First off, let me say you are one very considerate drummer! Many other musicians would just say to hell with the old aunty! Good for you man!

Like little ice mentioned, maybe go over and ask the lady why it bothers her so much playing in the afternoon. It seems like it only bothers her and not the other neighbours... her favourite drama might be on at that time!

Perhaps you can reach a compromise - agree to only practice at full volume for hour long lengths, maybe only on alternate days, etc. Maybe even offer to buy her a pack of earplugs she can stuff in her ears to wear while you practice? (cheeky!)

Going the DIY route? I've tried it before. The problem with drums, I think is the bass. I guess any low sound actually - they will travel pretty far and need mass (i.e lots of filling to stop it). High frequency noise like from guitars are more easily absorbed by material.

None of these work to completely cover all noise, but could muffle enough to decent levels:

- Heavy curtains/ layers of curtains over the windows.
- Carpet the floors. One or two layers. Maybe even put the carpet up on the walls.
- Roll up towels or cloth and put them at the foot of doors.
- The old DIY standard: mattresses against the walls/windows.
- Any mass helps - get foam or those cheap foam matresses you can get at a pasar malam and put those up against the window and walls.

Of course, having done all this, you'll be too tired to practice and that room will be hot as hell!!

If you have an air conditioner, maybe not so hot, but still - drumming, singing, playing guitar, I'm sure you work up a sweat rocking out!! Plus. you've basically plugged or blocked all the airflow into/out of the room to help muffle the sounds... so maybe a fan is in order, so you can rock out with your hair flying everywhere, 80s style!

This post has been edited by monosyllabic: May 2 2009, 02:18 AM