looking for the Steve Jordan snare sound from John Mayer "Continuum"

[duckmanco]

Hey guys, I know, I know. I did a ton of searching, but I am looking for that Steve Jordan snare sound, specifically on the track "Gravity". I am pretty sure he is using a Brady 12x7 Wandoo drum, which runs about 800.00 or more. Being a mere mortal, I am trying to recreate that sound for much less, hoping around 200.00 or so. Needless to say, it does not have to be spot on, but I am trying to get in the neighborhood of that high, yet rich wood tone.

3 examples of what I am looking for can be heard here:

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zzb-Pbtr1U4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oi3TLDS7hm8


So, is this doable? I was thinking maybe the Pearl popcorn snare with certain head config. or something along those lines? Any ideas, are always appreciated.

[rendezvous_drummer]

You probably know that that drummer is not Steve Jordan. But the thing is with Steve Jordan, he uses TONS of snares, so to get the exact same snare would be hard to find. I cannae think of a snare right now that would do that, but my guess it a maple piccalo. I got a sound similar to that when I was in the studio with using a maple piccalo.

[CVdrummer]

is gravity in 6/8?...............

[rendezvous_drummer]

is gravity in 6/8?...............

.....4/4

20 characterrrs

[Wavelength]

4/4

..........6/8 or 12/8.

[Wavelength]

That particular sound isn't too hard to achieve, and won't break your bank. First, get yourself a good, solid cardboard box...

Seriously, though, the sound is so dampened it really doesn't matter which snare you're playing.

[Paul Quin]

You probably know that that drummer is not Steve Jordan. But the thing is with Steve Jordan, he uses TONS of snares, so to get the exact same snare would be hard to find. I cannae think of a snare right now that would do that, but my guess it a maple piccalo. I got a sound similar to that when I was in the studio with using a maple piccalo.

".....4/4"

Rendezvous is absolutely right in his first post. It is not Steve Jordan on Letterman although I have to state that the drummer now playing with Mayer sure the hell sets up like him and plays in a very similar manner. Jordan does use loads and loads of snares and because of his experiencs as a producer he has been known to use everything but the kitchen sink to obtain the particular sound for a particular song. I also agree that a Maple piccolo may be the best way to go for the sound on that song - although tune it low and damp the surface with something!

In regard to the time signature for Gravity - it is 6/8. Rendezvous - currently batting 500. More than enough to get you into the Hall of Fame!

Paul

[duckmanco]

Wow, I thought it was Steve Jordan on the record at least, but that dude did look young on those vids.......... either way, any suggestions of particular sizes or models/brand to get that kind of sound? I'm not looking for the dead sound, as much as the higher pitch, rich wood tone........

[rendezvous_drummer]

Wow.....where the hell did I find 4/4 in that song? 6/8 my total mistake. And I go to school studying music....my teacher would smack me across the face.

[rendezvous_drummer]

Wow, I thought it was Steve Jordan on the record at least, but that dude did look young on those vids.......... either way, any suggestions of particular sizes or models/brand to get that kind of sound? I'm not looking for the dead sound, as much as the higher pitch, rich wood tone........

Steve Jordan did record the actual Album, but he's not the drummer in those videos. I know you can get that sound through the 12x6 Yamaha Oak Musashi snare with some dampening aswell. But yes, it's not that hard to achieve, also depends on the mic. Jordan uses the standard Shure SM57. And you know what.....he might even be using his own signature snare.

[tomk]

Wow, I thought it was Steve Jordan on the record at least, but that dude did look young on those vids.......... either way, any suggestions of particular sizes or models/brand to get that kind of sound? I'm not looking for the dead sound, as much as the higher pitch, rich wood tone........

Steve Jordan DID record the record, but the videos posted were not him playing.

[Strangersatyourbirthday]

Modern Drummer interviewed Steve Jordan about a year ago when Continuum came out. On the record he used his signature snare, but tuned it differently for almost every song.

There ya go, signature snare across the board with different tunings.

[fourstringdrums]

Modern Drummer interviewed Steve Jordan about a year ago when Continuum came out. On the record he used his signature snare, but tuned it differently for almost every song.

There ya go, signature snare across the board with different tunings.

I don't remember reading that. I thought he said he used a variety of different snares depending on the sound. Is that the issue with him on the cover playing a 3 piece?

To get that sound a wood snare is best, my preference would be a deeper snare (6.5+), cranked, with something on the head to dampen and dry it out.

[duckmanco]

Thanks for the info, but it makes me wonder how compelled he felt to say that due to his obligation to Yamaha. I would like to believe that, but its somewhat difficult to. I bet that snare is that versatile, but at 400.00 something I probably will never find out.

[freehandstyle]

just wanna mention.

The drummer is JJ Johnson.

And trivial stuff.

His hi-hats are 2 18" crash together.

Check his set up at Zildjian.com it's insane.

[duckmanco]

^^^^ Thanks for the info, I have figured it out by now that, that isnt steve jordan. JJ did fool me though, testament to his ability I suppose. Anyway, anyone had any luck with these, or care to pass judgment.

http://www.samash.com/catalog/showitem.asp?ItemPos=2&TempID=3&DepartmentID=4&STRID=231949&CategorySubID=15&CategoryID=15&BrandID=1499&CategorySubPriceRangeID=0&pagesize=10&SortMethod=3&Method=3&PriceRangeID=0&SearchPhrase=&Contains=&Search_Type=Department&GroupCode=&categorysubsearch=true


I know, I am cheap, and would like to know how people feel about this drum. I know, it isnt maple, but apart from me trying some out, which is my next step, how would this do? Otherwise I am back to the musashi oak, which I would love to get, but 230 is a good distance from 99.00

[bradydrums]

"Gravity" on John Mayer's "Continuum" was recorded with a Brady 12" x 7" Jarrah Block snare. It is also the same drum on the John Mayer Trio's "Try!" album version of the same song. Both were Steve Jordan on drums.

You can hear a live version of "Gravity" by JJ Johnson with the same drum on the Live Earth Concert series. For a snippet check it out in iTunes.

[rendezvous_drummer]

Ahhh excellent BradyDrums, thanks for the information. Both of my favorite drummers use Brady snares. Larry Mullen Jr. and Steve Jordan.....I think that's a sign for me to use Brady.

[tomk]

^^^^ Thanks for the info, I have figured it out by now that, that isnt steve jordan. JJ did fool me though, testament to his ability I suppose. Anyway, anyone had any luck with these, or care to pass judgment.

http://www.samash.com/catalog/showitem.asp?ItemPos=2&TempID=3&DepartmentID=4&STRID=231949&CategorySubID=15&CategoryID=15&BrandID=1499&CategorySubPriceRangeID=0&pagesize=10&SortMethod=3&Method=3&PriceRangeID=0&SearchPhrase=&Contains=&Search_Type=Department&GroupCode=&categorysubsearch=true


I know, I am cheap, and would like to know how people feel about this drum. I know, it isnt maple, but apart from me trying some out, which is my next step, how would this do? Otherwise I am back to the musashi oak, which I would love to get, but 230 is a good distance from 99.00

The musashi is a great snare. I owned it for about 2 weeks but decided that it was a compulsive buy and that I really did not need it. You should really figure out if you really want that sound and if in the long run, it will be a useful tool. You should also figure out what your price range is. If you can afford a great snare like the musashi, and not have it interfere with any other type of payments you may have, then its safe to get it even though you may feel that $230 is too much. If the snare and sound is really that important to you, then you would get it. If you can afford it but are just too cheap, well then it's time to grow some hair on your chest and take that risk. If you want the sound, you are going to have to get it.

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

^^^^ Thanks for the info, I have figured it out by now that, that isnt steve jordan. JJ did fool me though, testament to his ability I suppose. Anyway, anyone had any luck with these, or care to pass judgment.

http://www.samash.com/catalog/showitem.asp?ItemPos=2&TempID=3&DepartmentID=4&STRID=231949&CategorySubID=15&CategoryID=15&BrandID=1499&CategorySubPriceRangeID=0&pagesize=10&SortMethod=3&Method=3&PriceRangeID=0&SearchPhrase=&Contains=&Search_Type=Department&GroupCode=&categorysubsearch=true


I know, I am cheap, and would like to know how people feel about this drum. I know, it isnt maple, but apart from me trying some out, which is my next step, how would this do? Otherwise I am back to the musashi oak, which I would love to get, but 230 is a good distance from 99.00

I've been playing a Musashi for nearly a year now. I have never once regretted my purchase. I'm a student with a typical student income (less now that I actually don't have a job) but the snare really felt worth it at the time and continues to impress with its versatility and quality.

[617jammer63]

I was looking into getting the Steve Jordan signature snare. Also, I found a comparable snare by Hard Bop drums...anyone familiar with them. They have a 14x6.5 mahogany shell, that sounds nice...at least on the audio file. Custom made drums are new to me, and looking for some feedback. i can get this snare at 350.00 thoughts..?

[mrmike]

Wow.....where the hell did I find 4/4 in that song? 6/8 my total mistake. And I go to school studying music....my teacher would smack me across the face.

Not to worry. Could be written in 4/4.

[Signals]

I, too, have been looking at the Jordan drum. For anyone interested, here's a great review and sound comparison between it and three other 13" models:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mu3rNtLMjEY

[wy yung]

Hey guys, I know, I know. I did a ton of searching, but I am looking for that Steve Jordan snare sound, specifically on the track "Gravity". I am pretty sure he is using a Brady 12x7 Wandoo drum, which runs about 800.00 or more. Being a mere mortal, I am trying to recreate that sound for much less, hoping around 200.00 or so. Needless to say, it does not have to be spot on, but I am trying to get in the neighborhood of that high, yet rich wood tone.

3 examples of what I am looking for can be heard here:

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zzb-Pbtr1U4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oi3TLDS7hm8


So, is this doable? I was thinking maybe the Pearl popcorn snare with certain head config. or something along those lines? Any ideas, are always appreciated.

Mate the first two clips had JJ Johnston on drums.