How to make acoustic drums softer....hot rods?

fenderboss7 · 05-09-2011, 10:02 PM

hi......i play drums for church, and i was wondering if using hot rods would lower the volume, instead of using the drum shield (we r kinda low budget)

are these a good choice?

**thesteve** · 05-09-2011, 10:05 PM

Hot Rods lower the volume somewhat. Not all drummers like them. There is also a product (IIRC) called Cool Rods that are basically Hot Rods but designed for more energy dispersion, making them even quieter.

fenderboss7 · 05-09-2011, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thesteve

Hot Rods lower the volume somewhat. Not all drummers like them. There is also a product (IIRC) called Cool Rods that are basically Hot Rods but designed for more energy dispersion, making them even quieter.

would using hot rods be good for acoustic drums with no mics in a church that is like 30x60?

**thesteve** · 05-09-2011, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fenderboss7

would using hot rods be good for acoustic drums with no mics in a church that is like 30x60?

If traditional sticks are too loud and your drummer can't control himself enough, it might be worth looking into.

fenderboss7 · 05-10-2011, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thesteve

If traditional sticks are too loud and your drummer can't control himself enough, it might be worth looking into.

have u ever used those,??

**thesteve** · 05-10-2011, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fenderboss7

have u ever used those,??

I've used Hot rods, but honestly I'm not the best person to get an opinion from on stick types. I'm not particularly picky when it comes to sticks because I'm not a drummer.

fenderboss7 · 05-10-2011, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thesteve

I've used Hot rods, but honestly I'm not the best person to get an opinion from on stick types. I'm not particularly picky when it comes to sticks because I'm not a drummer.

oh....okay

thanks

metropolis4 · 05-10-2011, 02:53 PM

I like hot rods, but they are a very different feel, sound and vibe from sticks. They don't just make it quieter they change the whole sound and the way you play; sort of inbetween sticks and brushes.

fenderboss7 · 05-10-2011, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by metropolis4

I like hot rods, but they are a very different feel, sound and vibe from sticks. They don't just make it quieter they change the whole sound and the way you play; sort of inbetween sticks and brushes.

i should just get a pair just to have in my stick bag...
hah
thanks

metropolis4 · 05-12-2011, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fenderboss7

i should just get a pair just to have in my stick bag...
hah
thanks

Good idea

It's one of those things every drummer should have in their stick bag

jeepnstein · 05-12-2011, 11:28 AM

I've used them on acoustic gigs. They do bring down the volume. There is a different feel to them. Since I've played lots with brushes it wasn't such a leap to get used to them.

The hardest thing in the world for a drummer to learn is how to play quietly. It's just not in our nature. Hot Rods will help but it's not a substitute for learning to play with a lighter touch. Of course this light touch changes almost everything about a drummer's sound and that's a problem, too. I've seen some cymbals that just stink on ice if you use a light touch.

We had to finally break down and buy a set of electronic house drums. Hate 'em. They feel dead and cheap. But they do keep the volume down to a controllable level. That's the best solution but not exactly the most inexpensive.

fenderboss7 · 05-12-2011, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeepnstein

I've used them on acoustic gigs. They do bring down the volume. There is a different feel to them. Since I've played lots with brushes it wasn't such a leap to get used to them.

The hardest thing in the world for a drummer to learn is how to play quietly. It's just not in our nature. Hot Rods will help but it's not a substitute for learning to play with a lighter touch. Of course this light touch changes almost everything about a drummer's sound and that's a problem, too. I've seen some cymbals that just stink on ice if you use a light touch.

We had to finally break down and buy a set of electronic house drums. Hate 'em. They feel dead and cheap. But they do keep the volume down to a controllable level. That's the best solution but not exactly the most inexpensive.

yeah i know

i have acoustic drums now, and we use that now......................i don't like them either, and our worship leader, wants to use acoustics because there is more dynamics, and has a greater effect, if you could control the volume......

mikegug · 06-10-2011, 09:54 AM

For a room that small, acoustics can be tough if your drummer can't control himself. Hotrods are a good option, but it affects your drumming a little. Not quite the bounce, so your double strokes, flams and paradiddles etc... will feel different which may affect your timing.