[gyutae]

My drums that I have at my house are currently in the basement where things can get especially humid in the summer. Other times it's musty and damp and I'm worried about the effect this will have on my drums. The drums get damp and dusty easily and already I can see the shells warping a little bit. Any suggestions?

[Davenhurst]

I'd say as a first step get a dehumidifier down there pronto, judging from what you've said it would probably fill up really quickly to begin with so keep an eye on it. It's amazing how much moisture those things take out of the air.

[Drummer1919]

I also have my drums in the basement and I don't have the moister problem but I deffinitly get the dust problem, I just got a really big blanket and covered it up when I wasnt playing it.

[gyutae]

Well I don't think dust would really mess up the drum so much. It can just be wiped off. Moisture however I think seeps into the drum and can cause some serious damage. I've tried the dehumidifier option but it's just really hard to maintain. You have to go down every so often and empty out the tray of water before it starts up again.

[econwriter5]

Moisture is a big problem for drums. It ruins the shells.

Dehumidified is a good idea, though it is a bit labor intensive. Depending on your financial situation, you might consider building a seperate area in your basement to help with the dust and moisture. There's a good article in an issue of Modern Drummer that talks about keeping kits in basements, and how to combat the hazards. I wonder if it's still online....

[DrummerMom]

I agree with Davenhurst, get dehumidifier down there pronto.

Also, build a drum riser to put them on.

DIY drum riser
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/home_i...788117,00.html

[gyutae]

Originally Posted by DrummerMom

I agree with Davenhurst, get dehumidifier down there pronto.

Also, build a drum riser to put them on.

DIY drum riser
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/home_i...788117,00.html

What does the drum riser do to fight humidity?

[DrummerMom]

Originally Posted by gyutae

What does the drum riser do to fight humidity?

Nothing, however there is a possibilty when you have drums in the basement of the basement flooding again. I would never have a drum set in a basement unless it was on a drum riser for that reason.

[michaelpops]

I also have my drums in my basement. Ever since I got them 2 years ago I covered than in a large sheet of plastic when I'm not using them. I've never had to wipe them or anything and theyre in great condition.My basement isnt finished so it's all concrete but so far the humidity hasn't killed the drums.

[gyutae]

Oh ok, thanks for that. Didn't even think about flooding but I guess that's a reall possibility to take into account.

michaelpops, the plastic cover is a great idea. That will help keep the moisture out. Thanks.