Kumus on video

[Wavelength]

I finally got the opportunity to video my own playing.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=lLlB2UdsE4A

Cymbals (from left to right):

-18" Masterwork Custom china
-16" Meinl Byzance thin crash
-20" Meinl Byzance thin ride
-17" Meinl Byzance medium thin crash
-10" Paiste Signature splash
-13" Meinl Byzance medium hi-hat

Edit (16.12.2007): Here's a new video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZnCt_B4s_o . Be warned, the snare drum sounds very greasy in this clip!

Edit (6.1.2008): Here's yet another clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uge6t07jvWM . I decided to try a bit different cymbals this time, and also used the Acrolite as a side snare.

Edit (23.2.2008):Three new clips! Trading eights (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tx-XgLP2Xo) / Movemented -- Part 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGyEMYK71CE) / Movemented -- Part 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhA--9hKS7E)

[fourstringdrums]

The video isn't available yet. Did you just upload it? It takes a few minutes.

[Wavelength]

The video isn't available yet. Did you just upload it? It takes a few minutes.

It should be through processing already, as it works just fine for me.

[fourstringdrums]

It's working now.

Looks and sounds great as usual. I look forward to more.

[aydee]

Wave, I knew you had the goods, but I did'nt realize how awesome your dynamics are. Somehow that did'nt come through on your other recordings.

The playing is dripping with the 'good juice', the ride cymbal's is pulsing like a strobe light with the shoulder accents n stuff. I love the soft bass pedal stuff,...... and the tom thing was perfect- your wrists, man... you got amazing wrists, you lucky man..

From your many posts, I glean that you are a teacher, but I hope for your sake and for the sake of music that you are playing and performing and recording too.

good going

[Drummer Karl]

Good stuff and awesome dynamics in this one!!
Right after enjoying this clip I had to watch some Dave Weckl footage...your playing reminded me a bit of him.

Also your Kumus and cymbals sound good!

Karl

[intooder]

Nice work, wavelength! A good balance of dynamics and rudiments. Your drums sound killer recorded, as well.

[timebandit]

Nice job! Those Kumu's Sound amazing! That snare is Killer!

[mattsmith]

Excellent playing all around.

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

To have half your skill...

[gusty]

wow. if im anywhere near as good as you with as much knowladge as you by 24 then i'll be absolutely stoked. great job man.

[aydee]

To have half your skill...

and the whole of your drumkit............ ; )

[Wavelength]

Thanks for the comments; I'm overwhelmed by the amount of (almost excessively) positive feedback!

If I'm anywhere near as good as you with as much knowledge as you by 24 then I'll be absolutely stoked.

I don't think you'll have to worry about that, mate. I started drumming at the age of twenty, so age-wise you already have a big head start. If you dedicate enough time to practicing, playing, learning, growing, having fun and enjoying all aspects of music, you can reach a level above and beyond anything that you could imagine right now.

Now, great technique is easy to attain, and it is fairly easy to gather a big vocabulary of interesting licks and grooves (not that I have either...) -- both can be learned through mechanical practice regimes. The difficult part of music is to be constantly inspired and evoke inspiration in others, and succeeding in that makes me happier than anything.

[Mr. Pasquini]

Just plain killer man, great work and BEAUTIFUL drums!

[Muckster]

Outstanding!!!

Great use of dynamics....wonderful sound!!!

[Jay.B.]

Sweet as chief, those kumus sound... grrrrrrreat, especially under your control, major kudos

[gusty]

Thanks for the comments; I'm overwhelmed by the amount of (almost excessively) positive feedback!



I don't think you'll have to worry about that, mate. I started drumming at the age of twenty, so age-wise you already have a big head start. If you dedicate enough time to practicing, playing, learning, growing, having fun and enjoying all aspects of music, you can reach a level above and beyond anything that you could imagine right now.

Now, great technique is easy to attain, and it is fairly easy to gather a big vocabulary of interesting licks and grooves (not that I have either...) -- both can be learned through mechanical practice regimes. The difficult part of music is to be constantly inspired and evoke inspiration in others, and succeeding in that makes me happier than anything.

Wow, that just puts a smile to my face. You have given me inspiration....before watching this video I had decided just to do 24 minutes of Stick Control since I was sorta tired and almost ready for bed. After watching, I went down to my shed and broke out an hour on the pad. Well done man.

[komodo]

I really enjoyed that video dude, congrats. And i reallllllly like your drums! They look real nice and sound better.

[NIMBY]

your bass drum and toms sounds amazing

[SLEEPY BRiGHT EYEZ]

I love it. I still can't believe that's just the sound from one mic! I take it you added a little verb after the fact? Still, great tone. Oi... I can't wait to get some hard wood floors down in my living room. My music room is fairly dead sounding.

[Wavelength]

I take it you added a little verb after the fact?

Like the YouTube video description says, I added a bit of EQ and reverb in post production. The clean signal sounds good as it is, but those light effects make it sound even better.

[Bobrovsky]

Great, very musical playing!
I like this very much!

[Wavelength]

Here's a new video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZnCt_B4s_o . Be warned, the snare drum sounds very greasy in this clip!

[BringoDingo]

I came in here thinking Kumus was a band. instead I got a great solo on Kumus *drums*. very nice. those drums sound really good. I was half surprised when you first hit the snare to find the snares were on the whole time. I actually went back to hear if I could hear any sympathetic buzz during the first part on the tom tom.

how much does a kit like that put you back? roughly...

[fourstringdrums]

I actually went back to hear if I could hear any sympathetic buzz during the first part on the tom tom.

You won't always hear sympathetic buzz when recording with an overhead mic the way he did his videos because it's too soft to be heard. On all my videos which I record with something overhead you can't hear it.

[Wavelength]

I was half surprised when you first hit the snare to find the snares were on the whole time. I actually went back to hear if I could hear any sympathetic buzz during the first part on the tom tom.

That's what I'm always preaching: the snare buzz doesn't project over the drum kit, even though it might sound a bit too audible for the drummer. An overhead that's just six feet away will barely pick up the symphatetic buzzes, and the same goes for the band members or the audience. The only time the buzz becomes a problem is when you're not playing while the rest of the band is. If I need to be quiet for an extended period of time (during a quiet intro, for example), I usually keep the snares off until I need to start playing.

how much does a kit like that put you back? roughly...

If my memory serves me correctly, the shell pack cost around 3,200€, which translates to roughly $4,600.

[BringoDingo]

"If my memory serves me correctly, the shell pack cost around 3,200€, which translates to roughly $4,600."


Holy smokes.

[Wavelength]

Holy smokes.

Come on, it's not too bad. I plan to play these babies til' I'm eighty-something, so it's just 80 bucks a year! Anyone could afford that.

[burnthehero]

Your control and dynamics are incredible. This is one of the best forum member vidoes I've ever seen and I look forward to seeing more. Your kit sounds great, too, by the way.

[Manicoti]

that snare is amazing. Can you give me the specs on it, how do you tune the top and bottom heads and are the snares loose or tight?
Thanks,
M

[Wavelength]

That snare is amazing. Can you give me the specs on it, how do you tune the top and bottom heads and are the snares loose or tight?

It's a 14" x 5,5" birch snare made by Kumu (http://www.kumu.fi/english/index_english.html). The shell is four plies and 3,6 mm thick (or should I say "thin"), and the finish is high gloss red. Here's a picture:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/185/386806049_12087385dd.jpg

I like to play that particular snare at a medium tuning. The resonant head is tight but still looser than you'd expect, and the batter head's pitch is roughly a perfect fourth below the resonant head's pitch. The snare wires are so loose that their buzz is always longer than the head's ring -- this is the key to a fat sound. I don't use any muffling unless I'm close-miked.

[BringoDingo]

Not that bad? Are there more drums off camera? I mean, they sound great from what I can tell with that added reverb and look very handsome but...Holy smokes.

[NUTHA JASON]

drum sound = excellent

drum solo = intense and beautifully executed. not chop ridden but totally artistic. i'm super impressed. reminds me of carlock.

j

[Wavelength]

Reminds me of Carlock.

Yay! Mission accomplished!

[Wavelength]

Not that bad? Are there more drums off camera?

Nope, what you see is what you get. What I'm paying for is great sound, great (custom) paint job, custom sizes, wood hoops, exceptional craftmanship, impeccable and personal service, the option to expand my kit with the exactly same finish and hardware, life-time "tech support" and the privilege of owning and playing a Finnish-made instrument that's held in high esteem by all of my peers (non-drummers included).

[SLEEPY BRiGHT EYEZ]

Just watched the second video and liked it a lot.

[aydee]

very cool hip shaking Nawrlins! Liked you cymbal work on this one, Wave.

[tamadrummer132]

that snare.....is perfect

[Wavelength]

that snare.....is perfect

Yeah -- did you know it makes the finest French toast, too?

[Wavelength]

Here's yet another clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uge6t07jvWM . I decided to try a bit different cymbals this time, and also used the Acrolite as a side snare.

[aydee]

Wave, you duh man, as they say. That was really nice playing. I loved the songo type thang, and the cymbal stuff you did on 2:20. You hands move really well, you've good a great touch and your posture looks great astride those Kumus.. sorry wasnt paying attention to the snare sound.... your playing and the drums sounded super!

[Muffled Tom]

Here's yet another clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uge6t07jvWM . I decided to try a bit different cymbals this time, and also used the Acrolite as a side snare.

DAMN you're good. I adore your style and I'd murder a man for your drums. how long you been playing again?

By the way, I love how your cam trembles with every bass hit. That's pretty hot.

[Wavelength]

How long you been playing again?

Around four and a half years.

[Muffled Tom]

Around four and a half years.

In about two and a half years I'll have been playing as long as you; we'll see if I'm nearly as good then.

[Big_Philly]

Around four and a half years.

I've been playing for eleven and a half and I wish I could play as smoothly as you!!

[Alexdrum75]

I finally got the opportunity to video my own playing.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=lLlB2UdsE4A

Cymbals (from left to right):

-18" Masterwork Custom china
-16" Meinl Byzance thin crash
-20" Meinl Byzance thin ride
-17" Meinl Byzance medium thin crash
-10" Paiste Signature splash
-13" Meinl Byzance medium hi-hat

Edit (16.12.2007): Here's a new video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZnCt_B4s_o . Be warned, the snare drum sounds very greasy in this clip!

Edit (6.1.2008): Here's yet another clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uge6t07jvWM . I decided to try a bit different cymbals this time, and also used the Acrolite as a side snare.

You seem to sit rather high on the stool...
Tell me more about it, what kind of advantages it brings to you ecc...

[Wavelength]

You seem to sit rather high on the stool. Tell me more about it, what kind of advantages it brings to you ecc...

It makes positioning drums and cymbals a lot easier, since I can set everything as level and compact as I want. Moreover, I can approach the drums from above, which makes moving around the kit easier, more comfortable and more aligned with the universe... So far I've had no back pains, no matter how long I've sat behind the kit woodshedding...

EDIT. ...but the truth is, I don't even sit that high. My thighs slope only slightly downward when I raise my heels.

[tak22thegoat]

Here's yet another clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uge6t07jvWM . I decided to try a bit different cymbals this time, and also used the Acrolite as a side snare.

I am a great fan of your playing. I wish to be as good as you in 3 years.

[tak22thegoat]

Here's yet another clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uge6t07jvWM . I decided to try a bit different cymbals this time, and also used the Acrolite as a side snare.

I am a great fan of your playing. I wish to be as good as you in 3 years.

[drumbandit]

I really liked the third vid especially, that kit really sounds quality, the Acrolite sounds much better than mine I'm unhappy to say.
Anyway, great sounding kit and cymbals.

[Wavelength]

The Acrolite sounds much better than mine I'm unhappy to say.

Go tune up that sucker ASAP. :)

[dea]

I enjoyed your use of dynamics.

[Deathmetalconga]

Great playing and great composition. Your chops are definitely there but they don't hit you in the face. Lots of subtlety but still powerful playing.

[katman]

Great playing, man. Very musical. Who says we need other instruments?

You drums sound really good too. What is your head combination on your toms? I love the sound of your floor tom - really growls for a 14".

[Wavelength]

What is your head combination on your toms? I love the sound of your floor tom - really growls for a 14".

I use coated Ambassadors on top and clear Diplomats on bottom. I've tried Emperors on top and Ambassadors on bottom (and their combinations with Amb. tops and Dipl. resos), but this combination has proven to give these particular drums the best mix of low-end resonance, mid-range punch and high-end clarity. Plus, they are very sensitive to touch, they have a wide tuning range and give a lot of timbral options -- with these heads I can achieve a short wet splat, a low resonant growl, an open singing tone or a crisp boppy pop... and anything between them.

[Wavelength]

Three new clips!

Trading eights (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tx-XgLP2Xo)
Movemented -- Part 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGyEMYK71CE)
Movemented -- Part 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhA--9hKS7E)

[tak22thegoat]

Three new clips!

Trading eights (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tx-XgLP2Xo)
Movemented -- Part 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGyEMYK71CE)
Movemented -- Part 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhA--9hKS7E)

I just watched all of videos.
Trading eights was great. You used excellent phrases and it was exciting to watch.
The 12 minute solo was awesome! So dynamic. I saw a bit of carlock with the cross sticking stuff, very cool.
I loved it! Keep uploading vids! I learn something new every time.

[thatoneguy]

I'm not sure which is cooler: your drums or your drumming. Both appear flawless.

[groovemaster_flex]

Anyone watch Family Guy?
Cause I think a Peter Griffin line would suit your playing perfectly.
"AWESOME!"

[aydee]

Three new clips!


Love the slow tempo, soft playing, epecially the funky bits. I evny your dynamics!

[lochday]

I'm not sure which is cooler: your drums or your drumming. Both appear flawless.

This how I feel, too. Watching these videos is a great moment of inspiration. Bravo to both the drummer and the kit.

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

Your control and dynamics are incredible. This is one of the best forum member vidoes I've ever seen and I look forward to seeing more. Your kit sounds great, too, by the way.

I've just been watching these videos again and my jaw is actually on the floor. If you're ever in my neck of the woods, I feel a few beers would be getting passed your way in the hope you'd give me some good pointers. I need all the help I can get!

[driver]

Wavelength, just watched your new videos and they are the best yet. Around 3 mins 20 secs during Movemented (Part 1/2) is such a great odd beat. Amazing drumming. Are you planning a career in drummer? You one of the most inspiring, gifted musician I have seen.

[Wavelength]

I experimented with my new recording gear (=Pre-Sonus Firebox) last weekend, and here's a little excerpt...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LP14lghcKzI

I thought I'd like to hear what the kick drum sounds like tuned ridiculously loose and muffled to the death, and it wasn't half bad. I recorded it internally with a Shure SM57 and EQd the crap out of it -- the SM57 isn't exactly the best choice for catching low frequencies. As per usual, the AKG 1000 was used as an overhead.

The cymbals I used this time were

14" K Custom Dark hats
20" Byzance Jazz Extra Thin ride
20" Byzance Thin ride
22" K Custom Dry Light ride
20" K ride

I played this clip to a metronome and with the traditional grip, and you can tell that I'm not playing with as much conviction and assertion as I should (or could), but what the heck...

[SLEEPY BRiGHT EYEZ]

Great video. How are you liking the Firebox?

[Wavelength]

Great video. How are you liking the Firebox?

I haven't done much with it yet, but so far it seems to be perfect for quick recordings with a small setup.

[aydee]

The trad grip!!!!!

It did occur to me that even though everything sounded way good, it wasn't you the way I'd heard you before.

I'm splitting hairs of course......and I'm jealous of you right foot.


( on the drum sound, I preferred the balance of your older vids, where the BD was less thuddy )

Great playing, as always.

[Wavelength]

On the drum sound, I preferred the balance of your older vids, where the BD was less thuddy.

I'd never tried that sound with that drum before, and I just had to give it a go. It'd be perfect for (close miked) pop and rock, but I, too, prefer the more open, unmuffled sound (and the playing feel) for general playing.

[Ainulindale]

wavelength, just watched 'movemented 2/2'... words like inspiring, exciting, original, musical - and truly beautiful music it is, and the end is just a haunting melody...
you have an incredible feel for your kit, such a great sense of subtlety and artistry...
its just damn fine playing!

[BeethroDM]

Awesome videos Wavelength! Great to see that there are drummers as dedicated as you here in Finland!
-Jaska