For many music enthusiasts, the sight of a drummer placing a pillow or a towel inside their bass drum is a familiar one. But have you ever stopped to think, “Why do drummers put a pillow in the bass drum?” Is it just a quirk, or is there a method to this madness? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of drumming and uncover the reasons behind this seemingly strange practice.
The Sonic Quest for Perfection
Drumming is an art form that requires precision, technique, and a deep understanding of sound. A drummer’s primary goal is to produce a clear, punchy, and balanced sound that resonates with the audience. The bass drum, being the foundation of the drum kit, plays a crucial role in achieving this objective. However, the journey to sonic nirvana is not without its challenges.
The Battle Against Ringing and Resonance
One of the most common issues drummers face is excessive ringing or resonance from the bass drum. This occurs when the drumhead vibrates excessively, producing an unwanted, hollow sound that can be distracting and unpleasant to the listener. The pillow or towel inside the bass drum serves as a clever solution to this problem.
By placing a damping material inside the drum, drummers can reduce the resonance and ringing, allowing the drum to produce a more focused, attack-heavy sound. This technique is particularly useful for genres like metal, hard rock, and punk, where a sharp, aggressive sound is required.
The Science of Damping: How it Works
But how does this magic work? To understand the science behind it, let’s take a closer look at the physics of sound production. When a drummer strikes the bass drum, the drumhead vibrates, creating a series of sound waves. These waves then bounce around the interior of the drum, causing the drum to resonate.
The pillow or towel acts as a damping agent, absorbing some of these sound waves and reducing the drum’s resonance. By decreasing the drum’s ability to vibrate, the sound becomes more muted and controlled. This, in turn, allows the drummer to achieve a tighter, more defined sound.
The Evolution of Bass Drum Design
The use of pillows or towels inside bass drums is not a modern innovation. In fact, drummers have been experimenting with various damping materials for decades.
The Early Days of Drumming
In the early 20th century, drummers used a variety of materials to achieve the desired sound. From cloth napkins to newspaper, anything that could dampen the sound was fair game. As drumming techniques and technology evolved, so did the materials used for damping.
The Rise of Modern Bass Drum Design
Today, drum manufacturers offer a range of bass drums designed specifically to produce a more controlled sound. Many modern bass drums feature Internal Damping Systems (IDS), which involve strategically placed chambers or inserts that help to reduce resonance.
However, even with these advancements, the humble pillow or towel remains a popular choice among drummers. This is because it provides a level of customization and flexibility that’s hard to match with built-in damping systems.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Techniques and Tricks
While the pillow-in-the-bass-drum technique is a staple of drumming, there are many variations and nuances to explore.
Tuning and Placement: The Art of Fine-Tuning
The placement and tuning of the pillow or towel can have a significant impact on the sound produced. By experimenting with different positions, angles, and tensions, drummers can achieve a wide range of tonal variations.
For example, placing the pillow closer to the batter head can produce a more aggressive, attacking sound, while positioning it near the resonant head can result in a deeper, more resonant tone.
The Towel Trick: A Variation on the Theme
The towel trick is a popular alternative to the pillow method. By folding a towel into a thick, compact shape and placing it inside the drum, drummers can achieve a similar damping effect.
This technique is particularly useful for smaller bass drums, where the pillow might be too bulky. The towel also provides a more subtle, nuanced sound that’s well-suited to genres like jazz and fusion.
Myths and Misconceptions
Despite its widespread use, the pillow-in-the-bass-drum technique is often shrouded in mystery and misconception.
The Myth of the “Dead” Drum
One common myth is that using a pillow or towel inside the bass drum “kills” the sound, making it flat and lifeless. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
In reality, the pillow or towel helps to focus the sound, producing a more defined and controlled tone. This, in turn, allows the drummer to achieve a more dynamic and expressive performance.
The Misconception of the “One-Size-Fits-All” Solution
Another misconception is that the pillow-in-the-bass-drum technique is a one-size-fits-all solution. In reality, the type and placement of the damping material will vary depending on the drummer’s personal preference, the genre, and the specific drum kit.
Experimentation and trial-and-error are essential in finding the perfect balance of sound and tone.
Conclusion: Unraveling the Mystery
The use of a pillow or towel inside the bass drum may seem like a simple trick, but it’s a technique that requires a deep understanding of sound production, drum design, and the nuances of drumming.
By embracing this technique and exploring its many variations, drummers can unlock new sonic possibilities and take their music to the next level. So the next time you see a drummer placing a pillow in their bass drum, remember that it’s not just a quirky habit – it’s a key to unlocking the secrets of great drumming.
What is a bass drum pillow?
A bass drum pillow is a small, usually cylindrical, pillow designed specifically for use with bass drums. Its primary purpose is to reduce the attack and sustain of the drumhead, resulting in a smoother, more controlled sound. Bass drum pillows are often used in recording studios and live performances to achieve a desired sound quality.
While the term “pillow” might evoke images of a soft, cushy object, bass drum pillows are typically made of dense, firm materials such as wool or foam. This allows them to effectively dampen the drumhead’s vibrations without sacrificing tone quality. The size and material of the pillow can be tailored to suit the specific needs of the drummer or recording engineer.
How does a bass drum pillow work?
A bass drum pillow works by absorbing some of the energy generated by the drumhead’s vibrations. When a drummer strikes the bass drum, the pillow helps to slow down the movement of the drumhead, reducing the harsh, attacking sound that can be detrimental to a mix. By controlling the vibration, the pillow allows the drumhead to produce a more rounded, sustained tone.
The pillow’s effectiveness lies in its ability to target specific frequency ranges. By placing the pillow in the center of the drumhead, it can absorb high-frequency overtones, leaving the lower frequencies intact. This results in a deeper, more balanced sound that can enhance the overall dynamics of a song.
Who invented the bass drum pillow?
The origin of the bass drum pillow is shrouded in mystery, and it is difficult to attribute its invention to a single person. However, it is believed to have emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, when drummers began experimenting with unconventional techniques to achieve new sounds.
During this time, drummers such as John Bonham and Ginger Baker were known to use various objects, including pillows, towels, and even tape, to alter the sound of their bass drums. It is likely that the concept of the bass drum pillow evolved from these early experiments, with musicians and engineers continuing to refine and perfect the design over the years.
What are the different types of bass drum pillows?
There are several types of bass drum pillows available, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. Some common types include wool pillows, foam pillows, and hybrid pillows that combine different materials. Wool pillows are often preferred for their ability to absorb high frequencies while preserving low-end response, while foam pillows are known for their density and durability.
In addition to these traditional types, there are also specialized pillows designed for specific genres or applications. For example, some pillows are designed specifically for use in jazz or classical music, while others are optimized for heavy metal or hard rock. Engineers and drummers often experiment with different materials and designs to find the perfect pillow for their needs.
Can I make my own bass drum pillow?
Yes, it is possible to make your own bass drum pillow. Many drummers and engineers have successfully created their own pillows using materials such as wool, foam, or even old clothes. Creating a pillow from scratch can be a cost-effective way to achieve a custom sound, and it can also be a fun and rewarding DIY project.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that creating a high-quality pillow requires a good understanding of acoustics and materials science. Simply throwing a bunch of materials together may not yield the desired results. It’s recommended to research different designs, experiment with different materials, and test the pillow extensively to ensure it meets your needs.
How do I place a bass drum pillow in my bass drum?
Placing a bass drum pillow in your bass drum requires some trial and error to find the optimal position. Generally, the pillow should be placed in the center of the drumhead, with the majority of its surface area in contact with the head. This allows the pillow to effectively absorb vibrations and control the sound.
The exact positioning of the pillow will depend on the size and type of pillow, as well as the individual drum and desired sound. Some drummers prefer to place the pillow off-center or at an angle, while others experiment with different heights and pressures. It’s recommended to experiment with different placements to find the one that works best for your music and setup.
Can I use a bass drum pillow on other drums?
While bass drum pillows are designed specifically for use with bass drums, they can also be used on other drums to achieve different sounds. For example, a smaller pillow can be used on a snare drum to reduce overtones and create a more focused sound.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that the density and material of the pillow may need to be adjusted for use on smaller drums. A pillow that is too dense or large may muffle the sound excessively, while a pillow that is too small may not have a significant impact. Experimentation and trial-and-error are key to finding the right pillow for the job.