Goodness comes to those who vibrate
Michael’s Drums 11 2019 Update Based on this I got a Mapex Armory kit. Bass drum is instant killer deep and thuddish and still responsive — love it. (I usually cock the beater off-kilter, so that it impinges with a triangular strike at low kicks, such that the triangle digs deeper into the batter head with … Read more
Michael’s Drums 10 2017 – 2018 Update Been experimenting with various cymbals. The ones with the big LASER-cut holes — 18″ crash, 10″ splash. Nice and trashy at low- to mid- volume; they don’t respond with greater volume, however, when they’re beaten: Greater loudness beyond mid-volume does not exist with and can not be gotten … Read more
Michael’s Drums 9 2016 Update Because of this I picked up a Ludwig acrolite (acrolyte?) snare. Pristine and broadly tunable, but still lacking the tang of a chrome shell. Maybe it’s the Evans “emperor” batter head on the acrolite vs. the Remo diplomat on the chrome. Acrolite is dry – closer to wood shell sound than chrome; … Read more
Michael’s Drums 8 2012 – 2015 Update Still playing every day. Drumming has outlasted almost everything and everyone else in my life. Good thing for family! I feel sorry for those who have lost, given up, or never had such an unmatched, strong base. Picked up a popcorn snare, and another snare drum – el-cheapo, … Read more
Michael’s Drums 7 2010 – 2011 Update Played out in DC (Black Fox Lounge, Dupont) several times this winter with Maureen Mullaney, Jason Robling, Tom Kirk, and others. Maureen Mullaney Fun! Same for Dan’s Place in Boonsboro, Md. Latest little “gig” kit is the Taye Drums GOKIT which sounds fantastic. Got a 20″ ping ride from Jason, … Read more
Michael’s Drums 6 2009-10 — Jason Greenwalt recordings from 2000 / 2001 In the winter of 2000 Potomac Dawn was in production. Vance, who wanted to feature local musicians in the film’s soundtrack, invited Jason Greenwalt to record a song for use in the Conner/Summer music store dance scene of Potomac Dawn. Jason, his girlfriend and several others met … Read more
Michael’s Drums 5 2003-2004 Updates Many more studio goodies have arrived: Several new mics, mic pres, and effects equipment, in addition to new recording and mastering software on both pc and mac. New tools are *so* much fun. And, it’s so nice that all this stuff shows up in the passive voice! Meanwhile, here’s a … Read more
Michael’s Drums 4 More studio pics 1 Nov 2001 Got the second mac installed. The first mac never appeared, as it was an early-on ebay scam. We were right at the front-edge of the ebay “guarantee” and validation of sellers…a little too bloody on the front-edge… Yes, we were ramping-up for some big (for us) … Read more
Michael’s Drums 3 Pics of soundroom / studio 30 Jan 2001 Bunch of Behringer transistorized and tube gear (March 2025 that has since become somewhat sought after LOL). The ADAT was supposedly used by the band “311”, but maybe that was ebay / internet baloney. Intermetro metal wire racks. Door-as-tabletop. Filing cabinets. Track lighting. 10 … Read more
Michael’s Drums 2 9 Jan 2001 updates Xmas brought a large LP cowbell, a Zildjian large/low ice bell, a LP (green plastic) jam block, and an LP cowbell rack. Sweet. Nothing beats the spirit of giving; receiving comes close, though. Through an unusual chain of events last year, I met a friend of an employee … Read more
Michael’s Drums – Index An ongoing series, for the joy of drumming Part 1 — Start someplace… Part 2 — 9 Jan 2001 Part 3 — Pics of soundroom / studio 30 Jan 2001 Part 4 — More studio pics 1 Nov 2001 Part 5 — 2003 – 2004 Part 6 — 2009-10 — Jason … Read more
Michael’s Drums 1 Sometimes maybe often the whole point is simply in joy itself. This is for my friends who’ve asked over the years about my drums. Initial pix/txt taken/written 13Jan2000. Updated routinely. March 2025 — When I started playing drums back in 1975 or so, half the people alive today were not yet alive … Read more
History of Ludwig Drums The Ludwig Drum Company was originally established in Chicago, Illinois, in 1909 by brothers William F. and Theobald Ludwig. The company’s first factory was located at 1728 N. Damen Avenue in Chicago. In 1929, due to economic challenges, Ludwig & Ludwig was sold to the C.G. Conn instrument company, which subsequently … Read more
Two man orchestra – David Lindley Wally Ingram Basel 2000 One of my top favorites of all time. These guys were quirky, talented and thereby fresh. Song ‘Reaggae Everyday’ at 4:35 in is particularly excellent.
Session Playing Impromptu Charting Sight Reading Kenny Aronoff Hears Yes For The First Time Step inside the mind of Kenny Aronoff as he takes on “Changes” by Yes. Watch him hear the song for the first time and dive straight into playing along. How does he craft a drum part on the spot? Hit play … Read more
Cherisse Osei Simple Minds 2020 Tour Zildjian Cymbal Co Can’t beat the old-school 1970s ride, hi-hats. In a 2020 interview, Cherisse Osei, drummer for Simple Minds, detailed her cymbal setup for their tour. She highlighted her preference for vintage 1970s Zildjian A series hi-hats and ride cymbals, noting their balanced sound that complements the band’s … Read more
Startling Absence of Dynamic Dimension diminishes Musicality – “…compressed and less expressive.”
