The present invention is a system and methods for automating the tuning process for drums. The invention automatically applies tension across the batter heads of a drum. The invention consists of a plurality of electrical stepper motors each of which is connected to a gear reduction assembly and a rotating tension rod. The invention acts to exert a tensioning force on each attachment point around the circumference of the hoop(s) securing the batter head to the drum shell. An algorithm drives a microprocessor that monitors the current being used by each stepper motor assembly which is translated to torque. When the torque for each stepper motor assembly reaches a predetermined level, the tension holding the batter head and to the shell of the drum will be in tune.

A drumhead tuning rim system and method for securing and tuning a drumhead on a drum shell of a drum, comprising a drumhead tuning rim apparatus comprising a cable tension dial assembly configured for operably engaging a rim of the drum so as to increase or decrease tension on the rim, the rim being configured for seating over the drumhead on the drum shell, and an apparatus controller configured for operably interfacing with the drumhead tuning rim apparatus so as to selectively control the cable tension dial assembly and thereby adjust the overall pitch of the drumhead as by adjusting the tension on the rim.

A drumhead tuning rim system and method for securing and tuning a drumhead on a drum shell of a drum, comprising a drumhead tuning rim apparatus comprising a cable tension dial assembly configured for operably engaging a rim of the drum so as to increase or decrease tension on the rim, the rim being configured for seating over the drumhead on the drum shell, and an apparatus controller configured for operably interfacing with the drumhead tuning rim apparatus so as to selectively control the cable tension dial assembly and thereby adjust the overall pitch of the drumhead as by adjusting the tension on the rim.

A sound damping device includes a sound damper and a support member. The sound damper includes a contact surface configured to contact a vibration member and includes a through-hole having a first opening formed on the contact surface. The support member is coupled to the sound damper to support the sound damper and cause the vibration member and the contact surface to come into contact with each other. The support member includes an air hole that is connected to the through-hole of the sound damper and that penetrates through the support member.

A sound damping device includes a sound damper and a support member. The sound damper includes a contact surface configured to contact a vibration member and includes a through-hole having a first opening formed on the contact surface. The support member is coupled to the sound damper to support the sound damper and cause the vibration member and the contact surface to come into contact with each other. The support member includes an air hole that is connected to the through-hole of the sound damper and that penetrates through the support member.

A kick drum pedal assembly includes a footboard, a beater, and a travel limiter. The beater is connected to the footboard and is configured to rotate in response to depressing the footboard. The travel limiter is configured to limit rotation of the beater. The travel limiter has an arm connected to the drum beater and a stop connected to the footboard. The arm and drum beater are confined to rotate in unison. The arm is configured to engage the stop to limit rotation of the beater to a desired forward position in response depressing the footboard.

A foot percussion device can include a rigid board defining an upper surface and a lower surface distal from the upper surface; a spacer secured to and extending from the lower surface of the board, the spacer being compressible and defining a height before compression, the spacer configured to isolate the board from contact with a floor surface on which the device is placed; an audio jack; and a sensor in contact with and secured to one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the board, the sensor configured to convert mechanical vibrations in the board to electrical signals transmittable through the audio jack.

A percussion instrument includes a drum shell, a batter head maintained under tension by a rim secured to the top of the drum shell, a flexible member supported at the bottom end of the drum shell, a contact microphone retained on a central section of the flexible member, an acoustic transmission structure in contact with the batter head, and a drive foot coupled to a lower end of the acoustic transmission structure. The contact microphone can be coupled to the flexible support member with a first double-sided adhesive tape member. A foam cushion disposed between the drive foot and the contact microphone can be coupled to the drive foot on a top side with a second double-sided adhesive tape member and on the opposite bottom side with a third double-sided adhesive member to reduce unwanted microphonics or feedback, and allow rapid reversion of the signal from the contact microphone.

A percussion instrument includes a drum shell, a batter head maintained under tension by a rim secured to the top of the drum shell, a flexible member supported at the bottom end of the drum shell, a contact microphone retained on a central section of the flexible member, an acoustic transmission structure in contact with the batter head, and a drive foot coupled to a lower end of the acoustic transmission structure. The contact microphone can be coupled to the flexible support member with a first double-sided adhesive tape member. A foam cushion disposed between the drive foot and the contact microphone can be coupled to the drive foot on a top side with a second double-sided adhesive tape member and on the opposite bottom side with a third double-sided adhesive member to reduce unwanted microphonics or feedback, and allow rapid reversion of the signal from the contact microphone.

A percussion system comprising a pedal and an inserting/retracting mechanism operably connected to a percussion instrument and the pedal from moving the percussion instrument horizontally from a first position to a second position and from the second position to the first position by operation of the pedal.