An electronic drum kit sounds different downstairs

The useful sound check for an electronic kit happens a floor below it. In headphones you hear a whole drum kit. Downstairs, it can sound like someone stomping in time. The kick pedal sends that thump into the floor. After a complaint, one drummer set the kit on two sheets of plywood with air cushions between them. They also capped sessions at about two hours and kept practice between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. When they checked with the neighbor who'd complained, the sound had faded into everyday household noise. You can try a few sessions in Tokyo before buying anything bigger than sticks. At Bazooka in Takadanobaba, the ¥660 solo rate (個人練習) gets you an hour in a room with an acoustic kit. Booking at that rate opens at 10 a.m. the day before. If Tuesday after work is your only free hour, you're looking for a slot every Monday.