Added: 3 years ago
From: bobgatzen
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  • What kind of sticks are those?

  • @LooopQ Hi Looop... They are Regal Tip BG Maples (Bob Gatzen). They come in maple and hickory. I designed them many years ago.

  • I must say you are one of my fav drummers, youre very creative and expressive which i find the most important thing. you remind me of benny greb, my fav drummer :)

  • @ibreathedrums Wow! well thank you so much iB!! I have a special box where I store messages like yours. On those days when I'm feeling down.... I simply go to the box, read and REJUVENATE!!! Works every time!!! Thanks again my friend.

  • i see alot of videos of drummers with 6 plus cymbals, and dont even use half of them. i liked how you used all of your cymbals, sounded great!

  • @thatsloankidd Oh that's great to hear...I'm set-up to do a new video on... coincidentally.... drum soloing! Thanks kidd!

  • Good evening, Mr Gatzen! I found myself enjoying your stunning musical prowess on the drums again tonight, and I wanted to say thank you again for sharing these wonderful gems! You are such an incredible and inspiring spirit and it's always a joy to hear/watch you play and share your marvelous drum tips.

    Cheers!

  • Hi Bob! I just had to ask you this just to make sure. Are your Batter Heads Pre-Muffled? - By The Way I took your advice and adapted tonal tuning, it's working out pretty well so far. Thanks a lot for your Tutorials! -Brian-

  • @Necroborgie Thanks for the good news on this cold, wintery day...ahhh...a breath of warm air! The heads are "pre-damped" by muffling rings adhered to the edges of the head. They are Evans EC-2 batter heads. At times when I might want a bit more dampening I apply the Evans MIN-Emad mufflers. Thanks for listening Brian

  • THIS is awesome... many many of your other videos are too. but when i watched this i just felt the need to tell you :D

  • @c0d3x001 I'm so glad you did... your kinds words are motivational...and hit home... BIG thanks cO!

  • holy shit your like 4espiritdrummer's dad or something i subbed

  • Hey whats the difference between metal snares and wood snares?? Im looking for a high pitched poppy loud snare. Which would be best??

  • @XsitogrinderX In general metal snares generated more hi frequencies that wood shells which deliver more "density" in tone. It's personal choice...I like black, you like red kind of stuff. test both and trust your gut...you won't go wrong

    Bob

  • Hey Bob, what happened to the drumframe?

  • @juddgreg333 We pulled it off the market due to a combination of rising product costs and a weak economy. We still hold onto the patents and service dedicated DF owners. We'll bring in back when the timing is right... thanks for your concern.

    Bob

  • Help BOB!!! When one changes heads (top and bottom), can't get tunning in 3rd's, 4th's or 5th's (they sound like crap), I wind up tunning to feel. Is this just the head working in and try again? This flat tunning is too dark for me but 3rd's have always worked. I've got 8-10-12 rack, 14-16 floor (with foam under leggs). G1's on bottom G2 coated on top. I've always been able to get them in tune but now, the 10 has half the feel, the 14 seems in a world all it's own, love the 8&12,16 is killin it

  • Help BOB!!! When one changes heads (top and bottom), can't get tunning in 3rd's, 4th's or 5th's (they sound like crap), I wind up tunning to feel. Is this just the head working in and try again? This flat tunning is too dark for me but 3rd's have always worked. I've got 8-10-12 rack, 14-16 floor (with foam under leggs). G1's on bottom G2 coated on top. I've always been able to get them in tune but now, the 10 has half the feel, the 14 seems in a world all it's own, love the 8&12,16 is killin it

  • Bob,

    I've been trying 3rd's 4th's and 5th's on my kit that consists of 8", 10", and 12" mounted tom toms and 14" & 16" floor toms (with foam under the leggs, which by-the-way everyone should carry in their stick bag). I've recently changed head config to G1's on the bottom and G2's (coated) on the top. Man, I'm all over the place- 3rd's aren't working, 4th's & 5th's. I tuned to feel/responce but it's off the charts nuts. Any help on tuning with a guy that plays 8" thru 16" (birch sonor)

  • Bob, I had to say that I like you. I like you as much as Colaiuta and Kennedy wich are on the top, but you have something very interesting : a real human sense of telling stories with drums, that Milford Graves have too.

    You are a storie teller with an amazing skill that your very personal style has growed up. Sorry if my english is uncomprehendable.

  • @Informatisse Thank you very, very much! For sure this goes into my "special" box for those day when I'm feeling down. You're english is just fine!

  • you really like to play with the snare wire off, dont you?

  • @Bluemoon4655 Absolutely, I get tired of the same snare sound. Currently I'm using 3 snare drums combined with 12", 14" 16" toms... loving it! Check out the latest upload..."SnareWare" A revolutionary Snare-wire design.

  • Sorry, i don't like the sound.

    I believe you cannot see the drums as a tonal instrument. Drums are a membranophone, which cannot create any sort of musical harmonies.

    He said that he was originally playing vibes and marimba, and you can definitely notice that he also THINKS as a marimba-player (which IS a tonal instrument). Drums and marimba are complete different instruments, and hasn't anything to do with each other, except that they are both rhythmical instruments.

  • @LookeeLucky33 Ut OK...to each his own

  • @bobgatzen So LookeeLucky33 is being close-minded about it. Kind of an 'It is how it is, and that's that' kind of attitude. You can do whatever you want with any instrument you want. Example: Tom Morello DJ scratching on an electric guitar. Definitely not the traditional way to play a guitar, but very innovative. I value your innovation, Bob. Keep it up, no matter what these a**hole's say.

  • @cfiore88 Thanks for the support c! I think we both agree. "Skills" driven by artistic endeavor is subjective at best. Can't argue "personal" choice but we can debate when it comes down to pure science.

  • @cfiore88 I haven't said that this isn't innovative! I just say that it's not my style! Everyone his own opinion!

  • @LookeeLucky33 It's cool, man. I did like the technicality of your explanation though.

  • @LookeeLucky33 one ver big name should come to mind where drums and melody come together - Terry Bozzio...

  • @LookeeLucky33 Listen the "Black Page #2" drum solo of Terry Bozzio, composed by Frank Zappa. I think you'll have an other good example of "taking a drum as a tonal instrument".

  • I love your snare and toms. The sound flows smoothly and has a nice pitch

  • @ChinklesMcgee TUNING practice makes perfect. I believe that every drummer can accomplish this by doing training on a regular basis...just another element of the the drumming experience. Good luck and stay tuned C!

  • I will kill someone for a drumkit like that

  • @TheWezel1995 Now here's a real die-hard willing to risk drums for a prison term!! heh heh

  • Lol.. Wouldn't you? :-p Or do you already have one ;-)

  • @TheWezel1995 Not sure how to respond...have what?

  • he knows wat he is doing but its not my style, i hated it

  • @avengedsevenfoldismm Fair enough, can't satisfy everyone

  • I still LOVE this video. That snare sounds great. Actually, I changed my snare head to a Remo Pinstripe because of how good your snare sounds (I know you aren't using a pinstripe) and I have to say, I've been pleasantly surprised.

  • Well thank you Lamb. I just uploaded a couple new videos featuring Drum solos. The title is "Just for Fun" FREE IMPROVISATION Pt 1 and Pt 2

  • wow what a drum set looks cool!

  • ok this isnt a metal drum solo so that must be why i dont like it

  • It is a metal drum.. it's an Aluminum allow 13" DW

  • I think he meant the music genre....

  • He knew that. He was just annoyed by the fact that goodkid2014 is so anti-diverse that he doesn't like something if it isn't metal music. Wich is stupid.

    Well of course I'm not Bob, so I wouldn't know for sure.

  • @goodkid2014 Coming from one metalhead to another inorder to truely like your genre you should be Virstile with others because belive it or not metal origonated from Jazz. PS i no im a bad speller

  • hi bob this may sound as a stupid question but i really need a snare head Can Remo Pinstripe Clear Head used as snare head?? my snare head is worn out and i need one but my local music store doesnt have any good snare head and the guy told me that i can use remo head and i have a gig in 2 weeks

  • Absolutely, many years ago when the pin hit the market many drummers used on the snare drum for its durability and unique sound when there weren't many choices for snare drum heads.

    You might want to check out the Evans ECS-RD... it's a modern day Pinstripe... unique sound, feel and great durability.

  • thank you but my cheap music store doesnt have that head but well i need some help i finally have the sound of my snare but now the problem is when i hit my 10" tom, it produces snare buzz and the only way i can stop it is tighting the snare very hard and i dont want that because my snare doesnt sound good what can you tell me to fix this problem??? i mean i want my snare be free not tight but my tom avoids that :(

  • It's an age old problem... the smaller diameter drums are pitched that sympathizes with typical snare drum pitches. Try muffling the 10" slightly and mess with the pitch of the snare drum (small increments!) The best you can do is decrease snare buzz but you'll never eliminate it... it's pure physics. Make sure you view the "Broken Opportunities" vid on the channel.

  • Bob, I've been watching your videos, especially your tung videos which have been a great help for me, but I have to say I get some much inspiration when I see you play. Not only are you a great drum teacher, but you are also a very talented drummer.

    Thank you so much for tuning videos, they are some of the best and very detailed drum tuning videos I've seen!

  • What a wonderful morning message... thank you!

    "Perception" is a snaky concept. It's great when people (public) view you as a professional at whatever you do best. However, there's another side to it. It's nearly impossible to break that image and convince people that you are very good at other things. In my case, no matter how well I play the drums, most people think... no... he's the "tuning" guy. Fortunately, we are in an era of diversity. The likelihood of being a multi-talent is accepted.

  • great resolution both sound wise both instruction wise +++

  • Thanks cucu

  • Hey Bob! I just wanted to thank you, because all your videos and effort have helped me to enjoy a lot more my playing and to find just the sound I wanted to hear out of my shells! ... So thank you very much from Argentina! and I hope to be able to help as much people as you did! Un abrazo!

  • You're very welcome D! I've always enjoyed "sharing"... it's a give and take process where everyone wins!

  • Oh yea, 2 more questions -

    What is, or do you have a preference on your bottom head - ebony or clear? Or is there really a noticable difference? I use clear EC2's on top and prefer an ebony reso on the bottom. Am I missing anything or is it strictly for show/looks?

    And lastly, what type of stool is that? I have a bad back (6'4" drummer...lol). Looks like it has great support?

    Thanks again and keep up the great vidoes!

  • In general black polyester is somewhat stiffer than the clear versions. So yes, The EC2's work very nicely with the black reso as it will shorten sustain a bit but generating a more 'density" in tone. Sound is subjective so I'm not saying it's better or worse... what matters is how it sound s and feels to you. It's the DrumFrame...you can check it out online just add "com"

  • Bob......thanks for the great videos.

    I have 3 students that I am instructing right now. I hope someday, I am able to convey a message to them, that will stick, like you do...(make sense)? As I am typing this, I know what I want to say, just dont know if Im saying it right?

    I think what I am trying to say is; your messages and instruction is second to none, and I hope I either currently am doing this or am able to do so someday.

    Thanks again!

  • Your quote rings clear as a bell... thanks very much... means a lot to me az!

  • I have several techniques for BD mic'ing... good suggestion... consider it on the list...thanks

  • great chops - 5 STAR PLAYER!!!!!!!!

  • Well thank you Al... always greatly appreciated!

  • "...and that my friends, you can take to the bank!" LOL! Right-on!

    What I like and find inspiring in your drumming here is the space you allow...its like there is no rush or need to fill in everything... not sure how to explain what I'm hearing but I find it refreshing. Thanks and have a Great Year BTW. :]

  • Thanks again Seriago!

  • why do you have a clear snare head?

  • That's the Evans RCS-RD. It's a 2-ply head with the EC rings and center dot. Actually it's coated with a semi-clear finish. Great sounding drum head, especially on smaller diameter drums. This one is a 13' DW Alloy.

  • oh...

    sick!

  • I hope that's a "good" sick!

  • ahaha

    yep :P

  • Hey bob, quick question:

    What exactly IS comasoloing??

    I've been hearing this term alot and I can't really figure out exactly what it means, do you think you could explain it to me? I would appreciate it alot, thanks ahead of time :)

    And great drumming btw, I love your work, your a real genius when it comes to drumset playing

  • Thanks Ricky...Happy New Year to you!

    Comasoloing is a technique that opens creative side of the mind that will help to discover new ideas at the drums. Once the ideas surface, it's important to document those ideas, practice and refine them to fully integrate them into your drum set repertoire. It's about balancing the left (art) and right side (science) of the the brain. I use a formula that never fails..."PKS&W" Passion-Knowledge-Skill & Will (power).

  • i feel like killing my self after watching this video of him

  • Hey, hey! Com'n... no suicides on my watch!! Once you set a goal and "devote" yourself to it, everything falls into place.

    Happy New Year...good "timing"... make a resolution!

  • hahah i was kidding man i forgot to put a "hahahaha" after that....and after i watch it again it was a very good solo

  • i really like this use of motifs in this drum solo! very well composed! i think that percussion motifs were my favorite lol :)

  • Motifs are how we "service" the music. Happy to hear you're into it. Happy Holidays my friend...Looking forward to 2010!

  • now here is a drummer great work

  • Thanks stew... really appreciate your taking the time to write

  • This drumset and solo sound just about perfect. Awesome work mr. Gatzen!

  • Thanks very much rem! Oh but please call me Bob

  • Sure thing Bob :) That kit is on one of your drumframes, right? It looks like its tilted.

  • Yes, I have a kit on the floor and the other on a FRAME. It's kind of inspiring to switch back & forth

  • hmm, interesting. well, keep up the good work, I still can't get over how good these drums sound, haha

  • Exciting isn't it? The more skill you acquire, the more creative you can be. It's what I love about the drum set... just keeps getting better!

  • I know what you mean. I've recently started really pushing on some linear licks, and its opened up a bunch of whole new worlds, the learning never ends!

  • Amen!

  • I just have to say it - Bob, YOU ARE THE BEST!!! :)

  • Thanks Daniel... my pleasure

  • your tips are really help full.

    specially i always hear, read that good tuning can make good sound from bad drums , but today i learned what is good tuning.

    thanks again

  • That's great to hear. Thanks you!! Keep up the good work

  • really great! i lots of thing for learning,

    thank you Bob.

  • i want that rack/chair set up

  • Thanks for all the great solos, and for all of your helpful tips!

  • Thanks D...just doing my best to help drummers out

  • your improvisations are great !

    bob gatzen - i think the nicest drummer, one of the best drummer, and the best is, that he is down to earth... great guy ... great drummer

  • Now that's downright inspiring Jim.... thank you! Just trying to keep drummers drumming!

  • Great Bob!!!,thanks for sharing 5 stars bro.

  • You are very welcome and thanks my friend!

  • Hi Bob

    You're pro

    =D

  • Thanks Paul... really appreciate your taking the time to write

  • man you're awesome!!! for sure one of my biggest influences along with paice and ulrich.

  • I'm honored ... thanks paice!

  • Well thank you so much Nathan, I really do appreciate your taking the time to write.

  • What kind of headphones are you using and what type and size is that hi-hat? Is that a zoom recorder on a stand? New to drumming and curious about gear stuff.

  • pretty good dude. keep up the good work

  • Thanks S.. that means a lot coming from a guitarist

  • can you cover some metallica?

  • Not my boggie stylistically, but music is simply music! If I put my mind to the metal I could play like that and so can you!

  • Your style is very fun to watch. That is one damm good snare! Beside the craviotto snare, do you play or suggest any other brand? I notice a bunch of drums laying around and the lugs are not DWs. Thanks

  • Thanks W! I did R&D for Noble & Cooley for many years so I've accumulated many, many snare drums. I go back & forth between NC's solid, plied and Alloy drums as well as DW's in the same formats. There all great drums, I switch around based on the musical application.

  • your musicality is outstanding. Breath taking doesn't begin to describe this video. It has inspired me to work towards a new style of music. Thank you

    - Dexter

  • BIG thanks Dexter!... and your message is inspiring to me. Aha! sharing Inspiration... it simply doesn't get any better!

  • nothing.... but talent!

  • BIG thanks jp!

  • Hey Bob, i noticed you have that zoom h2 in the background. How do u like the sound quality of it? Im looking into either buying the zoom or a couple of shure mics, one for the bassdrum and an overhead mic. For the money and quality what would be your take on it?

  • I use it all the time. The internal mics work quite nicely for practice and documentation. However, it's far better to run mics through a mixer and direct line it to the H2 for best / high audio quality.

  • although you don't really seem to post too many videos anymore its good to know you're still with us

  • I'm working on some ideas for the channel, looking forward to shooting new vids. Hang in there my friend!

  • On my drums, I have Evans Hydraulic Heads. What would be a good resonant head to put on them that gives more of a low end?

  • The EC-resos will create more bottom and density but will further shorten overall sustain. Always best to experiment by testingng one on your 12" drum before replacing all the heads.

  • Thank you very much, sir.

  • You're very welcome!

  • your comments rocks!! i took some time out so i learn to play bongos a lil and experimenting with djs , djembes, didjiridoo everything helps to become a better musician!

    :D

  • ahhh, music to my ears, glad to hear it's working for you... that's the goal! Thanks for writing

  • Awesome video and solo Bob Keep them coming

  • Thanks s... you're welcome and thanks for writing

  • You never fail to disappoint me bob !! great solo im lovin it!!

  • Thanks adam

  • hey bob I noticed alot of drummers have headphones on when they play. I do not understand why. Is it hooked up to the microphones or something?

  • Many drummers use headphones exclusively for ear protection. In my case I monitor my drums by using microphones through a mixer and into the phones. It's a good idea to put together a simple monitoring system... it great way for drummers to expand into audio design and engineering.

  • hey there bob, can I ask you a question? Why is it that some of your toms are are white with flames, yet the others are black with flames? Still looks great, but i was just wondering.

  • The white kit is birch shells and the black, maple. In this case I like the 16" birch shell drum more than the maple. Sound before aesthetics has always been my thing. I do the same with drum heads. Often I'll use different style batters on toms (i.e.10"-G+, 12"-G-2 & 14" EC-2 depending on what I'm after sound-wise.

  • thanks. great job on the solotoo!

  • Your welcome, thanks for taking the time to write

  • Great! Very musical! Thanks Bob!

  • Thanks so much...much appreciated!

  • I recently bought a full EC2 setup for my new drums and i must say they sound great! the only tom thats been givin me a little trouble is my 16" floor tom, it doesnt seem to resonate very much. Is there anything else i can try becides completely re-tuning the drum? (resonant and batter side)

    thanks :)

  • Are you using the EC-reso? If not, it wil create more focus and sustain on the 16". However, this could be a mounting/suspension system issue. Is the 16" 'legged" or mounted to a floor stand?

  • im not using the EC-reso and its a legged 16". The ec reso will probably be my next drum investment tho.

  • yet another inspirational piece.

  • Thanks DD

  • BEAST!!!

    I love the seat LOL.

  • My back says the same thing at the end of every one hour practice session!

  • alright bob. im in all region jazz band. but the wierd thing is its more than jazz.. its jazz/funk/somba, and latin. so ive been watching your videos thinking.. alright this cant be that hard to get the hang of.. (im more of a heavy rock drummer) and i tryied to take these grooves and such to my kit and i was blown away by how easy you make this look. ive learned alot from your videos alone.

  • That's great to hear especially do the fact that my channel is dedicated to "drum tuning, sound and design". My performance philosophy is somewhat the same. I'm inspired by sound so for me...

    SOUND >FEEL>EMOTION!

    Emotion is the intimate connection between the drummer and the listener.

  • Ahh I'm missing your videos Bob /:

    I kinda stopped playing for a while, but I just started playing again today.

  • Me too. I'm doing best to find the time for new vids. I have the concepts in place... just need an open week to shoot the series. Hang in there my friend!

  • very good job master bob

  • Thank you very much Daniel

  • you and RVP should get together and have a jam =P

  • Cool!! You set it up and I'll be there. thanks

  • what heads are on the toms? ec2 clears?

  • Yes, EC-2 claers with EC-resos

  • I like your style a lot Bob. You are an great drummer. Thanks for your tunning videos. They were very helpful. You helped me make my drumset sound like a recording set.

  • You're very welcome Josh... always a pleasure knowing the videos are helpful.

  • quite a different approach, but i noticed the focus is on the snare, but wouldn't it make a lot more of a different expression by taking the focus from the snare and keeping a balance between every single drum, or perhaps putting the focus on a certain tom/snare? Couldn't you make a video containing a solo focussing on one certain tom/bass, other than the snare, but still using the snare in a supportive way? (sounds like a challenge? ;))

    btw:are those ec2+ec reso heads on those toms?

  • hmmm, the basic theme is built on the tom melody@1:00. My solos are always improvisational. At times it's heavy on the toms and vice versa. Interesting view point, I'll keep it in mind.

    Thanks for your opinion,

    Yes, EC-2/EC-reso.

  • NICE!!

  • Thanks Skeeb

  • What would be a good top and bottom snare head mix for achieving really good depth but also keeping crispness becuase I have tried the hydralics and they don't have the sensitivity and crispness that i'm lookin' for.

  • The Evans ECS-RD and Hazy 300 would be worth experimenting with. It's durable, lot's of projection and sensitivity.

  • Would you have any tips on building speed with double stroke rolls?

  • I use to practice on a "Moon Gel " pad that had zero rebound response. I found it helpful in regards to wrist action versus fingers.

  • Maybe one day I could be this good. :P Great vids and love the tuning videos btw!

    What do you think about the "DrumDial"?

  • Thanks tommy. The Drumdial is one of the tuning best aids but it's just a stepping stone. There is no substitute for ear training.

    It's worth every minute of your time and energy.

  • The drum dials are like $60. Bob's video on tuning is about the same. With Bob's video and some practice at it, you'll be able to tune your drums however you want them to sound.

  • Phenomenal job man.

  • Thanks Cr!

  • You are great.

  • Well....that's 2 people that think I'm great... you and my wife!!

    Thanks so much Vittorio, really appreciate it!

  • how long do you spend tuning your kit?

  • Depends on whether I'm touching it up or tuning brand new heads. For a complete kit between a few minutes and approximately 1/2 hr.

  • wonderful drummer and drums!!!! 5*****

  • Thanks so much, really appreciate it!

  • whoa awesome and i LOVE the drumset!!

  • Thanks Sarah!

  • este ruco esta de pocamadre!!!

    maestrasazo!!!!!

    chingoncisima la afinacion......

  • Either your screaming at me or saying thanks... I'll go with the positive... you're very welcome! hehheh