P
plangentmusic
Guest
I'm going to keep it simple. And put it in perspective.
I've done the "custom built" thing and the "boutique" thing on two instruments. Drums and bass. And the outcome was always the same.
Here's my conclusion...
#1: First off "customized" is a crap shoot. You can put all the elements you want together but the sum total doesn't equal the parts. You can copy the best instrument you know and it will not necessarily translate.
#2: Exotic woods and such don't mean a damn thing in regard to sound.
#3: "Attention to detail" is a snob appeal sales pitch. A well made instrument is made as well as it can be made. They're drums, not rocket ships. There's only so much expertise in their design.
#4: Most "innovations in design fall by the wayside and just sound dated.
After owning dozens of snare drums, I now use a 5" supra-phonic -- the first one I started with. It always works.
After owning dozens of basses, my main one is a Fender Jazz. It always works.
Remember -- all the great recordings were done, for the most part on stock instruments. What was good enough for the greats is good enough for you and me.
Don't get caught up in option anxiety or analysis paralysis. The answer isn't in owning some elusive perfect instrument. It's in playing better.
They're drums. Just hit the damn things. If you can't make that sound good, practice more!
At least that's how I see it.
I've done the "custom built" thing and the "boutique" thing on two instruments. Drums and bass. And the outcome was always the same.
Here's my conclusion...
#1: First off "customized" is a crap shoot. You can put all the elements you want together but the sum total doesn't equal the parts. You can copy the best instrument you know and it will not necessarily translate.
#2: Exotic woods and such don't mean a damn thing in regard to sound.
#3: "Attention to detail" is a snob appeal sales pitch. A well made instrument is made as well as it can be made. They're drums, not rocket ships. There's only so much expertise in their design.
#4: Most "innovations in design fall by the wayside and just sound dated.
After owning dozens of snare drums, I now use a 5" supra-phonic -- the first one I started with. It always works.
After owning dozens of basses, my main one is a Fender Jazz. It always works.
Remember -- all the great recordings were done, for the most part on stock instruments. What was good enough for the greats is good enough for you and me.
Don't get caught up in option anxiety or analysis paralysis. The answer isn't in owning some elusive perfect instrument. It's in playing better.
They're drums. Just hit the damn things. If you can't make that sound good, practice more!
At least that's how I see it.