience with'Real Feel'?

[Chip]

I just contacted RTOM about Aus. retailers. and the volume of their practice products.

Damn, thanks man. I saw the 2nd one, missed the first one, I'l consult the parentals. It claims to be "almost silent". The whole rubber thing will never get quiet enough for me I think.
As for piece by piece, those look good, but BD practice pad? A full remo one looks pretty good. I think I'm going to make my own BD pratice pad. My teacher has a practice kit I may borrow......but my guitarist has it. I'll see if I can get it back. It's not loud, but it isn't quiet either.
I think I may just get the 1st one........

[Latin Groover]

Wat the Vdrum one? ?

[Chip]

Yeah, I may get it. Either it or the RTOM snare thingo.

[Latin Groover]

Yea just get em both and tell me which ones better. I think ive decided to do option 3. Im sure ill be able to find3 different pitched pads. Does anyone know if you can buy just the snare pad from the Thomas Lang kit? I like that pad..

[Chip]

I think I'll go with the RTOM, as it is basically a snare, just 1000 times less output (apparently). I'm saving for a 2002C Eliminator, so I can't really go all out just on pads. I think the Rtom snare goes for around $100AU. I'm heading to Canberra (to go to Albury......Yay...) maybe next weekend, there's a big drum shop there apparently, so they may have an array of pads.

I remember seeing that the snare pad can be bought individually.

[Latin Groover]

Nahget the Vdrum 1. And yea theres the 'comrehensive kit' which is the snare pad but it also comes with the base, cable, reverse bearter and the music stand and whatever other little things, i just want the snare pad. Does anyone at all own one? Someone has to.

[Chip]

Why the vdrum one? The metronome and the input thingo? 'Spose.... Dunno, I'll have to see what the RTOM people say.

[Latin Groover]

I remeber seeing in a Modern Drummer about the 'rythym coach'? Anyone no of it? Its like a metronome, drumometre, and it tells you how accurate you are. Like you can play any phrase and it will tell you things to do to improove it or something.

[brokenhalo]

how'd you guys manage to get so far off base without anyone steping in and helping you out?

as far as practice pad sets go they are a huge waste of money. get yourself a realfeel pad.i started out with a remo pad, but they are kinda noisy. the 2-sided realfeel pads are the way to go. the gum rubber side has a real nice bounce to it, and the hard rubber side will give you a nice workout.

as far as kick pads go, i've only seen two on the market, gibraltar and pearl. the gibraltar looks like a remo pad stuck to a short frame, and the pearl is a small sheet of gum rubber on a frame. i've seen an instructional video where a drummer uses the pearl pad and it looks nice. quiet, but still gives a nice audible thump.

with just 2 pads you can practice pretty much anything you want and develope your chops.

if you really want to spend the money on a practice pad set consider a low-end electric kit.

the roland td-3 module comes with the rhythmcoach built into it. basically its a metronome that keeps track (via led display) of how accurate your strokes are. its got a few different exercises built into it, but i personally found it useless. all you need is a metronome and you'll be set.

[Latin Groover]

Yea i asked about the real feels b4 but no one answered. Im thinking they're (pad sets) are a bit too much so im just going to it pad by pad, unless whats the red rimmed REMO set like cause theres on on ebay for $50AUD! That remo VDRUM pad looks pretty good as long as it has a stand.

[Latin Groover]

Whats the diff between the orangey coloured real feel pads (dbl side) and the grey ones is it just a new colour? And can u get a stand for the 2 sided pad? I know it would be a bit different because theres the other side of the pad, but ive seen magnetic stands b4...But how do u mount the two sided real feel pad? Cause if u put it in a normal snare stand the rubber caps would hang over the top and would get in the way...wouldnt they? And u can use brushes on the real feel right.

Like say this. This is one of the ones with the grey/black pad instead of orange/black.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Real-Feel-Practice-Pad-12-BRAND-NEW-by-HQ-RF12D_W0QQitemZ7411371049QQihZ016QQcategoryZ622QQs sPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[hauk]

i've got a different version of the xymox (or whatever its called) snare pad with the ball bearings. i like it, it's nice and would definitely work for a nice snare sound on a practice kit. as for reelfeel, i've played on them several times and they are nice pads as well. as far as i know, the grey is just a change in color, not function. mounting them on a snare stand works fine, the 12" model (which i prefer and you linked to) is definitely big enough that the rubber grips on the snare stand dont cause any trouble. the one gripe i have with realfeel pads is that you have to modify your technique for rim hits, because the rim is lower than the pad rather than higher, like on a snare. also, i find i get a better sound for rimshots not by actually hitting the rim and pad simultaneously but instead ignoring the rim and hitting the pad with the stick flat. this gives a nice rimshot sound and isnt too different from the normal movement

ps-tell me how that RTOM pad works out, im looking for a nice very quiet pad and that's looking like a good option right now

[salvador_nave]

hi! i going to buy a practice pad but i don't know what pad to choose 'cause there are different materials. I like the black ones but i don' t. Could you please tell me wha practice pad to choose? A practice pad with stand. I would be glad to know. bye!

[salvador_nave]

hi! i going to buy a practice pad but i don't know what pad to choose 'cause there are different materials. I like the black ones but i don' t. Could you please tell me wha practice pad to choose? A practice pad with stand. I would be glad to know. bye!

[Supersteve]

hi! i going to buy a practice pad but i don't know what pad to choose 'cause there are different materials. I like the black ones but i don' t. Could you please tell me wha practice pad to choose? A practice pad with stand. I would be glad to know. bye!



Get a Hugh Cameron practice pad! Awesome pad, jut use a snare stand,

[Supersteve]

hi! i going to buy a practice pad but i don't know what pad to choose 'cause there are different materials. I like the black ones but i don' t. Could you please tell me wha practice pad to choose? A practice pad with stand. I would be glad to know. bye!


I said this in the same thread you posted Hugh Cameron pratice pad

[salvador_nave]

Hugh Cameron? i've never heard that name. But, do you know where i can buy one of the here in usa?

[radiofriendlyunitshifter]

i use a 12" hq percussion double sided pad (http://samash.com/catalog/showitem.asp?ItemPos=3&TempID=4&STRID=01025&Method=3&CategoryID=653&BrandID=1726&PriceRangeID=0&PageNum=0&DepartmentID=4&pagesize=10&SortMethod=2&SearchPhrase=&Contains=&Search_Type=Department&GroupCode=). i quickly

realized that i could have saved a few bucks by going with the 6" instead, but it's very

nice. i used to have a remo pad, but got the hq because it was too loud. (couldn't practice quietly)

[somedrummer]

I have exactly the same story as Radio. Yes.. exactly. HQ Realfeel's are good.

[spoonracings2k]

dude you can make one. glue an old mousepad to a slab of wood.
voila

[Loge]

The HQ Real-Feels are excellent and made from materials that mimic the action of playing on an actual head quite well. I've had a standard 6" for about 14 years and it's all I've ever needed since. I went through a few earlier pads made of black rubber and while the feel was decent, the rubber tended to deteriorate over a short time. One even melted when I left in the car on a hot day! The surface materials used in the Reel-Feels are extrmely stable - feels the same as the day I got it.

[rendezvous_drummer]

I have that remo tunable head practice pad. It's not bad, but pretty loud. I'm buying a HQ real feel 6"

[Bigfoot]

Billy Hyde Practice Pads are ok but you'd need a Snare stand 4 it.

[Raymond Bloom]

Get a Real Feel! Can't go wrong with that

[Latin Groover]

I said this in the same thread you posted

Yea i though this was familar.

Get a real feel pad. And theres a few threads like this already.

[radiofriendlyunitshifter]

here's a link to your own thread in the correct section:

http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17018

[sloppyn9ne]

vic virth heavy hitters with the laminant. i love those things.

[salvador_nave]

i use a 12" hq percussion double sided pad (http://samash.com/catalog/showitem.asp?ItemPos=3&TempID=4&STRID=01025&Method=3&CategoryID=653&BrandID=1726&PriceRangeID=0&PageNum=0&DepartmentID=4&pagesize=10&SortMethod=2&SearchPhrase=&Contains=&Search_Type=Department&GroupCode=). i quickly

realized that i could have saved a few bucks by going with the 6" instead, but it's very

nice. i used to have a remo pad, but got the hq because it was too loud. (couldn't practice quietly)

thanks for the link and cool, i think i'll go for that one. eventought, what do you think about the Hugh Cameron one.

[gringo998]

i use a 12 inch reel feel, but i sorta regret buying it. its nice, the feel is great, but i enjoyed the pro mark pad better. it has beads at the bottom to make it sound like a snare, but its not loud at all, it just gives you a better feel.

[salvador_nave]

i use a 12 inch reel feel, but i sorta regret buying it. its nice, the feel is great, but i enjoyed the pro mark pad better. it has beads at the bottom to make it sound like a snare, but its not loud at all, it just gives you a better feel.

losts of them:

http://www.promark.com/products/view_cat.cfm?category_id=8751c073-ef3d-45dc-ab6b-6863554b7a67&mode=sub_cat

[CVdrummer]

wat ya'll think about the tuneable remo head?

[DHW200]

ive got a tama TMP8S practice pad, which is basically a shell with a mesh head on it and no reso side head. It can be tightened like a regular drum, and its got a snare on it. It's a bit excessive, and quite pricey ($60), but it feels great. I personally got it for $15 from a friend who was moving and didn't want it anymore.

[radiofriendlyunitshifter]

wat ya'll think about the tuneable remo head?

it feels a lot like a drum but is very loud.

[J.W. Drummer]

Sheesh, I didn't know there were so many pads. Is there really that much of a difference in them?

[Latin Groover]

Billy Hyde Practice Pads are ok but you'd need a Snare stand 4 it.

You get Billy hyde pads in Ireland?

[rendezvous_drummer]

Sheesh, I didn't know there were so many pads. Is there really that much of a difference in them?
Feel, rebound, volume, texture and durability are a few of the differences I can think of right now.

[J.W. Drummer]

Cool, so I assume from what you stated that there are different kinds of pads for different types of workouts. Neat!

[catchagato]

I have two, the 6" HQ double-sided and the Vic Firth 6" practice pad. Both are excellent from my experiences so far. They're both quiet and have good feel to them...

[osamasgoat5467]

i use a 12" hq percussion double sided pad (http://samash.com/catalog/showitem.asp?ItemPos=3&TempID=4&STRID=01025&Method=3&CategoryID=653&BrandID=1726&PriceRangeID=0&PageNum=0&DepartmentID=4&pagesize=10&SortMethod=2&SearchPhrase=&Contains=&Search_Type=Department&GroupCode=). i quickly

realized that i could have saved a few bucks by going with the 6" instead, but it's very

nice. i used to have a remo pad, but got the hq because it was too loud. (couldn't practice quietly)

Definetely. I used to use the loud Remo pad, but stwitched to the Evans HQ Real Feel for its quietness. Only thing is that the Remo pads feel a lot more like real drums than the gum rubber side and hard neoprene sides of the Real Feel. And definetly get the bigger sizes of practice pads than the 6 inches. The 12's are the best.

[ZDrums24]

MAKE YOUR OWN!

i did it, and it would of been amazing if i didnt cheap out and grab a hunk of wood from the home depot reject bin. its warped, so i have to reglue the gum rubber periodically, and i havent bothered to go get new materials.

materials: gum rubber (1/4" is pretty standard, but vf heavy hitters go thinner)
any other type of rubber (open celled for grip like the heavy hitters, or neoprene or somthing)
some sort of wood or particle board (make sure its not warped!)
gorilla glue

gorrila glue and wood is easy. go to a hardware store. rubber is another story. here in portland i have what used to be portland rubber but its now more of a conveyor belt place. they have all kinds of rubber except open cell. making your own pad has been catching on up here in the north, so when i ask for such a small amout (about a foot, ended up with a foot and a half), he asked about practice pads and just let me have it for free cause that is such a small amout to what they usually deal in (it would have been $7).

if you find a flat peice of wood in a scap bin somewhere, its probably free (make sure its flat) and the gorilla glue is under $5 i think, but you wont use even an eighth of the bottle and its great stuff for everything.

so, in total, my practice pad cost about 20 cents (what ever the glue added up to), and works great minus the ocasional reglueing issue of having a warped peice of wood. the best part is i can customize it anyway i want. thicker gum rubber:quieter, softer feel neoprene: work out open cell rubber makes for a great underside so the pad doesnt slide.

ps. has anybody tried the scojo dynasty pad yet? it makes a quiet snare sound somehow. i was wondering if these things are all hype or something.

[Drifter in the Dark]

Making your own is not a bad idea! However, if you want to get a commercially made one, here's what I would suggest: Real Feel by HQ percussion. I've had the same pad (12") for years now and it's worn very well with age. If you play brushes, get the 12" double sided model. Or, if you want, you can cut a circular piece of corrugated cardboard and rest it on your snare drum for brush practice.
Don't get a Remo. They're way too loud and you have to replace the head, not to mention if you hit too hard you'll crack the plastic rim.
So, as you can see, there are plenty of options available. Have fun woodsheddin'!

[emmerson]

i love the HQ Reel Feel better than the Remo practice pads the Remo are RIDCULOUSLY loud of a practice pad compared to a HQ ... HQ's are quiet feel amazing and have a close resemblance to a snare in terms of bounce

[MagnZ]

I use a Xymox pad.. It has a rubber surface with small iron bullets inside so it makes a little snare sound. It's awsome. www.xymoxpercussion.com (http://www.xymoxpercussion.com)

[hauk]

did anybody ever buy the rtom? or make a decision at all for that matter? heh

[hauk]

I use a Xymox pad.. It has a rubber surface with small iron bullets inside so it makes a little snare sound. It's awsome. www.xymoxpercussion.com (http://www.xymoxpercussion.com)
i have one of those. serves me well. i'm looking for something quieter now though...
anybody have one of these?
http://cgi.ebay.com.au...QcmdZViewItem (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/RTOM-7-Moongel-Snare-Pad-For-Drum-Practice_W0QQitemZ7309074990QQihZ016QQcategoryZ101 73QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)
i basically want a totally silent pad

[LiveGoat]

A "real Feel" is a good start. I got the 6 inch and it's great.

---LG

[Chip]

I was going to but they never got back to me (reply).

I eventually got a Billy Hyde 'natural rebound' pad. It's not natural, but the very bouncy feel helps, as it really teaches to utilise the rebound, because there is so much, it's damn near impossible not use it. Good pad, but really loud.

[defunkt]

Yeah i also have a Billy Hyde "Natural Rebound Pad" and its great! The good thing about them is that they have bits on the bottom so you can put them on stands so its just like a snare drum but bouncier.

[Latin Groover]

Yea im ordering the real feel pad 12" two sided, but im also getting this little orange pad that feels really good from my drumstore, im only getting it because im going to Germany for 3 weeks on thursday so theres no way im going 3 weeks without drums so im taking a pad.

[morbius25]

I have the reel feel, and its ok, but I like the remo one best, go to the roland website and look at the RMP-5 rythm coach, this thing rocks I want one, or two. But yes the reel feel will work good, but not very loud.

[Latin Groover]

I have the reel feel, and its ok, but I like the remo one best, go to the roland website and look at the RMP-5 rythm coach, this thing rocks I want one, or two. But yes the reel feel will work good, but not very loud.

Well im in Germanz right now so...Im in Bergisch Gladbach if anzone is from round there, tomorrow im heaqding straight to here http://www.musicstorekoeln.de/index.php. Anwaz im usiong the orange pad and its ghoin prettz well. It has so mch rebound tho..Wen im back in Australia ill take some photos, but i really can't now. At the start of my trip i hated all of that rebound but now im so used to it, but wen i get back to my kit my snare will feel like a floor tom...

[Latin Groover]

So i just picked up the real feel pad then, gotta say i am a bit dissapointed, its not much different to my little orange pad at all, and the 'workout' side i dont think ill use. (Is that side meant for muscle strenthening?) I had to order it in, but its the new black one.1
1 - Orange is better than black, its a happy color. :-)
2 - Yea its not that much different to my other orange pad.
3 - You cant use brushes on it. Which is why i want to know really if they are any different from the orange cause its not quite the material i thought it would be made of. (i know hauk already said he doesnt think so, but i would like to know) IIn the Weckl vids it looks like a shiny material and it sounds different too. Does anyone ever use the 'workout' side, is it just for muscle strenth?(This side is very loud as well, its just like playing on a table.)

[murphinelli]

Okay, so this question is still open. What's a good really, really quite practice pad? I'm not looking to do rim shots or brushes, just rudiments & stick control. Of the ones mentioned above, it doesn't sound like there are any winners yet. I have the old grey 12" Remo practice pad which is loud as hell. My kids can hear in when I'm in the basement with the door closed and they are two floors above me. So, I typically practice on a pillow at night, but that doesn't really cut it for stick control.

I know they are out there because I've seen them in the distant past. Really quite ones that were black rubber. I don't know about all the new stuff...

Anyone, anyone, anyone???....

[Auger]

Murphinelli, is your pad from the distant pad one of those old ludwig ones? - a metal sort of frame and a circular rubber pad in the middle?

Those are neat! -but you can't buy 'em anymore unless you spot one on e-bay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Ludwig-Drum-Pad-with-Sticks_W0QQitemZ250006396539QQihZ015QQcategoryZ308 QQcmdZViewItem

Personally, I like my Real-feel pad and I don't see much difference from one rubber pad to another. I just like a large enough pad so you can put it in a snare drum stand, or, even better, sit it right on top of a snare drum for just a little sound. I think Vic Firth makes a similar rubber pad.

I rarely use the dark side -I guess that makes me like a jedi- but I like the weight it gives to the pad, makes it not move at all if you just put it on a flat surface to practice.

Also, I have a gibralter pad-set:

http://www.gibraltarhardware.com/?fa=series&sid=141&cid=35

I used to work in a music store that had one and I'd always mess around on it. ...so I bought one and now it tides me over because my wife and I live in a condo and so I don't get to play on any of my real drums these days ouside of when I'm with my teacher, which bites the big one, but, hey, you do what you gotta do. IMO that's the best feeling bass drum pad on the market too.


Both are 'library quiet'

Also, my teacher buys 13" or so disks of raw rubber and just sells them to his students for what he paid -just a few bucks- because those reel feel pads are pricey. You have to make your own base for it and glue it on, but they have a really, really nice feel to them -somehow a little different than other rubber pads. I keep meaning to make a base and buy one, but I'm lazy.

wow, I can't believe I wrote a book on that. ...what can I say, it's friday afternoon ...I don't want to be at work anymrore.

[murphinelli]

it's friday afternoon ...I don't want to be at work anymrore.

Me neither, and I'm just about to make like a tree and leave...(bu-bump-bump).

Thanks for the feedback on the pads. If you say "library quiet" I believe you. I'll try one of those out maybe. But maybe I'll try what your friend does and look for something like that. Home Depot must have some big thick rubber thing for something.

My old pad is just a plastic gray circle with a remo ambassador coated head in the middle. I'm sure you've seen them. It can mount to a stand also. But way too loud.

I used to have a big rubber disk that went over the Ludwig student snare. That was great, but I lost it.

Anyways, thanks again.

Cheers,
Murph

[Latin Groover]

To people with the Real Feel pad, what side do you use more? I use the main side way more, but im thinking whichis actually better for me to use, the side that has a bit more rebound that a snare would, or the side that has a little less rebound than a real snare, even though the 2nd side is louder, im thinking that would be better?

EDIT - Man just did a tiny bit of reading and i take all back about the real feel, it is a great pad.

[Latin Groover]

Maybe just to clarify some things so people dont have to read it all. From all the information...

Best Single Pads seem to be
-Real Feel Pad - The double sided is a good idea-
-The RTOM pad, this is very quiet, pretty sure the quietest out there.
-The Vic Firth Pad is also a good one, but very similar to the real feel and a little bit more $ i think
-Then there are the 'other' pads like the xymox pads, and the promark etc
One of the top 3 is best, but again personal prefrence

-For Bass drum the Gibralter kick pad is the best

Best Pad Sets seem to be
-Get a collection of pads and the gibralter bass pad, and your set.(I have done this, and i think is the better way because you can get different pads with different feels to imitatae the different feels of a kit
-Just the bass pad and one of the single pads, if for you just want to do some stick control etc
-The DW is very portable and seems to be a great choice
-The REMO pad set is louder but they are ok, obviously with the rack there are more positioning availability etc
-the GIBRALTER pad set is bery good to, and is also highly recomended

Out of the sets, the DW and GIBRALTER kits are the best but then dont ask out of those two cause i think it has been prooven that personal prefrence is what wins through here, eg how your heads are tuned etc which one has the closer feel to YOUR real kit.