[Personguy]

QUOTE (Exxon @ Monday, Jul 23 2012, 14:34)

QUOTE (Exxon @ Friday, Jul 20 2012, 21:03) Are there sites or programs to download songs from without certain music layers, in this case the drums? That'd help me for practicing Black or White Anyone, please?

Have you heard a program called guitar pro? You download a guitar pro file and it opens it with the separate instruments all with tabs. You can mute and isolate certain instruments. Unfortunately it's rather robotic, but it's still very useful.

[TheGreatGig23]

QUOTE (Exxon @ Friday, Jul 20 2012, 22:03)

You're right, I guess, but it's better to play happy than completely uninterested

Oh! I thought you meant "image" as in dress sense I agree somewhat but I suppose it's personal preference. It's definitely far more enjoyable to watch a happy drummer.

That dude is bad ass on those drums. I listened to that a few times. Good luck learning it and make sure you show us when you're done, man.

@ Blackadder: Nice job on those songs "Sad But True" has one of the most intense introductions ever.

Speaking of Metallica, here's one of my personal favourites. The drums are just so damn good.



Edit: Exxon, after checking out some more of that guys videos, I'm now hooked. He some seriously tasty fills going on. This cover just knocked me out of my chair.



This post has been edited by TheGreatGig23 on Monday, Jul 23 2012, 17:19

[Exxon]

@TheGreatGig23
You don't have to tell me he's awesome, I've seen quite some video's of his and I know he's awesome
Especially this awesome drum cover of Bomfunk MC's Freestyler is just unf*ckingbelievable (2:10 & 3:44 )



But don't get excited on my drumming, I've only been drumming for 2 months now (1 or 2 times a week), I'm going to Kos now and my version is by far, and far not as good as his
My version has quite some fills from him, but it's very, very basic and rookie

Edit
I just watched that video you mentioned, and I gotta say it's awesome
Added it as .mp3 to my music and songs on my phone, perfect for going to Kos

Damn, I use a lot of smileys :S

This post has been edited by Exxon on Tuesday, Jul 24 2012, 09:12

[Blackadder.]

QUOTE (buzbegone @ Monday, Jul 23 2012, 19:22)

Ashamed to admit it, I've learned the majority of my skills from Rock Band. It's actually quite an intriguing experience, learning how nippy Mitch Mitchell is or how unexpected and kick-happy Keith Moon was and playing their songs note for note has built me.

Heh, Rock Band is what got me interested in drumming and formed a good starting point for me too. As long as you're making the connection as to what drum you're supposedly hitting as opposed to Yellow Green Blue etc then I think it's a great way to practice and learn new songs.

Unfortunately there used to be a folder on Mediafire which had a tonne of Guitar Hero and Rock Band rips, this was great because you could download the song, and since GH/RB tracks are seperated for gameplay purposes you could strip out the drum track leaving you with a perfect studio sounding version with the ability to put your drum track in (or other instrument) without having the other one at all. Unfortunately after Megaupload got taken down Mediafire as well as a bunch of other file hosting sites cracked down and started removing content and unfortunately this huge collection disappeared. I managed to get some Metallica and some other songs before it went down but it literally had almost every GH/RB song including DLC up to Rock Band 3. It's a shame really.

[Exxon]

Shame this topic didn't get along well

I want to ask the few drummers here: what kind of sticks do or did you use?
The ones I have now are Haymann Hickory 7A, but they are almost used up.
I think I'm going to buy thicker ones like the 5A hoping for them to last longer.

So, how do or did you guys experience this issue?

[buzbegone]

QUOTE (Blackadder. @ Tuesday, Jul 24 2012, 17:48)

QUOTE (buzbegone @ Monday, Jul 23 2012, 19:22) Ashamed to admit it, I've learned the majority of my skills from Rock Band. It's actually quite an intriguing experience, learning how nippy Mitch Mitchell is or how unexpected and kick-happy Keith Moon was and playing their songs note for note has built me. Heh, Rock Band is what got me interested in drumming and formed a good starting point for me too. As long as you're making the connection as to what drum you're supposedly hitting as opposed to Yellow Green Blue etc then I think it's a great way to practice and learn new songs. Unfortunately there used to be a folder on Mediafire which had a tonne of Guitar Hero and Rock Band rips, this was great because you could download the song, and since GH/RB tracks are seperated for gameplay purposes you could strip out the drum track leaving you with a perfect studio sounding version with the ability to put your drum track in (or other instrument) without having the other one at all. Unfortunately after Megaupload got taken down Mediafire as well as a bunch of other file hosting sites cracked down and started removing content and unfortunately this huge collection disappeared. I managed to get some Metallica and some other songs before it went down but it literally had almost every GH/RB song including DLC up to Rock Band 3. It's a shame really.

Yeah and I've been playing it long enough to differentiate what's a flam and what's a double hit on the snare/hi tom.
I managed to snag up a sh*t ton of multitracks if you're after any. It's absolutely fantastic listening to the split vocals on Sounds of Silence.

@ Exxon, I think I use a pair of maple 7As. They've gone through a lot in the past 3-4 months and haven't shown any signs of cracking and are the lighest sticks I own.
Unless you're planning to do Death Metal, I 'd recommend 7A.

[Blackadder.]

I have 4 pairs of sticks, Vic Firth 5A's, Vic Firth Extreme 5A's, Vic Firth 3A's and Ahead Lars Ulrich Signature Sticks. All are Nylon Tipped, and the latter two are good for building up endurance, after I play for a day or two with those and go back to the 5A's I fly around the kit. I also like to use the LU sticks sometimes when I feel like playing heavier songs, I'm not sure why but I just prefer them for that sort of stuff.

The benefit of playing on an e-kit is it takes a LONG time for your sticks to break.

[TheGreatGig23]

I have two pairs of black Vic Firth 5A's and a pair of cheap-ass 7A's which, despite being cheap, are seriously bloody hardy. My Vic Firths are showing signs of wear and tear but they're holding up pretty well. I'd love to get the Lars Ulrich Signatures but seeing as I don't have a kit at the moment there isn't much point. I'm considering buying an electric kit simply so I can keep myself going. I don't want to lose a skill that I've invested so much time and energy on.

[Blackadder.]

If you're looking at e-kits feel free to ask me any questions you have. I've spent a lot of time researching them before iIpurchased one ( A Roland TD-9) so I'd be willing to help you with any queries you had.

Also I'd recommend finding a music store nearby if possible before trying out the LU sticks, they're definitely not for everyone especially since they're made of aluminum (with a plastic cover) with will provide a different feel in your hand. I gave them a quick go at a locl store before buying them online (they were about $20 cheaper that way).

[TheGreatGig23]

I've played using LU sticks before as my mate has a pair. They do, indeed, take a bit of getting used to. They're a bit pricey which is why I'd rather have a proper kit when I get them so I can get the most out of them straight away.

Also, cheers for offering the advice. I don't really have any questions right now but I'll give you a shout when I do. I'll probably buy the cheapest piece of crap I can find, to be honest. All I need is something to practice on without making too much noise. Actually, I do have one question, how simple would it be to set up a double-bass pedal?

[Blackadder.]

They are a bit more than your standard sticks but at least the signature ones aren't a lot more expensive than the standard ones (only about 50c more).

I know it's tempting to get a cheapo kit and say 'well I only want to practice' but I'd really discourage against buying the cheapest thing you can find. The sounds in the modules on these are atrocious, they don't support dual or triple zone pads, which means you can't do rimshots, or choke your cymbals. I used to have an ION Drum Rocker for Rock Band 2, which is basically the equivalent of the cheapest e-kit you can buy from Medeli/Alesis and boy did it's quality reflect the price. The cymbals felt horrible if you hit them even partially on the edge, the rack was fairly unstable even with only a few pads on it and the pads themself flaked up after not to long and bubbled making them feel like total sh*t.

I really recommend checking craigslist or any other similar sites for 2nd hand Roland/Yamaha kits. They usually build their stuff well enough that you won't have problems with buying it 2nd hand. I bought my TD-9 which costs $2200 new for $850 second hand, fully functional with a bass drum pedal (which you don't get with Roland kits new). So definately look at 2nd hand first, you can get a good kit for cheaper than it costs to buy a crappier one new.

As for your double bass question do you mean in general or for e-kits in general? You pretty much set them up the same for acoustic or electronic kits, just attach the main pedal to your bass drum/kick trigger, then connect the rod from the slave pedal to the main pedal and it's set up! Of course you'll want to fiddle with how you've placed the pedals, and spring tension (which can be a bit tricky to match on each side) but it's quite simple to set up the pedals themself. If you're still in the market for double pedals two I can suggest are the Pearl Eliminators 2002C, and the Tama Iron Cobras. I own the former and have tried the latter and both are great pedals with a lot of tweakability to them. If those are a bit out of your price range the Pearl P902 is also a good option, I owned the single pedal version and it was a great simple pedal that just worked. Again see if you can find any 2nd hand ones for a better price, these pedals are built quite well.

[Exxon]

QUOTE (buzbegone @ Friday, Aug 17 2012, 23:27)

@ Exxon, I think I use a pair of maple 7As. They've gone through a lot in the past 3-4 months and haven't shown any signs of cracking and are the lighest sticks I own. Unless you're planning to do Death Metal, I 'd recommend 7A.

Mines are from Hayman, and this is after barely two months, maybe 5 or 6 hours in one week (I always go drumming two times)



EDIT
These (click) are the sticks I can choose from, which do you guys think are the best?
Don't look at the prices please

This post has been edited by Exxon on Sunday, Aug 19 2012, 11:24

[TheGreatGig23]

QUOTE (Blackadder. @ Sunday, Aug 19 2012, 06:39)

I really recommend checking craigslist or any other similar sites for 2nd hand Roland/Yamaha kits. They usually build their stuff well enough that you won't have problems with buying it 2nd hand. I bought my TD-9 which costs $2200 new for $850 second hand, fully functional with a bass drum pedal (which you don't get with Roland kits new). So definately look at 2nd hand first, you can get a good kit for cheaper than it costs to buy a crappier one new.

It's funny that you should suggest this as I started looking at second hand kits last night. I then started thinking about just getting an acoustic kit anyway (saving the cost of buying two kits) and simply dampening it. I've never felt comfortable playing on an electric kit so I think the latter option may be best.

As for the pedal, I meant on an electric kit. The kit I played on had an odd set-up with the bass pedal so I thought that might have been a standard thing. I actually used to have the Pearl P902. I bagged it for £100 so I was pretty chuffed with it.

As I said though, I'll be looking into dampening an acoustic kit. Seeing as though I have my own place, the time and the money (after saving for a while) I think I'll treat myself to something truly worthy. Once that's done I can start getting back into playing gigs, something I need to do desperately.

[Exxon]

Could anyone help me with my previous post?

[Blackadder.]

I haven't used any other sticks than Vic Firth American Classic, so I can't compare any other sticks to them, I can however recommend purchasing them, they have a nice feel to them, are nylon tipped (which I prefer, I'm not sure about you) and come from a reliable brand. I heard mixed reviews from people buying Vater sticks (some say they rock, some say they suck and break too easily). Of course I can't help you pick size, thats up to you. If you have a music store go in and try out each size for a few minutes to see which one suits you.

[Exxon]

I got a question to not let this topic die people:

Which kick technique do you use?
Flatfoot, heel toe or slide?

I practiced the slide technique today, worked quite well.
Still practicing though, because I don't find it fast enough

[TheGreatGig23]

Ah man, I hadn't seen your previous post. If it's not too late, I've always stuck with Vic Firth, too, so I'd definitely recommend them.

As for bass technique, I started off playing heel-up but eventually switched to playing flat-foot. It's far more comfortable for me and allows me to play faster and more precisely. I've tried playing "slide" but I couldn't get to grips with it, more so with my left foot.

[Exxon]

I've practiced for 1 to 2 hours on it and my slide is quite fast in my opinion.
Especially given the short time, because it might be less than 1 hour due to me just practicing the song I've been practicing on for the entire time ...
Though it's now getting shape

And thanks for the advice on the sticks, guess my next sticks will be Vic Firth.
These Hayman seem to last longer than expected, but the Vic's will be my next ones

[Exxon]

No passionate drummers I guess?

But I've got a question: I'm finally (probably) getting my own drummingkit.
The cymbals are from Magic and Stagg, the guy from the music organisation where I drum says they are quite useless.
Is it? I'm surely not expecting TRX quality, but are they really bad?

I am going to buy this kit anyway, it has 3 crashes, a ride and a splash and some "LP cow bell" and it'a only €300 which should be around $250?
I'm probably going to replace them after a while when I have the money again.

[TheGreatGig23]

I've never used them myself but I've never heard good words about Stagg. As for Magic, I've never even heard of them at all. If you're getting a kit that cheap then it's likely the cymbals will be pretty rubbish. The ones I got with my first kit ended up splitting after about a week or so. Personally I've always gone with Paiste cymbals. They always sound so damn clean and sharp. I had a set of TRX hi-hats at one point but sold them with a profit of £40. After them I had the most beautiful set of Zildjian hi-hats that were from around the 1970's. Selling them is one of the worst decisions I've ever made.