• Drum Discussion Thread
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My birthday is in a few weeks, can any suggest some decent snare drum heads and some high hat cymbals. [editline]02:57PM[/editline] I am also on a very tight budget.
[QUOTE=samwilki;23961102]My birthday is in a few weeks, can any suggest some decent snare drum heads and some high hat cymbals. [editline]02:57PM[/editline] I am also on a very tight budget.[/QUOTE] What are you looking for? As for now my answer is that you can't go wrong with an normal emperor coated, which is like an middle between overtones and open sound (medium to bright sound) There is also the nice Remo controlled sound (cs) which is suiting funky higher snare tunings (I gonna change my normal emperor to one) and lots of different sounds (as the 2 ply circle and 1ply outside) etc etc! [editline]04:07PM[/editline] How much would you pay for hi-hat cymbals? limit?
[img]http://drumcenter.pl/foto/dc2/pearl/zestawy/vbx/925/1.jpg[/img] Going to order this set today. I'm a bit scared if I can tune them right though...
[QUOTE=Irma;23982311][img]http://drumcenter.pl/foto/dc2/pearl/zestawy/vbx/925/1.jpg[/img] Going to order this set today. I'm a bit scared if I can tune them right though...[/QUOTE] It's not that hard really. Just watch a video on youtube to get some tips and tricks. The only problem I've had is the snare rattling when I hit a certain tom. Good kit to get as well.
[QUOTE=Irma;23982311][IMG]http://drumcenter.pl/foto/dc2/pearl/zestawy/vbx/925/1.jpg[/IMG] Going to order this set today. I'm a bit scared if I can tune them right though...[/QUOTE] Watch up for "bob gatzen" tune videos! I swear that he is explaining it easily and best! That is how I "easily" learned to tune my drums the way I want! And snare buzzing while playing a tom is natural (because of the pitch the tom is tuned), don't kill all of the overtones, because when you play they give your drum characteristics, dynamic and power (and you won't really notice them) New heads is a good start! The stock heads are always tin and not really sounding great. :smile:
Sup guise. Quick solo/impro video. [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKAUlDcljLQ[/media]
[QUOTE=Thaard;23987743]Sup guise. Quick solo/impro video. [URL="http://www.facepunch.com/#"]View YouTUBE video[/URL] [URL]http://youtube.com/watch?v=HKAUlDcljLQ[/URL] [/QUOTE] Nice! I really like the beat you keep going from 2:10! Pretty chill and groovy!
[QUOTE=samwilki;23961102]My birthday is in a few weeks, can any suggest some decent snare drum heads and some high hat cymbals. [editline]02:57PM[/editline] I am also on a very tight budget.[/QUOTE] The snare head I'm using right now is a Remo Skyntone head. It's kind of like the Fiberskyn heads, but it's only a snare model head. I get AMAZING overtones out of it, combined with an Evans hazy 300 bottom side snare head (resonant head), which are easily controllable with some moongel. I get the most godlike sounds out of this snare for jazzy playing, with awesome open rimshots, etc. It is textured, but not powdery like the white coated heads. So, it's not amazing for brushes, if you plan on using brushes at all. [img]http://images.milo.com/images/shrink.jpg?maxhw=290&source=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.guitarcenter.com%2Fproducts%2Foptionlarge%2FRemo%2F592127.jpg[/img] Otherwise, there's the standard Coated Ambassador head (good overtones, good tuning range, coating stays on really well for me.) which is just like the most common snare head ever. And it's popular for a reason, really reliable, good sounding head. Nothing experimental. There's also the "Power Dot" or "Controlled Sound" heads, which have a round patch on the top or underside (preffered) of the head. These heads are fun, because you get a really tight precise sound when you play in the middle, on the dot, but can really get some nice open tones and dynamics when you venture outside of the ring. You can't go too wrong with most any heads, just don't get a normal resonant head for the snare side; make sure it's really thin, like paper thin. And remember, don't be afraid to tune it a bit tight (be sure it's even though). I'm not saying super super tight, but most new people are timid and tune snares fairly loose, not being used to snare tension yet. Good luck =) let me know if you need any other help! [editline]09:53PM[/editline] Forgot to answer high-hats question. For cheap, go with B8 or B8 Pro cymbals (that's all that I have experience with for decent sounding budget cymbals). They sound fairly well and even for the price, and definitely won't be killing your ears like cheap sheet metal or anything. For amazing hats, look in to HHX Groove hats, but they are around $400-$600 (on my dream list haha).
Anyone here in a drum line/corps?
[QUOTE=Thaard;23987743]Sup guise. Quick solo/impro video. [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKAUlDcljLQ[/media][/QUOTE] Oh that was cool. You've got some real skill with drumming.
[QUOTE=Eluveitie;24005058]Oh that was cool. You've got some real skill with drumming.[/QUOTE] Hey, thanks. Making some new ones soon.
I wish I could drum
[QUOTE=Thaard;24007283]Hey, thanks. Making some new ones soon.[/QUOTE] The way you hold your hands while playing isn't proper though. I'm taking drum lessons, instructor taught me that your hands should be flat.
[QUOTE=darkrei9n;24008216]The way you hold your hands while playing isn't proper though. I'm taking drum lessons, instructor taught me that your hands should be flat.[/QUOTE] Everyone on it's own! (only when the hand technique will be healthy)
I saw nothing wrong with his hands. I hold mine like that too.
Its what my drum teacher taught me. Its supposed to be healthier in the long term. I'm gonna tune my drum set, I'm horrible at this and need a bit of help. If anyone wants to help. [url]http://www.ustream.tv/channel/drum[/url]
[QUOTE=darkrei9n;24008513]Its what my drum teacher taught me. Its supposed to be healthier in the long term. I'm gonna tune my drum set, I'm horrible at this and need a bit of help. If anyone wants to help. [url]http://www.ustream.tv/channel/drum[/url][/QUOTE] I've never had any trouble with my wrists, but who cares. With the tuning, just experiment, it's actually fun trying to get new noises and tones out of your kit.
After actually listening to my drums on a recording the toms sound decent, its the snare that pisses me off. Just can't get the sound I want out of it.
[QUOTE=darkrei9n;24008216]The way you hold your hands while playing isn't proper though. I'm taking drum lessons, instructor taught me that your hands should be flat.[/QUOTE] I don't know what you're teacher is teaching you, but theres no "wrong" grip, although some are more efficient than others. What you're describing is german grip(palms down), which is more or less wrists only. I'm using whats called finger-controll(fingers control the leverage of the stick), and this is best used when in french-grip(palms facing each other). You can also use american grip which is a mix between the two, and is the most used grip to date. I personally like to switch, so that theres mixed strain on the tendons, so that you don't get carpal tunnel or the works. I'm practicing finger control, moeller-stroke, free-stroke and the different grips about 2-3 hours a day, so I'm working on getting it better, but I wouldn't call my grip "Not proper enough". I'd like to have a technique discussion with your teacher, and see if he agrees. Also, with finger-controll you use much smaller muscles, so you can play faster. Watch Jojo Mayers Secrets for the Modern Drummer for a complete run-down of todays drum techniques.
[URL]http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Weapons-Modern-Drummer-DVD/dp/B000S6TNLI[/URL] This what you mean? Also I do try to use my fingers more than my wrists for playing.
[QUOTE=darkrei9n;24010098][URL]http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Weapons-Modern-Drummer-DVD/dp/B000S6TNLI[/URL] This what you mean? Also I do try to use my fingers more than my wrists for playing.[/QUOTE] Yep, that's the one! Opened up a whole new world for me. Now I'm waiting for his kick-drum technique dvd, which will probably be just as awesome. A little side note: I used to have some problems with tendonitis with my left arm(before I went over to using fingers more and changing grips), another thing that helps is to warm up for 10-20 minutes and when you're done with drumming, stretch your arms out(this is for sessions 2 hours or longer), also don't tense your body up, relax everything that isn't being used for drumming and so on. I'm a bit obsessive on the subject, so excuse my rambling :P
[QUOTE=Thaard;24010231]Yep, that's the one! Opened up a whole new world for me. Now I'm waiting for his kick-drum technique dvd, which will probably be just as awesome. A little side note: I used to have some problems with tendonitis with my left arm(before I went over to using fingers more and changing grips), another thing that helps is to warm up for 10-20 minutes and when you're done with drumming, stretch your arms out(this is for sessions 2 hours or longer), also don't tense your body up, relax everything that isn't being used for drumming and so on. I'm a bit obsessive on the subject, so excuse my rambling :P[/QUOTE] I'm obsessive about groove over speed, plus rambling is good for the soul. [QUOTE=darkrei9n;24009969]After actually listening to my drums on a recording the toms sound decent, its the snare that pisses me off. Just can't get the sound I want out of it.[/QUOTE] Snares are the hardest to tune because of the snares on the bottom. The quality of the heads and tightness also has more impact on the snare as well.
Well my drumset is shit overall.
Basically, there isn't one set hand technique that you SHOULD use. There's many, some feel more comfortable to others, but the biggest thing is keeping it a smooth relaxed movement. And not using your entire arms for each stroke, use your wrist and finger control. Also, I can't emphasize how important it is to warm up, and play relaxed. It's not hard to get strain injuries to the wrist, and you can easily help prevent them. Start with a nice long warm-up; don't try to play your fastest, just do even, smooth, relaxed single strokes, and build it up with rudiments. When you are actually playing, it's okay to play fast. A lot of drummers only want to play fast, and a lot of drummers are very against playing fast. It's okay to play fast, but you can't dismiss your technique in order to do so. Mostly, I'm saying don't tense up your arm to get the fastest single strokes possible; you CAN play that fast, while being very relaxed. It just takes time. I'm all for playing fast, but not if you have to sacrifice groove, rhythm, and technique. George Kollias is a good example of a player who can play ungodly fast, while still keeping groove and rhythm. And don't expect trying new techniques (such as using swivel foot technique for the kick drums) to make you play like this. Sure, they can help, but this skill is acquired from HOURS and hours of practice, for years. [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXINemV8E_0[/media] Sorry for wall of text haha. If anybody is wondering about improving their technique, check out videos from Jojo Mayer, Dave Weckl, etc. If you're aspiring to me an "extreme metal" drummer, definitely check out George Kollias' and Derek Roddy's videos. [editline]02:17PM[/editline] [QUOTE=darkrei9n;24009969] its the snare that pisses me off. Just can't get the sound I want out of it.[/QUOTE] There's a reason people spend over $1,000 for snare drums often. I'm not saying, go out and buy a $1,000 snare drum, but don't expect an entry level snare that came with an entry level set to sound like one. Sure you can tune it to have the same fundamental tone as an expensive snare, but you can't get the same crack, or dynamics out of it. Every drum is different, which may be frustrating when trying to get a specific sound. Make sure you have good heads, that are in good condition, with EVEN tension on all the rods (look up the cross/star tuning pattern). Also make sure that the snare wires are in the middle of the drum when at tension, not pulled too far to one side. [editline]02:27PM[/editline] [QUOTE=darkrei9n;24008216]The way you hold your hands while playing isn't proper though. I'm taking drum lessons, instructor taught me that your hands should be flat.[/QUOTE] Another note, this is a very good thing to have for like a marching Drum Line, for everyone to use the exact same hand orientation, to look the same. But for playing the drum set, it should never be focused on super-precise hand orientation, etc. It needs to be relaxed!
Hehe, if I payed over 1000 dollars for a snare drum that would be worth more than my kit, three times over. I'm not a extreme metal drummer, More bands like Iron Maiden or Rush oriented. I prefer using double stroke rolls, grace notes, that stuff when I play.
If i had enough money, i would totally buy a drum set. I've always wanted one just to play around on, and actually try to learn songs. Badass
what stretches do you guys do before you practice? Any to recommend?
[QUOTE=darkrei9n;24020954]Hehe, if I payed over 1000 dollars for a snare drum that would be worth more than my kit, three times over. [/QUOTE] Yeah, it's a luxury =P not necessary to have a $1k snare. They're sure fun to play on though. Also, that's cool; Rush is great to learn to, especially with drums. [QUOTE=darkrei9n;24020954] I'm not a extreme metal drummer, More bands like Iron Maiden or Rush oriented. I prefer using double stroke rolls, grace notes, that stuff when I play.[/QUOTE] Same techniques can apply, and there's still no specifically proper technique for either.
[QUOTE=darkrei9n;24020954]Hehe, if I payed over 1000 dollars for a snare drum that would be worth more than my kit, three times over. I'm not a extreme metal drummer, More bands like Iron Maiden or Rush oriented. I prefer using double stroke rolls, grace notes, that stuff when I play.[/QUOTE] The only thing you need to do to use those rolls and notes is relaxation and some precision. Any technique works for them.
[QUOTE=manrayer88;24025977]what stretches do you guys do before you practice? Any to recommend?[/QUOTE] Theres isn't much use stretching before you play, but after you've played. It's important to stretch the muscles you use to play. Warming up, I use a hands-clapping technique I learned from Jojo Mayer's dvd(to warm up wrists), and set a metronome to 85-90 and play through my rudiment list(singles-doubles-flams-six-stroke rolls-flams-moeller strokes etc).
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