Hardware

Here's my current setup for the time being. I used to use a black Pearl Export Select; lots of stuff has changed recently. I've added a few new components to my kit, and switched to Tama hardware. Remember: MORE IS MORE!
STICKS
======
Zildjian Super 5A wood tip
Zildjian Super 5B nylon tip
PEDALS
======
Tama Iron Cobra double bass pedals, chain operated, tensioned very loose with wooden beaters
HEADS
=====
Toms: Clear Pinstripes on batter, stock Tama on resonant
Snare #1: CS Reverse Dot on batter, stock Tama on resonant
Snare #2: Evans Powerstroke on batter (tuned very tight), Evans Genera G1 on resonant (tuned medium)
Piccolo Snare: Remo Ebony Pinstripe on batter, Genera G1 on resonant
Bass: Remo Powerstroke 3 Bass on batter (tuned very loose, muffler pad at point of beater impacts), stock Tama on resonant (tuned very loose)
No muffling on toms or snares; one pillow in bass drum; one 10" hole cut into resonant bass drum head
PLAYING THE DRUMS
=================
I generally select which components to use based on a few factors. Probably the most significant of those factors is the general tone of the other instruments at the moment. For example, if the tone is dark or warm in the first verse of a song, I might ride on the bell of my 21" ride, which sounds rather low, while holding backbeats on my lower-pitched snare. That way I keep in theme with the rest of the band. Then the second verse I might switch to riding on my bright Zil-Bel and playing on the snare that's tuned higher. I can also switch between riding on my AAXplosion crash to my much higher-pitched splash. It's all about developing a good ear for what your bandmates are doing. When it comes to playing WITH a band, and not getting off on your own skill, your ear is the most important asset. My favorite trick is to listen carefully when the guitarist is doing a solo...if he or she starts at a high note, I start on my 12" tom and follow note for note around the kit as they play their solo. You can only do stuff like that if you develop your ability to listen.
The setup of my kit is also starting to reflect my desire to play with complete 4-limb ambidexterity. For example, in keeping with the theme of pitched ride sources, my 21" ride is a higher tone than my stacked Scimitar and Chinese. The ride is on my right side and the stack on my left; the tone of the band now generally dictates which hand or foot I lead with. Also, I keep snares on the left and right sides of my hi hat, so that I can switch between high and low snare sounds when I change limbs if I feel it's appropriate. The ultimate goal of all of this is to try and turn the drums into more of a sonic workshop, instead of a simple timekeeping instrument.
Back to the Home Page