Drums reverberating through pipes

jrubin

We have a one-zone one pipe steam system in our 1860s 4-story frame house. My daughter is studying drums and we just got her a drum set. We put it in the back room on the top floor (really a finished attic). The sound of her drums is carrying through the steam pipes from the top floor all the way down three floors to the basement garden apartment where our tenants live. What methods and materials are most effective at reducing how much sound is conductged through the pipes? The steam riser accounts for about 80-90% of the drum sounds that can be heard in the rental. Thanks.

nicholas bonham-carter

drums 'n pipes

probably the vibration is first starting in the floor [where the drums are being played]. some part of the floor probably is in solid contact with the riser, which of course carries the vibrations down stairs. if you can find out where the riser is touching-[top and basement], then shave back the contact area, that may lessen the noise carry-through. sound is difficult to control, especially drums!

alternatively you could get some styrofoam panels and isolate the drums with a sort of extra floor layer, the vibrations may be kept out of the structure/riser.

the final alternative is to get electronic drums!--nbc

jp_2

cotton

stuff the attic radiator with cotton

bill_105

Simple!

Drums have to be the most complained about instrument out there. Just take up the guitar, piano, bass, whatever. In other words, Join the band!!

nicholas bonham-carter

drums 'n pipes PS

there is probably a chase through which the riser runs-can this be stuffed with f/glass insulation?--nbc

kevin_60

drums

Get drum practice pads, they are rubber pieces made to fit each drum and stops the noise. You can get them for cymbals to.

bob young

lock her in the cellar.