@Emresaurus If you're referring to the 'EQ Pad"....yes the EQ pad is far better than a towel. The pad can easily be adjusted in regards to how much pressure is applied to the head. Also, (2) EQ pads allow full control of the batter and reso heads. Hope this helps
@mikelmsn21 One of my studio kits is mounted on a "DrumFrame". The DF tilts the entire kit backwards to alleviate back pain and freer movement in the arms & legs. You can check out the Frame @ drumframe com
@mikelmsn21 In this video the kit is mounted on a "Drumframe". The DF suspends the BD allowing it to vibrate freely compared to the traditional floor positiong. You can check the DF @ drumframe com
Bob, thanks for that and all the other vids. You give so much back and I love the way you go to all the bother of setting up demonstrations of what you are talking about. I have so many things in life keeping me busy these days (job, kids etc) I hardly ever think about my kit. Every so often I pop by here, watch something and think wow - I got to try that! It's a little bit like being 18 again when everything was new and exciting. Cheers from Wales.
Respond to this video... Ahhh... you're too kind, but thank you very much. Ya know... it goes both ways I inspire you... you inspire me... now that's a success story!
Bob, I have a bunch of old cymbals and want to do some experimenting with them. Is there anything I can do with cracked cymbals? Cut them down? For instance one of my cymbals is cracked along the rings from lathing, could I cut that crack out somehow? I don't have a whole lot of tools to work with so I'm a bit limited, but don't want them to go to waste. I'm going to work on some modifications tomorrow. I'll let you know what I do. Thanks for the input.
@kramhoogness Very difficult to repair a cylindrical crack. You'd have to finish the edges to prevent further cracking. If it were a vertical (from the edge) you could simply shape a half moon cutout which usually breaks apart in a relatively short amount playing time. Wish I had better news.
Thanks for the advice, but I was want to just do it on my own. I'm sure it would cost alot to got to a shop. I could probably just go to Lowes and ask someone there to help me. I doubt if I would to difficult just to paint it solid black
Hey bob. I was wondering if it would be a good idea to paint my rings and lugs black? Do you think that itl effect the sound of my drums also what kinda paint should I use
@MyFilmsProduction If your referring to the hoops and lugs.... minimal impact on overall sound. Not sure what type paint.... I would track down a local "Powder Coating / Chroming shop to do the project for you. Motorcyclists do this all the time.
so glad that someone posted your name on a different tuning video. I'm getting back into drumming after a 10 year break! You, Sir, do a fantastic job at explaining everything in a simple way and to a much greater degree of depth. Thanks for your videos!
The hoopla part got me wondering about my Black Beauty. I haven't been getting the bright sharp attack I've been wanting with out tightening my top head down too much while getting a really bad snare buzz at the same time, so I tried exchanging the bottom metal hoop with a die cast hoop off of my Yamaha. I Can't say for certain yet, but it seemed to give me more of what I've looking for in sound. Can’t wait to try it out tomorrow during rehearsals!
Wood hoops on the snare drum generate a fatter, woodier toned stick- click. Also, the rim-shot is affected, obviously less metallic sounding, denser in tone. It's OK to use a die-cast hoop on the snare side along with a wood hoop on the batter. Currently I'm into die-cast snare, flanged batter config. just personal choice for what it's worth.
hi bob I'm thinking to buy the diecast along with new heads, you think is a good investment the diecast to make your snare sound the best even with new heads.?
The current hoop set-up I'm using now is the best of both worlds. Die-Cast for the reso (bottom) and flanged on the batter. The flanged hoop encourage more overtone content providing more color in tone. On the other hand, the die-cast "controls" overtones from the snare side generating a cleaner snare sound. Try the reso rim first... if you like it, you'll save on purchasing 2 rims! You can always pick up the batter hoop later.
The DW kit is mounted onto a "DrumFrame" The DF tilts the entire kit backwards so the bass drum is perfect aligned with the pedals. You can learn about the Frame online. Just search DrumFrame
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Dear Bob,
I dont mean to be rude but seriously whats the need to be so precise with everything about the kit. Like what u call 'big difference in sound' really isnt noticed by other musicians. I know its important to have a great sounding kit but i think you take it too far.
That's OK my friend. If we all agreed on things life would suck! The relationship between you and your kit is intimate. Getting a great sound is far less about the listener, than from your perspective as a drummer. Bottom line, the formula is simple..."Sound is Feel, Feel is Emotion, Emotion is Passion". Passion is what the listener responds to.
Just in case you are interested, the reason why a lot of drummers tilt their bass is because it enables the pedal to strike the head at a 90 degree angle. - If the bass drum is parallel to the floor, than the beater doesn't hit it straight.
Anyway, thanks for all your videos, especially the tuning videos, they've helped me a lot.
Agreed, certain pedals and/or pedal designs require a slight tilt in the BD to achieve the correct feel at the pedal. It's a trade-off between sound and feel. Always best to minimize BD tilt angle. Thanks for your comment and concern.
BTW- please call me Bob...Mr. Gatzen gives me the willies!
sweet, another reason i love your videos Bob, on the beiiger toms and floor toms, i use the Die-Cast, and the the smaller toms, have the Flanged, but i just get those mid-tones by using the evans min-Emad on the side of the hoop sticking on my heads
i play alot of metal and hard rock. i use evans heads but i was wondering wat you think gives that kind of sound that many metal drummers get out of there basses?
The new "GMAD" with the EMAD reso head might work well for you. It's friendly with microphones and has good overall acoustic volume. Power hitters often go for single ply heads.
hey Bob ive had my pulse 5pc for a bout a year now and i was thinking about new heads for my toms. My snare sounds fine (stock for bot heads on all my drum except base, got an aquarian super kick two for it) but my toms sound..well.. bleh so i was just wondering if you have any suggestions on what i should buy
The Evans EC-2 clears with EC-reso or G-1 clears provide a wide range of tuning with plenty of durability. Always best to experiment on one of your drums (12" tom) before buying into a complete make-over
man, i saw one of you videos on tuning and i thought you were just a boring classical player, but then i saw this movie and i had to subscribe.
a few weeks ago I decided i was gonna strt saving for a new set so thanks alot for that little bit on those hoops, thats gonna effect my descision alot.
Now im gonna see if you have a video on the different woods, because im having kind of a hard time choosing haha
Glad I didn't quite fit the boring classical personality... that's Good news! never owned a tuxedo... heh heh
On the hoops I recently discovered that the flanged batter and die-cast snare side works unbelievably well. I have 6 drums set up this way now. The flanged generates more colorful overtones and the die-cast encourages less snare buzz, more definition.
stands are so much better, hey Bob can you adjust the throw on a dw 4000 double pedal, also i m thinking of getting a new double pedal but i wanted longboars so could you please tell me if the pdp B.O.A double pedals are longboards or splitboards cheers
Interesting question. The BOA is a bit of each. There is no hinge due to the pedal board being the "spring" itself. However, There is a heel plate (not hinged) at the end of the footboard so it resembles a split-board. The BOA has a feel of it's own... best to try one to see how it fits your style of playing.
inspiration to me as well as many others ...especially for the way you trained your ear so well for pitch the keyboard idea was genius i play piano as well as drums so i took a few pieces and tuned my drums as melodically as i could with stock reso's and kind went along with the pieces i know i liked it quite a lot i would have never knew as much as i know today about tonal tuning and pitch recognition if it wasn't for you
found it kinda interesting how you talked about the bass drum and i look at yours at it looks at an angle ...or is it a trick of the eye O.o :) also in another tip vid i think it was i liked your enthusiasm for sizzling a cymbal i love them ...I'm not a fan of zildjian but i love what you did with the zil-bel and splash as i hi-hat very unique your style is great and you are a GREAT!!!!!
Thank God for Bob Gatzen.I know so much more about my instrument because of this gentleman.Just knowing the difference between a flange hoop and a die cast hoop makes me feel like i now have 2 snare drums.Thank you so much bob.
Im not trying you to buy something but,I think it is kind of better for you to a block(percussion thing that sounds like a clear cross stick)because it is easier and faster way to do crossticks.I would get probably a Pearl low pitch block,or either a Latin Percussion Medium pitched block.Thanks,from Cam.
That's an alternative that works. I prefer the stick clic thing due to the technique I've developed over the years. Just a personal thing not necessarily the best way to do it.
hey thanks for the sounds of my kit tips!im 13 yrs old and im looking for a new 2nd drum kit between £200 to 500£ just for the kit what do you advise m eon thenks
Dw-PDP makes a great all-maple mid-line kit. Also, Mapex is getting great reviews on their mid-lines. Another option is to check out eBay or a drum shop that sell used gear. You never know you might find a DW, Pearl, Gretsch etc. at a great price. nothing wrong with used.
how true is that! i bought a dusty ol' Pearl Export kit for $250. Shined it up, replaced the heads and it sounds and feels so great! i've played other sets but nothing feels as good or sounds as close to my liking as what i've got. and for next to nothing
It's discretionary. I like rack systems, easier to set up than positioning stands consistently around the kit. Sound-wise same as stands as long as the toms are of the BD shell.
Hi Bob, thank you so much for providing such a helpful video for all drummers. I have a question about bass drum angle. Where I have my bass drum right now, the ground tilts downward toward the resonant head of the drum. Sound I adjust the spurs so the drum is parallel to this tilt? Thanks!
Hi Bob, So based on what I watched from die-cast vs flanged. It would be better to put cast hoops on a metal drum to control the ring and flanged hoop on wood drum to excites the resonant of the wood? is this accurate?
Not necessarily. Die-cast will have similar effects on either wood or metal. However, metal drums inherently are richer in overtones so die cast hoops will offer more OT control if your looking to do that. You see, sound is subjective making steadfast rules impossible. My favorite combo is a flanged batter and die-cast on the snare. I have 5-6 drums set-up that way...both wood & metal.
Build drums?... been there, done that. I designed Noble & Cooley drums for 18 years. Also the Zildjian Anniversary Snare Drums. Then one day I said to myself... next!
It can go both ways but I've found best results with a flanged on the batter allowing more colorful overtones and die-cast on the snare side (more pitch). Just personal taste.
I have a question about the kick drum. In this vid you say that changing the angle of the bass drum changes the sound for the worse buys as you say that in the video you have your bass drum tilted back. I was just wondering; how you have it setup so that it doesn't affect the sound for the worse?
I have one kit set-up on the floor (traditional set-up) and the other on a "DrumFrame" The DF is an ergonomic mounting system that aligns the drummer and drums at the same tilted angle. The bass drum is suspended and set at the same angle as the kit. You can check it out at the DrumFrame site.
I believe I had "Puresounds" on this drum. However, I do use DW's on certain drums. Evans acquired Puresound recently so we will be developing new snare designs... looking forward to it!
Sounds great, and no doubt they will too! Sorry, I was asking if the two snare drums were DW bronze, rather than what the wires were. The difference between the hoops is interesting though - do you think it's the nature of zinc vs steel that stops the ring of diecast hoops, or the manufacture of the hoop which does that (the fact that it's cast)? I wonder if bronze or aluminium die-cast hoops would ring sympathetically like triple-flanged but with the focussed sound of flanged hoops..?
Nature of the material. Zinc to steel is like Lead to steel. Zinc is much softer which is why it is easy to die-cast. Sure, the deader hoop will not encourage head vibration. I'll be using a DW maple drum with die-cast on the snare side and flanged on the batter. This changed my feeling from liking this drum to loving it now.
thnx again for the rack system help bob. another thing u cud do for more cymbal effects in ur drum kit is u can lower a crash cymbal so that is slightly touches ur hi hats wen there open. wen u hit both with a single hit or play beats on it, it sounds more open and echoey. or if u open the hi hat while playing beats it hits the cymbal and u can hear a soft, long decay.
"good game show sound".... i wonder if everytime someone gets a letter right on wheel of fortune they have some one hit a zil bel...... well never mind
Is it just me? or DW drums are Harder to tune than others like yamaha, pearl, tama etc.?I bought my DW kit 2 years ago and I spend hours triyng to tune it. What is the deakl here??
Can't honestly say they are harder to tune. One thing about DW's is they do a great job in regards to shell roundness and flat bearing edges making tuning much more accurate than other mass produced drums. Small drum key moves are important. It's easy to go right by a good tuning if your not gentle with the key.
bob the main difference between hoops are if a diecast hoop on a snare and if a lug comes loose the drum stays the same tune and if u go to a flanged hoop the whole drum comes out of tune ( if this makes sense)? well ok bye!
Thought I replied to this. Flanged hoops vary in design & quality. Yes, light weight flanged hoops on budget kits can behave like that but, high quality, thicker, heavier flanged hoops have more rigidity that die cast. Steel is more rigid than white metal. Also, the shaping of the flanged hoop can add even more stiffness. Especially designs like the "S" hoops.
Hey bob, just got one more question again, im a 15 yr old drummer in leeds, england, so as you can expect, i am kinda on a budget.
How can I get a good sound and feel on a budget - i cant relli afford a full set of batter and resonant headsso just got new baters, and cant get good cymbals unless i save up for ages (which I am doing). Any tips? Also, how can a guy of my age make money through music to get beter equipment with?
Difficult to answer in a few words. My best suggestion is to do the best you can in making your drum sound the best it can be. The formula is Sound>Feel>Emotion>Passion. This is what draws both you and your listeners to the drums. Hook up with another musician who shares your music taste, preferences. Start a duet, than expand. Ideas begin with "one" and band begins with "Two"!
I like the characteristics of both Zildjian's New Beat and Quick Beat hi-hats. I'd like to mix and match them to see what different tones the produce. Something tells me a 14" new beat top paired with a 14" quick beat bottom would be make an awesome hi-hat.
I'm considering wood rims for my snare. I've played them on a couple snares in the drum shop but I'm not sure how my snare will sound with it. I know it's a little much to ask but could you do this same demo with a wood hoop. Or at least provide a little feedback in the differences for me. My current snare is a pearl 14x4 maple with yamaha powerhoops. The powerhoops don't seem like regular flanged but I did this test and they have a musical quality so I know they're not diecast. Thanks.
The most drastic change is in the "stick-clic" sound the wood hoop produces. Very fat compared to metal hoops. The wood hoops behave more like die-cast than flanged hoops due to there weight & density. Personally, I don't use them but have checked them out. More focus than flanged hoops yet more overtones compared to die-cast. Kinda falls in between...worth consideration.
hey I have a question Bob, I am thinking of buying wood hoops for my sonor 3003 drumset and im wondering does the actual tone of the drum get warmer? do you know of any place to purchase wood hoops for a affordble price?
Im looking for a deeper metal tone, much like Travis Smiths' of Trivium. What type of head to you recommend for getting this type of sound? I currently have Remo Ambassadors on my kit but i am looking into getting some new heads because i made some bad tuning choices a few months ago (Hey, these can sound like tenors!...) and i am paying for it because my heads are very dull after tuning them back down. Thanks for reading.
The Evans EC-2' Clears with the new EC-2 Reso or G-1 should work well for you. Coincidentally, I'm shooting a video on these heads as we speak. Should be up on the channel by the end of the week.
hey, i have a bonham kit, except the bass drum is 16" x "26. and i want to get a full sound out of all my drums - like randy castillo, the bass is proving hard- just a nice round soud, right now- i have the res head really tight- and the batter fairly low, with a felt strip and a towl pushed against the batter head- butis still not what i am looking for.
oh and my 18" x 16" floor tom - cant get it to sound right.
you great to watch and ive learnt so many things from you.. things one wouldnt even think of thinking about but are quite important not to mention interesting! thanks!
Cymbals are like shoes...it's a personal choice. However, Zildjian is coming out with a series of "hybrid" prototype cymbals featuring a "complex" sound. Probably see them in early 08. Also, There are smaller companies that create specialized cymbals. Instanbul & Alchemy Cymbals come to mind. I would Google "Instanbul Cymbals" for more resources.
Great videos, Bob. I just discovered them and I'm watching them all.
Do you have any advice about wood hoops, specifically for snare drums? You don't see them often, but I'm curious how they compare to flanged and die-cast.
I don't have alot of hands-on with wood hooped SD's. However, I've played on them. Two characteristics stand out. 1. The stick click is uniquely different, fat, lower pitched cross-stick 2. Overall tone of the drum is more colorful. But it's all in the eyes of the beholder. I suggest testing one at a local retailer before committing
Well im about to try choice one, but i already tried choice two and my first tom fits perfect (12x10 inch) but then the second tom (13x11 tom wont fit its too big and heavy so the stand tips over :(
In your video Drummers Only you said if you have toms mounted on your bassdrum to get rid of them and mount them on your cymbal stands. I have a pearl forum standard set, ( for a picture of it just look up pearl forum standard on musiciansfriend or google.) As you can see, i have very big toms and the way my tom mounts are, i dont think it will work. What do you think?
hey bob ive tuned in to alot ofyour video and can you give me some ideas of what to do with my extra parts ect.... i have a pair hit hats and i dontknow what to do but i have an extra tom and a extra hit hat stand and a extra bass pedal plz give me some ideas
Bob, I just want to thank you for all the great info you provide.
I work in the drum shop at a local music store, and your videos have changed the way I work on drums that come into my shop (for the better!), as well as inspiring me to experiment on my own kit. Thank you!
Oh yes, the "EC" heads are one of my designs. Drier shorter tone. Very nice if your looking for a bit more control and warmth. They work great on large diameter drums.
Hey Bob this probably isn't the right place to ask but I'm thinking about buying new heads today. If I get the Evans EC2 what should i get on the bottom? I was just thinking Evans G1's
Will this compensate for placing a towel in the bass drum?
Emresaurus 2 months ago
@Emresaurus If you're referring to the 'EQ Pad"....yes the EQ pad is far better than a towel. The pad can easily be adjusted in regards to how much pressure is applied to the head. Also, (2) EQ pads allow full control of the batter and reso heads. Hope this helps
bobgatzen 2 months ago
@bobgatzen yea thanks.. will definitely set out to get one.
Emresaurus 2 months ago
@Emresaurus You won't regret it E!
bobgatzen 2 months ago
Did anybody else notice how slowly and hilariously Bob put his arms down at 2:13? Oh man, I love you Bob Gatzen.
TimAndEricAreTheBest 6 months ago
im confused you said that angleing the bass drums bad ...but yours in angled alot
mikelmsn21 10 months ago
@mikelmsn21 One of my studio kits is mounted on a "DrumFrame". The DF tilts the entire kit backwards to alleviate back pain and freer movement in the arms & legs. You can check out the Frame @ drumframe com
bobgatzen 10 months ago
@mikelmsn21 In this video the kit is mounted on a "Drumframe". The DF suspends the BD allowing it to vibrate freely compared to the traditional floor positiong. You can check the DF @ drumframe com
bobgatzen 2 months ago
how come cymbal companies stop making really good cymbal lines..? =(
EroticTofu 11 months ago
Bob, thanks for that and all the other vids. You give so much back and I love the way you go to all the bother of setting up demonstrations of what you are talking about. I have so many things in life keeping me busy these days (job, kids etc) I hardly ever think about my kit. Every so often I pop by here, watch something and think wow - I got to try that! It's a little bit like being 18 again when everything was new and exciting. Cheers from Wales.
DaveRIClark 11 months ago
Thanks so much for this Bob.You're vids are so refreshing and an absolute inspiration to the drumming community....fantastic work sir!
butcherman42 11 months ago
Respond to this video... Ahhh... you're too kind, but thank you very much. Ya know... it goes both ways I inspire you... you inspire me... now that's a success story!
bobgatzen 11 months ago
Bob, I have a bunch of old cymbals and want to do some experimenting with them. Is there anything I can do with cracked cymbals? Cut them down? For instance one of my cymbals is cracked along the rings from lathing, could I cut that crack out somehow? I don't have a whole lot of tools to work with so I'm a bit limited, but don't want them to go to waste. I'm going to work on some modifications tomorrow. I'll let you know what I do. Thanks for the input.
kramhoogness 1 year ago
@kramhoogness Very difficult to repair a cylindrical crack. You'd have to finish the edges to prevent further cracking. If it were a vertical (from the edge) you could simply shape a half moon cutout which usually breaks apart in a relatively short amount playing time. Wish I had better news.
bobgatzen 1 year ago
die cast is better than flanged
kijkenify 1 year ago
@kijkenify Each has it's own sound quality... it's like chocolate or vanilla ice cream... personal discretion
bobgatzen 1 year ago
@bobgatzen yeah i know i acually should have sead my preference is die cast ^^
kijkenify 1 year ago
Do you think that car paint or spray paint would look nice and glossy, or cheap
MyFilmsProduction 1 year ago
@MyFilmsProduction Paint will not hold up... i it'll chip and look crappy within a very short period of time.
bobgatzen 1 year ago
Thanks for the advice, but I was want to just do it on my own. I'm sure it would cost alot to got to a shop. I could probably just go to Lowes and ask someone there to help me. I doubt if I would to difficult just to paint it solid black
MyFilmsProduction 1 year ago
Hey bob. I was wondering if it would be a good idea to paint my rings and lugs black? Do you think that itl effect the sound of my drums also what kinda paint should I use
MyFilmsProduction 1 year ago
@MyFilmsProduction If your referring to the hoops and lugs.... minimal impact on overall sound. Not sure what type paint.... I would track down a local "Powder Coating / Chroming shop to do the project for you. Motorcyclists do this all the time.
bobgatzen 1 year ago
That would be my suggestion... you won't reget it... your drums will sound way better!!
bobgatzen 1 year ago
I have two toms on my base, should I buy new stands for the toms?
noble381297 1 year ago
so glad that someone posted your name on a different tuning video. I'm getting back into drumming after a 10 year break! You, Sir, do a fantastic job at explaining everything in a simple way and to a much greater degree of depth. Thanks for your videos!
perkuskamui 1 year ago
@perkuskamui My pleasure John... keep writing success stories...I live for them!!
bobgatzen 1 year ago
Bob Gatzen, you are the man. I always learn new things from these.
Druman19 1 year ago 5
@Druman19 Thanks so much!! Bob
bobgatzen 1 year ago 2
Great lookin drums, are those rockin wraps or painted by DW?
ecosiszman 1 year ago
@ecosiszman They are painted. The Blue Flame kit has Birch shells and the Red flamed kit is Maple.
bobgatzen 1 year ago
The hoopla part got me wondering about my Black Beauty. I haven't been getting the bright sharp attack I've been wanting with out tightening my top head down too much while getting a really bad snare buzz at the same time, so I tried exchanging the bottom metal hoop with a die cast hoop off of my Yamaha. I Can't say for certain yet, but it seemed to give me more of what I've looking for in sound. Can’t wait to try it out tomorrow during rehearsals!
Thanks for the help.
hippydippy 1 year ago
@hippydippy Sounds like a success story... that's what I like to hear. Thanks hippy!
bobgatzen 1 year ago
No headphones and still heard a difference.The hoops bits was awesome gave me some new Ideas : )
EDtheIslander 1 year ago
@EDtheIslander Fantastic! Great to hear that
bobgatzen 1 year ago
Hi Bob, great vids
Can you give me your opinion of wood hoops and how do they compare to Die-Cast and flanged hoops?
jonutarr 1 year ago
Wood hoops on the snare drum generate a fatter, woodier toned stick- click. Also, the rim-shot is affected, obviously less metallic sounding, denser in tone. It's OK to use a die-cast hoop on the snare side along with a wood hoop on the batter. Currently I'm into die-cast snare, flanged batter config. just personal choice for what it's worth.
bobgatzen 1 year ago
Thanks Bob, I will try wood hoops for myself one day, ya can never have to many snares :)
jonutarr 1 year ago
hi bob I'm thinking to buy the diecast along with new heads, you think is a good investment the diecast to make your snare sound the best even with new heads.?
josket2 2 years ago
The current hoop set-up I'm using now is the best of both worlds. Die-Cast for the reso (bottom) and flanged on the batter. The flanged hoop encourage more overtone content providing more color in tone. On the other hand, the die-cast "controls" overtones from the snare side generating a cleaner snare sound. Try the reso rim first... if you like it, you'll save on purchasing 2 rims! You can always pick up the batter hoop later.
bobgatzen 2 years ago
Thats a really good idea thanks alot, bob you the best!
josket2 2 years ago
Glad to help out.. thanks for writing back
bobgatzen 2 years ago
The DW kit is mounted onto a "DrumFrame" The DF tilts the entire kit backwards so the bass drum is perfect aligned with the pedals. You can learn about the Frame online. Just search DrumFrame
bobgatzen 2 years ago
Wow! It's so obvious & I didn't realize this until now! Thanks Bob! :) You're GREAT!
Danie11o 2 years ago
Thanks again D
bobgatzen 2 years ago
You're great not only for knowing but for sharing all this tips with us.Thanks so much Bob!
artdrumming 2 years ago
Your very welcome! No secrets...each of us approaches drums in our own special way. Always best to share. Thanks for taking the time to write
bobgatzen 2 years ago
you rock Bob!!!
v3teran 2 years ago
BIG thanks V!
bobgatzen 2 years ago
im looking for a larger ride cymbal like a 22 or 24 but with a bright sound, preferrebly from meinl and which is better drum gum or moongel
a7d7f7 2 years ago
I'm not familiar with the Meinl cymbal line so I can make a n educated suggestion. A "heavy" A. Custom Zildjian is worth exploring.
I'm not a fan of the high density gels but Moon gel has a longtime rep. I like the Evans MIN-Emads for adjustability and convenience.
bobgatzen 2 years ago
It's not apples & oranges...apples & apples. I'd buy both, EXPERIMENT & CHOOSE. Personally I like the Evans
Min-Emads... far more adjustable
bobgatzen 2 years ago
i need so drum lessons lol
trust me
johnnycage27 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Dear Bob,
I dont mean to be rude but seriously whats the need to be so precise with everything about the kit. Like what u call 'big difference in sound' really isnt noticed by other musicians. I know its important to have a great sounding kit but i think you take it too far.
saladsfriend 2 years ago
That's OK my friend. If we all agreed on things life would suck! The relationship between you and your kit is intimate. Getting a great sound is far less about the listener, than from your perspective as a drummer. Bottom line, the formula is simple..."Sound is Feel, Feel is Emotion, Emotion is Passion". Passion is what the listener responds to.
bobgatzen 2 years ago
Dear Mr. Gatzen,
Just in case you are interested, the reason why a lot of drummers tilt their bass is because it enables the pedal to strike the head at a 90 degree angle. - If the bass drum is parallel to the floor, than the beater doesn't hit it straight.
Anyway, thanks for all your videos, especially the tuning videos, they've helped me a lot.
catharina1016 2 years ago
Agreed, certain pedals and/or pedal designs require a slight tilt in the BD to achieve the correct feel at the pedal. It's a trade-off between sound and feel. Always best to minimize BD tilt angle. Thanks for your comment and concern.
BTW- please call me Bob...Mr. Gatzen gives me the willies!
bobgatzen 2 years ago
Bob - I couldn't help but notice your kick drum in the background its tilted. Im not being a smart arse - You're a pro, there must be a reason!?
craigredhead90 2 years ago 2
@craigredhead90
yea its at a pretty extreme angle.
IchMagSechs 1 year ago
sweet, another reason i love your videos Bob, on the beiiger toms and floor toms, i use the Die-Cast, and the the smaller toms, have the Flanged, but i just get those mid-tones by using the evans min-Emad on the side of the hoop sticking on my heads
NewDarkAges13 2 years ago
Nothing pleases me more than success stories...thanks N
bobgatzen 2 years ago
i play alot of metal and hard rock. i use evans heads but i was wondering wat you think gives that kind of sound that many metal drummers get out of there basses?
anarcy7777u 2 years ago
The new "GMAD" with the EMAD reso head might work well for you. It's friendly with microphones and has good overall acoustic volume. Power hitters often go for single ply heads.
bobgatzen 2 years ago
umm i think there 1ply stock heads for reso and batter. THere the only heads ive had. i also just play for fun
flippyflipper1239 2 years ago
hey Bob ive had my pulse 5pc for a bout a year now and i was thinking about new heads for my toms. My snare sounds fine (stock for bot heads on all my drum except base, got an aquarian super kick two for it) but my toms sound..well.. bleh so i was just wondering if you have any suggestions on what i should buy
Thanks
flippyflipper1239 2 years ago
hey Flippy...need more info. What types of heads have you used in the past? Are you recording at home or playing live?
bobgatzen 2 years ago
The Evans EC-2 clears with EC-reso or G-1 clears provide a wide range of tuning with plenty of durability. Always best to experiment on one of your drums (12" tom) before buying into a complete make-over
bobgatzen 2 years ago
man, i saw one of you videos on tuning and i thought you were just a boring classical player, but then i saw this movie and i had to subscribe.
a few weeks ago I decided i was gonna strt saving for a new set so thanks alot for that little bit on those hoops, thats gonna effect my descision alot.
Now im gonna see if you have a video on the different woods, because im having kind of a hard time choosing haha
Thanks alot :)
Ramen1020 2 years ago
Glad I didn't quite fit the boring classical personality... that's Good news! never owned a tuxedo... heh heh
On the hoops I recently discovered that the flanged batter and die-cast snare side works unbelievably well. I have 6 drums set up this way now. The flanged generates more colorful overtones and the die-cast encourages less snare buzz, more definition.
bobgatzen 2 years ago
thanks Bob
its really helpful that i can count on you to reply
cheers Bob
drumtime360 2 years ago
You're welcome!
bobgatzen 2 years ago
stands are so much better, hey Bob can you adjust the throw on a dw 4000 double pedal, also i m thinking of getting a new double pedal but i wanted longboars so could you please tell me if the pdp B.O.A double pedals are longboards or splitboards cheers
drumtime360 2 years ago
Interesting question. The BOA is a bit of each. There is no hinge due to the pedal board being the "spring" itself. However, There is a heel plate (not hinged) at the end of the footboard so it resembles a split-board. The BOA has a feel of it's own... best to try one to see how it fits your style of playing.
bobgatzen 2 years ago
inspiration to me as well as many others ...especially for the way you trained your ear so well for pitch the keyboard idea was genius i play piano as well as drums so i took a few pieces and tuned my drums as melodically as i could with stock reso's and kind went along with the pieces i know i liked it quite a lot i would have never knew as much as i know today about tonal tuning and pitch recognition if it wasn't for you
catfischh 2 years ago
Well thank you Cat! Always a pleasure to read a success story
Keep em up...it inspo for all of us drummers.
bobgatzen 2 years ago
found it kinda interesting how you talked about the bass drum and i look at yours at it looks at an angle ...or is it a trick of the eye O.o :) also in another tip vid i think it was i liked your enthusiasm for sizzling a cymbal i love them ...I'm not a fan of zildjian but i love what you did with the zil-bel and splash as i hi-hat very unique your style is great and you are a GREAT!!!!!
catfischh 2 years ago
Again thanks for the kudos! I like to explore, be different.
I abide by 3 laws for ORIGINALITY. The acronym is D.R.M.
D- be different
R-take risks
M...the most important law... be willing to make mistakes. I learn more from failure than success.
bobgatzen 2 years ago
i wonder what two ride cymbals used as hats would sound like O.o
TMNoob3 2 years ago
Try it out an let us know
bobgatzen 2 years ago
cheer s i just bought tom stands thanks bob
drumtime360 2 years ago
Thanks D. Share the wealth... let us how they work out for you
bobgatzen 2 years ago
Thank God for Bob Gatzen.I know so much more about my instrument because of this gentleman.Just knowing the difference between a flange hoop and a die cast hoop makes me feel like i now have 2 snare drums.Thank you so much bob.
LOUD7 3 years ago
How nice of you to say that... makes the effort worthwhile... thanks back to you L
bobgatzen 2 years ago
You're very welcome...I just love success stories...keep em coming... it's Inspiration for all!
bobgatzen 2 years ago
Im not trying you to buy something but,I think it is kind of better for you to a block(percussion thing that sounds like a clear cross stick)because it is easier and faster way to do crossticks.I would get probably a Pearl low pitch block,or either a Latin Percussion Medium pitched block.Thanks,from Cam.
camarofan101 3 years ago
That's an alternative that works. I prefer the stick clic thing due to the technique I've developed over the years. Just a personal thing not necessarily the best way to do it.
Thanks for posting your tip!
bobgatzen 3 years ago
hey thanks for the sounds of my kit tips!im 13 yrs old and im looking for a new 2nd drum kit between £200 to 500£ just for the kit what do you advise m eon thenks
will
willsie22 3 years ago
Dw-PDP makes a great all-maple mid-line kit. Also, Mapex is getting great reviews on their mid-lines. Another option is to check out eBay or a drum shop that sell used gear. You never know you might find a DW, Pearl, Gretsch etc. at a great price. nothing wrong with used.
bobgatzen 3 years ago
how true is that! i bought a dusty ol' Pearl Export kit for $250. Shined it up, replaced the heads and it sounds and feels so great! i've played other sets but nothing feels as good or sounds as close to my liking as what i've got. and for next to nothing
seventeen17van 2 years ago
Do you think it would be worth buying a drum rack so I can take my toms off of my bass drum?
srfce2airmssles 3 years ago
It's discretionary. I like rack systems, easier to set up than positioning stands consistently around the kit. Sound-wise same as stands as long as the toms are of the BD shell.
bobgatzen 3 years ago
Ok, thanks! I really like all of your videos. You've really helped me out.
srfce2airmssles 3 years ago
You're welcome!
bobgatzen 3 years ago
you are some king of example to follow ( for me ) you have great skills!!!
GirlDrummerTH 3 years ago
Well thank you very much. That means more than you think to me.
Happy New Year!
bobgatzen 3 years ago
OMG! i just love your kit, and the blue and white bass drum too!
GirlDrummerTH 3 years ago
Thank you!
bobgatzen 3 years ago
Hi Bob, thank you so much for providing such a helpful video for all drummers. I have a question about bass drum angle. Where I have my bass drum right now, the ground tilts downward toward the resonant head of the drum. Sound I adjust the spurs so the drum is parallel to this tilt? Thanks!
drummer931 3 years ago
Your very welcome D
Yes, you need to raise the front of the BD so the drum is "parallel" to the floor "when mounted to the bass drum pedal".
bobgatzen 3 years ago
Hi Bob, So based on what I watched from die-cast vs flanged. It would be better to put cast hoops on a metal drum to control the ring and flanged hoop on wood drum to excites the resonant of the wood? is this accurate?
sala154 3 years ago
Not necessarily. Die-cast will have similar effects on either wood or metal. However, metal drums inherently are richer in overtones so die cast hoops will offer more OT control if your looking to do that. You see, sound is subjective making steadfast rules impossible. My favorite combo is a flanged batter and die-cast on the snare. I have 5-6 drums set-up that way...both wood & metal.
bobgatzen 3 years ago
Wow, Bob this is very educational. You are indeed, the master of drum sound. Maybe you should think about making drums.
sala154 3 years ago
Well thank you.
Build drums?... been there, done that. I designed Noble & Cooley drums for 18 years. Also the Zildjian Anniversary Snare Drums. Then one day I said to myself... next!
bobgatzen 3 years ago
Wich hi hats do you use?
GunMetalSparkle 3 years ago
It's a custom set-up 10" Zildjian Oriental and a EFX bottom
bobgatzen 3 years ago
why cant you mount toms on bass drums, i have my 2 on my bass drum, heck ive got one hanging off my ride cymbal stand and no problems?
JaredParagon2112 3 years ago
i noticed there is less ring but i like that sound
JaredParagon2112 3 years ago
Whether the toms are on or off the BD is not an issue. The weight of the toms on the BD affect sustain and lo-end of the BD. Take another look @ 5:41
bobgatzen 3 years ago
i saw drum have die-cast on top and flanged bottom. dose it change any sound?
Danny19921125 3 years ago
It can go both ways but I've found best results with a flanged on the batter allowing more colorful overtones and die-cast on the snare side (more pitch). Just personal taste.
bobgatzen 3 years ago
my snare drum sounds really like empty and sounds like a piece of paper i hate it do u have a video for that sort of thing plizzz and than you
flesongo 3 years ago
Check out these video on the channel.
"Drum Tuning Series Pt. 2 SNARE" &
"Drummers Only" Bob Gatzen Tuning Snare Drum
bobgatzen 3 years ago
thanks man ur the coolest for uploading all of those videos to help begginers like me
flesongo 3 years ago
Just want to keep drummers drummin' Keep up the good work.
bobgatzen 3 years ago
What if you do the same thing on the tom's?
GunMetalSparkle 3 years ago
Absolutely! it's just another way to orchestrate a rhythmic motif... good thought!
bobgatzen 3 years ago
I have a question about the kick drum. In this vid you say that changing the angle of the bass drum changes the sound for the worse buys as you say that in the video you have your bass drum tilted back. I was just wondering; how you have it setup so that it doesn't affect the sound for the worse?
rex6661 3 years ago
i meant but not buys. hehehe
rex6661 3 years ago
I have one kit set-up on the floor (traditional set-up) and the other on a "DrumFrame" The DF is an ergonomic mounting system that aligns the drummer and drums at the same tilted angle. The bass drum is suspended and set at the same angle as the kit. You can check it out at the DrumFrame site.
bobgatzen 3 years ago
Thank you so much for your videos,I never knew that there were so many little things you could do to improve the sound of a kit!
LukieWukie 3 years ago
Always happy to help out
bobgatzen 3 years ago
Thanks Bob - the head-to-head die cast/flanged hoop experiment was really helpful. Are those DW bronze snares?
ignarukih 3 years ago
I believe I had "Puresounds" on this drum. However, I do use DW's on certain drums. Evans acquired Puresound recently so we will be developing new snare designs... looking forward to it!
bobgatzen 3 years ago
Sounds great, and no doubt they will too! Sorry, I was asking if the two snare drums were DW bronze, rather than what the wires were. The difference between the hoops is interesting though - do you think it's the nature of zinc vs steel that stops the ring of diecast hoops, or the manufacture of the hoop which does that (the fact that it's cast)? I wonder if bronze or aluminium die-cast hoops would ring sympathetically like triple-flanged but with the focussed sound of flanged hoops..?
ignarukih 3 years ago
Nature of the material. Zinc to steel is like Lead to steel. Zinc is much softer which is why it is easy to die-cast. Sure, the deader hoop will not encourage head vibration. I'll be using a DW maple drum with die-cast on the snare side and flanged on the batter. This changed my feeling from liking this drum to loving it now.
bobgatzen 3 years ago
i saw this video on drummers world. i had no idea you were on youtube. good thing i found you
DcotyDrummer 3 years ago
Cool...thanks D... please spread the word. The more we (drummers) know about drums the better
bobgatzen 3 years ago
thnx again for the rack system help bob. another thing u cud do for more cymbal effects in ur drum kit is u can lower a crash cymbal so that is slightly touches ur hi hats wen there open. wen u hit both with a single hit or play beats on it, it sounds more open and echoey. or if u open the hi hat while playing beats it hits the cymbal and u can hear a soft, long decay.
owaaaa984 3 years ago
Thanks O...Good tip.... everyone get that?
bobgatzen 3 years ago
"good game show sound".... i wonder if everytime someone gets a letter right on wheel of fortune they have some one hit a zil bel...... well never mind
skilletpanhead 3 years ago
was there ever a video of you talking about the sweet spot on the bassdrum head? it was like around the centre of the head or something
iamwaley 3 years ago
Yes, It's titled "My Fellow Drummers"
bobgatzen 3 years ago
i absolutely love you!!! you rule !!! thank you so much!!
tetradkata 3 years ago
Same back to you my friend!
bobgatzen 3 years ago
Is it just me? or DW drums are Harder to tune than others like yamaha, pearl, tama etc.?I bought my DW kit 2 years ago and I spend hours triyng to tune it. What is the deakl here??
dukecanela 3 years ago
Can't honestly say they are harder to tune. One thing about DW's is they do a great job in regards to shell roundness and flat bearing edges making tuning much more accurate than other mass produced drums. Small drum key moves are important. It's easy to go right by a good tuning if your not gentle with the key.
bobgatzen 3 years ago
Hoopla... try 'S-Hoops', brilliant! Protect the bearing edge, more rigid than die cast.
generatrix999 3 years ago
flanged hoops come with alot of begginer sets like from stagg and the steel hoop the rim shots on the snare sounds higher.
nellyfolly 4 years ago
bob the main difference between hoops are if a diecast hoop on a snare and if a lug comes loose the drum stays the same tune and if u go to a flanged hoop the whole drum comes out of tune ( if this makes sense)? well ok bye!
lildrumman404 4 years ago
Thought I replied to this. Flanged hoops vary in design & quality. Yes, light weight flanged hoops on budget kits can behave like that but, high quality, thicker, heavier flanged hoops have more rigidity that die cast. Steel is more rigid than white metal. Also, the shaping of the flanged hoop can add even more stiffness. Especially designs like the "S" hoops.
bobgatzen 4 years ago
Hey bob, just got one more question again, im a 15 yr old drummer in leeds, england, so as you can expect, i am kinda on a budget.
How can I get a good sound and feel on a budget - i cant relli afford a full set of batter and resonant headsso just got new baters, and cant get good cymbals unless i save up for ages (which I am doing). Any tips? Also, how can a guy of my age make money through music to get beter equipment with?
thefakebobgatzen 4 years ago
Difficult to answer in a few words. My best suggestion is to do the best you can in making your drum sound the best it can be. The formula is Sound>Feel>Emotion>Passion. This is what draws both you and your listeners to the drums. Hook up with another musician who shares your music taste, preferences. Start a duet, than expand. Ideas begin with "one" and band begins with "Two"!
bobgatzen 4 years ago
ide reccomend pdp drums.. and sabian cymbals:D
dudleythemoose 3 years ago
Bob i just watched a bunch of your videos and they helped me out lot !!
ive been playing drums a few years and i just can never find the right sound i want on my set !! i will be trying out your techniques soon.
if you get a chance check out my drumming videos ! tell me what you think
bakerskater0713 4 years ago 2
I happy to hear that! Let me know how things work out for you.
bobgatzen 4 years ago
I like the characteristics of both Zildjian's New Beat and Quick Beat hi-hats. I'd like to mix and match them to see what different tones the produce. Something tells me a 14" new beat top paired with a 14" quick beat bottom would be make an awesome hi-hat.
TomMSTie 4 years ago
why do you keep your set on an angle like that?
lure951 4 years ago
I'm considering wood rims for my snare. I've played them on a couple snares in the drum shop but I'm not sure how my snare will sound with it. I know it's a little much to ask but could you do this same demo with a wood hoop. Or at least provide a little feedback in the differences for me. My current snare is a pearl 14x4 maple with yamaha powerhoops. The powerhoops don't seem like regular flanged but I did this test and they have a musical quality so I know they're not diecast. Thanks.
cearleywine 4 years ago
The most drastic change is in the "stick-clic" sound the wood hoop produces. Very fat compared to metal hoops. The wood hoops behave more like die-cast than flanged hoops due to there weight & density. Personally, I don't use them but have checked them out. More focus than flanged hoops yet more overtones compared to die-cast. Kinda falls in between...worth consideration.
bobgatzen 4 years ago
hey I have a question Bob, I am thinking of buying wood hoops for my sonor 3003 drumset and im wondering does the actual tone of the drum get warmer? do you know of any place to purchase wood hoops for a affordble price?
stefaneisenbeis 4 years ago
Not sure "warmer" is the best to describe the tone from wood hoops. To my ears, the sound is "fattened"...more "density".
Sorry, can't help ya on your shopping spree.
bobgatzen 4 years ago
awesome, I'm so glad you actually respond to your fans. Thanks a lot. Kalunk! lol
cearleywine 4 years ago
Hi Bob, I have a question regarding heads.
Im looking for a deeper metal tone, much like Travis Smiths' of Trivium. What type of head to you recommend for getting this type of sound? I currently have Remo Ambassadors on my kit but i am looking into getting some new heads because i made some bad tuning choices a few months ago (Hey, these can sound like tenors!...) and i am paying for it because my heads are very dull after tuning them back down. Thanks for reading.
Facebag11 4 years ago
The Evans EC-2' Clears with the new EC-2 Reso or G-1 should work well for you. Coincidentally, I'm shooting a video on these heads as we speak. Should be up on the channel by the end of the week.
bobgatzen 4 years ago
Thanks for the recommendations. I will defiantly check those heads and the video out.
Facebag11 4 years ago
hey, i have a bonham kit, except the bass drum is 16" x "26. and i want to get a full sound out of all my drums - like randy castillo, the bass is proving hard- just a nice round soud, right now- i have the res head really tight- and the batter fairly low, with a felt strip and a towl pushed against the batter head- butis still not what i am looking for.
oh and my 18" x 16" floor tom - cant get it to sound right.
sorry to go on, but its really bothering me
thank you
tomreid12343 4 years ago
how a great video man! thanks
just one thing, how many DW kits do you have?
cheers from Switzerland
danivedis 4 years ago
Hello Switzerland... Thanks!
For now, Just 2 kits in all size drums. I joined forces with DW a few years ago. Before that, I designed Noble & Cooley drums. I have tons of NC's
bobgatzen 4 years ago
you great to watch and ive learnt so many things from you.. things one wouldnt even think of thinking about but are quite important not to mention interesting! thanks!
D
mission100uk 4 years ago
Thank you very much, your comment means alot to me
bobgatzen 4 years ago
bob i have a question- what are the best sounding cymbals i can find? im into distinct, thrashy sounding cymbals
edawg4039 4 years ago
Cymbals are like shoes...it's a personal choice. However, Zildjian is coming out with a series of "hybrid" prototype cymbals featuring a "complex" sound. Probably see them in early 08. Also, There are smaller companies that create specialized cymbals. Instanbul & Alchemy Cymbals come to mind. I would Google "Instanbul Cymbals" for more resources.
bobgatzen 4 years ago
Great videos, Bob. I just discovered them and I'm watching them all.
Do you have any advice about wood hoops, specifically for snare drums? You don't see them often, but I'm curious how they compare to flanged and die-cast.
SethCaliber 4 years ago
Thnak You Seth!
I don't have alot of hands-on with wood hooped SD's. However, I've played on them. Two characteristics stand out. 1. The stick click is uniquely different, fat, lower pitched cross-stick 2. Overall tone of the drum is more colorful. But it's all in the eyes of the beholder. I suggest testing one at a local retailer before committing
bobgatzen 4 years ago
no k madre di ce no hablo español
sliptiano 4 years ago
Well im about to try choice one, but i already tried choice two and my first tom fits perfect (12x10 inch) but then the second tom (13x11 tom wont fit its too big and heavy so the stand tips over :(
Fendermrr 4 years ago
Gotta rotate the legs in small increments until you find a balance point
bobgatzen 4 years ago
In your video Drummers Only you said if you have toms mounted on your bassdrum to get rid of them and mount them on your cymbal stands. I have a pearl forum standard set, ( for a picture of it just look up pearl forum standard on musiciansfriend or google.) As you can see, i have very big toms and the way my tom mounts are, i dont think it will work. What do you think?
Fendermrr 4 years ago
Two choices...
1.mount both tom off a single stand positioned but you will have to angle the bass drum from 12:00 to 2:00 o clock. Look at the angle of my bass drum.
2.Use 2 stands with I tom on each, position the stands on each side of the BD. This will set your toms up as just like on the BD
bobgatzen 4 years ago
hey bob ive tuned in to alot ofyour video and can you give me some ideas of what to do with my extra parts ect.... i have a pair hit hats and i dontknow what to do but i have an extra tom and a extra hit hat stand and a extra bass pedal plz give me some ideas
lildrumman404 4 years ago
Bob, I just want to thank you for all the great info you provide.
I work in the drum shop at a local music store, and your videos have changed the way I work on drums that come into my shop (for the better!), as well as inspiring me to experiment on my own kit. Thank you!
scbret 4 years ago
Have you ever Test Ec2 Coated?
Awesome drumming
viyor 4 years ago
Thank you!
Oh yes, the "EC" heads are one of my designs. Drier shorter tone. Very nice if your looking for a bit more control and warmth. They work great on large diameter drums.
bobgatzen 4 years ago
Hey Bob this probably isn't the right place to ask but I'm thinking about buying new heads today. If I get the Evans EC2 what should i get on the bottom? I was just thinking Evans G1's
kzad07 4 years ago
Yes, Clear G-1's work best.
bobgatzen 4 years ago
Extremely informative and I love how you crack yourself up. Post up some other videos, you're a good teacher. And I'm pretty sure you said CALUNK
kzad07 4 years ago
Many thanks. That was CAAAALUNK! heh, heh
bobgatzen 4 years ago
could you explain about the s-hoop? i don't really understand the purpose of it's shape
Slimdrum 4 years ago
wow this guy has no social life buut hes awsome
branthehun 4 years ago
dude i watched all of your vids almot, you truly are a great teacher.
also, is that the pdp B.O.A. pedal? its very cool
thedean64 4 years ago