JPF Home Page Forums Musician Gear and Techniques Bass and Drum Forum Does Size Matter? Big kit or small kit?

I think with less drums, there's a good chance that a drummer could learn to make just as many sounds as with a large setup, by playing all parts of the heads at various times.

I have a small, standard kit, (1965 Rogers, Holiday series), and with only one floor instead of the two it originally sold with. With different attacks, and with playing on the edges for certain strikes, it can sound as if several rack toms and floors are being played. (not that I'm really good like a pro drummer though). But it is more fun for me that way, instead of having a fleet of drums to get lost behind and go 'round the huge horn. I guess it works for heavy metal concerts and such, but for tasty drumming, I think less is more. I saw Dave Weckel with a minimum kit with Chic Chorea, and he sounded GREAT and with lots of sounds. I also find playing the symbols all over can give many sounds and volumes. Using the sticks in different ways also changes the sounds, of course. I have been "trying" to play Buddy Rich style drums for a change of pace from the usual Pop/Rock. And, listening to his sounds, it sounds like there's a dozen drums being kayed at once sometimes, while all his used was a similar kit as mine. (He even used the mid sixties Rogers for a while).

Now, even more sounds can be had with more drums with those techniques, BUT how many sounds does one drummer really need? It's like a painter that shows up and deplays how he can paint with as many colors as possible at once, and in a showy way, but all you need is your house painted!

There's ways to get the double bass drum effect with one, by using the toes with slipper like shoes, or even slippers or no shoes. I've been lifting and arching my foot, then forcing the toes and the lower part of the foot to hit in rapid fire motion. Cool to do and hear. Works great for those symbol endings to songs. (having the kick drum in time with the rolling symbols. It's just fun to do, rather than using a double pedal or two kicks. Flaring the kick can also be done here and there, to give that double bass sound, or using the floor with the kick drum while the left hand is doing other things.

Yes, I like the smaller, standard setup. Forces one to be creative, OR just to keep it simple, as with most songs.

John Daubert
Love to beat on me drum all day!