So Cal drummers: house kits and what to bring

bermuda

bermuda

Drummerworld Pro Drummer - Administrator
Staff member
I thought it might be helpful to list/discuss exactly what is needed for specific Southern California venues that have an acoustic house kit. Obviously sticks are necessary, and always bring your own cymbals. Snares and pedals are optional unless indicated. When in doubt, bring them anyway. :)

My list:

ROAR ROOM, LA CRESCENTA - pedal (they have a wonky pedal, you won't like it.)

SOBOBA CASINO, SAN JACINTO - all good!

CANYON CLUB, AGOURA - (I kind of recall bringing a snare & pedal is a good idea.)

MAUI SUGAR MILL, TARZANA - all good!

SECRET ISLAND, LONG BEACH - throne (they have one but suggested bringing your own.)

And remember, ABC: Always Bring Cymbals.

What is your experience with other So Cal venues with house kits?
 
Bikini kit?
 
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If you live in SoCal, I think it best to bring rubber rain boots, a life vest, and a change of clothes to your next gig. ;)
 
BobC said:
If you live in SoCal, I think it best to bring rubber rain boots, a life vest, and a change of clothes to your next gig. ;)
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Pretty wet now, I had a gig Sunday during the storm but luckily it was a house kit and got in & out quickly with just cymbals & sticks :)
 
Anyone gigged at the Baked Potato in Studio City? I saw Terry Bozzio there and I was amazed at how much of his kit he managed to fit on that tiny stage.
 
Living Dead Drummer said:
VIPER ROOM - Pedals/Snare/Cymbal Sleves & Felts
WHISKY A GO-GO - Pedals/Snare/Hi-Hat Stand (They have one, but as I recall it's very beat up and doesn't adjust easily if at all)
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Hey, I played the Whiskey A Go-Go and I had to bring my whole drum set!!!! What's up with that.

Well it was 1968 after all.......

.
 
Living Dead Drummer said:
VIPER ROOM - Pedals/Snare/Cymbal Sleves & Felts
WHISKY A GO-GO - Pedals/Snare/Hi-Hat Stand (They have one, but as I recall it's very beat up and doesn't adjust easily if at all)
Click to expand...

Thanks, will add to my list!
 
I'm playing at the Gaslamp in Long Beach in a few months. I'm from Sacramento. Does anyone know if I should bring my own kit or if they have a good backline?
 
I've never even been in California let alone played a gig in California. That said, anytime I have to play a house kit (I say it that way because I hate house kits, even nice ones, and try to use my own gear whenever possible) I always bring my pedal, sticks, cymbals, and snare. If I'm not absolutely 100% assured that it's a decent kit in good shape then I'll bring my hardware bag because it's very small and lightweight.

Not to derail this thread but since we have professional drummers here like @bermuda and @Living Dead Drummer I wanted to ask: what is with this expectation to use house/backline kits? I fully understand it saves set up and dial in time but it really peeves me when I'm forced to use a house/backline kit. They don't look at the guitar player and say "hey, you may be in a metal band but we have a house acoustic guitar so you just have to use it. Too bad." Or look at an upright bass jazz guy and say "sorry buddy, you have to use our house electric. Too bad." So why is it acceptable and expected for drummers to just use whatever drums are there and deal with it or get out?
 
If the house kit is good and well mic’d I’m in heaven. I’ pack my snare and cymbals for sure. Generally the backline or house kits i’ve played have all been great quality.. either Yamaha or DW.
The only bad kits ive played were charity events with many bands and the organizer ‘knew a guy’ who had an old beginner kit in his basement..
 
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