If you’re a drummer, then you’ll most likely agree that nothing can kill a musical moment more than having your bass drum or hi-hat creep away from you while playing! I know the frustration all too well, which is why I was inspired to seek out a simple, lightweight, and foolproof solution that became the Trapstrap. As the name implies, the Trapstrap is a strap that anchors the bass drum or hi-hat to your stool. The length is adjustable, and the ends are specifically designed to connect to the tension rods of a bass drum or the legs of a Hi-Hat stand. Trapstraps are sold singly, or as a pair (which is recommended, since it takes 2 straps to anchor both the hi-hat and bass drum). To get a full idea of how this works, here's a demonstration video:
How To Buy:
Each Trapstrap is $24.00. This price includes Tax, Shipping, and Handling. Additional rates will apply if shipped outside of the US. Colors may vary (either orange or blue - both are beautiful!)
CREDIT CARD:
MAIL A CHECK OR MONEY ORDER:
Please make the check out to:
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Patrick Carmichael
415 Beverley Road, Unit LS
Brooklyn, NY 11218
CASH or VENMO IN PERSON:
If you live in the New York City area, I would be happy to meet up with you and sell you one in person, so feel free to contact me:
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(347) 432-7707
Instructions For Use:
BASS DRUMS WITH T-RODS:
The trapstrap connects to the tension rods on either side of the pedal using the noose at both ends of the strap. Simply loop the noose around end of the T-Rod and secure it with the slip tightener. Pass the strap around the back of the stool, and repeat on the other side. For best results, don’t try to attach the strap to lugs closest to the pedal - use the next higher lug for easier access. Once the stool and bass drum is positioned properly, tighten the strap to the desired length (I find this easiest to do while seated on the stool)
BASS DRUMS WITH KEYED RODS:
The same concept applies as the T-Rods, although the trapstrap connects to the tension rod a bit differently. In this case, the noose loops around the middle of the tension rod in the gap between the rod and shell of the drum. Then, it comes back around and loops on to the toggle button. Close it up with the slip tightener to make sure it doesn’t come loose.
HI HAT:
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For the Hi-Hat, the trapstrap connects to the legs on either side of the pedal by looping the noose around the leg just above the lateral brace, then bringing it back around and securing on to the toggle button. Close it up with the slip tightener to make sure it doesn’t come loose. ONE EXCEPTION: For hi-hat stands with only 2 legs, there is a way to make it work, though maybe not quite as effective.
Frequently asked Questions:
Here are the most common questions that I get about the Trapstrap:
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Q: Why not just use a rug?
A: Well, a rug isn’t always available, is it? Seriously - even with a rug, you’ll sooner or later have encounters where your pedals will creep away from you anyway, whether it be due to broken bass drum spurs, worn out spikes on the bottom of the foot plates, or just a flimsy carpet sitting on a shiny slick floor. Let’s face it - you don’t always play on your own drums, so you never know what to expect. So, It’s always safe to have a Trapstrap handy. Besides, it’s way lighter than a rug!!
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Q: I’ve seen this before - the Trapstrap is nothing new...
A: You’re right - the idea of tying a bass drum or hi-hat to the stool has been employed for decades. I’ve seen it myself - drummers using ropes, tape, and sometimes even chains or patch cables (a really desperate situation). I don’t claim to have come up with the concept, but what makes The Trapstrap unique is its specifically designed connectors, making it extremely easy to attach. Currently, there’s not a single product on the market that anchors the bass drum or hi-hat this way - the only thing that comes close is a cello strap that anchors the end pin to a chair. Ironically, there are a number of drum companies that sell drum set rugs!! (for way more money than the purchase of 2 Trapstraps, by the way). You know what I say to those companies? - “I’ve seen drummers using rugs before - this is nothing new!”....
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Q: If the Trapstrap is such a simple product, why not make my own?
A: Trust me - I’ve tried everything, and before I designed the Trapstrap, it was all a hassle. Ropes and string require complicated knots that are a nuisance to tie and untie. Duct tape just makes a mess and doesn’t even hold very well. Bungee cords won’t help you at all because they stretch. The Trapstrap is designed specifically for a quick and easy application, thanks to its special connectors. Oh - and the fact that the length is easily adjustable to adapt to players of all sizes.
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Q: Does the Trapstrap interfere with my feet?
A: NO!!! The only disclaimer I’ll make is if you’re using a double bass drum pedal, in which case you may have a hard time using a trapstrap on the hi-hat. However, this can easily be remedied if you attach the strap to the ends of the hi-hat legs instead of the lateral braces as I demonstrated in the video. Call me if you have any questions about this one.
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Q: Can I use one strap to anchor both the hi-hat and bass drum?
A: NO! One Trapstrap only works on one component, which is why I have a reduced rate on this website for the purchase of 2 Trapstraps. I get asked this question a lot, so I’ll simply explain the physics: The trapstrap works by securing both sides from where the opposing force (your foot) is applied. Simply securing one side of the pedal would result in the component rotating, which might actually be even harder to deal with in a playing situation. Nice try, but don’t be cheap - just buy two straps to be safe!
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Q: Will the Trapstrap get in the way of my other hardware?
A: I personally have never had a problem, but if there was one potential tight spot, it would be where the Trapstrap connects to the bass drum underneath the snare drum. I simply spread the SD stand legs wide enough so that the Trapstrap runs above tripod. When I do this, I find that I have plenty of Snare Drum positioning flexibility.
Customer Testimonials:
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"The Trapstrap is the most amazing piece of drum equipment I've ever bought"
-Diego Voglino
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"It works incredibly well - I need a second one in case I lose the first one"
-Shawn Pelton