Drums
photo by Jake Jacobson
Pictured is my Gretsch Broadkaster in Black Nitron: 12″ Tom / 15″ Floor Tom / 20″ USA Custom Bass Drum.
I also have Eames drums that were handmade by Joe MacSweeney (now retired), in similar sizes/configurations.
The one drum that gets swapped out the most in my world is the snare drum…depending on the music, the venue, live or studio, my mood, etc’.
A few ‘go-to’ snares include a 1970 Gretsch round-badge chrome-over-brass shell, 5×14″ / Yamaha Jimmy Chamberlin model, 5.5×14″ / Eames Vintage-E, 6.5×14″ / 1968 Ludwig Acrolite, 5×14″
Zildjian Cymbals
My first ride cymbal [back in the 6th grade] was a Zildjian – and their factory is right here in Massachusetts. I’ve grown up with them. There’s never been a time in my entire musical life where a Zildjian wasn’t within arm’s reach. They make the sounds that I want, and are a joy to play. It’s that simple. As well, I’ve always appreciated how their models are well organized into different series (A/A Custom/K/K Custom/Constantinople/Kerope, etc’). These categories make perfect sense to me. I don’t have to think too much when I’m chasing down an instinct and need a certain sound.
In my chameleon-esque musical world, my cymbal set-up changes depending on the type of music I’m playing (same for snare drums), and whether it’s a live gig or a studio session. I recently had the honour of visiting the Zildjian factory, and was able to select a few absolutely gorgeous pies. Here’s a configuration I put together that covers a wide range of musical territory:
-
13″ A. New Beat (top) / K. (Bottom)
-
17″ A. Thin Crash
-
20″ Avedis Ride
-
19″ K. Custom Special Dry Crash (or 18″ A. Pang)
Heads/Sticks: Grateful D’Addario Artist
Evans Drumheads
For years I used standard medium-weight coated single-ply drumheads on my tom-toms, for both batter & resonant. These days I’m really enjoying the G12 coated head, which is just slightly thicker than a traditional medium. Coated G12s provide the perfect combination of snap, resonance, and longevity.
Sometimes different types of heads (clear; double-ply, etc’) might be what is called for on a particular drum or a particular session, so I’m not inflexible. I’ll try whatever works best for the music. I even have a set of red hydraulics ready to go!
For the bass drum batter, frequently an EQ4 Frosted is my ‘go to’ – perhaps one of the best sounding bass drumheads I’ve ever played.
The snare drum almost always gets a coated Power Center Reverse Dot, with a 300 snare-side.
Promark Sticks/Brushes/Rods…
- 5A L { Hickory; Wood Tip }
- Hot Rods
- Broomsticks
- TB6 Brushes
In-Ear Monitors
Gorilla Ears GX Series [GX2b]
