Drum shields, Like or hate?

**tamashane** · 04-30-2018, 11:05 PM

So, My drums seem to be too loud for my band. I do play aggressive, but, I have eased up to the point I'm playing as soft as I can and still get into the songs. Our set list includes songs by Pink Floyd, Kansas, Rush and other really aggressive music. Our keyboardist and guitarist have no problem and think they sound great. Our bassist and vocalist think I'm too loud. The bassist came up with a drum shield. So, my question is, would you or would you not play behind a shield?

**Bish** · 04-30-2018, 11:26 PM

I had to be behind one in a church environment. Never much liked it but it wasn't for my benefit. Didn't really bother me either way until someone turned around to talk to you. The only thing you could guarantee was they couldn't sneeze on you.

**rickthedrummer** · 05-01-2018, 06:07 AM

Never!!!

**Pearl MCX Man** · 05-01-2018, 06:32 AM

I agree never use or had any use for them myself but then under some circumstances some do use them. I guess it is up to you.

**inthpktplayer** · 05-01-2018, 06:34 AM

Nope. Never. You want your drummer behind a shield? Then, I'm not your drummer.

**Bish** · 05-01-2018, 07:56 AM

Originally Posted by inthpktplayer

Nope. Never. You want your drummer behind a shield? Then, I'm not your drummer.

There is one good thing to be said about it. If you use the kind that has the cloth bottom half you can use any ugly kit without embarrassment. That'll show'm, huh?

How I eventually got around using one in church was to dampen the crap out of MY KIT and let the sound system do its job. The budget kit they'd been using was tuned wide open with lots of projection and being played by pounders. Bringing in a good kit and dynamic drummer (me) I was able to control the sound without offending anyone.

**Ricardo** · 05-01-2018, 08:31 AM

I hate those things...................and I've never had a bass player tell me I'm too loud...............maybe get you some 7A sticks ?

There is a club in town wherein the drummer plays a house kit (an entry-level crappy kit) and it sits behind a shield and in front of these big, thick, black theater curtains.
I understand the need to try and isolate for good sound but the PA is crap...................what's worse is the monitor system -- especially the drummer's monitor.
So you sit behind this shield which changes the dynamic of what a drummer can hear on stage, and that is combined with a bad monitor that can't help.
We switched to IEM and the system was so bad, it didn't help.

Tell the bass player he needs to stand behind a shield.....................opaque might be best.

**slinky** · 05-01-2018, 08:36 AM

It seems like there was a time that I was behind one but I can't think of when or where so I guess I never had to use one but

I think I'd kind of like it being in my own space like that

I've been in more 3 pc band's then anything else but always liked being somewhat blocked by the extra person in 4pc band's.

I didn't feel so focused on I guess..

**rickthedrummer** · 05-01-2018, 08:40 AM

Get your dynamics in order.

**Texdrumr** · 05-01-2018, 10:27 AM

They don’t bother me for some reason but I also use IEM.

They definitely help the sound man isolate the drums without bleeding into the vocal mics.

**SpazApproved** · 05-01-2018, 01:06 PM

The also make just cymbal shields if you don't want the full shield

**tamashane** · 05-01-2018, 04:07 PM

Originally Posted by Bish

There is one good thing to be said about it. If you use the kind that has the cloth bottom half you can use any ugly kit without embarrassment. That'll show'm, huh?

How I eventually got around using one in church was to dampen the crap out of MY KIT and let the sound system do its job. The budget kit they'd been using was tuned wide open with lots of projection and being played by pounders. Bringing in a good kit and dynamic drummer (me) I was able to control the sound without offending anyone.

I'm playing my DW's without dampening, I love open kits, also, the only thing we mic live is the snare and kick. I consider myself pretty dynamic, getting better with this band, anyway.

**tamashane** · 05-01-2018, 04:08 PM

Originally Posted by Texdrumr

They don’t bother me for some reason but I also use IEM.

They definitely help the sound man isolate the drums without bleeding into the vocal mics.

We use wedges. As far as sound, we onlt mic the snare and kick.

**tamashane** · 05-01-2018, 04:10 PM

Originally Posted by rickthedrummer

Get your dynamics in order.

I am dynamic.

**tamashane** · 05-01-2018, 04:13 PM

So, I have decided to try it for the band's sake. If, for some reason I do not like it, I will tell them. Also, thinking of down sizing to a five piece Mapex kit.

**Texdrumr** · 05-01-2018, 04:23 PM

Originally Posted by tamashane

We use wedges. As far as sound, we onlt mic the snare and kick.

I hope it works out for you. But I think what you’ll find is that without some sort of ear protection everything you hit behind that shield is going to bounce back straight at you. Your cymbals specifically are going to pierce your ear drums.

**rickthedrummer** · 05-01-2018, 04:24 PM

Originally Posted by tamashane

I am dynamic.

Not what I meant.

**drummerMD** · 05-01-2018, 04:46 PM

Originally Posted by SpazApproved

The also make just cymbal shields if you don't want the full shield

Like Butch Vic from Garbage. Madison, WI.

**SpazApproved** · 05-02-2018, 10:10 AM

Originally Posted by drummerMD

Like Butch Vic from Garbage. Madison, WI.

exactly!

**kay-gee** · 05-02-2018, 11:14 AM

Know what would be really cool?

The whole band playing inside huge aquarium!

all the best...

**tamashane** · 05-02-2018, 11:45 AM

Originally Posted by kay-gee

Know what would be really cool?

The whole band playing inside huge aquarium!

all the best...

LOL! Thanks!

**tamashane** · 05-02-2018, 11:46 AM

Originally Posted by Texdrumr

I hope it works out for you. But I think what you’ll find is that without some sort of ear protection everything you hit behind that shield is going to bounce back straight at you. Your cymbals specifically are going to pierce your ear drums.

I haven't considered that. I will be aware of it.

**Bish** · 05-02-2018, 11:52 AM

Originally Posted by rickthedrummer

Get your dynamics in order.

That's not always the only answer. Sometimes the people you play to need it or want it due to their beliefs, right or wrong.

**rickthedrummer** · 05-02-2018, 12:53 PM

Originally Posted by Bish

That's not always the only answer. Sometimes the people you play to need it or want it due to their beliefs, right or wrong.

Bish, you kind of lost me on that 1.

This is what I meant:

"Dynamics refer to the loudness or softness of music. Dynamics offer a way to show expression in sheet music. They help to drive the emotional content of music through volume and intensity. It's as if you could adjust both the volume and the color depth on your screen simultaneously. We can also think of the intensity side of dynamics as the strength of a note. Some notes are meant to be played gently and lightly, while others are meant to be played more strongly."

**Bish** · 05-02-2018, 05:29 PM

Originally Posted by rickthedrummer

Bish, you kind of lost me on that 1.

This is what I meant:

"Dynamics refer to the loudness or softness of music. Dynamics offer a way to show expression in sheet music. They help to drive the emotional content of music through volume and intensity. It's as if you could adjust both the volume and the color depth on your screen simultaneously. We can also think of the intensity side of dynamics as the strength of a note. Some notes are meant to be played gently and lightly, while others are meant to be played more strongly."

I understand exactly what you meant.

Maybe I can explain better what I meant. In the church setting where I volunteered my services, the church already had the shield in place. The congregation made the choice to have it, regardless of the drummer. That's all I'm saying. Sorry if I wasn't clear before.

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