Bob Gatzen Drum Solo "Lose Your Comfort Zone"

[alarconj178156]

I love the way you play the drumssss!!!

[bobgatzen]

@alarconj178156 Well thanks so much al... it's messages like yours that keep me motivated. let's stay in touch

[CrookedTempo]

love the grooves



[naturesuphoria]

You are definitely a Third Q kind of person. I had to say hi!

[bobgatzen]

@naturesuphoria Well heeeeeelo NU! Good to hear from you...stay in touch!

[weegee45]

It looks like Daniel Tosh in 30 years on a drumset.

[33rdPatriot]

Bob SerlingGatzen: "For those of you joining us for the first time ... the comasolo series is a mindset, an exercise of the right brain...quite akin to a fifth dimension, beyond that which is known to man. It is a dimesion as vast as space and as timeless as infinity. It is in the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition..."

[bobgatzen]

@33rdPatriot Ok... SOUNDS good to me!!

[ivanbagual]

the floor tom is not sounding so good like i hope .. it's not singing

[raymandrums]

Hey .. had a look at your tom tuning vid.. is my tom/head (dunno which one it is) suppose to creek?

[bobgatzen]

@raymandrums The creaking noise your hearing is the adhesive glue that holds the head into the hoop channel. The head is inserted into the channel and glue is then poured into the channel as well. Once the glue is set, when you stretch the film to tune the head, small areas of glue pull away for the film making a creaking type noise. Hope this makes sense to ya

[raymandrums]

@bobgatzen It does thanks, but is it supposed to happen?

[bobgatzen]

Respond to this video...

If drum shells were perfectly round, with precise bearing edges and drum heads tensioned evenly across the head surface our "drum life" would be very simple. Bottom line... know the condition of your drum and head and be prepared to make adjustments to get the very best performance possible from your drum. "SMALL DETAILS MAKE BIG DIFFERENCES"

[6GJinn]

why my tom's doesnt sounds like that .. -__-

[bobgatzen]

@6GJinn Hi Jinn...check out the "TOM" tuning video on my sight. It'll help you out.

[6GJinn]

@bobgatzen yea i see , i cant figure it out . the head of my floor tom is so tight and when i try to measure the body its 16 inch and the other side is 16 and half .. tnx for the video sry for my bad english .

[bobgatzen]

@6GJinn This technique might prove helpful... large diameter drums have the least amount of useable tuning range. This means you have to get the heads to "seat" properly to the bearing edge. This is very important!!!! Heads are "not perfectly flat so if you cannot find a low tuning, loosen the t-rods and rotate the head 90 degrees inside the counter hoop (12:00.3:00). If that doesn't work than do it again and again until you find a sweet spot where the head and bearing edge meets the best.

[XsitogrinderX]

whats the size of your snare?? is it a picollo??

[bobgatzen]

@XsitogrinderX No... It's a 5X13" DW Solid Shell... nice drum!

[Informatisse]

People with a philosophy are always the best ! ;)

[bobgatzen]

@Informatisse Ahhh, nothing like a simple direct quote...SIMPLICITY!!

[Scaldred]

Although i'm not a huge fan of your actual playing style, I whole heartedly praise you on the amount of knowledge you have of the kit and you have my thanks for helping me through a lot of hardship with tuning, resonance and other real-life issues met when playing everyday.

You're the best mad scientist around!

[bobgatzen]

@Scaldred I understand... playing style is very much like "sound"... totally subjective. Thanks for the mad scientist m.o. My life has been an ongoing journey of why and how! Pleasure to help out... see ya around the corner

[bobgatzen]

hmmm..good question. It's a specific "feel" and finger technique. The process is similar to riding a bike for the first time. I suggest working on each hand separately by dropping stick onto the head and controlling it to bounce "3"times in a row using the middle & ring fingers...da-da-dot, da-da-dot da-da-dot. Once you accomplish this, doubles are a breeze. Let us know how it works out for you

[Beholdthecoma]

hey bob, ive been watching for a while, and i really like your work, especially the way you helped with the tuning videos. i need abit of help, for quite a while i struggled with double stroke rolls, and when i finally thought i got em, i realised i was just doing a doublebuzz roll. after endlessly beating my bounce pad, it just isn't getting any faster, and when it does i know it's wrong cuz im not relaxed. help please!

[vrdrums]

@Beholdthecoma Well actually dude, this video might help you: /watch?v=sz1oUOtla9w&feature=r­elated

[Beholdthecoma]

@vrdrums ha ha, it's ok now, i didn't realize Bob had replied either. It's done now, I showed my instructor, and he said it was right. Thanks anyway.

[Beholdthecoma]

@Beholdthecoma Thanks Bob, It's done now, I showed my instructor, and he said it was right. Thanks anyway.

[fingerscrossedrock]

hey bob! i am in need of a new snare drum but i cant decide what material and size i want. im looking for a deep, warm sounding snare for rock and punk. thanks!

[bobgatzen]

@fingerscrossedrock There's a million styles of snare drums today. best to stick with the tired and true. I suggest a maple shell 5x14" 8 or 10 lug snare drum. It's the Chevy of the of the industry...a good starting point. My fave inthis style is a solid shell drum...like Noble & Cooley, DW or Craviotta drum.

[looklikemagic]

hey bob, so you like small drums huh? me too. actually I create something small to fit in my room. I collected old drums and I repaired it, converted to small drum it look like a toy. the 16" floor tom is now my bass drum, my toms are 8" and 12" then, the third tom size 13" is now a floor tom.. I also used 13" hi-hats and 14" crash cymbals. well... just want to share it. any suggestion to my Idol please.. thank you..

[bobgatzen]

@looklikemagic Good creative approach in building your kit. My # 1 rule is...."break rules"!

[pabloAXMO]

@looklikemagic hey man! I did something like that! my floor tom now is a 16" bass drum, a 13" tom is now my floor tom. sounds good, nice for jazz ands stuff like that.

[theyarecomming]

this is a great lesson. if you only play within your comfort zone, you'll never get better.

[bobgatzen]

AMEN!!!

[accountingme]

hey bob what heads are you using on your snare cuz i was thinking of buying a genera HD for my snare and a hazy 300 to get a nice popy, lively and high ptched sound with a little over tone =)

[bobgatzen]

It's a PowerCenter-RD...a single ply head with a 5" stress relieved dot placed under the head / 300 hazy. It's a good all-around head combo. The genera-HD will produce more "ping" sound and of course it's more durable.

[ShroomSamich]

why do u prefer a 13" hi hat over a 14" i was looking into the 13" A custom

[bobgatzen]

I like small cymbals and drums... just personal preference. I'm not suggesting it's everyone's cup of tea. I use 10" &11" hi-hats and 8" & 10" rack toms, 20" BD 14 & 16" short depth floor toms.

[TheBigjon1213]

Bob I was wondering what hi-hats you use, I really like the sound of the ones in this video. I play a Sabian HHX Evolution hihat and it's just to heavy and gritty for me, im lookin for somethin' smoother.

[bobgatzen]

I know what you mean. I generally use 11' or 10" HH's. Zildjian has been kind enough to make up some prototypes to check out. This is a set of 11" "A's". I suggest the A.Custom 12"'s which are in their stock inventory.

[bobgatzen]

I'm sorry to say they are not out in the market. On this video this a set of 11" Zildjian Prototypes. My fave hats are 10" &11" models sporting different types of bells and lathing. Paul Francis is Zildjian's design "guru" and I'm one of his Guinea Pigs!! I'll direct your message to Paul for his opinion.

[ShroomSamich]

losing your comfort zone meaning feel the drums its cool great playing

[evhspence999]

Hey bob just got a new kit, and I'm fairly new to drumming but have been a musician for a while, these videos and tuning tips have helped massively! so thank you!

[bobgatzen]

You're more than welcome... my pleasure. New kit huh?... ahhhh....what a joy! Have fun with it

[evhspence999]

Yeap, and i will! thanks again.

[sam93mx]

hey Bob, listening to you play, I was wondering what notes your drums are set at.

They sound sweet!!!

[bobgatzen]

Right now my fave is 10 & 14"@ F-G (octaves) and the 12 & 16" @ C-D (octaves) Octaves are powerful in just about any musical format.

[sam93mx]

Cheers man, big help as usual!

[bobgatzen]

Always my pleasure!

[classband]

hey bob awsome drumming i have a question to ask you how do u tune a bass drum to get that heavy meatl sound i need to tune my bass drum like that for my band thanks

[bobgatzen]

The Evans EMAD-2 Clear /EMAD reso combo will provide a lot of "thud"... if that's what your after.

Replace the EMAD-2 batter with the new EMAD-ONYX for a slightly drier, shorter tone.

For maximum "click" the new soingle ply GMAD will do the trick.

[classband]

thanks bob i will get the GMAD and see what it sound like on my bass drum

[bobgatzen]

Cool..please let me know how it works out for you

[jbonhamII]

great stuff Mr. Gatzen

your tuning videos really helped me thanks!

[bobgatzen]

My pleasure! Thanks for the kind words J. but please call me Bob...Mr Gatzen gives me the willies!

[airsoftguitardrum900]

is that a 12 snare? or a 14? cos even if it is a 14, those hats a miniscule, i want some =P

[bobgatzen]

Hey Air,

the snare drum is a 13x5" DW/Craviota Solid shell and the hats are 11" Zildjian prototypes.

[PassionKiller29]

cool

[Avedisdrummer09]

I'm adding 8 and 10 inch toms to my current set up so it will be 8 10 12 14 16 in the tom department. I currently use g2 coated, but i  have always loved clears when i played 10 12 14. Now I will be in between those two sizes at the same time, would the ec2 clears be a good option for a compromise between those two sounds? I liked Remo Pinstripes and I'm guessing these are the Evans equivilant that would be better. Love your tom sound and philosphy on playing!

[bobgatzen]

Well thank you very much! Appreciate it.

The EC-clear is a great all=around head especially when you gang it up with the EC-resonant... it's a system that other head manufacturers haven't considered.

[JoeyJailBreak]

damn Bob, your material sounds SWEET!!!!!!!!!! oh btw, may i ask yu what you would recomend i tune my toms to? (14inch rack tom, 16 inch floor tom, 18 inch floor tom) thanks alot

-joey

[bobgatzen]

Thanks Joey! Really appreciate it.

Tom Pitches can vary depending on the condition of the drums and head types. These pitches should get you in the ballpark.

18" G-Ab (below 16"

16" Bb

14" Eb (Perfect 4th higher than the 16"

[JoeyJailBreak]

thanks Bob, i appreciate your help with this!

[bobgatzen]

You're welcome ...always happy to help out...now send me a success story!

[centozone51]

i just discovered you yesterday and i love your videos. i do have questions tho. do u ever play traditional grip? and if you do, do you change the setup at all? because on my kit the but end of my left stick ends up hitting my hihats when i am trying to hit the left-most rack tom. thanks. btw "eargasm" is my new favorite word

[bobgatzen]

Thank you cento!

I originally played traditional grip but hurt my thumb from

playing loud rock-style gigs. I switched to matched grip many years ago. Every so often I flip my left hand over thinking I could play both styles, but unfortunately the injury re-surfaces. Yes, the snare drum needs to be re-positioned for either style to be "maximized", completely comfortable and relaxed.

[isaieemack]

is timberland a good shoe to ware becuze i do when i pla so what you say

[bobgatzen]

I've seen everything from motorcycle boots to bare feet. The best thing is to explore and make comparisons. This means play with a specific shoes for at least 2 weeks to be certain you're making the right choice. Every time I try a new shoe it feels great because it's "different" not necessarily correct for your physical design. It's the same thing with drumheads, drum sticks, etc.

[isaieemack]

am that was cool and your vids are infomative

i got a question can imberlands be a good shoe to wear becuze i wear them win i play what do you say

[CallMeCammack]

Dude! Rock on! at the end of the solo, it looks like you are having an orgasm!!! That is dedication!!!!

[bobgatzen]

LOL!! A fellow drummer of ours accurately describes it as an

"EARGASM"..makes me laugh every time I say it. Pass it around, I told him to consider it stolen!

Thanks Cam

[8eatm0nster]

Thanks Bob! Being considered a fellow drummer by you is praise indeed. Not stolen - it's yours, mine, and everyones - drummers forever, and forever drummers.

THANK YOU FOR THE MENTION!!!

Neil

[bobgatzen]

You're very welcome Neil!

[CallMeCammack]

DUde!!! EARGASM!!! love it!

[metalmike83]

the mid tom is out of tune a bit..growling a bit too much.

[bobgatzen]

Very possible. I often do multiple takes on improvisational solos. Like the "Pick 1, 2or 3 series" on the channel.

There are times when I prefer not interrupting the "flow" by re-tuning the drums. It's a trade-off of sorts.

[8eatm0nster]

Out of tune? Um... can you say subjective? I consider the tom well integrated with the other drums. Where's the "growl"? I define "growl" as that low pitched persistence after you strike. Is that your definition? Anyway, what you want from a drum, and what I want from a drum, is dependent upon circumstances - these may be as different as - well, shit and shinola. It's all context, bro. Bob, sorry if my comment stepped on your toes (inside your big drumming shoes!).

Neil

[wolloolloo]

what does Evans drumheads make better for you then the other brands?

[bobgatzen]

"IQ"...Innovative designs and Quality control

[sentient07]

you know what bob i just added you to my list of inspiring drummers...i'm a teacher myself and tried several tuning techniques....but yours is priceless! many thanks!

[bobgatzen]

You're welcome and thanks back for the inspiration...success stories are at the top of the list!

[SlowStig]

Bob tnx for your's tuning tips, my maple drumset now sounds different, got evans, got some tuning tips, I finally got LPP on bass drum and WOW! seems to have bought a new drumset. Also my microphones say tnx to you.

[bobgatzen]

You're very welcome and thanks back for the clever analogy... my mics thank you... sheds a whole new light on microphones lol!

[skater78o8]

hey Bob, do you need a really expensive drum set if you want the best sound out of your drum, or does it all depend on the tuning

[bobgatzen]

Tuning always takes precedence over drum quality. Whether you driving a VW Beetle or a Ferrari the thing that makes them the same is fuel!

[skater78o8]

okay then i must not be tuning it right because the only drum that sound good is the base, the other ones sound horrible. I just can't get it right

[bobgatzen]

Hard for me to tell you what to do without seeing the situation. I suggest focusing on one drum... the 12"

Purchase 2 new "Like" heads (Evans G-1 clears) and tuning both heads to the lowest possible pitch. Then begin moving each head upwards in 1/2 steps while keeping the same pitch between them. This is a great way to attain skill in tuning, a worthwhile investment for drum-ed

[HaloAssassian]

What you just said right is actually a really inspiring quote to me. thanks

[bobgatzen]

Goes both ways... you're welcome!

[dunnigan66]

He Mr, Gatzen what size is your piccolo tom i have a 8 inch and you play awsome and thanks for the tuning tips made my set come alive!!!

[bobgatzen]

Please no formalities... call me Bob. This is my maple kit. The blue kit is birch. The tom is custom made 7x8 and thank you very much!

[sisterabulax]

0:41 to 0:56 wow! contact me please! I have an evans bass drum with 2 tums and 1 flor tom, and how do you make you bass drum sound so good?

[NickSayle]

What is the small cymbal just under your ride? about 12" the one between the 10" tom and the first "floor" tom

[bobgatzen]

It's a Zildjian prototype, a sound-edge 14" bottm HH with rivets. Just one of my concoctions.

[lElitePredatorl]

Hey Bob!

You are a great drummer, and your drumkit sounds great!

I will be buying your DVD soon. ;)

[bobgatzen]

Thank you my friend from the UK.

BTW- please check my CD on iTunes. It's titled "Prior Art".It has 7 drum-less mixes on it!

[lElitePredatorl]

I sure will friend, sounds great!

[kaneman101]

hi bob, do you hve any vids on micing/recording drums? thanks

[bobgatzen]

No but it's high my list of To-Do's. Thanks for the reminder

[Gilsams]

Bob, I remember my first drumset (piece of shit) and your instructional video... it came in a blue box... and finished with one of your students (about 10 years old) utilzing the techniques you taught... can you give me a name for this video?

[bobgatzen]

Wow, that was many years ago when I was designing Noble & Cooley drums. This video was package with every NC "Toy" drum set. Back then it was a breakthrough concept in an effort to educate 5-8 year olds on the benefits of drumming

[XHesterXPrynnX]

i am pretty sure you wont do this, but i would like to see you just freak out on your kit and play as fast and monstrous as you can. a strange request i know lol.

[bobgatzen]

Wow, that's really weird but good. I'm not a "wild" drummer but just yesterday I was considering doing a extended solo for my next vid. I luv this kind of stuff happening...your timing is impecable my friend!

[XHesterXPrynnX]

wow, that's pretty unexpected. I'll look foreward to it, haha.

[Drummerman02]

what snare batter head is that

[bobgatzen]

It's an Evans PowerCenter-RD

[BJ1076]

Hi bob

BJ1076 here, how would you get a drum invention up and running. I believe I may have found a great solution for those who cannot get a basic bass beat going as well learning double kick

[bobgatzen]

Best not to mention or describe it until you protect it. Take out a 12 month "Provisional" patent. This gives you the opportunity to test it before committing. Check out "LegalZoom" on-line

[BJ1076]

Hi Bob, no I have not shown them the web site yet. Only do what you can, would be appreciated!! hey tips on getting the best sound out of FIVE LUG tom toms 10"-12"-13"-14" all Evans ec2 Clear Skins with Evans g1 single ply resonance -cannot find it on evans website Ill send you a video shortly but it may sound pretty bad due to no mic setup and cheap and nasty Kit due to finances/Mortgage who can afford the best on a tight budget right! talks soon BJ1076

[bobgatzen]

Pitch definition varies depending on design (counter hoops, suspension system, shell design, head type etc) and shell condition (roundness & trueness/bearing edges) Try tuning the 14@"D", 10"@ D Octave higher,12"@ G-A, 13"@F This should provide a good starting point

[BJ1076]

So where are you based in America, and how did you get involved with Evans as their concept adviser/designer. It would be good to catch up with you some time in the land DOWN UNDER and just listen to your work

Cheers

BJ1076

Also who else have you drummed with

[bobgatzen]

I live in CT. The northeast region of country. I keep promising myself a visit to Australia but can't get past the amount of fly time.

Mostly my own bands, clinics (MD fest, Pasic, Montreal Drum fest, etc. Will Kennedy presented many duet shows on a US tour, Percussion company promotions.

BTW- I recently posted my first solo CD on iTunes. Aus. is one of the stores. It's titled "Prior Art". Also a vid on the channel, "Baschet Sound Sculptures".

[BJ1076]

Hi Bob

Would you sign a Large Evans Shirt or jumper or 22" evans bass drum skin if possible as I have been showing kids your great skills on these videos and a fan (we dont normally do this)

Kind Regards

BJ1076

8 Bruntnell Street

TOOWOOMBA

QLD 4350

AUSTRALIA

[bobgatzen]

I'd be honored. I'll contact Evans and do my best... no guarantees though. Sending a BD head to Australia may be prohibitive. Thanks for the exposure to kids. I take you've visited our kid's program @startarts. I am a huge advocate for early ED in public schooos.

[ziplockbaggy]

hey bob I have a snare drum a lot like yours same width and size but its a pdp just a step down from dw. I was playing it for a few days then left it sitting on the floor and when I came back to it the head was all detuned and had wrinkles I'm wondering how I keep it like yours and I'm wondering why It does that I don't have it that cranked either. Are the lugs and bolts bad? Do I need to replace the head?

[bobgatzen]

If it's going out of tune while not playing sounds like your drums are in a dangerous environment. If it's a basement without a "dehumidifier" it could easily be the shell expanding & contracting due to water in the air. Same but opposite with dry heat...like a garage in hot regions of the country.

[ziplockbaggy]

yeah I am in my basement but its sat in a garage for a long time

[BJ1076]

hi bob what mic's do you use, as your sound great cheers

BJ1076

[bobgatzen]

I endorse Shure Microphones so here's one of my set-ups

I am a Shure endorser so here is one of my set-ups.

BD-SM91 inside/KMS 32 04 44 Outside

SNR- SM-Beta 57 top / KSM 137 Bottom

TOMs- SM 98 on rack toms / KSM 44 on 14&16"

Overhead- (2) KSM 44's or (1) VP-88

At times I use other brands (Sennheiser,Beyer, Neumann) for particular effects

[kyjello12]

that was one of the most wicked solos ive seen in a ong time also. good job bob.

[bobgatzen]

Hey big thanks for the compliment! Interesting that you wrote today. I just shot a new YT vid with another example of Losing your comfort zone. Should be up by the weekend.

[kyjello12]

!!!!!!!! ill be sure to check that out. will you ever teach things like fills and beats, or do you just focus on the philosophy of drumming?

[bobgatzen]

I taught drum many years but with so many drum instruction channels on YT, I thought I'd do something a little different. Yes, My basic philosophy is EDC Explore, Discover, Create. I believe this relates to drum set performance in a big way. Drummers are innovators!

[BJ1076]

Hi bob

what is the best way to set up double kick with springs (Tension) and how high do you set the beater to hit the beater head

Thanks BJ1076 Australia

[bobgatzen]

Spring tension varies depending on each drummer's approach. In general, heavy footed drummers, utilizing simple rhythmic patterns, high volume levels lean towards higher spring tension and the opposite for complex rhythms, dynamics, prefer lower tension.

it's best to hit 1" off the center of the head. However, it becomes a physics game. A good medial beater height is approx. 5-6" from the beater hub to the center of the beater pad. Get as close as you can to the 1" off-center setting.

[kyjello12]

well said bob. your like the bestfriend ive never had. =) your coma soloing series has helped me out alot.

[bobgatzen]

Pedal spring tension is totally subjective. I've seen the whole gamut from hardly any tension to having to stand on the pedals! Personally, I set my tension a hair above the lowest setting. The "sweet spot" is approximates 1" off center. Take a CD disc, center it on the head and try aiming for the the circle surrounding the inner hole. ("My Fellow Drummers" for a demo)

[yeahyeahyeahyeahya]

Again, amazing. I have a question though, what kind of drum is to the left of your snare?

[bobgatzen]

Thanks... it's a DW Mini-Timbale. I have an 8"&10". This is the 10.

[yeahyeahyeahyeahya]

Where can I get one of those?

[bobgatzen]

DW on-line, perhaps Guitar Centers. If you can locate a dealer write DW off their website

[Juda0326]

Hi Bob, Thanks for the great info and insight you've been giving all of us. Your tuning DVD has helped me tremendously (yes, I am a happy customer). Question: The snare drum you are playing in this video sounds so sweet and full of life. You've indicated that its tuned to Db, but I'm hearing a Bb. Am I hearing the wrong note? I know I'm getting old, but... Any way, could you please check again and also let me know (if you remember) what the bottom head is tuned to.

Thanks in advance,

Juda

[bobgatzen]

I hear Bb as well... did I say Db?. Proximity can play tricks. The batter head mic is a couple inches away from the edge compared to 1.5 feet to my ear level. However, It's likely I tuned the Solid shell DW slightly higher than the reso which was probably set at an "A".

[hoppewriter]

Hi Bob, first of all I want to thank you for your videos, which made my so called drumlife much easier. As I watched this video I really fell in love with that snaresound. That is exactly what I'm looking for. so far I played a 14' Steel Snare Drum. It has a very deep and heavy sound. I'm thinking about buying a new one. Which snare would you suggest?

[bobgatzen]

Whoa!! there's only a million of them out there. This where I'm totally biased. I designed Nobel & Cooley drums for many years before going to DW. During that time, I think we made some of the best drums in the industry. DW has some nice snares as well. My faves are the cast Aluminum and plied maple drums. Also, there are classics worth considering like the Ludwig Metal Supraphonic 400 used or new. Bottom line... visit drums shops and test them for yourself before purchasing.

[PowersofKhan]

Bob- gotta say the videos are really helpful. Ive been playing for about 16 years now, and have always struggled with tuning. Ive bought tension gauges, downloaded pdfs-u name it. Its nice to see it done on video. 1 question. Is the attack of a bass drum more dependent on the tuning, or the actual beater? I am looking for a deep tone, but also a nice slap sound for hard rock play. also, any advice on micing a kick for recording? i use a D112 mic. thanks, and awesome videos. So appreciative.

[ce2287]

Hey Bob, do you know what pitches you're tuning your drums at and at what intervals. They sound exactly like what I'm going for. I'm replacing my heads soon, any suggestions on some new heads to try. I prefer two-ply, but would be open to any suggestions. I am a hard player and like the jazz-fusion style tom sound. However, I hate this classifying music into broad categories. But I really like your tom sound. Well, anyway thanks for these videos. You seem like a cool dude to jam with.

[bobgatzen]

Thanks c,

The drums are 8,10,14 &16" On this vid the pitch relationships are.From the bottom up are 16/B flat, 14/d flat, 12/a flat, 13 Snr d flat (octave higher), 10/d flat

Heads are EC-2 Clears/EC-Reso. The Ec line is extremely versatile. I wouldn't be afraid of using 2-plys EC's in your setting.

[bobgatzen]

Thanks,PK. Actually, tuning, beater type and beater placement. Lowest Possible pitch, just before the head 'papers" out will maximize slap. Obviously, plastic, hard beaters will contribute as well. Beater replacement is very important. I'm running out of words so, check out "Quik-Tips pt.4 for the demo on beater and mic placement.

[1electriccatfish]

hello bob,

you are one inspiring fella. Thanks for all the advice and humorous delivery of it. I'm curious what you feel the appropriate diet for a drummer might consist of. And what about drumming on an empty stomach versus a light snack or full meal. And also, times of day and how that might effect one's playing. My schedule is all over the place and have yet to settle on some of these matters. Thanks again for your insight and dedication to the true nature of play.

peace

[bobgatzen]

Tough question. I'm very diet (healthy) driven. If I decide to practice directly after eating a meal I intuitively work on less strenuous stuff. Yes, i suppose my practice routine is affected by a full or empty stomach. Interesting question...I'll be thinking about that now.

[a1b1c2c2]

hey do u use a double bass pedle??

[bobgatzen]

Yes...The "BOA" Pedal system

[adictedpunk14]

Hey Bob, I saw your instructional video on tuning the bass drum, and I just have a quick question. Do the methods you use apply to any sized bass drum? It's because I have a 20 inch and I can't seem to make it sound good.

Thanks.

[bobgatzen]

Yes, BD size is not an issue. However, the smaller diameter drums(18-20) are more sensitive to drum key turns. Do you best to tune to the lowest possible pitch. Set the bass drum up and while tapping softly with your foot, turn the tension rod at the top of the drum back and forth... listen

closely for the drum to resonate and bottom out. This will

give a feel for drum key feel & sensitivity.

[p4ncstrike]

what hi-hat cymbals are those??

sounds great ^^

[bobgatzen]

A combo of mine. A 10" Zildjian "Oriental remote trash" over a "EFX 10". Unfortunately, both models are discontinued. Zildjian made a few extras for me... they're my faves.

[jerseymontmorency]

Gday Bob. Are they EC1 or EC2 batter heads on the toms?

[bobgatzen]

EC-2 clears

[Paardekut]

Drums sound great, but that's all you can say about this bloke.

[4905]

Great playing and awesome sounding drums.

keep it up buddy

[w9jon]

love the floor tom, Love the snare, love the whole kit it sounds great!!!

[bobgatzen]

Thank you, appreciate that! Also, I have nicely recorded drums on the drummerworld site

[rageta1]

AMAZING! and the drums sound great

[bobgatzen]

Thanks R

[knightvalin]

Hi Bob: I'm looking for advice here: I'm having problems with the middle fingers on my right hand. They are getting numb after a night of playing, its limiting my practice time and abilities. I know I have to change my grip, but any suggestions? I play matched. Any tips would be helpful.

[bobgatzen]

Funny, I have been struggling with a similar problem in my left hand. Probably should have a physician/physical therapist look at it. I decided to develop the "french" timpani style grip as an alternative to the" German" (palms down) grip and it has help alleviate the problem. But I'm shooting bullets into the night... not an expert at this. Just experimenting. Other drummers have mentioned success with Acupuncture.

[xTheAdamBombx]

hey bob,

this is Adam, i have been drumming for about six years now, but still the biggest problem i have is getting my snare drum to stop ringing. any suggestions?

[bobgatzen]

If your speaking of snare wire buzz..it's every drummers problem. Try tuning the the "snare head" up then down the setting u are using. Listen for any improvement. Do the same with the batter head without compromising your sound too much. The next step is to change the pitches of your rack toms, smallest 1st. Experiment with muffling the batter head. Sympathetic vibration cannot be totally eliminated, it's a physics thing.

[chernyone]

Hello Bob, this is Mike Cherny with the Crystal Snare Drums in Ocala Fl. Thank you for your time on the phone and I will try to email you as well.

[zwolly68]

Hey Bob,

Your drums sounds really great!

That's the sound i'm looking for also. I own a Pearl ELX, If it's possible which heads would you recommend?

(top and bottom)

Greetings from Holland.

[bobgatzen]

I recommend the new Evans EC heads. EC-2's (2-ply) seem to make any brand kit sound musical. EMAD bass drum systems are easy to set-up and tune. For the snare I like the Powercenter Revresed Dot and the ECS-RD's

[zwolly68]

Thank's for your answer Bob!

You are only talking about the beater heads

are the resonance heads less important?

[bobgatzen]

Funny you ask...actually I will be in Colombus for the PASIC Convention in November. Let's see...what's my favorite dish?

[bobgatzen]

G-1's work best

[onyonz]

You are the man Bob. Will you fly to Ohio and give me lessons? I'm a great cook.

[kieran2216]

Hey Bob, what is your view on the dampening rings that some drummers use on their drums?

Also, what bass drum skin would you recommend for a really fat thud?

[bobgatzen]

It's subjective, depends on personal taste and musical application. We invented the "Zero Rings" during the Noble&Cooley days. they were very popular 10-15 years ago...less so today

[bobgatzen]

It is a 10" DW Mini-Timbale. The head is an Evans EC-2 that makes it sound FAT

[JeffreyDWiegand]

One question,what is that drum to your left? Because it looks really small for such a deep tone and the depth is really tiny, if you could tell me what that is i would appreciate it,

Jeffrey Wiegand.

[DrumPleja]

God, Your drums sounds really great!

PS: Greetings from Poland :)

[Superfro2]

Looking foward to level 2! Keep the drum spirits alive!!