To logo, or not to logo...

[jer]

The thread about custom kick skins is timely, in that a few days ago, I had argument over a band wanting me to get their logo on my kick, (which I refuse for a couple reasons), got me to thinking; am I alone in my desire not to advertise?

I dig the custom designs, graphics or artwork to make it something more personal - but I'm not a fan of band names or logos.

To me it's kinda like wearing your own band's shirt to a gig, it just seems wrong for some reason...

Any opinions?

Thanks!

[caddywumpus]

It's a matter of personal opinion. Some bands also don't do a light show, and others don't sell merchandise. When you add a logo to your bass drum, you're sending the audience the message that you guys care enough about the project to put just a tad more effort into your appearance. Now, if you guys wear any kind of costuming or coordinated clothes, I would say that it wouldn't be a bad idea.

If you're worried about your head, there are ways to get around it. You can get static-cling logos made where your logo magically sticks to the head, and are easily removable and re-stickable(?) for the longevity of most bands. If you play in multiple bands and use the same heads, this is a huge time-saver...

[GRUNTERSDAD]

It is advertising. I walk into your venue, hear you play, but it's too crowded and loud to ask anyone what the bands name is. Maybe a banner for a back drop. Something helps. And as Caddy wrote you can get temporary logos or bass drum peel offs.

[joshisaces]

It is advertising. I walk into your venue, hear you play, but it's too crowded and loud to ask anyone what the bands name is. Maybe a banner for a back drop. Something helps. And as Caddy wrote you can get temporary logos or bass drum peel offs.

I second what he said. Why not get a banner made? It is obviously more expensive, but it wouldn't be permanent. A lot of bands have these. I personally would get a banner for each side and leave your reso head as is, which is pretty common (I'm not taking credit for the idea).

[drumac]

I'm with you. It feels weird. But is does serve a purpose. Maybe you can compromise and come up with a way to show some identity without feeling like cheesy wear my own band's shirt guy. I am having an artist do the same for me right now, I'll post the art when it is complete.

[bermuda]

I have no problem with band logos or graphics, and I don't feel like I've been put upon to 'advertise' the band in any way. It's part of the pride I have in the band(s) I'm with. In fact, I don't think anyone's ever asked me to put a logo on the front, it's always been my idea (and always with the band's permission.)

But the banner idea is a good one, and certainly works better in more situations. It's bigger and more visible from a distance, can be seen if there are people standing and the kick is obscured, and isn't limited to the particular drummer or size of the kick.

I played with a band last week that had a smallish placard with their name, and set it directly behind me where virtually nobody could see it. Hmmm...

Bermuda

[jwildman]

Well, in my persuit to be sponsered by sabian, I would definatly keep their logos on my cymbals. Drum heads is another story, I wish I could erase the logos off all my drum heads. For bass drum heads, I would definatly use a custom one that said like Jwildman or the name of my band. But I don't think i would put another bands bass head on, unless it was a band that I'm really into.

[rmandelbaum]

I have designed most of the logos for the bands I have been in. I have had them on my BD.

My issue now is I am in multiple bands. I would love to find a material that would cling to my BD head that I could change out when I want to.

[Sparkman]

My issue now is I am in multiple bands. I would love to find a material that would cling to my BD head that I could change out when I want to.

DrumArtJim's website DrumArt (http://www.drumart.com/index.cfm) they sell removable logos. You could probably PM him about it.

[mrchattr]

I don't get why anyone would have a problem doing this (the static cling). You have your bands advertised even here in your signature. Bands need advertising to build a fanbase. Getting their name known is essential. It is true that you can do a banner, but frankly, a lot of venues don't have great places for them to be hung, or have a problem with them. I'm amazed at how much resistance I have met when it comes to banners, especially when we were first starting out. Plus, people might not look above or below the band. They will be looking at the drummer.

In a business where name recognition is as important, if not more important, than talent, making sure that every person there clearly knows the band name makes way too much sense not to do it.

[tbmills]

In a business where name recognition is as important, if not more important, than talent, making sure that every person there clearly knows the band name makes way too much sense not to do it.

i agree. if you dont want it to be cheesy, then make a good logo. something classic and timeless. my band will be getting one for my kit soon that is kinda a throwback to the old big band look, kinda like sgt. pepper...

[timmdrum]

I play in multiple bands, one of which has the removable static cling logo for the bass drum head. My only problem with it is that it's a rectangular logo on a large round black background; completely defeats the purpose of having a white reso head, which I prefer. Plus, they paid for a lot of sticker that is just blank space. Why they didn't just get it made in the rectangular shape of the logo, with a clear background, is a mystery. I'm gonna ask 'em if I can cut out the logo so it'll look like a bumper sticker! I don't think it'll look as bad as it sounds; might even make people come take a closer look to see what it says.

[jer]

Thanks for the thoughts everyone. Gives me thought fodder.

One of the obvious concerns was playing in multiple bands, my comment was along the lines of, if you want to swap out and tune my skin before ever gig?... a removable option would solve that.

One of my ideas involved asking them if they would put something on their instruments, to which they all kinda shrugged off. Other than surface area, is there any reason why the kick is the designated home for ads? Seems to me that a logo on the front of the guitars and basses (and in this case, the keys that sit front and center stage) would make an ideal location for such purposes.

But, I can understand why you wouldn't want to deface a guitar, and it's really that same reason that brings me to not want to do the same with my kick. It's not as much about the advertising aspect. It's about defacing my instrument. Have to say though, when the point was brought up here about it's potential effectiveness as a way to ensure we are getting the name out there, definitely gives the "getting a logo on there" side some leverage.

We did discuss a banner, I think we all didn't want to have to deal with the challenges that setting it up could involve - I've seen enough guys cursing as they're putting 'em up. Expense was a consideration too, but if anyone has any suggestions on a kick-arse way to deal with getting them setup in un-ideal situations, I'm all ears.

Really appreciate the posts.

[rmandelbaum]

where did you get the "static cling" material?

[mcbike]

my band has a banner and most of the time i'm in charge of setting it up. we carry a box of push pins with us and its usually a matter of standing on top of the drum stool and putting the banner up as high as we can. we also keep zip ties with us for situations like we are playing in a tent or a portable stage. The biggest problem with the banner is to not forget it at the end of the gig! it really takes all of 1 minute to set up.

I also have the band logo on my bass drum head, and it has been really effective. We might say or name 2 or 3 times in the course of a night over the microphones but alot of people come and go and might not catch the name. and if there is a situation were we cannot put up the banner at least the name is still out there on the bass drum head.

here is a perfectly good example of why I do stuff like this. We had an early set up at a venue because they were doing a live radio broadcast before our show from the venue. the dj saw the set up sat at my drums took a picture and put it on his blog. http://cdn.ccomrcdn.com/image/446/410/CDN-IP/cc-common/mlib/4761/04/4761_12405700383.jpg

it basically cost me $40 bucks for the extra resonant head and i traced the logo with a marker and colored it in. I have an extra plain resonant that I can put on if i need to.

http://blogs.sundaymercury.net/bev-bevan/ringo_starr.jpg

it worked for that guy too.

i'm not against wearing my own bands shirt either, especially if i'm at a festival and walking around it helps to sell shirts, and you can meet people who ask you about the band.

we also have a magnet we put on the van when we are on the road to advertise the band. you don't know how many times we have gone past people and i see them pull out their phone and type something in. i'm pretty sure they are checking our website out.

[bermuda]

One of my ideas involved asking them if they would put something on their instruments, to which they all kinda shrugged off. Other than surface area, is there any reason why the kick is the designated home for ads? Seems to me that a logo on the front of the guitars and basses (and in this case, the keys that sit front and center stage) would make an ideal location for such purposes.

Indeed, the front head is usually the largest space available for artwork. In the past, band logos - often just the bandleader's initials - went on the music stands of the horn players... and on the bass drum for good measure! And I've seen keyboard players with band names on the edge facing front, so that's a curent option... assuming there's a keyboardist in the band! But apart from a guitar/bass player not wanting adhesive of any kind on their finish (would you want something stuck to your shell's finish?) the presence of the pick guard, strings, bridge, pickups, whammy bar and knobs, coupled with their arm & hand constantly moving across the body, there's not enough remaining space to place any art and expect it to be very visible.

You might try using Velcro

Put 6 short strips of the hook side of the Velcro around the perimeter of the existing front head. You can get it in either white or black as needed. then cut a circle from another head or any light, flexible material, about 1" less in diameter than the size of the drum, and put 6 of the fuzzy Velcro strips on what will be the 'back' side of the insert, and in the same locations so they match the ones on your kick. Decorate the 'front' side of the insert, and you can even put a hole in the appropriate spot if needed. Do this for each band you want a logo for, and swap them out for each gig.

Bermuda

[gutenberg]

I think a bass drum head is a better place to show the name of the band than one of those crappy-looking vinyl banners on poles on hung on the wall behind the band. Have you ever seen a vinyl banner used by a supporting act at a big-name rock concert? No. Have you seen a logoed bass drum head? Probably.

www.drumart.com does heads with permanent artwork, or can supply static cling artwork if you're doing different bands with the same kit and need to remove it every so often

[tbmills]

one of my favorites...
patrick keeler - the raconteurs

[bobdadruma]

I tell my band mates this. If you pay for it, I'll put it on my bass! So far no one has bought me a logo head!

[Mastershake16]

Patrick Keeler, one of my favorite drummers and thats just a classy drum head

[DrumEatDrum]

A band name or logo on a head is a good idea if you're serious about the band.

Not every venue or gig is going to be suitable for hanging a banner.

Not everyone in the audience is going to know which band you are, especially if you're playing some place that has multiple bands per night.

Marketing 101 says repeat the name often, and a logo head accomplishes this.

Sure, if you're a free lancer, or just playing in a casual bar band, I can see not wanting to go through the process of getting a logo head.

But if you're in a serious band who's trying to make money and build a following, not putting a logo on your head is not taking advantage of one of your best advertising sources.

[rmandelbaum]

My wife nailed it, she said "Colorforms" so I sent a note to a plastic film dealer asking about vinyl sheets.

[500 Kicks, No Pedal]

Regardless of the reasons pro and con about the logo heads, I think common decency dictates that the final decision should be the drummer's. Especially if the band doesn't offer to pay up. How many guitar players would allow the drummer to make the decision about putting even temporary graphics on their instruments?

[bermuda]

It's really a group decision, and everyone should be in agreement, not just the drummer.

UNLESS it's the drummer's band. :)

Bermuda

[DrumART Jim]

Very interesting thread! Gives me serious insight into my business which is ALWAYS appreciated. Lots to address. First, we (DrumART.com) invented removable custom bass drum artwork. We came up with them in conjunction with some fellow beta-testers back in the RMMP days, and they're specifically designed for drummers who are in multiple bands, sharing a backline on tour, etc. They're not perfect for every situation, but they work exactly as advertised and are great for their intended uses. You can see here for more information:

http://www.drumart.com/help/answer.cfm?id=18

That said, I would seriously NOT recommend using colorform-type material or using velcro to adhere the artwork. Unless, of course, you'd like to see just how far you can shoot your artwork across the room or if you'd like to make your drum sound like a plastic garbage can.

The real trick isn't getting artwork on your drum head, it's getting artwork on your drum head with minimal impact to the sound of the drum! Even more, it's doing that in a way that's reliable, durable, colorful and cool. If I do say so myself, our removable logos walk the line between looking good, sounding good and being easy to work with. Any other "solution" out there that I've seen trades at least one of these factors for the others.

Okay, enough of the "sell" :) -- the thing I'm really interested in is the concept of "defacing our instrument." That said, isn't a big black (or white) hole as the centerpiece of an otherwise beautiful instrument the real problem? The fact that a bass drum is turned on its side so you can't see the finish is a function of mechanics, not desirability. In other words, would you do that if you didn't *have* to?

Since there are very few reasonable options for upright bass drums (cocktail kit, anyone?), we choose to see the overturned drum as an opportunity to compliment the kit, advertise the band, your record, your personality -- whatever. My Orion kit is a perfect example -- the head itself is *AWESOME* (again, if I do say so myself...) :) but the way it matches and compliments the kit makes it that much better.

At least in my opinion. And that's the point. You can do anything -- from nothing at all to simple to bold to colorful to...well...whatever. My little company has done over 6500 heads in our time, and there are others out there doing (or trying to do) the same thing. So there's obviously a market for it. My goal in life is to help fellow drummers realize *their* visions for their instruments, and to do it in a way that is durable, sounds good and is reasonably-priced. It ain't always easy, but it's usually pretty fun.

I also agree that custom bass drum heads that advertise the band should be a band expense, not the drummer's responsibility. And many times, they are. $25 per guy (or gal) is a lot more reasonable than the drummer having to foot the bill all alone, especially for something that could (and should) be classified as a band expense. We make extremely nice banners, too, but someone made the point that you can't even hang banners in many venues, and they're right. Plus, banners are one more thing to do -- a custom bass drum head is painless. Pull the drum out of your case (if you even have a case) and voila! Instant billboard. :)

That said, we strongly agree that guitar players should not be excused from promoting their bands, so we're in the final beta testing stage of some killer new solutions for guitar player graphic products. Keep your eyes on www.grillgraphics.com for our newest venture which will be launching in June. Very cool, indeed.

Anyway, that's my story, and I'm sticking to it. :)

--Jim.

[frank0072]

You've got a great bassdrumhead yourself indeed. Love how it fits the kit. If I ever upgrade my set to a pro one, I am getting myself one of them pro-looking heads ;-). Now to find someone in Europe who does this...

[DrumART Jim]

You've got a great bassdrumhead yourself indeed. Love how it fits the kit. If I ever upgrade my set to a pro one, I am getting myself one of them pro-looking heads ;-). Now to find someone in Europe who does this...

Thanks! And we ship overseas all the time... ;)

[boomstick]

http://cdn.ccomrcdn.com/image/446/410/CDN-IP/cc-common/mlib/4761/04/4761_12405700383.jpg
Love your tagline.


The real trick isn't getting artwork on your drum head, it's getting artwork on your drum head with minimal impact to the sound of the drum!
Yes! That would be my primary concern.

[Richard.J]

It's marketing. You drive a car that has Toyota, Chevy, Ford, Honda on it no? You carry around an Mp3 player that says Sony on it? You wear jeans that say Levi, Lee or Wrangler on it? A hat that says Nike, Yankees or Budweiser on it? Your cymbals say Paiste, Zildjian or Meinl?
Are those cheesy? Maybe BUT it's sells the product. Your bands are products. SELL it!
"Hey great band! Who are they? I want to book them for my party."
"I have no idea, probably just a bunch of guys getting together to make a few extra bucks."
"Yea, probably, too bad, they sound great."

[boomstick]

Your cymbals say Paiste, Zildjian or Meinl?
No! In fact, I go out of my way to remove company logos from my stuff...within reason, of course. I don't remove the badges from my drums, for example. But those cymbal logos are beyond obnoxious, imo. And I don't keep the drum brand logo on my kick. I figure, if they endorse me, I will keep them on there. Otherwise, I won't volunteer to be a source of free advertising. Now advertising my own band...that is something I can get behind.

[Deathmetalconga]

I don't get why anyone would have a problem doing this (the static cling). You have your bands advertised even here in your signature. Bands need advertising to build a fanbase. Getting their name known is essential. It is true that you can do a banner, but frankly, a lot of venues don't have great places for them to be hung, or have a problem with them. I'm amazed at how much resistance I have met when it comes to banners, especially when we were first starting out. Plus, people might not look above or below the band. They will be looking at the drummer.

In a business where name recognition is as important, if not more important, than talent, making sure that every person there clearly knows the band name makes way too much sense not to do it.

My thoughts exactly. Everyone should do what they can to promote the band.

I have done business with www.drumart.com and they are superb. They will make a high-quality static cling logo that can be removed. Personally, though, I think it's fun to display old drum heads on the wall of the music room, like trophies that bring back memories.

[jer]

Okay, enough of the "sell" :) -- the thing I'm really interested in is the concept of "defacing our instrument." That said, isn't a big black (or white) hole as the centerpiece of an otherwise beautiful instrument the real problem? The fact that a bass drum is turned on its side so you can't see the finish is a function of mechanics, not desirability. In other words, would you do that if you didn't *have* to?

Since there are very few reasonable options for upright bass drums (cocktail kit, anyone?), we choose to see the overturned drum as an opportunity to compliment the kit, advertise the band, your record, your personality -- whatever. My Orion kit is a perfect example -- the head itself is *AWESOME* (again, if I do say so myself...) :) but the way it matches and compliments the kit makes it that much better.

--Jim.

I suppose a thread like this would grab your attention! Little market research for ya, and a great place to pimp you wares! Interesting thoughts on the kick being the only drum on it's side, "hiding" the finish.

I had a look at the site, there is some nice stuff, for sure - I like the more artistic heads, such as your kit, (which btw, does look amazing!) and think that done right, yes, it can be a great way to add to the look of the kit. While I think some of the heads with band names look better than others, it's still an ad, and I can't help but have the idea rub me the wrong way.

If it makes any sense, in my perfect world, my music would sell itself. If we've struck a chord in someone so much that they are interested in learning more about the band, then we offer several ways to do that. If I see a band I like, it's not hard to find out what their name is. If I don't like a band - their name being on a kick drum isn't going to make me like them anymore.

It's marketing. You drive a car that has Toyota, Chevy, Ford, Honda on it no? You carry around an Mp3 player that says Sony on it? You wear jeans that say Levi, Lee or Wrangler on it? A hat that says Nike, Yankees or Budweiser on it? Your cymbals say Paiste, Zildjian or Meinl?

I don't believe your use of cars in your examples in appropriate, we don't have too many options here in N. America to go with the "independant auto-maker". Thank our governments. I don't drive.

Nor do I own an mp3 player, my jeans were off the discount rack at Winners as were my shoes. With few exceptions my shirts bear no logos, exceptions being bands that I personally know and support. Sure I've got a few things with brand names, but those items were free, I have a problem paying to advertise for someone else when I can get the same product at a fraction of the price without the logo. (Okay, I did buy a Hartford Whalers hat a few years ago for $10, but c'mon - it's the Whalers!)

You can't exactly do the same with gear, I bought my cymbals because they sounded good and were available at my local music store. Not because of the name they have on them. I bought my drums because I like the sound, the company hasn't even existed for 10+ years.

Your bands are products.

Unfortunatly yes, however if I was truly in the business just to be in the business, I'd be playing music that was a little more radio friendly and I'd probably be wearing eyeliner or tight jeans in all our promo pics. I'd rather be in the music business than the music entertainment business.

"Hey great band! Who are they? I want to book them for my party."
"I have no idea, probably just a bunch of guys getting together to make a few extra bucks."
"Yea, probably, too bad, they sound great."

Last time I was asked to play a private funtion, the big sign above the entrance to the venue was probably a good indication as to who we were.

I mock in jest, I offer responses only because for the most part you are right. I do however fancy myself as a bit of a non-conformist and am quite disgusted at how much culture is dictated by corporate big-wigs. That's a conversation for the off-topic lounge that I'm not going to start.

Again, thanks for the posts, some great ideas flowing here.

[DrummerDavid]

[QUOTE=jer;571478]
I'd rather be in the music business than the music entertainment business.[/QOUTE]

It's still a business. I would like to get paid to play music...so I don't see the negative side towards an ad.

Aside from the folks that play in multitude bands, I don't see a downside to a band logo on a head...it's not defacing an instrument...it's just a head.

[makinao]

Its artwork on a reso head, not a hegemonic imperialist plot. Make or commission a nice design then do it. And if the band breaks up or dumps you, then you have a nice big dartboard to pin their faces on :-)

On the other hand, if you feel however that your instrument is being singled out, ask your bandmates how they feel about making stickers or magnets and putting them on their instruments. If they refuse, citing the sanctity of their instrument, then you have every right to refuse too.

[500 Kicks, No Pedal]

It's really a group decision, and everyone should be in agreement, not just the drummer.
UNLESS it's the drummer's band. :)
Bermuda

I agree it should be a group decision reached amicably, but I think the drummer should feel the most comfortable with it. I just think that unless contractually obligated, the drummer (or any other musician) should be able to have the final say about something like that without catching any flak. Even if it's bad business, I just think you should have that right, no questions asked.

And to be honest, some of the best musicians can have the most questionable design tastes. A bad logo presentation can go some way towards canceling out any of the benefits of effective "product" branding. I'd especially want to have final say in that situation and demand changes or else no go.

[Chazz]

I say YES go ahead and draw up a design or name or initials...

I always had a the 'Band's Name' on my Bass drum...
in the earlier days, it started out with stencils & paint..
then stickers, then a painter of sorts drew on the skin...
Be proud of your band, hoist the colors...lol (it's Okay to advertise.)
(unless you don't dig the band's name= ouch)

Best

[DrumART Jim]

Its artwork on a reso head, not a hegemonic imperialist plot.

I dunno about that -- we're trying our best for world custom bass drum head domination... ;)

[DrummerDavid]

I had to point out that the analogy regarding putting the band logo on a drum head is like putting a logo on a guitar is wrong.

A more correct analogy would be that they would put the band logo on the guitar strings.

[Mr. Pasquini]

I think a bass drum head is a better place to show the name of the band than one of those crappy-looking vinyl banners on poles on hung on the wall behind the band.

What the hell are you talking about?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3215/2931064485_a794560a42.jpg?v=0

The difference is that big acts have the propensity to get bigger banners or have video screens behind them that occasionally say their name. At big rock concerts everyone in the hall already knows who's playing.

[DrumART Jim]

At big rock concerts everyone in the hall already knows who's playing.

They know the main act. Here's a photo of my band playing with The Sword. I am not Trivett Wingo or whatever his name is. :)

If not for the band name on my head, few would have known who we were.

[Ian Williams]

What do you think, of this bass drum head logo?

Guess who is the drummer?

[tbmills]

I had to point out that the analogy regarding putting the band logo on a drum head is like putting a logo on a guitar is wrong.

A more correct analogy would be that they would put the band logo on the guitar strings.

ok... ok... this is kinda right being that the heads on a drum contribute to most of the tone

BUT

putting a logo on the kick is like putting a logo on the speaker cabinet grille cloth. imo. big blank space, ripe for advertisement. in the past i havent wanted a logo because i personally, wasnt %100 behind the band. i didnt want to spend extra money to market something i didnt love. in my new band (the one im taking off school to pursue) i have zero problem putting a logo up. in fact, i suggested it! i think it is all about your own attitude towards what your doing.

[Pavlos]

What do you think, of this bass drum head logo?

Guess who is the drummer?

Cool logo. It's for the Misfits and the drummer is Robo.

(ok, I cheated. You can see Misfits written in the background.)

[Ian Williams]

Cool logo. It's for the Misfits and the drummer is Robo.

(ok, I cheated. You can see Misfits written in the background.)

Good on you, mate! Yes, is Roberto "Robo" Valverde.

[techristian]

Advertising is good, but an UGLY LOGO can be bad. If it is permanent, it might make it harder to sell that set of drums.

Dan

[tbmills]

Advertising is good, but an UGLY LOGO can be bad. If it is permanent, it might make it harder to sell that set of drums.

Dan

well, its a drum head... how permanent can it be?

[jer]

Geeze, I ask about putting a logo on my kick head and now I feel as though I'm questioning my commitment to the band for showing some resistance to putting an ad on my instrument...

You guys are brutal!

Anyways, I kid. I guess when I think about it, it really does come down to why wouldn't I?

Will have to be something removable as I play with multiple projects, here's the logo in question:

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b226/jeremydrury/nohawks_shirt.jpg

And the kit it will be going on:

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b226/jeremydrury/DSC02396.jpg

I almost think that I might get a new head, the existing logo and port location might create a challenge to get something on there that would cover the Obelisk logo fully, I'm imagining something in a rectangular shape (as the logo is designed), corners might get rounded trying to make it large enough to blank out existing logo.

DrumART Jim, (or anyone for that matter) any thoughts?

Thanks again everyone for taking the time to share your thoughts.

[DrumART Jim]

DrumART Jim, (or anyone for that matter) any thoughts?

Thanks again everyone for taking the time to share your thoughts.

I can only speak for our products, but our removable logos are designed to cover the entire head for just this reason -- covering anything on the head and consistency of color/finish. And, since drums are round, you can rotate the head on the drum and position the port anywhere you'd like.

That said, I don't see any issues with your logo -- I think it'd look just fine on there. We'd probably vectorize it for you to keep everything as crisp and clear as possible. What can I say? That's just how we roll! ;)

--Jim.

[Deathmetalconga]

I can only speak for our products, but our removable logos are designed to cover the entire head for just this reason -- covering anything on the head and consistency of color/finish. And, since drums are round, you can rotate the head on the drum and position the port anywhere you'd like.

That said, I don't see any issues with your logo -- I think it'd look just fine on there. We'd probably vectorize it for you to keep everything as crisp and clear as possible. What can I say? That's just how we roll! ;)

--Jim.

Jim, thanks for including my set in your online gallery. I invite you to visit the link below to see how my set looks these days. I still get comments on how good the bass drum head looks.

[boomstick]

jer, having seen the picture of your kit, I must say I am surprised. There is, in fact, already an advertisement on your kick reso. Not sure why you would be ok with displaying the drum manufacturer but not the band name. I would add that with a fairly obscure company like Obelisk, some people in the audience might actually think that is the name of your band.

[DrummerDavid]

Advertising is good, but an UGLY LOGO can be bad. If it is permanent, it might make it harder to sell that set of drums.

Dan

Just replace the head?

[jer]

jer, having seen the picture of your kit, I must say I am surprised. There is, in fact, already an advertisement on your kick reso. Not sure why you would be ok with displaying the drum manufacturer but not the band name. I would add that with a fairly obscure company like Obelisk, some people in the audience might actually think that is the name of your band.

In fact, I was waiting for someone to call me on that.

No one has ever thought that was the band name, although I did have someone think it was my stage name once...

That's how my kit was made, I didn't make a decision to put it on there. Somehow in my justification for leaving the makers' name on there, I consider if I'd remove a Gibson logo from a headstock. Probably not, cause that's how the instrument was made and I would have purchased it because of it's qualities, not the name,

I don't own a Gibson.

[boomstick]

I was just surprised, is all. I understand your aversion to being a billboard. That's why I made the effort to remove the company logos from my cymbals and bass reso.

Nice kit, by the way.

[DrummerDavid]

This kind of has something to do with the thread:
The last vehicle I bought I removed all advertisement that stated which car dealership I had bought it from.

Of course I left the manufacture's emblems on.

[Drumsword]

I dunno about that -- we're trying our best for world custom bass drum head domination... ;)

ROFLOL,

I like to hang drum heads of past bands on my walls too. (In the music room of course). So I have no prob's with band logo's on my kicks.

[DrumART Jim]

I like to hang drum heads of past bands on my walls too. (In the music room of course). So I have no prob's with band logo's on my kicks.

Amen to that! I've got...well...more than I'd like to admit on my walls. :) They do look awesome -- unusual and easy. Just a nail or thumb tack in the wall and voila! Instant art. Beer stains and all. ;)

[Mr. Pasquini]

They know the main act. Here's a photo of my band playing with The Sword. I am not Trivett Wingo or whatever his name is. :)

If not for the band name on my head, few would have known who we were.

Wow, yall played with The Sword?! Awesome!

[DamoSyzygy]

The thread about custom kick skins is timely, in that a few days ago, I had argument over a band wanting me to get their logo on my kick, (which I refuse for a couple reasons), got me to thinking; am I alone in my desire not to advertise?
That doesnt make a lot of sense.

You're ALREADY advertising by doing the gig with them, on a stage in front of people. When you think of what bands can generate for you in terms of income and respect/popularity, and then consider how many are trying to do the exact same thing, you need to consider every possible avenue to make yourself stand out from the crowd.

On a personal level, in my opinion you're CRAZY not associating your name with a band. If you are searching for some recognition as a player, its far easier to achieve by attaching your name to a popular band than it is to 'make it' as a player in your own right.

Promotion is a very important (if not THE most important) tool for a bands success. Refusing to help do this by one of the most noticable means (a kick drum logo) in order to prove some higher personal belief is uncomprehensible IMO.

My advice would be to get the kick logo on there, and think of it in terms of the GROUP and what youre trying to achieve collectively - Not as individuals.

Of course, if youre just wanting to go out and have some fun and not worry about whether people remeber you or not, then its not such an issue.

[jer]

That doesnt make a lot of sense.

You're ALREADY advertising by doing the gig with them, on a stage in front of people. When you think of what bands can generate for you in terms of income and respect/popularity, and then consider how many are trying to do the exact same thing, you need to consider every possible avenue to make yourself stand out from the crowd.

On a personal level, in my opinion you're CRAZY not associating your name with a band. If you are searching for some recognition as a player, its far easier to achieve by attaching your name to a popular band than it is to 'make it' as a player in your own right.

Promotion is a very important (if not THE most important) tool for a bands success. Refusing to help do this by one of the most noticable means (a kick drum logo) in order to prove some higher personal belief is uncomprehensible IMO.

My advice would be to get the kick logo on there, and think of it in terms of the GROUP and what youre trying to achieve collectively - Not as individuals.

Of course, if youre just wanting to go out and have some fun and not worry about whether people remeber you or not, then its not such an issue.

You along with others have helped me realize that I need to get over whatever it is inside me that resists this type of self-promotion. Maybe it's my hippie / punk ideals that scream "down with the man!" that views this type of promotion as yet another way to force something down someone's throat.

"Promotion is a very important (if not THE most important) tool for a bands success."

I would agree. It's not about the music anymore, it's about image. IMO this is a huge problem with the music industry these days, bands doing well simply because they hired the right PR company, not because their music is any good. There's a part of me that would like to earn respect, both individually and as a band for the music I produce, not for who's clothes I wear, who does my make-up or what "a" list director shot my video.

Really, I should just man-up and start playing the game by their rules instead of trying to make my own.

My name is Jeremy, I play drums in 3 awesome bands, I've put links to their myspace pages in my signature and would like it if you all clicked on them to see how amazing we are. Please add us as friends and tell everyone you know about us 'cause we want to get rich, develop serious drug addictions and move to the Hills where all the cool people live. Oh, and hook up with other celebs for casual relationships to give the rags some tantalizing headlines. Don't forget to buy our albums off iTunes, Amazon or Napster too!

There, that wasn't so bad...

;)

Seriously, as mentioned before, I thank you all for your honest opinions. I appreciate listing to your views and offering insight into my query. There are a lot of things going on in the music industry these days I tend not to agree with and struggle to find a happy medium between doing something I love and am passionate about, and turning my creative outlet into a product that at the end of that day, has little to do with the music itself. I'd love to earn a living playing drums and making music and take steps towards doing this in a way that I feel are true to the promotion of the music. I guess I'm resistant to promoting the image.

[DrumART Jim]

Maybe it's my hippie / punk ideals that scream "down with the man!" that views this type of promotion as yet another way to force something down someone's throat.

Uh, did you see the Misfits head? ;)

[dkerwood]

Seriously, as mentioned before, I thank you all for your honest opinions. I appreciate listing to your views and offering insight into my query. There are a lot of things going on in the music industry these days I tend not to agree with and struggle to find a happy medium between doing something I love and am passionate about, and turning my creative outlet into a product that at the end of that day, has little to do with the music itself. I'd love to earn a living playing drums and making music and take steps towards doing this in a way that I feel are true to the promotion of the music. I guess I'm resistant to promoting the image.

Don't think of it so much as promoting an image. You're simply answering a question that is otherwise difficult to answer while you're playing: "Hey, what's the band called?" I used to enjoy going out to listen to bands (these days, every bloody place wants a huge cover), and I would start by hitting up groups I knew. There would be other acts on the bill, and sometimes I'd run into a great band. Here's the trick- if I could figure out their name, I'd be able to come out and support them again. If not, there's nothing I could do to help them. Most of the time, I won't hang out long enough for the band to close the bar, so I can't wait for them to get off stage to ask. Solution? You need to have your band's name somewhere so I know who you are.

Heck, there have even been times when I've seen a band and found out AFTER the fact that they were some great band that people have been telling me about. I had no idea who they were because they didn't put their name anywhere.

I learned a great trick from a band that I once auditioned for. The BAND owned a logo bass head, and simply gave it to the drummers as they would come and go. So I adopted this when I started my own band (playing guitar). I went out and bought an Evans EQ3 head, we put our logo on it, and then handed it to the drummer. Since he was there when we were thinking about it, he had a say, but for every drummer since then, it's been a requirement of the hire.

It's interesting that you mention the guitarist and bass player. In a previous band, the bass player took some string and threaded that band's name into the metal grille of his bass amp. Before I sold my old Fender amp, I was seriously considering replacing the grill cloth with a logo'd cloth, but couldn't find an easy way to make that work. I also considered buying a cheap amp that I could paint on, but tone considerations always got in the way. I've also known a bass player who put a huge sticker of his band on the back of his bass. Then, throughout the performance, he would lift the bass up to show the sticker on the back (I also knew a bassist who put the word "APPLAUSE" on the back of his axe- worked pretty well).

In the end, even if your only goal is to continue playing gigs, it's nice to put your name out there SOMEHOW- if only to let people know what band to keep coming back to (of course, if you suck, you might not want to attach your sound to your name just yet, but that's a different story).

[Pollyanna]

Interesting thread. Not even for a moment did I think of bass drum logos as advertising. To me, the design of a band moniker is just part of the fun, another little creative thing to do.

Jim, I am VERY interested in the removable art idea in a way that doesn't mess with the drum's sound. Since I have a 16" RT kick with a 6" centre hole in the front head there's not a lot of room (or sound *grin*). Ideally, for legibility we'd want an arc covering maybe 140° so people wouldn't have to tilt their heads to read it.

The head is white and the Pearl logo at the top of the head is black. I'm guessing that we will go for a blue on white logo. I'm guessing that we would need a full doughnut shape rather than an arc cutout so the edges don't show. If we stuck a removable logo over the top do you think it would it be opaque enough to stop the Pearl logo showing through?

Cheers

[k for kaos]

The thread about custom kick skins is timely, in that a few days ago, I had argument over a band wanting me to get their logo on my kick, (which I refuse for a couple reasons), got me to thinking; am I alone in my desire not to advertise?

I dig the custom designs, graphics or artwork to make it something more personal - but I'm not a fan of band names or logos.

To me it's kinda like wearing your own band's shirt to a gig, it just seems wrong for some reason...

Any opinions?

Thanks!

Hey, Jason Newstead wore Metallica shirts all the time haha.

back on topic, i dont disagree with having your band name on your bass drum, if someone doesnt catch what youre bands name is and they like you it could be useful for publicity.

personally, on my bass' reso head, i have stickers, so those curious drummers that listen to me know what theyre hearing. i play 99% zildjians, sonor, and evans, so i have those stickers.