What Are Drum Shields For?
Playing a drum set in an apartment complex or another space where you find yourself in close proximity to others may irritate your neighbors. You may try to play softly, but the sound will noticeably flatten. Drum shields act as a sound cushion by containing noise and preserving sound dynamics.
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Features
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All makes of drum shields are similar in construction. Most often, a drum shield set will include five or six acrylic panels 2 feet wide, about 4 feet to 5 1/2 feet tall and hinges for each panel. The drum shields are typically set in front of the drums, but the shields can also be arranged to enclose the drummer, which contains the sound more effectively. A good shield should have curvatures and openings for cables to easily slip through. Purchase modular shields for easy expansion.
Benefits
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Because drum shields contain sound, loudness is minimized. The drummer can play loudly without worrying too much about disturbing others and preserve the original sound dynamics. Also, sound bounces off the shields, which allows the drummer to hear himself better. Overall, the sound becomes clearer and more isolated. Band members can hear their individual instruments instead of hearing the sounds bleeding into one another.
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Maintenance
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For acrylic panels, only use cleaning solutions safe for use on acrylic. Cleaners with ammonia will make the panels appear cloudy and can damage the drum shields.
Pricing
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A wraparound drum shield set costs about $450 (as of March 2011). A complete enclosure including a lid on top and soundproofing panels can cost about $2,000.
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References
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