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 18 18 Jul 2024 Update Below is (still) my #1 snare, “steam-bent single-ply maple”. It’s so unusual because it is so unlike all my other drums. 1-ply steam-bent maple. Hardware unspecial except for its vintageness (which isn’t that much more ‘vintage’ compared my main kit’s hardware!). The rims are die-cast, not triple-flange. Heads … Read more
Michael’s Drums 19 Sep 2024 Update I have A Lot of different drumsticks, weights, cuts, woods…been playing over the years with sanding/roughing body, shoulder, tip…same, differing, etc. Same for the tips. I recently came across Claus Hessler via his technique of ‘crushed rudiments’ which mimicks a similar idea I’ve been exploring. Then I found he … 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 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 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 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