I remember 30 years ago seeing a drummer with a large artificial palm tree set up on his hihat side and I've wanted one ever since. 30 years!. The drummer for Extreme had boxing gloves hanging from the cymbal stand wing nut. Who started the stuffed animal thing..the guy from Boston?. Anyone maybe have a photo of Buddy Rich 8x10 set by their cymbal stand?. A group of feathers hanging from a wing nut?. Narada Michael Waldon puts flowers around his kit. Anyone entertain this idea?.
Sure..if they are bronze Ludwigs hanging from a gold plated dog chain from Petco on a small stand right by your floor tom. Knowing you I'm positive this is the case. I'm thinking I want a life size cardboard cut out of Cindy Lauper..my all time ❤ throb.
Not sure if lighting counts as a prop, but I’ve found that illuminating the kit adds ambiance or “vibe”. Drum-specific lights are especially cool in dimly lit clubs. I played such a place just last night.
Here are a couple of pics from that gig. These pics can say what I’m thinking better than any words I can come up with.
Helium balloons are also fun. IMO these things actually improve the sound quality. Stuffed animals are kind of like putting pillows in the bass drum. Though, you have to be careful to avoid the garbage truck grill look. Helium balloons actually alter the sound that travels through them.
Here’s my mascot of the last 30 odd years “Ged the Ted”, hand knitted by my Gran and affectionately named after Ged Lynch after I acquired one of Ged’s old bass drum cases adorned with his first name in yellow spray paint. People would ask, “Who’s Ged?” and I’d reply, “this little fella…”
Not sure if lighting counts as a prop, but I’ve found that illuminating the kit adds ambiance or “vibe”. Drum-specific lights are especially cool in dimly lit clubs. I played such a place just last night.
Here are a couple of pics from that gig. These pics can say what I’m thinking better than any words I can come up with.
i’m moving in to my own drum friendly place in a few days. I have decided to drop the 1 high tom like you and groove like hell. Also run 1 ride/crash, 1 crash and hats.
i’m moving in to my own drum friendly place in a few days. I have decided to drop the 1 high tom like you and groove like hell. Also run 1 ride/crash, 1 crash and hats.
i’m moving in to my own drum friendly place in a few days. I have decided to drop the 1 high tom like you and groove like hell. Also run 1 ride/crash, 1 crash and hats.
I‘ve found the experience oddly liberating. For me, it’s a matter of knowing myself and my lack of discipline. If it’s there, I’m gonna hit it, so it’s better for me to just subtract pieces so my tiny little brain isn’t tempted!
90+% of the time I’m running kick, snare and floor tom with hats and a flat ride only. If space allows, I’ll add a crash to the right of the flat ride, but it’s not a requirement for me. The music I play doesn’t need anything more (in my opinion), and I’ve carved out somewhat of a name for myself in my area as the guy who doesn’t play dense grooves or fills. I keep things VERY sparse, and the people who hire me seem to prefer that approach.
Here’s a behind the kit view from a different gig of the 3-piece + hats and flat ride. Thanks for your comments and I hope you’re able to try the setup out soon! Looking forward to your thoughts on it if you feel like sharing.
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