Restoring my Drum Set

I always enjoy watching drummers sound check or line check. It gives you a firm understanding of how a drummer will sound during the show. During the DIY touring grind, you will usually have local openers, and a majority of the time I watch their drummers check mics as if they are afraid of their drum set. They hit softer than a baby with a rattle hitting the floor, and it always brings a smile to my face. You need to HIT your kit. Repeat: HIT YOUR KIT. You should always sound check your drums as hard as you hit live. If you hit flimsy, just in general, you are truly affecting the sound of your drums and possibly you/your band’s overall sound. There is such a thing as hitting too hard as well, but to get to that point you have to be a pretty solid and confident drummer to begin with, and usually by then you understand the range of your dynamic capabilities.

Posture: Bad posture is far too common on the tour circuit. I literally cringe every time I see a drummer playing like a gorilla trying to climb a tree. Just c’mon now, how can that be remotely comfortable!? How you sit on your kit can not just affect the sound, but your physical well-being. Its easier to play over your drum set, so the higher you seat your throne the less energy you will exert in your playing. Gravity is a concept that few drummers think about, but when you are sitting too low and trying to hammer away quick double bass (or single bass) rhythmic patterns you’re exerting more energy than needed. You are also putting your knuckles at risk of being slammed against the rim of your snare, which sucks to deal with mid-set. Sitting higher gives you room to breathe and play with better consistency.