An apparatus and method are provided for maximizing the punch of a bass kick-drum and simultaneously minimizing the ringing of the drum. An insert is provided having a cylindrically shaped body adapted to be slid into a conventional circular opening formed in the resonant membrane of the drum. The cylindrical insert is held in contact with the resonant membrane by one of several mounting techniques. The weight of the insert and the length and diameter of the body of the insert are sized in a manner to lower the fundamental frequency of the resonant membrane and to increase the amplitude of the fundamental resonant frequency and to simultaneously dampen the vibration of the resonant membrane, which three factors are all part of increased "punch." The ringing of the drum is minimized by quickly dampening the vibration of the resonant membrane wherein the increased dampening is caused by the weight and shape of the insert. A method of optimizing the sound of the drum is provided whereby the sizing of the insert is adjusted to maximize the punch and minimize the ring of the resonant membrane.