Abstract: A portable electronic drumhead sensor which converts impact forces exerted by a drumstick or hand into electrical pulses input to headphones to thereby simulate sounds of an acoustic drumhead includes a Force Sensing Resistor (FSR) lamination coated with an electrically conductive polymer ink, a spacer lamination, and a flexible electrode lamination having on an inner surface thereof interdigitated electrodes, the electrode lamination elastically contacting the FSR lamination in response to impact forces on the outer surface of either lamination to momentarily reduce electrical resistance between the electrodes. An annular ring-shaped embodiment of the sensor positionable on an acoustic drumhead has an upwardly protruding resilient bumper strikable to produce electronically synthesized rim-shot sounds.

Abstract: A portable electronic drumhead includes a sensor responsive to drumstick impacts in producing electrical signal pulses input to headphones to thereby simulate sounds of an acoustic drumhead. The sensor includes a Force Sensing Resistor (FSR) lamination coated with an electrically conductive polymer ink, a spacer lamination, and a flexible electrode lamination having on an inner surface thereof a pair of interdigitated electrodes, the electrode lamination elastically contacting the FSR lamination in response to drumstick impacts on the outer surface of the electrode lamination or FSR lamination to thus momentarily reduce electrical resistance between the electrodes. Resilient batter pads overlying the laminations muffle sounds produced by drumstick impacts. Optionally, the sensor may have an annular ring shape which may be placed concentrically on the head of an acoustic drum, the sensor having an upwardly protruding resilient bumper strikable to produce electronically synthesized rim shot sounds.

Abstract: A portable electronic drumhead includes a sensor responsive to drumstick impacts in producing electrical signal pulses input to headphones to thereby simulate sounds of an acoustic drumhead. The sensor includes a Force Sensing Resistor (FSR) lamination coated with an electrically conductive polymer ink, a spacer lamination, and a flexible electrode lamination having on an inner surface thereof a pair of interdigitated electrodes, the electrode lamination elastically contacting the FSR lamination in response to drumstick impacts on the outer surface of the electrode lamination or FSR lamination to thus momentarily reduce electrical resistance between the electrodes. Resilient batter pads overlying the laminations muffle sounds produced by drumstick impacts. Optionally, the sensor may have an annular ring shape which may be placed concentrically on the head of an acoustic drum, the sensor having an upwardly protruding resilient bumper strikable to produce electronically synthesized rim shot sounds.

Abstract: A drumhead particularly adapted for use on tom tom drums used in marching bands has an impact resistant protective overlay located asymmetrically on a tone producing membrane. The protective overlay has a generally symmetrical ovoidal shape, and is located on that semi-circular region of a drumhead most likely to be impacted by a beater wielded by a drummer having a plurality of tom tom drums arrayed on an arc in front of the drummer.