I think that they're a neat idea, especially in a small bar.  I don't quite understand why Garth Brooks has his drummer in a plexiglass bubble, but hey, it's his gig :-)

I know of one bar near here that has a drum sheild and it seems to work well.  I've only seen one band there so I don't have much experience with it.  I wouldn't mind playing around with a couple of sheets to see how it feels.

--
Rob

Just thought I would share a few thoughts and comments based on frequently asked questions I get about isolating the drums.


FACTS ABOUT PLEXI-GLASS SHIELDS

• Plexi-glass will NOT make the drums quieter. It will only keep the attacks from spilling over into other mics (like the vocalists) and remove directed sound from hitting the audience in the face. It does reflect the sound back in the drummer's face, which sometimes helps them realize just how loud they are playing.
  
  
• The only real way to make the drums quieter is through absorption. This is assuming that playing softer won't help much. You need something fluffy to eat up the frequencies; like acoustical foam, insulation, etc. You can put acoustical foam on the plexi-glass which will help a bit. If you use plexi-glass, what you really need to do is put sound absorption material behind the drummer as well. When the sound is reflected back, bouncing off the plexi-glass, the additional material behind the drummer will eat more of the sound.
  
  
• The cymbals, often times, are the real problem, especially in small venues or rooms with low ceilings. They are set high enough where the spill out over the plexi-glass, and is, usually, no where near any foam or deadening material.
  
  
• Don't put the drummer up against the back wall. The sound of the drums will just reflect off the wall and bounce all around the room. All the plexi-glass in the world won't help that. Try setting the drums off axis from any flat surfaces. The more strange angles you can create, the better the sound of the drums will dissipate before reaching the audience; like a bass trap in a studio.
  
  
• In a church situation, I would think that with a small congregation, with little or no money, the cheapest thing to do is get the drummer to play softer. If he is using arms when he plays, it's going to be loud. The drummer needs to work on controlling the sticks so that he can groove at various tempos and styles, while only letting the sticks travel a few inches above the drum. The higher the sticks go, the louder it will be.
  
  Shields can help some what. If you build your own, be sure to make it in small sections with hinges so you can angle the plexi-glass sections to reflect the sound in various directions. This will help break up the sound.
  
  It's a fact: if you want drums to sound good ... you've got to hit them. Tapping them doesn't move much air ... and isn't very rewarding sound wise. I guess that's why many churches go with electronic drums.

It's funny you should mention the Church situation Mick.  My Church is in the process of building a $3,000,000 worship center, and I get to pick out the drums, cymbals, hardware, mics, etc.  they have already purchased the Shure PSM wireless monitor system for all musicians and a plexi-glass shield by ClearSonic.  I had nothing to do with the ClearSonic decision, but what the heck.  It's supposed to be open by Easter of next year, and our first musical in the center will be the Easter Cantata.  I'm very excited about it!

Anyway, back to the subject at hand, I don't mind playing behind the "glass," but only if the monitors are mixed VERY well!  I sing backing vox, and if I can't hear, it sucks, BADLY!

I just thought you guys might be interested to know that the Germans invented PERSPEX (thats what you guys call PLEXI-GLASS)..

Felix....as much as I would love to disagree with you  ;)you have hit the "nail on the head" with that comment about organised religion.

Money and Religion is not whats its about.....Jesus chose the "NO Frills" way to god....always.

Glad I got out of organised religion.......

Drumlooney, I think kind people have provided that money not God. If the church down the road has less to spend does that mean God favors them less......I think not.

A building is a building ......the worship will be the same....give the money to the community(let the contributers know first).

Since when did Jesus seek out the best, most expensive platform to preach ?

My thoughts and I think you will find that the "good Book" goes along those lines.....

Sorry, Im certainly not having a go at you, im just speaking my mind and my opinion as we all do.

Drumlooney, please dont think I was attacking you as I was'nt........I think its great that people in this day and age believe in GOD, I really do.

"God is dead" in the western eyes hence one of the major contributing factor to all the crap thats around in the world.....

Its just (please dont make parrallells.....yes I know thats spelt wrong) Religion puts out SO many wrong vibes, it really does.Over here in Britain the Catholic church is really having to look at itself because it is viewed as a hypocritical religion by many. Many of the Vicars live in laps of luxury while their flock put up with there own situations.

The Vatican is viewed with disgust by many and I can see why....

Jesus never took the flashy route....he was for the people and not the peoples showy way of life.

And you are right.....a house of God has to be presentable but really....there are other ways that would make it acceptable without offending.

God looks into the hearts NOT the pockets.....

Religion, you cant live with it and you cant live without it.....well, maybe Felix can