9 Drum Dampening Accessories to Stop Snare Drum Ring

One of the first things a newer drummer often tackles in terms of sound is questioning the tonal quality of the snare drum. I bet you first were curious about how to stop snare drum ring. That’s why you ended up on this article, no? Fortunately, dealing with snare drum ring is relatively painless. Today I’ll be sharing five…

Gear Guides

Nick Cesarz
February 21, 2025

top picks

Superior Sound Control
Moongel
Moongel
4.6
Durable silicone construction. Effective in dampening sound. Designed for use on drum heads and turntables. Easy to apply and reposition. Eliminates unwanted resonance. Compatible with various musical instruments. EAN: 5052441567814.
Pros:
  • Effective sound dampening
  • Easy to use
  • Eliminates unwanted resonance
  • Versatile for multiple applications
Cons:
  • Poor adhesion over time
  • Can create unwanted noise
  • Limited reusability
  • Messy residue on surfaces
Specifications:
  • Durable silicone material
  • Unfinished black color
  • Designed for percussion instruments
  • EAN: 5052441567814
  • Product type: Musical instruments
  • Moongel brand
  • Damper pads functionality
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Moongel-Damper-Pads/dp/B003SPUIAG
View Price at Amazon
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
Ultimate Dampening Control
Snareweight #5
Snareweight #5
4.3
Brass body, walnut brown leather insert, neodymium magnet. Designed for metal triple flange hoops. Dampens unwanted frequencies, adjustable in 1/4" increments. Weighs 3/4 lbs, provides 2-3 dB compression. Portable, enhances sound of snares and toms.
Pros:
  • Effective sound dampening
  • Magnetic rim attachment
  • Portable design
  • Improves snare tone
Cons:
  • Limited compatibility options
  • May fall off rims
  • Heavy for some drummers
  • Pricey compared to alternatives
Specifications:
  • Brass body construction
  • Walnut brown leather insert
  • Central neodymium magnet
  • Adjustable dampening increments
  • Designed for metal hoops
  • CNC machined for precision
  • Weighs 0.75 lbs
  • Dimensions: 1.87” x 2.44” x 0.66”
  • Includes protective case
  • Hand-finished brass surface
  • Compatible with various drum heads
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/SNAREWEIGHT-Control-Damper-Dampener-ORIGINAL/dp/B07FR2GB3Q
View Price at Amazon
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
Perfect for Stage Use
Pro Gaffer Gaffers Tape
Pro Gaffer Gaffers Tape
4.8
11-mil matte cloth construction. Rubber-based adhesive. Easy to tear, dispenses well. Adheres securely to various surfaces. Leaves no residue upon removal. Weather resistant. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Tensile strength: 45 lb. per inch.
Pros:
  • Good thickness
  • Strong adhesive strength
  • Repositionable without residue
  • Tears easily
Cons:
  • Lower stickiness than duct tape
  • Single thread tearing issue
  • Limited color options available
  • Not suitable for outdoor use
Specifications:
  • 2" x 55 yd size
  • 11-mil thickness
  • Matte cloth finish
  • Rubber-based adhesive
  • Easy to tear
  • Holds tight
  • Clean removal
  • Weather resistant
  • Temperature range: 50-200°F
  • Tensile strength: 45 lb/in
  • Manufactured in USA
  • Suitable for multiple surfaces
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Pro-Gaffer-Gaffers-Tape-Black/dp/B000QC0XZO
View Price at Amazon
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

We made sure to find, review, and rate cheaper acoustic drum sets and shell packs that

Eliminate Snare Drum Ringing

Have everything included

If you’re looking for a complete drum kit that includes hardware and cymbals, this is the category for you. These kits come with all the essentials—bass drum, snare, toms, cymbals, stands, pedals, and sometimes even a drum throne. They are perfect for beginners or drummers who want a ready-to-play setup without purchasing additional components separately.

Are shell packs only

Shell packs include just the drums—typically a bass drum, snare drum, and toms—without cymbals, stands, or pedals. These are ideal for drummers who already own hardware and cymbals or want to customize their setup with high-quality components.

Eliminate Snare Drum Ringing

One of the first things a newer drummer often tackles in terms of sound is questioning the tonal quality of the snare drum.

I bet you first were curious about how to stop snare drum ring. That’s why you ended up on this article, no?

Fortunately, dealing with snare drum ring is relatively painless. Today I’ll be sharing five of the best drum dampeners available, as well as some DIY ideas.

Before I get started here, I know there are purists among our ranks — those who believe one should never dampen their drums. They think we should tune our drums properly and let the drum sing out naturally.

I hate to burst their bubbles, and if you’re one of them, sorry, but you’re full of it.

There is nothing wrong with dampening a snare drum to remove the nasty ringing overtones. In some styles of music, having an open and natural snare sound is applicable. For others, not so much.

That said, I would advise you to study the art of tuning drums and develop a solid ear. It’s crucial to have a great sounding drum before you add dampening products.

Why Eliminate the Snare Ring?

The tonal quality of a drum is complex. Even the most perfectly tuned snare drum will have a lot of ringing overtones.

As I said before, some styles of music cater to the harsher and more aggressive nature of a ringing snare drum.

Let’s first talk about the two ways to eliminate snare ring.

The Internal Muffler

In the 70s, dead and dry drums were all the rage — to a certain extent, that period of tone has returned to modern music. Big and lively drum kits aren’t as big a thing currently, for now.

Snare drums even used to have internal dampeners that used a felt pad pressed against the batter head (top). 

Sonor and Benny Greb are bringing the internal dampener back this year with his latest signature snare drum featuring two MonoRail adjustable dampeners.

Internal dampeners were useful, but I’ve never been a big fan. I remember hearing the sound of broken mufflers inside snare drums at my middle school. The rattle was real.

Also, since the hardware pushes up against the batter head, it tends to warp the head’s playing area in one spot. It doesn’t look the best.

Batter Head Dampening

These days, most pros opt for external dampening via products like Moongel or gaffers tape. 

In the 70s, it was commonplace to use tissues and duct tape to achieve a muffled sound. 

Another common practice was the old wallet on the snare drum trick. A lot of drummers still swear by it. The wallet tends to bounce around, so you may need to tape it to the rim.

With those tricks in mind, let’s now dive into the best products available for eliminating snare ring.

Enhanced Tone Clarity
ROSS Percussion Internal Muffler
ROSS Percussion Internal Muffler
4.3
Adjustable pressure pad for customizable dampening. Internal design reduces unwanted overtones. Compatible with snare drums and toms. Seamless installation for a clean look. User-tested on vintage COB Slingerland, fits without issues.
Pros:
  • Easy installation
  • Compatible with vintage drums
  • Effective sound dampening
  • Durable construction
Cons:
  • Limited size options
  • Durability concerns
  • May affect sound quality
  • Not universal fit
Specifications:
  • Adjustable pressure pad
  • Internal dampening system
  • Compatible with snare and toms
  • Seamless internal installation
  • Reduces unwanted overtones
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Snare-Drum-Tone-Control-Muffler/dp/B07YSX23VX
View Price at Amazon
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ROSS Percussion Internal Muffler: Overview

The ROSS Percussion Snare and Tom Drum Muffler presents a practical solution for drummers who want the old school style dampener. Compatible with most snares and toms, you can add this muffler to your drum's shell. seeking to refine their sound.

It's a bit of a pain to get setup, but may make a good replacement for your vintage snare drums broken tone controller.

ROSS Percussion Internal Muffler

ROSS Percussion Internal Muffler

Adjustable pressure pad for customizable dampening. Internal design reduces unwanted overtones. Compatible with snare drums and toms. Seamless installation for a clean look. User-tested on vintage COB Slingerland, fits without issues.

Perfect Sound Control
Aquarian Studio Rings
Aquarian Studio Rings
4.9
One-inch width reduces overtones without choking the drum. Includes two 8" rings. Compatible with 8" toms. Effective head dampener for studio sound. Provides targeted muffling for precise control. Suitable for various playing styles.
Pros:
  • Effective dampening solution
  • Compatible with various drums
  • Enhances sound quality
  • Easy to install
Cons:
  • Limited size options
  • Possible durability concerns
  • Higher price point
  • Limited sound customization
Specifications:
  • One-inch width
  • Two 8" rings
  • Muffling ring design
  • Achieves studio sound
  • Non-choking effect
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Aquarian-Drumheads-SR-SET-11/dp/B0042X9P0M
View Price at Amazon
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Aquarian Studio Rings: Overview

Aquarian’s Studio Rings do just as the name says — get that great studio sound live!

These dampening rings were my first dampeners when I started playing. I still have them somewhere.

Evans, Remo, and others also make similar rings for eliminating overtone ring. The experience is mostly identical, though Evans E-Rings are a bit wider by comparison (more dampening).

The rings sit atop your batter head on each drum, eliminating most, if not all, of the overtones generated from a drum head.

To use, place each ring to the correspondingly-sized drum. There’s nothing to it.

The rings’ widths are small enough (1″) to not eliminate the drum’s natural tone. They’re less intrusive than some products on the market, and despite their older look, they hold up great to today’s standards.

A full set of rings for your kit is very affordable. I like the rings a lot — I’ve had my set for twenty years.

Aquarian Studio Rings

Aquarian Studio Rings

One-inch width reduces overtones without choking the drum. Includes two 8" rings. Compatible with 8" toms. Effective head dampener for studio sound. Provides targeted muffling for precise control. Suitable for various playing styles.

Superior Sound Control
Moongel
Moongel
4.6
Durable silicone construction. Effective in dampening sound. Designed for use on drum heads and turntables. Easy to apply and reposition. Eliminates unwanted resonance. Compatible with various musical instruments. EAN: 5052441567814.
Pros:
  • Effective sound dampening
  • Easy to use
  • Eliminates unwanted resonance
  • Versatile for multiple applications
Cons:
  • Poor adhesion over time
  • Can create unwanted noise
  • Limited reusability
  • Messy residue on surfaces
Specifications:
  • Durable silicone material
  • Unfinished black color
  • Designed for percussion instruments
  • EAN: 5052441567814
  • Product type: Musical instruments
  • Moongel brand
  • Damper pads functionality
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Moongel-Damper-Pads/dp/B003SPUIAG
View Price at Amazon
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

Moongel: Overview

Arguably the most popular dampening product to eliminate snare ring is Moongel. I’ve seen more drummers using Moongel than any other dampening product listed.

Moongel is a self-adhesive gel applied to the surface of a drum. They come in a pack of four, allowing you to cover a standard five-piece drum set with one gel each. Moongel is one of many dampening gel products available on the market. SlapKlatz and Drumdots come to mind. Whichever you choose, your experience will be similar.

Using Moongel provides a less-intrusive experience when eliminating snare ring. A drum using only one Moongel will still have a bit of ring. Compared to the Studio Rings, using Moongel is more customizable to the sound you desire.

But with the good comes the bad. Moongel does not last quite as long, despite the company’s claims of being able to refresh the gels with warm water and dish soap. You can wash them and get decent results, but still, I find that they degrade over time and disintegrate.

The most significant difference between all the gel products, in my opinion — Drumdots and SlapKlatz are a bit firmer in terms of the silicone gel and may last longer.

To use, open the canister and peel each Moongel apart from each other. Place each gel near the rim (about 1″ away from my experience). 

Experiment with placement, as the distance from the edge will determine the level of snare drum ring still present.

Moongel

Moongel

Durable silicone construction. Effective in dampening sound. Designed for use on drum heads and turntables. Easy to apply and reposition. Eliminates unwanted resonance. Compatible with various musical instruments. EAN: 5052441567814.

Effortlessly Vintage Snare Transformation
Steve's Donut 14"
Steve's Donut 14"
4.7
14" dampener designed for snare drums. Patent pending rubber and plastic construction. Reduces ringing overtones. Lowers fundamental pitch. Easy 2-second installation. Produces deep, warm tones. Compatible with medium to high-pitched snare drums.
Pros:
  • Sound quality improvement
  • Ease of installation
  • Durable design
  • Reduces unwanted overtones
Cons:
  • Limited compatibility options
  • Not ideal for all genres
  • May require adjustments frequently
  • Some users report durability issues
Specifications:
  • 14" diameter
  • Patent pending material
  • Lowers fundamental pitch
  • Installs in seconds
  • Reduces ringing overtones
  • Compatible with snare drums
  • Creates deep, warm tone
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/c/1444535/789347/11319?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sweetwater.com%2Fstore%2Fdetail%2FBFSD14DON--big-fat-snare-drum-steves-donut-14-inch&partnerpropertyid=6047429
Guitar Center: https://guitar-center.pxf.io/c/1444535/1125892/14264?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.guitarcenter.com%2FBig-Fat-Snare-Drum%2FSteves-Donut-14-in-1500000006688.gc&partnerpropertyid=6047429
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Big-Fat-Snare-Drum-Steves/dp/B01290XS9S
Reverb: https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=67144&awinaffid=1668863&campaign=drumspy&clickref=tracking_code_1&clickref2=tracking_code_2&clickref3=&clickref4=&clickref5=&clickref6=&ued=https%3A%2F%2Freverb.com%2Fmarketplace%3Fquery%3Dsteves%2520donut&platform=pl
Gear4Music: https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=1117&awinaffid=1668863&campaign=drumspy&clickref=tracking_code_1&clickref2=tracking_code_2&clickref3=&clickref4=&clickref5=&clickref6=&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gear4music.com%2FDrums-and-Percussion%2FBig-Fat-Snare-Drum-Steves-Donut-14-Dampening-Pad-Moongel-Bundle%2F52K4&platform=pl
zZounds: https://www.zzounds.com/a--3988390/item--BFSD14DON
View Price at Sweetwater View Price at zZounds
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Steve’s Donut 14″: Overview

Similar in nature to studio rings, the Big Fat Snare Drum is a plastic circle that sits on your drum head.

There are many variations of BFSD (like the donut ring), but the original provides the most dampening of any product listed.

Some of their products have jingles, eliminating snare ring and adding a bit of jangle to your backbeat.

I like products made by Big Fat Snare Drum, but I think they kill the tone of the drum far too much. I use the donut variant, but even that is a little extreme to my ears in many cases.

Steve’s Donut 14″

Steve’s Donut 14″

14" dampener designed for snare drums. Patent pending rubber and plastic construction. Reduces ringing overtones. Lowers fundamental pitch. Easy 2-second installation. Produces deep, warm tones. Compatible with medium to high-pitched snare drums.

Ultimate Dampening Control
Snareweight #5
Snareweight #5
4.3
Brass body, walnut brown leather insert, neodymium magnet. Designed for metal triple flange hoops. Dampens unwanted frequencies, adjustable in 1/4" increments. Weighs 3/4 lbs, provides 2-3 dB compression. Portable, enhances sound of snares and toms.
Pros:
  • Effective sound dampening
  • Magnetic rim attachment
  • Portable design
  • Improves snare tone
Cons:
  • Limited compatibility options
  • May fall off rims
  • Heavy for some drummers
  • Pricey compared to alternatives
Specifications:
  • Brass body construction
  • Walnut brown leather insert
  • Central neodymium magnet
  • Adjustable dampening increments
  • Designed for metal hoops
  • CNC machined for precision
  • Weighs 0.75 lbs
  • Dimensions: 1.87” x 2.44” x 0.66”
  • Includes protective case
  • Hand-finished brass surface
  • Compatible with various drum heads
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/SNAREWEIGHT-Control-Damper-Dampener-ORIGINAL/dp/B07FR2GB3Q
View Price at Amazon
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

Snareweight #5: Overview

One of my favorite products of recent is Snareweight — they make a solid brass dampener. The Snareweight #5 magnetically attaches to your drum’s hoop, allowing for easy use each night.

I love how robust they are — it has a nice weight to it, no pun intended.

Snareweight makes a plethora of different products to aid in eliminating snare ring, but I like the #5 the best. The M80 is okay but fails to make enough of a difference to my ears.

Snareweight #5

Snareweight #5

Brass body, walnut brown leather insert, neodymium magnet. Designed for metal triple flange hoops. Dampens unwanted frequencies, adjustable in 1/4" increments. Weighs 3/4 lbs, provides 2-3 dB compression. Portable, enhances sound of snares and toms.

Effortless Tone Enhancement
Drops by Tandem Drums
Drops by Tandem Drums
4.7
Enhances drum tone without gels or adhesives. Reduces sustain using gravity with an active gate effect. Compatible with snares, rack toms, and floor toms. Attaches via molded silicon tab on standard tension rods. Adjustable weight options.
Pros:
  • Quality sound enhancement
  • Effective overtone reduction
  • Clean and neat appearance
  • User-friendly application
Cons:
  • Limited effectiveness with non-muffled heads
  • Uncertainty in performance without trial
  • Requires adjustments for optimal results
  • Not suitable for extreme dampening
Specifications:
  • Gravity-based sustain reduction
  • Active gate effect
  • Compatible with tension rods
  • Molded silicon tab attachment
  • Mix and match weights
  • Suitable for snare and toms
  • Patents pending
Amazon: https://tandemdrums.com/
View Price at tandemdrums.com
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Drops by Tandem Drums: Overview

Drops by Tandem Drums have been blowing up my IG feed recently. These are really innovative and surprisingly, haven't been done before, to my knowledge. These little fabric dampeners attach to your tension rods, making it easy to put 'em on or take off. No stickiness left on the head, either.

Drops by Tandem Drums

Drops by Tandem Drums

Enhances drum tone without gels or adhesives. Reduces sustain using gravity with an active gate effect. Compatible with snares, rack toms, and floor toms. Attaches via molded silicon tab on standard tension rods. Adjustable weight options.

Perfect for Stage Use
Pro Gaffer Gaffers Tape
Pro Gaffer Gaffers Tape
4.8
11-mil matte cloth construction. Rubber-based adhesive. Easy to tear, dispenses well. Adheres securely to various surfaces. Leaves no residue upon removal. Weather resistant. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Tensile strength: 45 lb. per inch.
Pros:
  • Good thickness
  • Strong adhesive strength
  • Repositionable without residue
  • Tears easily
Cons:
  • Lower stickiness than duct tape
  • Single thread tearing issue
  • Limited color options available
  • Not suitable for outdoor use
Specifications:
  • 2" x 55 yd size
  • 11-mil thickness
  • Matte cloth finish
  • Rubber-based adhesive
  • Easy to tear
  • Holds tight
  • Clean removal
  • Weather resistant
  • Temperature range: 50-200°F
  • Tensile strength: 45 lb/in
  • Manufactured in USA
  • Suitable for multiple surfaces
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Pro-Gaffer-Gaffers-Tape-Black/dp/B000QC0XZO
View Price at Amazon
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Pro Gaffer Gaffers Tape: Overview

Using gaffers tape is the quick and dirty way to dampen drums in the studio. Many engineers swear by tape, and it works. Using tape just isn't quite as flexible as studio rings, gels, or Drops.

Pro Gaffer Gaffers Tape

Pro Gaffer Gaffers Tape

11-mil matte cloth construction. Rubber-based adhesive. Easy to tear, dispenses well. Adheres securely to various surfaces. Leaves no residue upon removal. Weather resistant. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Tensile strength: 45 lb. per inch.

Gear Guide

DIY Solutions to Eliminate Snare Drum Ring

Now that we’ve talked about some products that help alleviate snare drum ring, let’s talk about some DIY solutions.

In a separate article, I’ve detailed how you can make your own drum dampeners from some cheap supplies from your local dollar store. But for a quick solution, I recommend either gaffers tape or tissues and some duct tape.

Gaffers tape is expensive, however, and you may have to order it online if you don’t have any around the house.

Take a tissue and fold it into a small rectangle. Place a piece of tape over the top of the tissue, covering all sides. Be sure to leave enough tape to allow adhesion to the drum’s head.

Place the tape on your drum head about 1″ from the rim opposite of your body. Test your drum and experiment. There is no right or wrong when it comes to dampening. Use your ears!

Verdict

Eliminating snare drum ring is a topic on the minds of many drummers. I hope this article has helped in your quest to remove overtones to match better the style and sound you desire.

But what say you? I’d love to hear how you’re dealing with snare drum ring. 

Do you use dampening products? Which ones? I’d love to hear from you down below in the comment section. Thanks for reading!

top pick

Ultimate Dampening Control
Snareweight #5
Snareweight #5
4.3
Brass body, walnut brown leather insert, neodymium magnet. Designed for metal triple flange hoops. Dampens unwanted frequencies, adjustable in 1/4" increments. Weighs 3/4 lbs, provides 2-3 dB compression. Portable, enhances sound of snares and toms.
Pros:
  • Effective sound dampening
  • Magnetic rim attachment
  • Portable design
  • Improves snare tone
Cons:
  • Limited compatibility options
  • May fall off rims
  • Heavy for some drummers
  • Pricey compared to alternatives
Specifications:
  • Brass body construction
  • Walnut brown leather insert
  • Central neodymium magnet
  • Adjustable dampening increments
  • Designed for metal hoops
  • CNC machined for precision
  • Weighs 0.75 lbs
  • Dimensions: 1.87” x 2.44” x 0.66”
  • Includes protective case
  • Hand-finished brass surface
  • Compatible with various drum heads
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/SNAREWEIGHT-Control-Damper-Dampener-ORIGINAL/dp/B07FR2GB3Q
View Price at Amazon
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

1 comment

  • peter ludlow
    4 years ago Reply

    I cut the hoop off an old head then cut the inside 1.5 inches from the outer edge….. A drum ring ….but place it under the batter head…. fit the batter over it….
    I am also making snare drums that do not ring ….. using 1/8 inch Balsa wood core with Mahogany inner and outer veneers…. Balsa re rings to strengthen….

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