What do you use for a drum rug / drum mat?

[KapperDog]

I recently started playing out more and I noticed right off the bat that a drum mat is an absolute required part of my kit. One session of stuff sliding all over the floor was enough for me.

I searched through the forums and found a lot of suggestions. However, most of them were buried in lengthy threads. And, only a few had the term drum rug or drum mat in the title.

Although, I enjoyed reading those threads, I thought I would make it a little easier for someone who didn't have that kind of extra time on their hands. Thus the title of this thread.

Many of the posts simply said, "Wal Mart", which is where this post is headed from my standpoint but it might be nice if anyone else wants to post their suggestions or solutions.

IMO most common rugs found at WalMart (or wherever) with a "jute" back are totally unacceptable. Not only do they slide too easily but they will definitely scratch a fine floor. They are also very bulky and heavy. Rubber backing was an absolute requirement in my selection.

A rubber "rug underlayment" would work with the jute backed rugs but, now we are carrying more stuff. I need to keep my kit light and small (read: old fart like me has to carry it).

Here's a link to the rug underlayment from Wal Mart. Not exactly cheap, either...

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/catal...atNavId=110892

I looked at some of the commercial alternatives like the Protection Racket mat. At over $100 that's not for everyone. I would like to see one of these before I spend that much and no one seems to stock them. It's always special order or buy online.

http://www.protectionracket.co.uk/pd...rodRef=9020-00

eBay always has something to offer. This looks nice. At only $70 it might have possibilities. At least it's the proper size. 5 x 5 is perfect for a digital kit.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Cannon-Deluxe-Dr...QQcmdZViewItem

And, here's another approach. A separate small mat for each accessory. I don't think I would like this.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Drum-Rug-Mat-Car...d=p3286.c0.m14


And, once again, I like to touch it and feel it before I buy it.

Roland offers their own mat but the cost is well over $100 retail. I don't know anyone who has actually owns one of these. If you own one, it would be nice for you to post your opinion as to whether it's worth it or not. Same thing with the Protection Racket mat (if anyone actually owns one).

I will eventually upgrade to one of the better mats but, for now, I followed the bulk of the suggestions and paid a visit to Wal Mart.

The only rug I found that fit my requirements was the one shown in the attached pictures. The size is 40" x 60", which is just a hair under perfect. The 40" depth is enough for all of the rack and most of my throne to set on it so it won't move. About 1 foot deeper and it would be perfect. However, the extra foot is more cosmetic than functional since the entire throne would fit [but doesn't need to].

Here is a link to purchasing it at WalMart.com... [Oops, sorry. Not available online] I'll attached a scan of the label showing the UPC code.

$14.24

Also attached is a picture of the rug. Sitting on the rug is an MDS-12 rack. Please excuse the overcrowded picture. I am suffering from a severe case of GAS (Playing less than a year and I have acquired 5 kits and a decent recording studio) and the basement is getting a little crowded.

Still, you can see how the front vertical rack legs sit right near the edge of the rug with the side vertical legs having plenty of room. The kick and FD pedals fit nicely and the nap of the rug securely snags the "velcro" on the bottom of my KD-8.

A few more inches and the throne would completely fit but that's more cosmetic than functional.

It's very thin and I would pull my spikes before using it on a fine floor. I'll apply some black tape to mark the pedals and legs locations.

When I pack up the kit, I'll weigh the rug and post the weight. Very very light.

I'll be playing out with this mat on Sunday and Wednesday. I'll post how it holds up.

[stickinthemud]

Wow! Now that's one comprehensive post!

I have always used just a regular carpet remnant for my drum mat. I get the thin-nap berber-type commercial-style carpet (like you see in offices) because Velcro grabs nicely in it. Being thin, it doesn't cause a lot of wobble, rolls up compactly, and doesn't weigh much. The backing is tightly woven, so the spurs don't penetrate, but since I have Velcro on the bottom of my kick and hi-hat pedals, I don't really depend on the spurs that much.

I have never given any thought as to whether the backing would scratch a floor. I've never had to put my kit on any floor that would qualify as "fine". You must run with better class of people!

Thanks for sharing the information!

[steve.pie]

I use the Protection Racket one ........ yes, compared to any old bit of rug it does seem expensive, but it is 'edged' so it wont unravel, and has a natty little clip to stop it unrolling...... mine has now done hundreds of gigs and still looks, and works fine. Like flightcases, because it doesnt have flashing lights or make groovy noises when you hit it, its easy to disregard its worth, and as you rightly say one gig of sliding stuff is one too many !!

[Picksorsticks]

My drums are in the unfinished part of our house, on a concrete floor. I just have a remnant of a rug under the drums. No problems with anything slipping or moving around.

[daveybabes]

I use interlocking gym foam matting with a Roland TDM 10 drum rug on Top

Here's the matting http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/FOAM-INTERLOCK...d=p3286.c0.m14

I've had the TDM 10 for under a year, it's ok but doesn't cut out noise as to what Roland state, the edges are turning up slightly, the foam along the edges is also cracking underneath and it now looks a bit worn ...

The interlocking foam matting does block some noise and vibe.

[KevH]

Interlocking gym matting here too (£10 from JJB Sports), one pack made a nice 4ft square pad. I have no carpet on it at the moment, but some heavy duty velcro pads stop my peadls shifting.

[Michael Render]

I use the Cannon Drum Rug. Feel free to come over and touch it!
http://accessories.musiciansfriend.c...Rug?sku=443185

[i-drum]

if you have an nana that's handy with strips of old material, you could have one of these...

[KevH]

if you have an nana that's handy with strips of old material, you could have one of these...

Ooooooooh! That's lovely! It looks like an oversized tea pot coaster.

[i-drum]

Ooooooooh! That's lovely! It looks like an oversized tea pot coaster.

just curious, what's a bb code image....

[doxxon3]

just curious, what's a bb code image....

Just a way to fomat HTML text... check it out: http://www.phpbb.com/community/faq.php?mode=bbcode#f00

[BarT]

No BBCode images - grrr!

just curious, what's a bb code image....

Just a way to fomat HTML text... check it out: http://www.phpbb.com/community/faq.php?mode=bbcode#f00

And BBcode images work just fine here at Vdrums.com too: http://www.vdrums.com/forum/misc.php?do=bbcode#imgcode

With the normal proviso; "...and secondly the image you display must already be available on the internet (it cannot exist only on your computer for example, unless you run a webserver!)." http://www.phpbb.com/community/faq.php?mode=bbcode#f50.

(Unless it's a small image in your signature, in which case it doesn't need to exist elsewhere on the web.)

Bruce

[srobak]

testing...





Yep, bb img code works fine.

[i-drum]

that's some kit ya got there

[allanjohn]

Amazing - and good to see the TD8 still holding its own!