Keep on Groovin'. Cut the noise.
So, you’re a drummer. You’ve got the sticks, the licks, and that driving need to hit things. But you’ve also got paper-thin walls, cranky neighbours, and a flatmate who thinks your hi-hat is a hate crime.
But don’t worry — you don’t need to stop playing or sell your kit for a yoga mat. What you do need is a few clever upgrades that’ll bring the volume down and let the fun flow freely.
Let’s get into it.
Don't be this guy......
1. Slap on Some Evans SoundOff Pads – Instant Quiet Time
You don’t need to dismantle your kit or whisper your way through a rudiment. Evans SoundOff rubber mute pads are the go-to fix for loud drums with too much attitude.
- Stick ‘em right on top of your heads and you’ve got 70% less volume with 100% bounce.
- No tuning. No tools. Just peel, place, and play.
- They come in sets, fit most drum sizes, and let you keep your sticks where they belong — hitting things.
Top Tip: Put a mute on your snare and discover how tight and clean your ghost notes sound when you can actually hear them.
Very simple and very, very effective. Check out the SoundOff Mutes....
2. Crash Without the Clash – Low Volume Cymbals by Stagg
Your cymbals are probably the biggest offenders in your noise war. That 16” crash might sound majestic to you, but to your neighbours, it's a thunderclap followed by a soul-crushing sigh.
- Enter the Stagg Low Volume Cymbals — drilled with precision holes and specially designed to reduce noise without losing feel.
- They look cool. They sound controlled. They let you practice your accents and dynamics without fear of eviction.
And yes, they still shimmer. They just shimmer politely.
All the response, minus the volume. The Stagg SX series cymbals
3. Get Meshy – Remo Silentstroke Heads
Changing your drum heads sounds extreme — until you play on Remo Silentstroke mesh heads and realise how good your kit can feel at whisper-level volume. It's a 70% reduction volume, while retaining feel.
- Swap out your standard batter heads for these and you’ll get real stick rebound, natural feel, and none of the boom.
- They’re perfect for rudiments, fills, and straight-up bashing — just 70% quieter.
Bonus win: You can still use your actual shells — no need to switch to electronic if you love your toms.
Practice more! Remo Silentstroke heads are the answer......
4. Go Electric Without Losing Soul – Donner Electronic Drum Kits
Ok, ok… technically not acoustic — but hear us out. If you want maximum volume control and endless play options, a Donner electronic kit is the sneaky MVP. WE have three excellent kits currently available in-store in Musicmaker the DED-70, the DED-80 and the DED-200 MAX, all of which are remarkably affordable. Also featuring:
- Pads that feel great
- Real pedal action
- Tones that don’t sound like a 2001 ringtone
- Small footprint, easy setup, and it still looks like a kit
You can still swing the sticks. Still shed on the groove. Just... without shaking the ceiling plaster loose.
The mighty DED-200 MAX, available to play at Musicmaker now.....
Bonus Tip: The Old-School Tea Towel Trick
Look, before there were mesh heads and fancy mute pads, there were… tea towels. And to this day, chucking a tea towel over your snare or tom is still one of the most effective, budget-friendly ways to kill volume and over-ring.
- Drape one across your snare? Boom — instant fatback sound with less snap.
- Throw a couple on your toms? They’ll thud like old-school soul records.
- Fold ’em, tape ’em, or let them hang loose — whatever works.
It won’t look fancy, but it absolutely works.
Pro tip: Use your mam’s good ones and face the consequences. Use your own battered, stained practice towel? You're a legend.
This trick’s been passed down through generations of Irish drummers, pub giggers, and broke students — and it’s still got a place in every volume-conscious setup.
It just works.......
Quiet Drumming FAQ – Answered by Musicmaker Dublin
Q: What’s the fastest way to make my drum kit quieter?
A: Throw on a set of Evans SoundOff Mute Pads and you’re instantly in the good books with everyone within a 500-metre radius.
Q: Are low-volume cymbals actually usable or just toys?
A: 100% usable! Stagg Low Volume Cymbals keep the feel and attack of real cymbals, just at a much friendlier volume. Still crashable. Still tasty.
Q: What do mesh heads feel like to play?
A: Remo Silentstroke heads feel surprisingly close to real heads — bouncy, responsive, and consistent. You’ll barely miss the volume.
Q: Do I have to switch to electronic drums to play quietly?
A: Nope! Acoustic drums with mute gear are great. But if you want total volume control and loads of built-in sounds, Donner electronic kits are a deadly option.
Q: Do I need to buy everything at once?
A: Not at all. Start with mute pads or cymbals, and build your quiet setup from there. Come into the shop — we’ll help you find what fits your space and your wallet.
Q: Will all this gear mess up my technique?
A: Nah! In fact, practising on quieter gear often sharpens your control and dynamics. Just make sure you’re still hitting with purpose, not fluff.
Real Talk – Why Quiet Kits Matter in Ireland
- More practice!
- Most of us don’t have basements, garages, or rehearsal spaces
- Drum noise travels through walls, floors, pets, and spiritual realms
- But you shouldn’t have to stop playing because your flatmate’s on Zoom
- More practice!
With a quiet kit setup, you can practise longer, play tighter, and maybe even chat to your neighbours again.
All This Gear Is in Stock Now at Musicmaker Dublin
- Evans mute pads? Got ‘em.
- Stagg cymbals? Shine on.
- Silentstroke heads? Ready to roll.
- Donner kits? Plug in and get loose.
Come into the shop, try ‘em out, and we’ll build your silent-but-deadly setup together.
Quiet doesn’t mean boring. It means smarter practice, longer sessions, and better drumming — all without losing your groove (or your deposit).
Come get the noise under control — and have a laugh doing it — with the Musicmaker crew.
