Cymbals are an essential component of a drum set, providing shimmering accents and dynamic crashes. However, there are instances when you may need to reduce their volume for specific musical situations or noise considerations. In this article, we will explore various techniques to make cymbals quieter without compromising their overall sound and character. Let’s dive in!
- Adjusting Playing Technique: The way you strike the cymbals can significantly impact their volume. By adjusting your playing technique, you can achieve a quieter sound. Here are some tips:
- Aim for a lighter touch: Use less force when striking the cymbals. This will naturally reduce their volume while maintaining the desired articulation and tone.
- Focus on precision: Instead of making broad and sweeping motions, try to be more precise with your strikes. This allows you to control the cymbal’s response and reduce unnecessary overtones and resonance.
- Using Cymbal Mutes or Dampening Pads: Cymbal mutes or dampening pads are designed specifically to reduce cymbal volume while maintaining their overall tone. Here’s how to use them effectively:
- Place the cymbal mute on top of the cymbal while ensuring it covers a significant portion of the surface.
- Experiment with different sizes and thicknesses of cymbal mutes to achieve the desired level of dampening. Thicker mutes tend to reduce volume more effectively.
- Play around with the position of the mute on the cymbal. Moving it closer to the edge will yield a quieter sound, while positioning it near the bell will retain more of the cymbal’s character.
- Employing Drumstick Techniques: Using certain drumstick techniques can help reduce the volume of cymbals. Consider the following:
- Stick angle: Adjust the angle of the drumstick when striking the cymbal. A flatter angle will produce a louder sound, while a steeper angle will result in a quieter sound.
- Shoulder or shank strikes: Instead of striking the cymbal with the tip of the drumstick, experiment with using the shoulder or shank of the stick. These areas produce a softer sound compared to the tip.
- Switching to Low Volume Cymbals: If you frequently require quieter cymbals, consider investing in low volume cymbals. These cymbals are specifically designed to produce reduced volume levels while maintaining the feel and response of traditional cymbals. They are often made from specialized alloys or feature unique construction techniques to achieve their quieter sound.
- Using DIY Techniques: If you prefer a DIY approach, you can try the following techniques:
- Tape or foam: Apply small strips of tape or pieces of foam to the underside of the cymbal. This dampens the vibrations and reduces volume.
- Rivet placement: Adding rivets to your cymbals can alter their sound and reduce volume. Experiment with different positions and quantities of rivets to achieve the desired effect.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re playing in a smaller venue, practicing at home, or looking for a more controlled cymbal sound, there are several effective techniques to make cymbals quieter. By adjusting your playing technique, using cymbal mutes or dampening pads, employing specific drumstick techniques, switching to low volume cymbals, or trying DIY approaches, you can achieve the desired balance between volume and tone. Remember to experiment with these techniques to find the best combination that suits your musical needs and preferences.
