How to Install Bass Drum Felt

Percussionists like to slightly muffle the sound of the bass drum with felt strips. The felt dampens the blow of the bass drum pedal which produces a shorter thudding sound. The muffling effect also helps prevent ringing overtones which can be a serious problem when the bass drum is miked. Installing the felt is an easy procedure that is done prior to assembling the bass drum. Felt strips for bass drums are available at music stores or online.

Instructions

1. Lay the felt strip diagonally across the interior back side of the bass drum. Pull the felt strip so that it fits snugly inside the rear of the drum. The back side is the side that faces the drummer.

2. Set the bass drum head on the drum shell. Place the hoop over the bass drum head. Adjust it so that it fits evenly all the way around the drum shell. The hoop holds the drum head in place.

3. Place the washers and claw feet on the tension rods. Line up the tension rods with the lugs on the drum shell. Insert the tension rods into the lugs and place the claw feet on the hoop.

4. Tighten the tension rods with your fingers. Attach the bass drum pedal to the bass drum. Play the bass drum with the foot pedal and tune the bass with a drum key.

Tips & Warnings

• Felt strips are typically used only on the backside of the bass drum. However, feel free to experiment. Some drummers place felt strips behind the front drum head or even inside the middle of the drum between the two heads.

References

• Musician's Friend: Tech Tips: How to Assemble and Set Up Your Drum Set
• Music Distributor: Drum Set Instructions
• University of Minnesota: Drum Tuning Bible