Dil Davies has been a working drummer for over 25 years, but found there has always been a major issue, which is that of bass drum monitoring. Explains Dil:

\"We all know how fundamental the bass drum is during a live gig. The chest thump at a properly amiplified gig is the foundation of the sound and feeling of a live band. And who is it in the whole venue that feels that thump the least? Yes. The drummer him/herself.\"

While on the road, Dil discussed his problem with his tech-guy Tim Porter. Says Tim:

\"I\'ve seen and used tactile enhancers on some drummer’s rigs and I have been pretty unimpressed with all of them. (...) But then we found some guys that were making vibration transducers for the US military to use in their flight simulators. Very small, very sensitive, very powerful, ultra reliable...\"

The result is the BumChum: an \"Amplified Tactile Generator Monitor System\" which turns the bass drum – or any other signal – into a physical thump up through the drum stool. The tactile generator is mounted internally. Each thump is registered through bone conduction, which is a part of how low frequencies are heard anyway.

The BumChum consists two parts: a drum throne top containing a tactile generator, and a flight-cased engine containing all of the electronics.

Features
The BumChum engine offers full control of power and intensity.
It is sensitive, so it will faithfully replicate playing dynamics.

It will respond to long notes (beater off) as well as short notes (beater on), depending on drum dampening, tuning, and playing style.

According to both developers, the BumChum is also suitable for playing midi and electronic drum kits, delivering real power and no volume for practicing.

The BumChum electronics fit into flight case with the same size as a 10\" tom case, and weighs only 10 kilos. It\'s also quick and easy to set up: simply open the case, plug in throne, plug in mic, plug in power and you’re good to go.

The BumChum retails in the UK for £ 1199 (inc VAT).