This site was last updated on November 11th, 2023
WELCOME
Nick White is the owner of the world's largest collections of sound effect instruments. Used by drummers during the silent film era, these instruments are a delight to see and hear. As a performer and lecturer on the topic, Nick is known for his expertise in recreating this forgotten art form

For anything at all, please contact me at nmwhite9@gmail.com.

Thanks for visiting,
​Nick White
A Brief Explanation of These Wonderful Instruments

Sound effect instruments were often used by drummers and were called "traps."  The term came to mean any sort of "contraption" meant to make a unique sound. During the silent era, drummers were often called upon to provide drums and sound effects for silent films. Dramatic scenes with trains crashing, hurricanes bellowing, or even lion's roaring, played best to the audience when there was a sound effect that matched their ear's expectations. The need for the instruments faded away with the advent of films with sound, often known as "talkies."  The silent film "trap" instruments directly inspired the sound design of early Disney talking cartoons, and the radio dramas of the golden age of radio.

Watch This Quick Video Introduction. It explains it all!

Performing my sound effect instruments, I  was recently on screen in the upcoming Martin Scorsese film "Killers of The Flower Moon" See it in theaters October 20th, 2023!

My Interview with DrumHistoryPodcast.com

The Nick White Collection

Each instrument is 95-110 yrs old, and owned formerly by "trap drummers" of a bygone era

The Nick White Collection

 Traps & Sound Effects