I’m a writer and Drums Merchandiser at zZounds. I enjoy fuzz pedals, house cats and Michigan history facts. I can be seen playing any variation of Telecaster.
How to Integrate Triggers Into an Acoustic Drum Kit
Ask a drummer what makes the perfect drum kit and they might say “wood, metal, a little plastic and a blanket.” Keep it simple, stupid. But we aren’t as stupid as we look and we as drummers want to stretch the limits on our sonic profile behind the kit too! Electronic drum triggers are a […]
Dynamic vs. Condenser Microphones: Which to Use?
The argument between which is better, condenser or dynamic microphones has been raging on for ages. Though the differences are immense, it’s important to figure out exactly what you need for the project at hand. So with the vast dynamic and condenser microphone options available today, what should you use? Dynamic Microphones Dynamic microphones are […]
The History of Electronic Drums
To some, an electronic drum kit just seems like a gift for a kid; it won’t be loud like acoustic drums, they will learn a great skill and the kit itself is inexpensive at the entry level. To others, its the perfect modern gigging kit — giving you a ton of sounds in a lightweight, […]
Direct-Drive vs. Chain-Drive Kick Drum Pedals
In the world of professional drumming, “feel” is almost always the most important aspect of picking components and hardware for a drum kit. This is why online forums are set on fire when the discussion of direct-drive vs. chain-drive bass drum pedals comes up. Those who love chain-drive for its “solid and real feel” argue […]
Restoring a Thrift Store Snare Drum
If you’re someone who pinches every penny like me, or just someone who wants to wear other people’s used clothes, the thrift store is a great place to frequent when you’re in the buying mood. But short of an old church organ too big for your sub-compact car, there aren’t ever that many musical instruments […]
How to Use a SubKick on Studio Drums
The SubKick has been around for a long time, or at least the idea of it has. Using a reverse-polarity speaker as a dynamic microphone has been around since at least the ’60s as a recording technique, but didn’t popularize until the early 2000s when Yamaha released the SKRM-100. The SubKick uses the physical movement […]
How to Build a DIY SubKick
Yamaha made a splash in the drum miking game when their SKRM-100 SubKick collaboration with session drummer Russ Miller was released in 2004. The practice of wiring a speaker in reverse to act as a transducer has been around for a long time in production, but was made widely accessible with the SKRM-100 release. Ever […]
What to Consider When Buying a New Drum Kit
Trying to navigate the vast scope of drum companies, kit sizes and materials, it can get confusing and hard to make a choice for your first kit. Finding the perfect shell kit to base your entire drum sound on is incredibly important and there are many variables to keep in mind. From considering your drumming […]
