Weekend Gig: Which Kit would you take?

[joshvibert]

I've got a 2hr outdoor gig tomorrow for a Fall Festival. I'll be playing contemporary Praise music. I could probably do it with just kick, snare, hats, and crashable ride. That said, it'd be nice to have a tom or two, so that leaves me with a 4pc. Then again, that bottom 16 would be nice, too, so now we're up to 10 up, 14/16 down. If I go that far, why not add the 12 on the left and play the whole kit? Which would you do? We've got plenty of setup and tear down time. I think it'd be fun to play the whole kit, but is that overkill?

[bobdadruma]

I would just play a four piece with a crash, a ride, and a splash.
Flip a coin for the floor tom size.

[fixxxer]

If set up/ tear down time and space isn't an issue, I'd go with the whole enchilda! For a 2 hour gig you don't want to be in the middle of it thinking, "I wish I would of........."
Have a good time!

[Dr_Watso]

I'm a big fan of just bringing my 16 floor tom and some cymbals for the less raucous shows. Between all the sounds in a big floor tom, and my snare, I can make a lot of cool progressions and rolls sound just fine. I don't use my high tom all that much anyway, and less setup is good.

[ambientgreg]

Kick,snare,rack,floor,hats,ride,crash,crash. If it were my kit,it'd be kick,snare,8,10,14,hats,ride,2 crashes. MIc the snare and kick.

[Bo Eder]

Take the whole thing, then you'll have no excuses. If you were already playing out four or more nights in a week constantly then consider less. Not that I know how many times a week you play out ;)

[joshvibert]

Originally Posted by Bo Eder

Take the whole thing, then you'll have no excuses. If you were already playing out four or more nights in a week constantly then consider less. Not that I know how many times a week you play out ;)

I play out 2-3 times a week, but it's always on a house kit. I take cymbals, snare, pedal. I guess that's part of the issue. Kinda wanting to "show off' my nice kit.

I just can't for the life of me understand why drummers would want to take out as little as possible to play.

[bobdadruma]

Originally Posted by sticks4drums

I just can't for the life of me understand why drummers would want to take out as little as possible to play.

because I have to carry all of the stuff myself and no one even notices how much gear that I bring anyway.
If I lay down a backbeat and I stay in the pocket I am golden.
No one cares if I have 10 drums and 10 cymbals.

[ocdrums]

If you need a 9 piece kit to "express yourself" then take it. I'd take the one in the first photo and kick some.....praise. I feel sorry for folks that have to have a giant kit in order to play, but if that's what you need........

[Shedboyxx]

OK it's a P&W event so there is obviously focus on the main reason you are actually doing it.

However like others have said: Why not take the whole thing? If you think that would be the most musical approach then take the whole kit (and kaboodle... had to say that LOL!). As long as it's musical and doesn't get in the way or make you overplay then bring it all.

If there is a time or space restriction then factor that in. Also you might consider what the sound guy will be miking and if he has enough resources for a bigger kit. If he's got mikes and channels for it all then again, bring it. If he's got a small amount of mikes, you may be better of with a four piece that will be miked well. I've given up a tom or two in the past when it seemed like it would compromise the quality of the miking and resultant sound.

I'd take no less than a four piece with ride and crash but would go with more if the circumstances were right.

Jim

Originally Posted by sticks4drums

I just can't for the life of me understand why drummers would want to take out as little as possible to play.

i) Because the music they play doesn't require a huge number of drums.
ii) Because they might have a small car that can't fit any more.
iii) Because they don't want to have to carry a lot of gear up a narrow staircase.
iv) Because there isn't enough space on the stage for a nine-piece kit.
v) Because it can add to the challenge of what they're playing and alter arrangements for the better.
vi) Because they feel more comfortable with a smaller kit.
vii) Because the sound engineer might be under strict time pressures and a smaller kit is easier to mic in a hurry.

Need I carry on?

[bobdadruma]

Remember, If you play a gig correctly no one will even remember that there was a drummer there!

[Ted T]

I would take my full five piece, but I could live with my 10 rack and 16 floor toms. For that sort of music where you have to bring the dynamics up and down many times you gotta be able to crescendo on some toms!!

[bobdadruma]

Just look at it this way.
Think to yourself, What would Gene and Buddy have done?

[Dr_Watso]

Originally Posted by sticks4drums

I just can't for the life of me understand why drummers would want to take out as little as possible to play.

Well, for one, it's a ton of fun to play sized down kits.

If it makes you feel any better, I can't for the life of me understand why someone would want to gig a kit that take an hour and a half to setup, dial in positions and sound check. I'm usually done in less than a half hour. I see guys hauling multiple bass drums and huge racks and enormous bags of hardware and it just goes right over my head how that's fun. Let alone tear down after a night of playing...

Originally Posted by bobdadruma

Just look at it this way.
Think to yourself, What would Gene and Buddy have done?

Or what would Neil or Mike do, which is a lot more relevant to me.

I just don't find the same visceral pleasure in having a lot of drums. I like having fewer drums.

Originally Posted by mediocrefunkybeat

I just don't find the same visceral pleasure in having a lot of drums. I like having fewer drums.

Why,why,why,why,why,why, please help me to understand?

[bobdadruma]

OH No, Lets not have the "Big Kits vs Small Kits Debate" all over again!
Guess who is currently the last poster in that thread?
http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/s...+ve+small+kits

Not trying to start an argument.

I just don't like being surrounded by my instrument and I prefer to have fewer items and experimenting with different ways of playing them. I could probably spend all day just drawing different sounds from my main ride cymbal and I enjoy that. What I don't enjoy is being surrounded by my instrument.

For instance, I played in a friend's recital back in June. It was a quartet (flute, piano, bass, drums). I was playing a four piece with brushes very, very quietly and there was an inherent minimalism to the arrangements. I get a kick out of minimalism and using as little as possible to what I need and I find that much more fun than having a lot of different surfaces.

Originally Posted by mediocrefunkybeat

Not trying to start an argument.

I just don't like being surrounded by my instrument and I prefer to have fewer items and experimenting with different ways of playing them. I could probably spend all day just drawing different sounds from my main ride cymbal and I enjoy that. What I don't enjoy is being surrounded by my instrument.

For instance, I played in a friend's recital back in June. It was a quartet (flute, piano, bass, drums). I was playing a four piece with brushes very, very quietly and there was an inherent minimalism to the arrangements. I get a kick out of minimalism and using as little as possible to what I need and I find that much more fun than having a lot of different surfaces.

Hey I can't knock you for that, and I won't. Most of the guitar players I play with would love you. :) The music I like to listen to and play has lots of drums in it. All the drummers I like have a lot of drums. They always have.

I just can't for the life of me understand why drummers would want to take out as little as possible to play.

Not starting an argument - but this post is exactly how arguments start.

Originally Posted by mediocrefunkybeat

Not starting an argument - but this post is exactly how arguments start.

OK. So that is good that you point that out. That is something I need to change. I have been going along pretty good on here lately. Thanks, I will take that into consideration. I need to keep those thoughts to myself I guess. It has been hard on this site because there have been a lot of small kit lovers. Other sites I have been on have been the complete opposite. Not just mine either. :)

[bobdadruma]

Lets go back to the first post.
The OP stated that he could play the gig with just a bass, hat. and snare.
He also asked if he should bring a slightly larger kit.
I suggested a 4 piece with a few pies as a middle of the road solution.
The idea of bringing Neil's Time Machine was never on the table in the OP's IP.
So why are we here?

Bring your full kit, because if will be fun, and from my experience Praise music uses a lot of voices. Hows that.

[bobdadruma]

There we go Sticks, Good answer.
You gave your valued opinion that fit the question.

Originally Posted by bobdadruma

There we go Sticks, Good answer.
You gave your valued opinion that fit the question.

I'm trying to be good in the sand box. It is very hard for a very opinionated person like myself. :)

Shoes or sneakers???? If theres something more you can do with more components then a nice five piece then bring it. Personally a five component kit is all I need and I played with a conventional four piece kit most of my life. Theres the middle of a drum and inches upon inches before the hoop arrives that gives you alot of different sounds off of one drum. Theres always quick tuning for a specific tune go get the lug furthest away from you and quick de-tune for a nice effect. Ofcourse an easy change is the use of different weights on your sticks and then rods to brush work. Instead of multiple toms a second snare is a usefull addition used as an accent piece or a change of pace sound.
Have you ever noticed that the amount of drums you own and bring to gigs is in direct relationship to your age????? Every drum, hardware, cymbal I own that accompanies me to work now a days is ON WHEELS or it stays home, for ever!!! Time for some ice cream and a rest, at first slowing down the amounts of gigs bothered me alot, now it doesn't! Doc

[KarlCrafton]

If you can play what you want (within reason) and can "experiment" a little, what might be fun is kick, snare, a floor tom on each side, hats with a crash and ride.

Use the 14(L) & 16(R) or the 12 on the left and 14 or 16 on right (I'd use the 16).

That's a little bit of each set up you showed.

[diegobxr]

Ok.. I'll start with the mandatory simple answer: "it's all about personal preference". (...)


Now, since you asked for our opinions.. If I were you, I'd take the always lovely 4x4 kit. 4 drums, 4 cymbals.

Toms could be either a 10"/14", 12"/14" or 12"/16" config, depending on what I'd be playing.

Why? Well, 4 pieces look nice, classy and timeless, they are fun to play, don't take much stage room or many trips back to the car to load/unload. Also you'll spend less time packing and babysitting drums which leaves you time to hang out, have a drink, etc.

And of course there's what Bob wisely pointed out:

Originally Posted by bobdadruma

no one even notices how much gear you bring anyway.

Listen to this guy.

Cheers!

I need to go run around the back field screaming now. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

[bobdadruma]

Originally Posted by sticks4drums

I need to go run around the back field screaming now. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

LOL!
it's all good man, Just take it easy.

[mutzy]

If you want a little creative experimentation, take either *just* the 14" tom, or, like Karl said, one on either side (I would also suggest 12/L 16/R).

Think of it in terms of having your kit split down the middle: a tom on each side, the 'timekeepers' - hihats and ride on each, splash on the left, crash on the right. Ofc the snare is central, and the kick is where it's most comfortable.


Regarding crash and splash; if you can survive with just kick/snare/hats, having a splash and crash instead of two crashes allows you to accent specific parts of the songs you're playing. I've been a praise and worship drummer at my church for over 8 years, and unless it's a completely stripped down service, I'll always make sure I have a splash. The main one I use is a very well worn in 10" Paiste 2oo2, it's more dark/warm and fits with the rest of the cymbals I use.

Conclusion: take a 3 or four piece, hats, splash, crash and ride. Enjoy yourself, but above all, remember that you're not playing for your glory, but leading others in praise.

[Bo Eder]

Originally Posted by joshvibert

I play out 2-3 times a week, but it's always on a house kit. I take cymbals, snare, pedal. I guess that's part of the issue. Kinda wanting to "show off' my nice kit.

...............well there you go!

[8Mile]

Take the whole kit. It sounds to me like you'd rather show your drums off and bring 'em all but you're concerned it might be overkill. But overkill is bringing a Bozzio kit to an intimate gig, not a tasteful 4-piece with a nice set of cymbals. So I say go for it.

Just my take.

[Cameo]

I'd bring the 10" and a floor. Take the big boys with you (I'm refering to the cymbals)... :)

[dmacc]

Originally Posted by bobdadruma

because I have to carry all of the stuff myself and no one even notices how much gear that I bring anyway.
If I lay down a backbeat and I stay in the pocket I am golden.
No one cares if I have 10 drums and 10 cymbals.

I couldn't agree more Bob. I've been done with my large set up for years. It's now a small Jungle Kit with single braced hardware and 4 cymbals + hats.

In fact, I get compliments on how small my setup is and how much music can be created with it.

[kettles]

Hey Sticks, how often do you take your full kit to gigs? and how long does it take you to pack it into the van, set up at the show, then break it down and set it up back at home again? Not having a go at you or anything, but because you're such an advocate for big kits, I'm wondering how much you actually do it?



To the original post...use a 4 piece, but set up the spare drums at the front of stage and get the other band members to play them. Compose a percussion piece with caveman chants to play as an interlude somewhere in the set. That way you'll be showing off all your drums and the crowd will definitely notice them. I was originally joking with this idea but am now thinking things like this are what make gigs memorable. DOOOOO it :)

Originally Posted by kettles

Hey Sticks, how often do you take your full kit to gigs? and how long does it take you to pack it into the van, set up at the show, then break it down and set it up back at home again? Not having a go at you or anything, but because you're such an advocate for big kits, I'm wondering how much you actually do it?



To the original post...use a 4 piece, but set up the spare drums at the front of stage and get the other band members to play them. Compose a percussion piece with caveman chants to play as an interlude somewhere in the set. That way you'll be showing off all your drums and the crowd will definitely notice them. I was originally joking with this idea but am now thinking things like this are what make gigs memorable. DOOOOO it :)

It is not quite the same as far as size goes, but I took my 9 piece Roland TD10, SPD11, Rack, and 110lb TDA-700, Roland Amplifier, to church every Sunday for the last 13 years. Yes it was a lot of stuff to take, but when I started to play, I forgot all about that. The one worship leader I played with who owns his own recording studio, and does sound tracks for movies, told me I was always fun to play with. He would give me this big smile when every now and then I would throw in a big Neil Peart run down the toms. I would get tons of compliments about my kit and my playing.

My 15 piece kit stays in the basement, unless I ever need to play a big gig somewhere. I have a 7 piece Saturn kit that I use for gigging with and a 4 piece that I can take to someones house, like a band member for practice.

The point I am trying to make, and I am not trying to sound like a gear snob about it, is that all my different toms are voices. I use those voices to create my music. I use everything I bring. I love to play toms. Most of the drummers I like, love to play toms. I am not a cymbal tinkerer. Never have been. Yes I can play a 4 piece, or a two piece, but unless I really have to, I don't want to. Yes you can get lots out of just a couple of pieces but you are just getting a minimal amount of sounds out of it.

The other side of this is that I like the look of drums. I have a really hard time looking at a four piece kit and going WOW! I love to look at bigger kits. It is like eye candy for me. No it is not just about the looks, like some have beaten me up with in the past. The guy has to be able to play what he brings.

None of the drummers I listen to fall under the category of, "I didn't notice that guy or his kit, so he must be great". Really? When I do see RUSH, I don't not notice Neil Peart.

My buddy and I are going to see Gavin Harrison do a drum clinic in a couple of weeks. I am going to see a great drummer, play a great sounding, and looking kit, and hopefully use all those beautiful sounding toms of his. I thought his drums sounded the best during drum solo week, especially his floors.

Like the song says "I like big kits, and I cannot lie. Those idy, biddy, kits are for those other guys". :)