Drumming - Noisy Neighbour

SingleSue

Glovey wrote: »

Good idea - I do see him wearing headphones whilst he is drumming so I'm unsure as to why he doesn't use an electronic drum kit? I guess it doesn't feel as good to play on as a real drum kit.

For my son it is purely down to cost...he can't afford one!

That said, he only practiced a couple of times a week, for one hour maximum, always finishing before 5pm and with neighbours permission.

Although he still drums on occasion, he's now moved onto singing and playing (acoustic) guitar as it is more easily transportable to uni and back home again.

Kevie192

Rather than suggesting a full electronic drum kit, you can buy drum silencer kits that are just rubber pads that fit on the tops of drums and cymbals and reduce the noise by up to 95% without dramatically altering the feel of the drums.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Drum-Kit-Silencer-Practice-Pads/dp/B0074A9O4W/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1539773216&sr=8-4&keywords=drum+silencer+pads

Perhaps suggest they could buy some of these, or even offer to chip in and pay half or all of the cost? I'd still tell him that he can practice without them but please to keep that to an hour or so a day between x times.

Trouble is, if it's not unsociable hours then it's very difficult to prove it's a nuisance and have something done officially.

HTH

Kevin

TBagpuss

I would go round at a time when he is drumming and speak to him directly. He is an adult, after all.

By all means mention that you previously spoke to his dad and understood that it was agreed he would not use the drums before 9 or after 5, and ask that given how intrusive it is, that he limit the amount of time he spends.

I wouldn't get involved with specifics about sound proofing unless it comes up as part of the conversation, in which case by all means mention that you understand that pads are available to dampen the sound of drumming, etc.

Mnd

When we are working on our allotment we got to put up with some chap called Nick Mason bashing his drum set. He was in a small band Pink Floyd.. he ain't too bad I suppose

Beenie

The only two people that I know who are obsessive drummers are both on the autism spectrum. Neither has a job, one at home with parents at 32 yeas old and the other in sheltered accommodation. It doesn't stop with them; it's some sort of beat in their heads that they can't resist. I asked about this once when we were walking down the street and the autistic son was knocking a beat on garden railings as we passed. He has a full drum kit and won't be moving out of his parents house ever.

You need to talk to the parents again, I think, to get this resolved. An adult son at home every day with no sign of a job or social contact and drumming for hours sounds well weird.

lincroft1710

Tell the son he should constantly practise the drum part of the first 4 minutes of Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven". If he tires of that then he should practice the whole of the drum part of Side 1 of Mike Oldfield's original recording of "Tubular Bells".

MeepleH

You have the patience of a saint. I would've gone round and destroyed the drum kit by now. One thing I can't stand is inconsiderate noise.
Sorry not constructive :A

Pixie5740

Go round and shove both drumsticks where the sun doesn't shine.....sideways and/or smash his face through a snare drum.


Disclaimer:

I am only mildly serious about this course of action.

PasturesNew

Many years ago I had a friend who was a drummer. He had his detached garage fully sound-proofed and would drum out there.

Oh, I just found him on youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqzCJyZOHTA

That's what anybody with an annoying and loud "hobby" should do - but if this chap's making money from it he's a professional.... I wonder if, therefore, you could play the "planning permission/running a business from home" card - although a tricky one to play and win.

Music101

Think its irrelevant if people think its a hobby and how the guy and/or family wants to live their lives, he may have a degree, teach or be doing session work but its none of your business and I don't think you'll be thanked for commenting on any of that. Further, over hearing one argument doesn't mean their relationships are breaking down, families often argue. The reasonable thing to do is to keep trying to negotiate the time he plays. It would make sense for him to get sound proofing but that is going to cost £1000s. Incidentally does anybody hear think about the effect on the neighbours with all the extensions being built? We have had 2 years of circular saws and drills from our neighbours on both sides. Electronic drums are not a real subsititute for a serious drummer, silencer pads are no good for feel but silencers and practice pads could probably be incorporated into a a routine that lasts that long throughout the day.  I suggest having a conversation but unless you want to have a serious falling out I would avoid commenting on a persons way of life because that's none of your business. All those that see it as a hobby I hope you aren't music fans as there are many professional musicians who fail to profit from their music and have to hold day jobs.