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Drummer / Roadie / Tech

As I was unloading the car from a recent gig, I realized how much 'stuff' we all need to bring to a gig. A lifetime ago when I had a road crew and techs to support the band I didn't think much about it, but now - and like 99.9% of our drumming community we are drummers, roadies and techs all rolled up into one.

For me, I currently have two main kits I use along with about 6 different snares used based on the gig and/or music to be performed.

My main kit is a 2000 DW Collectors Series Maple kit:

  • 8" x 10" rack (not shown)

  • 9" x 12" rack

  • 12" x 14" floor

  • 18" x 22" kick

I purchased this when it was only 6 months old and has been my go-to kit for the past 18 years.

My secondary and/or rehearsal kit is a 2017 Gretsch Catalina Club Series Mahogany kit in a Classic finish of White Marine Pearl:

  • 9" x 12" rack

  • 12" x 14" floor

  • 14" x 19" kick

Assorted 'go to' snares: including Dunnett Brass, Pearl Free Floater Maple, CT Steel with Hammered Copper inlay, Phoenix Custom Aluminum Acrolite.

Dunnett Brass 2N 5.5 x 14

Pearl Maple Free Floater 5.5 x 14

CT Hammered Brass 6.5 x 14

Phoenix Drum Co Acrolite Custom 5 x 14

But wait - on a gig what to bring? The bands I play in perform a multitude of styles and music from Classic Rock, Motown, Funk and Soul and the big horn bands like Chicago, Earth Wind and Fire and Blood Sweat and Tears. Sometimes I don't know what song is going to be called next so I need to be ready.

Here is what 'ready' looked like on a recent gig, covering both the kit and assorted accessories and 'stuff' required for the gig.

DW kit on gig

  • DW Kit with 12, 14 and 22

  • Dunnett 5.5 x 14 Brass Snare

  • Paiste 20" Bright Ride

  • Paste 15" 2002 Sound Edge Hi-hats

  • Zildjian 16" Medium Thin crash

  • Zildjian 17" Medium Thin crash

  • Zildjian 12" K Splash

  • Yamaha Single brace Cymbal and Snare stand

  • DW 3000 Kit drum pedal

  • DW 5000 Hi-Hat pedal

  • Roland SPD One Percussion pad

  • Accessories:

  • Kaces Crash Pad Drum Rug

  • Evans Uv1 heads on toms

  • Evans EMAD on kick

  • Remo Clear Ambassador on tom bottoms

  • Remo Coated Emperor on snare

  • Remo Clear Ambassador on snare bottom

  • PureSound 20 snare wire

  • Vater 7A Hickory Nylon Tip sticks

  • ProMark Lightning Rods

  • ProMark Nylon Brushes

  • RhythmTech Hi-hat tambourine

  • Cympads cymbals washers

  • Hendrix Sleeved Washers on lugs

  • Pork Pie Percussion throne

  • Bass Plate Pedal Docking

  • KickPort

  • LowBoy Custom Beater

  • Tackle Stick and accessories bag(s)

  • Big Fat Snare Drum ring

  • Evans eRing

  • Meinl Rawhide Maracas

  • LP Twist Shaker

  • Behringer Eurolive Monitor

  • AKG D1122 Kick Mic

  • Kelly Shu shock mount for Kick

  • Shure SM58 Beta Vocal Mic

  • Ultimate Mic stand

  • iPad Gen 3 with clamp stand

  • Assorted wires, extension cords to make the electronics work!

No wonder I am exhausted after every gig!

The setup I love - since I can carry in everything in one trip!:

  • Meinl Cajone and Pedal

  • Pearl Maple 3 x 14 Piccolo snare

  • Other items referenced above

And this one - can you say Kick, Snare Hat along with the lightweight DW6000 Series stands?

These are just a few variations of kits and configurations I use on gigs and I am sure all drummers have similar setups but it is really interesting when you take a look at everything you bring to a gig - "just in case"......


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