Drum Hero

Stewart copeland has long been a drum hero of mine. My drum instructor long ago used to make me practice paradiddles and double paradiddles (which I can no longer do well at all!!) and when I would complain she would play Message in a bottle for me and have me listen to Stewarts incredible technicle yet subtle hi-hat work. He is amazing.


Stewart Copeland - Drum Hero

Drumheads, drumheads, roly-poly drumheads!

So I wanted to replace my cheap original drumheads that came with my new drum kit. They are thin and ring a lot more than I would like. Another detractor is that they are clear (YUCK!!!).

So on the advice of Jesse the drum guy at trade-up I picke up some Evans Genera G2 Coated batter heads for my toms:
A two-ply head (7mil each) featuring extraordinary consistency and durability, the G2 offers the perfect blend of depth, sustain, and attack. It makes small toms sing and floor toms growl. The coating adds additional warmth, focus, and depth.

and a fancy Evans EMAD head for my Bass:
Tailor degrees of damping and attack without removing the head or reaching inside the drum. The EMAD is a 10mil single-ply with two interchangeable damping rings that maximize attack and low-end.

Now I am really faced with tinkering with the sound because my kit sounds alot different, particularly louder that before. The tuning isn't really a problem except the back heads still seem a bit screwed up. I figure trial and error will do it.

Happy Holidays!

It has been a while since I have posted . . . the holidays have been busy. I took my guitar to Hawaii with me and enjoyed having it. It traveled fine. If anyone wonders I bought one of Martin's bomber cases, it turns out that there are only a few that the airlines won't make you sign a waiver for (you know the waiver. . . if we break it . . . tough).

I thought alot about drums while I was gone, and it was pretty theraputic to sit and pound on my kit this morning before work.

I played a few christmas songs for the family while we were in Hawaii and we tortured ourselves with a loud rendition of Jingle Bells. I discovered that although I think my singing is horrible and I would prefer it if other people sing, most other people (non musicians) are worse singers and need the leadership or the timing will be horrible. It was fun though.

I hope everyone had an enjoyable holiday season and is looking forward to a healthy, happy new year.

Johnny Jam III

Jammed at Johnny's place on Friday. It was an awesome experience mostly because it marked the first time that I have played drums with other people in over 10 years. I hauled all my gear, and was pleasantly surprised that everyone willingly pitched in to cart it up to the jam space.

I kept it really simple (4/4 rock rhythm with little or no fills) and had an awesome time. We actually sounded pretty good at times.

Joining us this time was our Host Johnny, Chuck, Bryce, Mike and Philip. That makes 3 guitars, 2 drummers (regular kit and African drum) and a bass.

I am stoked to be playing drums again, and looking forward to the next jam opportunity.

Thanks again Johnny!

People and music

While traveling with a business associate I mentioned that I had thought about bringing my guitar . . . this turned into an ongoing conversation about guitars, music, learning, playing with other people and traveling with guitars. It was very pleasant and unexpected.

This is one of the many things that I love about being a musician (can I call myself that yet?). There is a common bond that exists amongst people that play music. Music is something that everyone understands to some degree, but playing music is a bit of a brotherhood, regardless of skill level or style people share common experiences and it is very enjoyable to share thos with others.

Dave told me about these travel guitars which are made by one of the founder of Taylor Guitars. He is taking his with him on a little hiatus in New Zealand.