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Why Do Drummers Put Pillows In Bass Drum? (Explained)

Why do drummers put pillows in bass drum
Written by Corey Morgan

Why do drummers put pillows in bass drum?

There are many theories out there as to why drummers put pillows in bass drums. Some say that it is to make the sound louder, while others believe that it is to muffle the sound. Whatever the reason may be, one thing is for sure – it definitely changes the sound of the instrument.

So what’s the verdict? Why do drummers put pillows in bass drum? Tune in to find out!

Bass drums play an important role in songs by providing the rhythm and beat. Bass drums are often used in rock and pop music, and they provide a solid foundation for the song. They help to keep the beat and add power to the music. Bass drums can also be used to create a groove or hook in a song.

Reasons why do drummers put pillow in their bass drum

Some drummers put pillows inside to reduce sustain and alter the tone of a bass drum. The pillow will change the amount of time it takes for the sound to decay, as well as the pitch and timbre of the sound. This is a common technique used by jazz and orchestral percussionists.

  • To reduce echo and change the tone.

Drummers put pillows in their bass drums to reduce echo and change the tone. By doing this, they are able to alter the sound of the drum in order to create a unique effect.

This is a common practice among drummers, as it allows them to customize the sound of their instrument. Pillows also help to absorb the impact of the drumsticks, which can protect the drummer’s hands from fatigue.

A pillow is a cheap way to control the sustain of a bass drum. A bass drum is a deep-sounding instrument that can be used in a variety of musical styles.

A pillow placed on the head of the drum will create a muffled sound, while still allowing the player to feel the vibrations of the drumhead. This is a cheap way to control the sustain of a bass drum.

  • A pillow can also be used to cut back on the overtones of a bass drum

A bass drum is a large and powerful instrument that can be quite overwhelming in a small room. A pillow can be used to help absorb some of the sound and reduce the overtones. Placing the pillow between the bass drum will help to muffle the sound and make it less harsh.

If there is nothing placed inside the bass drum, it will produce a booming tone that is often undesirable. This can be remedied by using a pillow or some other soft object to deaden the sound. By doing this, you can create a more desirable tone that will better suit your needs.

  • Size of drum

It is also important to keep in mind that the size of the bass drum will also affect the sound that it produces. A larger drum will produce a deeper and more resonant sound, while a smaller drum will be more suited for producing higher-pitched tones.

Experiment with different sizes to see what works best for your particular setup.

  • Type of drum head

Finally, the type of drumhead you use can also have an impact on the sound of the bass drum. Softer heads will produce a warmer, rounder sound, while harder heads will result in a sharper, more cutting tone.

Again, it is important to experiment with different heads to see what works best for your particular setup.

Is there an incorrect way to muffle a bass drum with a pillow?

Find a sweet spot for pillow placement on bass drums in order to control air flow.

There is a sweet spot for pillow placement on bass drums in order to control air flow. If the pillow is placed too high on the drum, it will muffle the sound. If the pillow is placed too low on the drum, it will not have the desired effect.

The sweet spot for pillow placement on a bass drum is usually about midway up the drum. This allows for the best control of air flow and results in the least amount of muffling of the sound. Experiment with different placements to find what works best for you and your instrument.

Drawbacks of putting pillow in your bass drum

Muffling your bass drum too much can kill the sound and make it difficult to play

If you put too much muffling on your bass drum, you’ll cut off the air flow and kill the sound.

As you experiment with different types of muffling, make sure that your bass drum is still able to resonate freely while you play; if it feels like the head isn’t vibrating at all when you strike it, that’s a sign that you’ve over-muffled it.

Final Thoughts On Why Drummers Put Pillow In Their Bass Drum

The practice of putting a pillow in a bass drum is meant to help the drummer achieve a more resonant tone when playing.

By deadening the sound of the beater hitting the head, and by allowing for more vibration within the drum itself, adding a pillow can make it easier to produce a fuller-sounding note.

This is especially true for lower frequencies, which can often get muddled when playing without any padding inside the drum.

The addition of a pillow can also help reduce fatigue while playing, as it takes some of the stress off of your hands and wrists.

Drums are loud and can be harsh on the drummer’s ears, putting pillows in the bass drum helps to soften the sound a bit.  It also makes it easier for the drummer to hear themselves play and keep time with the rest of the band.