I’m actually going to discuss something not related to drum sound this month. Working in this store for nearly 10 years, I’ve seen lots of badly pitted (dented) heads, broken heads, broken cymbals, etc. This article is dedicated to why drum gear gets damaged or broken and what can be done to prevent it.
I’m really trying to do these articles about something other than tone but I get asked a lot of questions about how to sound good (and I’m obsessed with sounding good!). So, once again, I’ll be talking about how to make your drums sound as good as possible. The question I’ll try to answer this month is, “To mic drums or not to mic.”
I’d like to begin this article by thanking those who have offered feedback on previous drum tips. You know who you are. Thanks a Lot!
Several years ago I had an epiphany (short for “an episode of instantaneous, profound realization”). One of my musician friends asked me, “Who would you rather impress? Other drummers or the guys you play in a band with?” This question really made me think about something I now see as very important. Who WOULD I rather have think of me as a good drummer?
I know it seems like I’m obsessed with good drum tone. That’s because I am! This month’s tips are also about how select the proper drum heads to sound your best.
Drums are unique in that they are very sensitive to drum head selection. All manufacturers basically make their own versions of the heads other manufacturers make. Kind of like all car companies pretty much make cars, trucks, station wagons, and vans. That’s because these are tried and true models that each serve a specific purpose. Same with drum heads.
Recently, a few of my peers have talked with me about having had a bad drum performance. These guys were devastated and desperate to be sure that they would never have such a bad gig ever again. I know that feeling all too well so this month’s tips will address this issue that affects us all at one time or another.