Lads and Ladies, Let's Get Limber!




Well drummers, it's that time again. If you're serious about honing your skills and becoming a lauded rhythmatician, you'll need more than just a drum set. Luckily, there's a plethora of practice tools available to help you improve your chops, from practice pads to silent cymbals. Herein, we'll explore the essential practice tools every drummer should have in their arsenal and give you a few of the examples we currently have available at Musicmaker.

Let's check it out.



In a ideal world we'd all have one of these. But normally we must make do.

Practice Pads

First up on our list of essential practice tools for drummers is the trusty practice pad. You know what it is, and we all need one. Maybe two for good measure. These compact and portable pads provide a handy surface for drummers to practice their rudiments and stick control without disturbing those around them. At Musicmaker, we offer a wide range of practice pads to suit every drummer's preference, from basic rubber pads to more sexy models with knee attachments and curious rebound options. Simple and affordable.




Drum Mutes

For drummers who want to practice on their acoustic drum set without disturbing the neighbours, drum mutes are the perfect solution. These packs include specially designed dampening pads that can be placed on each drum and cymbal to reduce volume while still maintaining the feel of playing on a real drum set. Also, unlike mesh heads, they can be placed on, and taken off, the drums extremely quickly. At Musicmaker, we generally carry the SoundOff mute packs from Evans, ensuring you can practice anytime, anywhere, without disturbing the peace. Still affordable and at least you get to play the whole kit.




Mesh Heads and Silent Cymbals

Another stellar option for drummers looking to practice quietly is mesh heads and silent cymbals. Mesh heads replace the traditional drumheads on your kit with a quieter, more responsive alternative, while silent cymbals replicate the feel and sound of real cymbals without the volume allowing you to practice with precision and finesse without waking the neighbours. Mesh heads are amazing for practicing the feel and coordination of the full kit, without the attached racket. Things are getting a little more expensive but this option will last forever. The only downside is it can be slightly time consuming swapping between mesh and regular heads. But it's worth it, right?




Electronic Kits

Electronic drums offer a revolutionary approach to drumming, providing a quieter and more versatile practice experience. At Musicmaker, we understand the importance of electronic drums for both beginners and seasoned drummers. Our collection includes a wide range of electronic drum kits from top brands, offering realistic drum sounds, dynamic response, and a variety of built-in features such as practice modes, metronomes, and recording capabilities. Whether you're looking to practice silently with headphones, explore new sounds, or take advantage of MIDI connectivity for music production, we have the perfect electronic drum kit to suit your needs. Plus, our knowledgeable staff are here to help you find the ideal setup and provide expert advice on getting the most out of your electronic drums.




Alternate Sound Sources

In addition to practice pads and mute packs, drummers looking to dampen or expand their sonic palette can benefit from brushes and rods. Brushes offer a softer, more subtle approach to drumming, perfect for jazz, acoustic, and low-volume settings. At Musicmaker, we offer a variety of brush options, from traditional wire brushes to innovative designs with adjustable spread and weight. For drummers who want to add texture and nuance to their playing, rods are an excellent choice. These bundles of dowels or nylon strands provide a balanced blend of attack and articulation, making them ideal for a wide range of musical styles. Broomsticks are also a super sweet sounds source.




Books and Educational Material

For drummers eager to improve their technique and expand their musical knowledge, educational books and materials are essential tools. Fortunately, we've just started expanding our range of books. Whether you're a beginner looking to master the basics or an advanced player seeking to refine your skills, our curated collection of educational materials has something for everyone. If there are any books you need or want specifically, please get in touch! We're happy to special order anything we can.






Practice should be enjoyable. Fine tuning the art of drumming takes time, dedication, and the right tools. With practice pads, mute packs, mesh heads, and silent cymbals from Musicmaker, you'll have everything you need to hone your skills and become the drummer you've always dreamed of being. 

As that Scottish dude on the internet says - "See you in the practice room"

Until next time.