Abstract: A practice drumming provides generally quieter, silent drumming practice for a drummer in combination with a realistic drumkit depiction for better visual cuing and development of muscle memory. The drum pad is constructed of shock absorbing material to dampen the impact of drumsticks and reduce the corresponding noise generated thereby. The drum pad has a non-skid bottom in order to hold it in place on any generally available surface. A realistic depiction of a drumkit or the like is provided on the top of the drum pad. This realistic depiction allows the student to concentrate on playing different drums thereby developing the thought processes necessary for dynamic drumming as well as the muscle memory involved for such dynamic drumming. A pair of drumsticks may accompany the drum pad of the present invention. Additionally, recording media such as an audio CD can provide melodic or rhythmic "grooves" that may be practiced by the student in order to achieve drumming facility.

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.

Abstract: A drummer's practice pad and method for production thereof. The practice pad very closely simulates an actual drum head (the striking surface is as close to actual drumskin as possible), and this allows more efficient practice in the following areas: stick control on the pad surface; finger and hand development; and uniform stick response and rebound. The pad includes a cylindrical practice pad base having a shallow upper recess into which an elastomer pad compound is poured. The pad compound self-levels and hardens in a thin layer to provide an improved striking surface. A polyurethane coating is then applied. This improved striking surface is very realistic of an actual drumskin, and it muffles sound without muting it. It is durable and will not wear out or become depressed. Moreover, the process for making the pad is well-suited for mass production since it is simple and employs readily available materials.

Abstract: A one-piece, silicone rubber drum practice pad and method of practicing drumming. Silicone of the VMQ family and having a durometer of approximately 40 and tensile strength of approximately 1000 is molded into a flat pad approximately 6 inches square, 1/16 inch thick and 60 grams in weight.

Abstract: A mute device for use with music drums including tom-toms, snares, and the like. The device includes a drum stick strike plate, and at least one sound post projecting from the strike plate. The sound post contacts the drum skin at a location where the skin is supported on the drum shell housing, when the strike plate is mounted on the drum.

Abstract: A percussion pad includes an upper surface 28 that may be struck to activate the pad and a lower surface 18 on which is mounted a sensor 20 for detecting when the upper surface 28 is struck. An enclosed cavity 24 is located above the region of the lower surface 18 on which the sensor 20 is mounted. The cavity 24 prevents the shock wave of an impact above the sensor 20 from being transmitted directly to the sensor 20. Because shock waves will not propagate significantly around the cavity or along oblique paths from other parts of the surface 28, the sensitivity of the pad is uniform over the surface 28. An outer layer 26 of the pad is preferably formed of rubber-like material to reduce the acoustic sound of an impact and give a drum-like feel.

Abstract: A muscle control development system for developing selected hand, wrist and arm muscles of a user includes first and second rimless pads formed of a resilient, elastically deformable material. The first pad is a pancake pad having a relatively thin profile and having a thickness to diameter ratio of about 0.04. The pancake pad is configured to absorb a relatively small amount of force exerted thereon by a drumstick and to exhibit a relatively large rebound therefrom. The second pad is a biscuit pad having a larger thickness profile than the pancake pad, and having a thickness to diameter ratio in a range of about 0.20 to about 0.30. The biscuit pad is configured to absorb a relatively larger amount of force exerted thereon than the pancake pad and to exhibit a lesser rebound therefrom. The system includes a pea pad exerciser formed of the resilient material, and configured for placement between the user's fingers and thumb for exercising selected muscles.

Abstract: A drumming practice set (10) consisting of a combination drumstick practice pad (12) and a pair of practice drumsticks (40). When used together, a percussionist in pursuit of evenness and control, can achieve optimum results in the shortest time. The drumstick pad (12) consists of a lower resilient section (14) that attaches to an upper drumstick striking pad (22) that includes a set of five drumstick striking patterns (28). The practice drumsticks (40) are larger and heavier than conventional drumsticks and include an oversized bead (54). The practice drumsticks (40) feature a set of at least three, spaced, circular finger-placement marks (60) located around the drumstick circumference. When the thumb is placed over the front ring, the drumstick will provide maximum bounce; when placed over the back ring, to change the fulcrum, a maximum power strike is produced. The bead (54) is painted in a contrasting color to the remaining section of the drumstick.

Abstract: A removable practice apparatus for musical instruments, namely, a drum is provided and more particularly to a removable drumhead noise reducer having a double sided drumhead construction with a sound absorber therein, for positioning upon an existing drum, permitting drumstick practice to be played on top of the existing drum without losing the actual tactile feel and sound tone of an actual drum.

Abstract: A training and device for a percussion instrument comprising a guide means of at least one ramp forming a slide guide attached to the percussion instrument. The ramp guides the musician's sticks in a sliding movement to and from the diaphragm of the percussion instrument while freeing the musician from constant attention to the position of the sticks.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sound altering device for a drum comprising a shell, head fastening means and a head with a playing surface and a rim. The sound altering means comprising a circular base with at least one aperture, and a rim mounting means integral with circular base, the rim mounting means being adapted to fit over the edge of the shell so that the circular base is suspended underneath the playing surface, the rim mounting means being adapted to be held between the edge of the shell and the rim.

Abstract: A pad for an electronic drum has a vibration responsive plate that is mounted on a cushion and has on its upper surface a relatively thin buffer pad, the plate having cushioning means on its outer edge between it and peripheral supporting structure, so that the feel of the drumhead is quite natural to the player and that vibrations from the frame or supporting structure are insulated from the plate, and that the plate vibrations are not adversely affected, the plate carrying a microphone or other sound pick-up means.

Abstract: A pad for an electronic drum has a vibration responsive plate that is mounted on a cushion and has on its upper surface a relatively thin buffer pad, the plate having cushioning means on its outer edge between it and peripheral supporting structure, and a drumhead stretched directly over the buffer pad and retained by a cover member held in spaced relation from the plate, so that the feel of the pad is quite natural to the player and that vibrations from the frame or supporting structure are insulated from the plate, and that the plate vibrations are not adversely affected, the plate carrying a microphone or other sound pick-up means.

Abstract: A drumstick having an elongated, hollow, non-tapered body portion with a closed, rounded striking tip at one end and an open, non-tipped portion at the opposite end. The manner of practice playing is the same as that used in conventional live performance drumplaying, i.e., the drummer strikes the drum skin with the drumstick tip in reciprocating fashion; however, the drumstick of the instant invention may employ either end of the stick to strike the acoustical surface. The present drumstick produces a substantially quieter sound characteristic, thus allowing one to practice drumplaying skills while not disturbing others in proximity to the practice site.

Abstract: A training bass drum has a length significantly larger than those of conventional training bass drum so that it generates musical tones with sufficient noise control but attains ample bass range effect. The resultant elongated internal space is advantageously utilized for encasing other sorts of percussive musical instruments such as snare drums and tomtoms.

Abstract: A percussion practice pad is formed of a panel supporting a layer of material for intercepting blows of drum sticks and for muting sounds produced by the striking of the drum sticks. The panel which serves as a base for resisting forces of the drum sticks is made of wood or plastic and is spaced apart by normally disposed wall members from a cushioned contact surface. The contact surface may be formed directly within an edge of a wall member, or within a plate attached thereto, and is curved so as to mate comfortably with the leg of a percussionist during use. The pad is adapted by means of an adjustable strap to be comfortable and stably secured about the thigh of the user.

Abstract: Two layers of rubber are sandwiched about a layer of metal to provide a surface for practicing drumming. The bottom surface of the bottom layer is roughened to reduce sliding. The device may also be positioned on its side and struck on its opposite side to simulate the striking of cymbals, or placed on the drum surface to dampen undesirable vibrations.