practice pad
{{Short description|Percussion tool used for practice}}
File:Practicepad.jpg WeatherKing RT series practice pad]]
File:Practice Pad + Metronome Combo - Best Practice.jpg
File:Evans Practice Pad.jpg RealFeel practice pad.]]
A practice pad or drum pad, is a piece of equipment used by drummers and other percussionists to practice quietly, or to warm up before a performance.{{cite web |title=What Are Drum Practice Pads? |url=http://thevault.musicarts.com/what-are-drum-practice-pads/ |website=The Vault at Music & Arts |access-date=21 February 2021 |date=15 August 2017}}
Construction
A variety of practice pads have been developed to assist percussionists in different ways. Practice pads may be designed to approximate the tension and response of a true drumhead when struck, or to provide less rebound to train the percussionist’s muscles. They can be constructed in a variety of shapes and sizes, and are typically small and light enough to be easily portable. Many variations include harder or softer playing surfaces, non-skid bases (that can also double as muted playing surfaces), and fixing points allowing the pad to be connected to existing percussion hardware such as a cymbal or snare drum stand.{{cite web |title=Drum Pads: Everything You Need To Know |url=https://drumheadauthority.com/articles/drum-pads/ |website=Drumhead Authority |access-date=21 February 2021}}
=Mylar=
=Elastomer=
Many other devices use a thin layer of elastomer, such as natural or synthetic rubber of various densities, as a playing surface. This type of rubber surface is either placed directly over the top of an existing drumhead, or stuck to the top of a solid substrate. The rubber is designed to reflect a drumstick or mallet after being struck in a way similar to that of a true drumhead.{{cite web |last1=Ritz |first1=Duran |title=What are the Best Practice Pads for Drummers? |url=https://www.thenewdrummer.com/best-practice-pad-drummers/ |website=The New Drummer |access-date=21 February 2021 |date=6 November 2017}}
=Mesh=
Some practice pads use a disk of mesh stretched over a frame. The mesh is quieter when struck than rubber or mylar, and can be tuned to mimic different types of drum head by tightening and loosening it in the frame.{{cite web |title=Rubber Drum Pads vs. Mesh Drum Pads |url=https://www.drumsilent.com/rubber-drum-pads-vs-mesh-drum-pads/ |website=Silent Drumming |access-date=21 February 2021 |date=21 July 2015}}
Use
These devices can be placed on a wide variety of surfaces including the player’s lap, a tabletop or the head of an actual drum. Placing the pad on the head of an actual drum can have the effect of transferring to the drum’s natural snare-side response along with severely muting the sound of the drum. Several units are often arranged like a standard drum kit for practice purposes.