"JUST for FUN" FREE IMPROVISATION PT. 2 (of 2-parts)

[SMG59]

Man i love your shell wraps!

[bobgatzen]

@SMG59 They are actually painted impressions... DW built for Billy Ashbaugh and myself for a children's program in public schools. The title was "Start Cookin'. You can check it out at startartscom

[NathanielSaintPaul]

i love that tomroll-to-cymbals-to-snare at 2:40. it gives the feel that something epic is about to happen.

[TheRookieNr10]

your "melodies" have more groove than many solos of those "groove monsters"!!!

very nice

greetings from germany

[bobgatzen]

@TheRookieNr10

udabest Rookie!... thanks for the kudos!

[masterdrummer19]

god.. i need more cymbals

[bobgatzen]

@masterdrummer19 Sometimes less is best. Play on a 3 piece for week and you'll surprise yourself by being more resourceful.

[masterdrummer19]

@bobgatzen yeah... but id just like more cymbals cuz i only have a hi hat crash an ride, but i know what you mean.. its just gets like very similar with only 3.

[bobgatzen]

@masterdrummer19 Gotta save some $ up my friend. Sure wish I had a magic wand for drummers that wish for more gear!!

[masterdrummer19]

@bobgatzen Haha yeah i hear you there man. i wish the were like the beginning of this vid "Free, Free, Free" lol. but thanks and keep up the awesome vids. their all great man.

[bobgatzen]

@masterdrummer19 You're very welcome... always a pleasure to receive positive feedback from fellow drummers... thanks again md!

[skate2332]

bob i want your drum set. its a masterpiece of all things drum related and your playing is simply brilliant!

[bobgatzen]

@skate2332 Well thanks so much... really appreciate it skate. My mission is to keep drummers drumming, Inspire and Recruit. Again, thanks for the good news!

[wildrocker92]

Sick drumming Bob! Hey, I wanna thank you for all your tips because they helped me a lot when I was starting to play drums like 4 years ago :) Greetings from Chile!

[bubum4n]

Holy shit bob this was awesome! I ove the way you handle dynamics...you are a very musical drummer, simply great!

[bobgatzen]

@bubum4n Well thank you Arod! I think the musicality your speak off comes from 10 years of devoting my attention to jazz vibraphone and marimba. I had the opportunity to study with the best mallet player in the world!... Gary Burton. He's a genius... had tremendous impact on my music career. Every drummer should pick up a tonal secondary instrument (piano, guitar, etc)

[MadMikeTVdotcom]

SICK.... 5:22.... love it...

[wolowolowolo]

Great solo!!! ;)

[bobgatzen]

@wolowolowolo Thanks again Wolo! I absolutley love drum soloing... it's my way of creating "MOODS through MOVES! Happy holiday season to you.

[bobgatzen]

@wolowolowolo TANKS! wolo

[Astrojens]

Hey Bob,

please tell me, which Ride you use... It's such a great sound.... by the way cool flames on your set....

[bobgatzen]

@Astrojens It's a Zildjian "Breakbeat" model. They were kind enough to make several special versions of it for me...the people at Zildjian are wonderful when it comes to artist support.

[clance13]

@bobgatzen

dear bob, I am a great fan of you!

I have posted some videos..

and i want you to tell me how my tuning is... I tried to duplicate your sound....

Cheers, Clance

[Arod006enforcer]

Absolute musical brilliance! Complex to the point of pleasure! The kit is just ahhh amazing ! playing it with respect! Gotta love ya bob amazing Musician!! WE ALL LOVE YOU BOB!

[bobgatzen]

@Arod006enforcer Wow...I'm getting that chill in the back of my neck...endorphins!! I love sharing, always have as far back as I can remember. Thanks so much Arod... means more than you know to me.

[pandabutt16]

that is a beautiful drum set

[bobgatzen]

@pandabutt16 well thank you very much pb! The best thing about drum set-up is the feeling that you are at home!

[lazyderv]

woah you sit so far away

does that help with your posture or is it purely because it feels comfortable

[bobgatzen]

@lazyderv It feels natural to me... also it's important to prioritize and position the drum components you use the most, no more than an "arm's length" away.

[PearLDrummeR1871]

what style of music are you playing

[bobgatzen]

@PearLDrummeR1871 Improvisational Drum Soloing

[PearLDrummeR1871]

@bobgatzen ohhh thanks

[Xzurii]

Love the videos! Watching you play wants me just to go play so bad. Anyways, great drumming.

[bobgatzen]

@Xzurii Great to hear that...thanks X! All you can do, is to do your best

[bennyboss01]

pt. 2

[bobgatzen]

@bennyboss01 ooo odd man out...#1 and #3 were the overall winners! oooo you like the weird stuff benny...good for you!

[69thedrummer]

How do you get your snare so crisp and sensative? Love the complex drumming!

[bobgatzen]

@69thedrummer

Thanks 69!

It just basics...Tuning, heads & snare wires. This drum has an Evans PowerCenter-RD batter, Hazy 300 reso and a set of Puresound "Blasters".

The snare head is tuned to an "A" and the batter a "C". No secrets, give it a try.

[droumdoum]

I'm going with number 2 way more musical. I found number 1 a bit sparse. I wanna see the drumming side of Bob! Well if you wanna check some of my vids and comment that would be sooo cool! \m/ 0_o \m/

[bobgatzen]

@droumdoum Thanks D...I'll try my best to get to your channel

Bob

[drumminjc]

I defninitely like part 2 the best! Are you using a second snare as a timbale to the left of your rack tom?

[bobgatzen]

@drumminjc It's a 12" DW Solid Shell snare drum...I use it as a secondary snare drum sound. Just a simple sound technique where you can carry on a conversation between the primary and secondary snare drums.

[tserhey]

Hi Bob, and thanks for taking the time to watch my video -- it means a lot to me! I'm a long time fan of yours, and I never get tired of your improvs.

[bobgatzen]

@tserhey You're very welcome...my pleasure!

[3x10E8]

Part 2!

What's that to the left of your right floor tom (underneath the ride)?

Those hi-hats are awesome :D

[bobgatzen]

@3x10E8 That's set of 10" custom made cymbals mounted on a x-hat (no foot con trol) I sub 11's as well. It's great to have 2 left & right hi-hats sounds... been doing it for many years.

[3x10E8]

@bobgatzen Sounds wonderful when you play them one after the other!

[bobgatzen]

@3x10E8 It's the "Coma-Solo" technique we discuss on the channel. The idea behind the CS concept is, Don't copy...IMAGINE! Stick to this philosophy and you'll surprise yourself with original ideas.

[3x10E8]

@bobgatzen That's a lot of fun!

Here's my application of the CS concept:

Release the snare drum's throw-off to turn off the snares. Start playing a continuous pattern on the snare drum, and use your leg to push back the throw-off to turn on the wires slowly, and not instantly! Don't go all the way... we DON'T want it to get stuck in the normal position..go back and forth. The idea is to use the lever like a Wah Pedal! Try this out!

(You may damage the snares. Mine seem fine!)

[bobgatzen]

@3x10E8 Coooool! Thanks for sharing that with us

[3x10E8]

@bobgatzen Thanks to you too! After all, you guided us to the "pocket" :)

[clance13]

hey bob... i heve subscribed!! but what is your new set-up??

Cheers Clance

[bobgatzen]

@clance13 Some changes in the kit formula but I was referring to the miking system. No close mics on the drums. only room mics strategically positioned. 5 mics versus 12 mics on the black flamed kit. The message is, if your clever, you can do a lot with a little.

Thanks for subscribing! Really appreciate it.

Bob

[mace142]

#2 for sure!!!!! it just felt like you had much more energy and life into this one versus part 1. Glad to see you back after a year, we miss ya!!!!!

[bobgatzen]

@mace142 Good choice...#1 was leading then suddenly #2 took over. Thanks for the comment mace! I'll working on another one as we speak. Hopew to have it up next week.

[noah112234]

bob your chinas sound great!

[bobgatzen]

@noah112234 Yeah, I agree. I like small chinas...great for quick accents...thanks for writing noah

[TUBEORATER]

OK

#2 takes it by a mile.

Hey Bob,

I finally settled down on tuning and set up position on my Mapex M- Birch kit after 3 months of back and forth tweaking.

If you get a chance, take a look at my first drum jam video and tell me what you would say the beat that I fell into is called.

I've never taken any lessons and I don't count.

Just play by feel.

My next video will be externally mic'd and I'm going to go a little more "inferno" like this one you did.

CHOICE DUDE!

[bobgatzen]

Cool...let us know when you post it. Thanks for listening & voting...it's Just for Fun!!!

[snakeeyes5641]

Ok thanks but one more question on 10 inch toms does the ec reso sound dead with ec2 sst batter

[bobgatzen]

Not at all.. the EC=reso provides more "focus" in sound

[snakeeyes5641]

Sorry to bug you again but I've read alot of your comments saying genera reso on rack toms but I was wondering do they have a high overtone on them because I won't lots of resonance without a high overtone

[bobgatzen]

Yes, the Genera-reso will generate more overtones so I suggest using the EC-reso for increased overtone control.

[crazy8sdrums]

Very nice!

[bobgatzen]

Thanks Crazy

[bobgatzen]

Thanks for listening and voring G!! The SST's represent the next generation of the EC line. The SST's are big improvement... better consistency more tuning range.

[guarovj]

Hi bob, I liked #1 but #2 is just awesome. I think that it'sdiferent than your typical sound and i guess that's why I like it so much. By the way I use EC2 on toms, how do you like the new EC2 SST compare to the first version?

[bobbystockerdrums]

Great Solos Bob!! Hard to pick one,they are both very Musical and Creative!! I will go with 2 today,could change tommorrow!!LOL!! I just ordered a Q3!! Is that close miced we are hearing?? The Q3 cant sound that good can it??I hope!!LOL!! I cant wait to get mine!!

[bobgatzen]

Thanks Bobby...your too kind!

The Q3 does a great job! Invaluable resource for us drummers. I added a couple of room mics to balance overall audio pick-up. The problem is "proximity" when using a single point stereo pick-up. Specific drums, especially the BD needs additional audio support. Pretty good sound huh?

[billyashbaugh]

BOB!!! Man you sound great!!! Miss playing together :) Just wanted to stop by & say howdy!! Keep up the great work my friend.

[bobgatzen]

Thanks Billy same to you. been too long since speaking together... let's chat on the phone and catch up

[mikeyB357]

an overhead camera shot of that would be sweet!!!

[bobgatzen]

I usually use 2 cams but this video was a spontaneous, one shot willie production. Thanks for the suggestion.

[bobbystockerdrums]

Great Solos Bob!! They are both very Musical and creative,hard to pick one!! I will go with 2 for today,could change tommorrowLOL!! I just orderd a Q3!! Are you running close miked,or is this the sound of the Q3!! It can sound that good can it?? I hope!!LOL!! I cant wait to get mine!!

[xDeadMisfitsx]

I prefer Number 1 but still both are great!

[bobgatzen]

Thank you D...#1 came out of the gate big time. but #2 is slightly ahead.

[MrBaris555]

Awesome ! Really i like that ;)

[bobgatzen]

Cool!!! Thanks! Which one do like best #1 or #2?

[MrBaris555]

I like best #2 ;)

[bobgatzen]

Me too.. Thanks for voting Mr B!!

[achilehero]

I like #2 best! Keep it up!

[bobgatzen]

#1 was in the lead at first but 2's gonna win! Thanks for listening Achli

[WelshyRB]

Hi Bob, can I ask what ride you're using in these two videos? Cheers, Rich.

[bobgatzen]

Sure, it's a prototype, 19" Zildjian "Breakbeat" ride. Thanks for listening Rich!

[CowbellCat]

First video for a while, Bob. I was beginning to get worried!

Good stuff, though. Keep 'em coming.

[bobgatzen]

I'm working on it...thanks for listening C

[a3aanvisser]

Bob,

Although I liked your older movies more than this 2-piece-series; I liked part 2 the most.

Adn that's because i thought part 1 was too abstract/empty.

Don't take it too negatively ;) keep up your passion for drums!

[bobgatzen]

I can understand that... getting back into the saddle. Only gets better from here. Motivation...I need to put myself onto the "hot seat"

[NewDarkAges13]

how do you like those new evans power center heads?

[bobgatzen]

I like them on the rack toms...see 10" tom on this video.

[readme60]

what do you use as a resonant head on your toms?

[bobgatzen]

It varies on this kit... Genera-reso on the 10", EC-reso-16 and G-1 clear on the 14"

[xxxnityninexxx]

Hi i have double pedal questions its about DW 8002 but this a very simple question Which DP is better 5002TD3 or 8002??? give me your opinions/reasons plzz

[bobgatzen]

The 8002 is essentially the same as the 5002 with litle tweaks on the style of the hold-plate, spring adjustment, etc. Personally I like the 5002 for it's basic, simple design. Sometimes less is best

[xxxnityninexxx]

Thank you I think i will stick with 5002 but frst i have to see my economic situation well the purpose of this is i need a new snare butt since my previous one is broken is a pearl strainer SR-17 of a Pearl SensiTone but GC doesnt have that butt so which snare butt do you recommend me?? which one will fit???

[bobgatzen]

DW's butt end is well made but you might have to relocate the holes....no biggie

[xxxnityninexxx]

but where i can find that since GC doesnt have alot of snare butts?? they only 2 gribaltar a tama and a ludwig snare butt but there is pearl SR013 and thats the only snare butt of pearl, i can go to GC everytime i want since i live in mexico in a small town and we dont have good music stores so i can go to USA to check

[bobgatzen]

I'd go to DW online and ask them this very question. It's true most chain stores do not stock drum parts.

[TiagoDrumming]

Bob, its great to see you upload again!

I prefer the 2# solo! ;))

Keep those videos coming, awesome work youre doing!

Cheers mate!

[bobgatzen]

Thanks Tiago! #1 was ahead as of yesterday but #2 is likely going to win.

[samperry81]

What is going on in those headphones is what I want to know. Class act Mr Gatzen.

[bobgatzen]

Why thank you so much sam. Hope to have more vids up over the next fiew weeks..... #1 or #2?

[samperry81]

Toss up for me. If I have to choose I'm rocking with #2 sir.

[bobgatzen]

#2 is inching ahead of #1 now....thanks for voting sam

[bobgatzen]

Oops sorry... didn't answer your question...I thought you were being funny. When I'm soling I use them for ear protection and to hear the drums. When I'm playing on a tune, I'm listening to a drum-less mix of the music.

[samperry81]

I was being funny, but thanks!

[IVN81]

I vote for 2. Good to see You Bob.

[bobgatzen]

1 has been in the lead but is now gaining...I'm havin' fum with this! thanks for listening & voting IVN

[brad4721]

Nice to see some new vids Bob, it's been a while. Solo 2 gets my vote. Hope to see more vids soon.

[bobgatzen]

Thanks brad...I'm working on the next series... hope to have something up by the end of the month.

Btw #1 is leading but I like #2 as well

[ryanyunck]

This one has my vote!

I found myself listening while doing other things and really enjoying it. So musical.

[bobgatzen]

Thanks ryan...2 is my fave but 1 is winning...go figure!

[drumamati]

Amazing! Master

[bobgatzen]

BIG thanks dr

[reallybigphilly]

Great stuff Bob! I am wondering what goes on in your head when you play like this... I know I couldn't do it... I also lack some of the speed and dexterity, but that can be learned. It'd be nice to have a peek inside your mind :)

Good to see you posting again!

[bobgatzen]

Thanks big philly! Its difficult to put in to words but Ill give it a shot I think about "Expression" everyday. Expression is the difference between you and me and every human being. It's a form of "DNA". Once you recognized and understand what makes "U" clicklike magic, everything seems to fall into place. Self-Discovery is a potent potion.

[dhsc19]

Unbelievable. How the heck am I suppose to vote? You're up there with with Dom Famularo! I hope you're friends with him cause I'd love to see you two do a drum show together. I tossed the coin...First one

[bobgatzen]

#1 is in the lead. I run into Dm quite often at trade shows and Pasic... I'll pass on your message. Thanks for voting d

[coduo0415]

i just noticed,the dum on top left was a snare!!!! hahaha awsome bob!! very creative.

[bobgatzen]

Dual snares...really fun to play, not to mention it generates all sorts of ideas. Thanks c!

[buddyd007]

i like this one better

[bobgatzen]

I'm leaning this way too. Thanks for voting buddy

[GrumpyMJK]

So smooth and musical man....thanks for this!

[bobgatzen]

You're welcome... and thank you Grumpy for taking the time to listen and vote

[dbull78]

I just cant say one is better than the other so my hats off to BOTH of them!!!

[bobgatzen]

No fence riding on this channel...com'n pick one or two!!! Haha

[bryan770]

Hey Bob awesome video just as usual! I'd like to say thanks for being such an awesome inspiration to all of us drummers! You're one of the reasons why I got into drums about 3 years ago and I only use Evens heads. THANKS!

I'm also looking forward to you're upcoming videos!

[bobgatzen]

Your message is like high octane fuel to me. I have alot new content I'd like to share. I just need to find the time. Thanks BIG time Bryan

[bryan770]

@bobgatzen No thank you Bob!

I liked #2 the best by the way.

[bobgatzen]

So far it's a close race between the 2 solos. Let's give it more time...thanks Bryan

[D33v0]

I honestly can't say which I like more, Bob. They're both pretty par to each other, but in best of ways. Would you suggest the Power center for a snare with a hazy 300 on the bottom?

[bobgatzen]

Yes... it's a versatile set-up and very popular. Com'n... pick your favorite D!!

[ThunderHeads69]

I'm going to have to say #2 as well, Bob. Not to the detriment of #1, not by a long way!!

[bobgatzen]

Thanks for voting T...#1 is in the lead

[Ritchie14]

I hear a lot of Terry Bozzio's style in this...I like it!

[TSIMonster]

I was thinking the same thing... look down, and sure enough, someone already posted it!

[bobgatzen]

I consider that an honor. Thanks Ritchie!

[meltdownband]

hahaha, what a funny man! great drums though

[bobgatzen]

Well thank you melt...just trying have some fun

[bobgatzen]

#2 is in the lead...thanks for listening and voting matt

[bobgatzen]

thanks drum!

[Mauriesje78]

He man,

good to have you back!

I like this one best...

Keep it up!

[bobgatzen]

Thanks m... that's vote one for the list

[D33v0]

Lovin it, Bob!

How are those Power Center Evans workin out?

[bobgatzen]

Thanks D. Which video did you vote on?

I like them on the smaller diameter drums. They compliment nicely to the EC2 SST's

[dishsatman]

I vote for #2

[bobgatzen]

ooops...that's 1 for pt1 and 2 for part2... this is going to be tedious!!

[dishsatman]

Great to see you again!!!!!

where is your Throne and set platform? I was surprised not to see it!

[bobgatzen]

It's just to my right side. I'm doing a clinic tour starting the end of the month, so I need to adapt to the "traditional" kit... just to be at ease with it. The DF is still my baby!

[bobgatzen]

Just to the right of me. When I go out to do clinics I need to re-acclimate myself to the traditional kit. It's OK... nice for change. The DrumFrame is still my favorite child

[bobgatzen]

Just to the right of me. I'll be doing clinics shortly and need to re-acclimate myself to the "traditional" kit. The Drumframe is still my favorite child!

[rekiem723]

is that a K ride or im wrong? :P it sounds great hehe.

Nice solo hehe, its not the kind of solo that sounds like the most of the solos ^^.

Keep going ;)

[bobgatzen]

It is a 19" "Breakbeat" ride that Zildjian made for me. They're nice people.

That's a great compliment, as long as you meant that in a positive way... Thank you!! Originality means everything to me.

[rekiem723]

it sounds great hehe

[bobgatzen]

thanks r

[ElCoog]

When are we gonna hear about the setup, I want to know about the rack snare?

[bobgatzen]

It's a 13" DW/Craviotta solid shell. The primary snare is a DW custom built 4x14" Solid shell 8 lug. What's your vote?

[ElCoog]

I liked the energy in the second one, so I vote for it.

[bobgatzen]

Thanks el...I'm leaning towards 2 myself

[cearleywine]

I like one for being a little less methodical, but I pick two for the more interesting cymbal action and dynamics. Good to see a new video set from you.

[bobgatzen]

Thanks c for voting and taking the time to listen

[missingtalent]

Good to have you back!:)

I want to see you in HD BOB!

I vote for this one! I liked how you combined musical and rhythmical drumming!

[bobgatzen]

Good to be back...I'll be uploading some new stuff shortly. Thanks for voting

[PhatPhunk]

Nice to see you back, Bob!!! Really nice solos. I'll have to pick no 2!! Hope to see more vids from ya :) Cheers~

[bobgatzen]

Thank you  phat. I've got some new vids on the burners... do my best to get them online

[dgarreis]

I dont care i just love seeing you play man!!! More oh more!!!

[xtreme0204]

I vote this vid. More groove..... awesome stuff

[bobgatzen]

#2 it is...I'm keeping the tally! Thanks for listening & voting

[leeyatding]

thats some amazing drum sound. of cuz tuning is superb. but would you mind talking about your room acoustic design and miking? your tom and floor tom is killing me!

[bobgatzen]

Thanks lee. I'm sure you noticed no mics directly on the kit, just a few properly positioned room mics... pretty impressive huh? Rm design and mics... consider it on the list.

[leeyatding]

and i was wonder why your style could be so speical if not unique. then i found out your START program. man i wish i am a kid and i wish i am in the US. please come to Hong Kong man!

[bobgatzen]

Thank you so much lee...I'd love to visit Hong Kong! Coincidentally, I'm renewing my passport..hmmmmm.. Coincidence or Fate?

[2324836]

number 2 because it's melodic AND it has more flare to it

[bobgatzen]

Cool! thanks for voting 232

[bradzdestroyer]

#1 was my fav. Ima go jam now b4 my wife gets home lol. Your a great inspiration for me bob.