An apparatus, system and method for electronically controlling the
acoustical characteristics of certain percussion musical instruments such
as acoustical drums and cymbals are provided. The various embodiments
incorporate one or more electroactive materials which are conjoined to
the vibratory elements associated with a drumhead or cymbal. A processing
unit may be provided to electronically control the electroactive
materials in dependence on signals received from the electroactive
materials, and/or separate acoustical sensors. The processing unit may
also control the electroactive materials in dependence upon user input
signals, pre-programmed profiles, and/or pre-programmed threshold values.
In this way the present invention may selectively and dynamically vary
the tonal qualities and/or muting characteristics of percussion musical
instruments in accordance with the needs and/or desires of a user.