Whats up to all my brothers in the drummin world!

Long story short...

I used to be a simple jazz drummer...ive been seriously drumming for about 8 to 9 years and ill be turning 20 in september...
anyway...my jazz set up was was tiny... a kick drum...2 toms...hi hats...1 crash...1 ride and a snare...and i was happy...recently...ive evolved my jazz roots by joining a hardcore band...very much into the double bass and break downs...ive only added another crash and one other tom...i love my set up...its easy and simple and i can really work it...

However when i play shows with other hardcore and metal bands...i see drummers with countless cymbals and drums...im glad that there giving themselves more to work with but...i cant see myself with all that gear...i just love keeping to a minimal and was wondering if any of you feel the same way?

-ZaQ-








_________________
-Bringin Back The Breakdown-

I totally disagree~

but this is a discussion forum and I think it's cool that we can discuss different perspectives and learn from each other.
I can see the appeal of minimal setups, and I respect the choice and preference, but it is not something I personally prefer.

arguments tend to arise when discussing big vs small kits, but I think we can have a conversation about preference without resorting to that.
I have misgivings about the phrase 'less is more,' but there's probably no point going into it except to say that I don't subscribe to that theory.

have you got some pics of your kit? Post them in the 'show your kit section' if so, we love seeing each other's gear!
welcome to DML








_________________
analog missionary
M=yspace

ZaQ[MTG] wrote:

Whats up to all my brothers in the drummin world!

Long story short...

I used to be a simple jazz drummer...ive been seriously drumming for about 8 to 9 years and ill be turning 20 in september...
anyway...my jazz set up was was tiny... a kick drum...2 toms...hi hats...1 crash...1 ride and a snare...and i was happy...recently...ive evolved my jazz roots by joining a hardcore band...very much into the double bass and break downs...ive only added another crash and one other tom...i love my set up...its easy and simple and i can really work it...

However when i play shows with other hardcore and metal bands...i see drummers with countless cymbals and drums...im glad that there giving themselves more to work with but...i cant see myself with all that gear...i just love keeping to a minimal and was wondering if any of you feel the same way?

-ZaQ-

i was the same way
i had
2 toms
2 floor toms
2 crashes
a ride
a high hat
snare
with a pdp double bass pedal
and just last week got 2 chinas and a splash
i liked the simpler set, but i dont want to take the others off
i took my second tom off for more room
now i cant do many good fills








_________________
"i dont NEED to have rhythm, i'm death metal"

m wrote:

I totally disagree~

but this is a discussion forum and I think it's cool that we can discuss different perspectives and learn from each other.
I can see the appeal of minimal setups, and I respect the choice and preference, but it is not something I personally prefer.

arguments tend to arise when discussing big vs small kits, but I think we can have a conversation about preference without resorting to that.
I have misgivings about the phrase 'less is more,' but there's probably no point going into it except to say that I don't subscribe to that theory.

have you got some pics of your kit? Post them in the 'show your kit section' if so, we love seeing each other's gear!
welcome to DML

I Totally agree bro...it all comes own to personal preference like you said...and will hopefully ave pics of my kit on here soon...

may i ask what type of kit ur playin?

ZaQ








_________________
-Bringin Back The Breakdown-

ZaQ[MTG] wrote:

I Totally agree bro...it all comes own to personal preference like you said...and will hopefully ave pics of my kit on here soon...
may i ask what type of kit ur playin?

cool; we look forward to seeing them!
I've got a couple different kits, for gigging vs recording.

5 pc Po Boy maple/birch

Tama Granstar birch & Roland V's

we've also got a 6 pc DW collectors kit in the studio, but it's sitting in the corner catching dust since I got the Po Boys.








_________________
analog missionary
M=yspace

It's a touchy thing for many drummers. I like to be prepared, but I also don't like to have drums and cymbals I don't need. I really like the feel of 1 rack and one floor tom, with my ride where the other tom normally is, but I also don't like being unprepared. I'm probably going to switch to 2 bass drums to put that ride where I like it and still be prepared for everything.

Of course, if you're playing a jazz show and show up with 2 huge bass drums and a million chinas, you're probably going to get booed off stage.

Why is it that drummers with small kits feel the need to start posts complaining about large kits and how they're happy with their small kits and that large kits are a waste of time? I've never seen a large kit owner start a thread saying how rediculous and limiting a small kit is.

Is it drum envy?








_________________
www.pjclevenger.com

www.medicinemandrumsaz.com

DML Special: 20% off all drums.

Two wrongs don't make a right, but three rights do make a left!

less isnt more. less cannot be more, its not physically possible unless you change the meaning of one of the words to by synonymous with the other, but that would be stupid. if less is more then everything is exactly the same, and we cant have that.

i respect your decision to play a smaller setup. i personally like a bit larger setup and am currently playing a 6 pc yamaha set with 9 cymbals. later on i will add to the set and my cymbal collection.

ive played smaller setups and theyre fun as a "this is different, i like the idea" kind of thing but they never stick with me. i like my 6 pc too but id like another floor tom to keep permanently on my left side and im looking at a 4pc set of octobans as well as some hand percussion....because more is more and you can get more sounds out of more gear.








_________________

Timekeep69 wrote:

Why is it that drummers with small kits feel the need to start posts complaining about large kits and how they're happy with their small kits and that large kits are a waste of time? I've never seen a large kit owner start a thread saying how rediculous and limiting a small kit is.

Is it drum envy?

In no way am i attacking drummers with large kits...i consider a drum set a reflection of ones self...a thumb print if you will...its not my motive to say which is best...i just feel more comfortable with less around me...i have no problem making my kit sound as full as a bigger set...once again its just a personal preference if a bigger kit works for you then more power to you...no drum envy here...

-ZaQ-








_________________
-Bringin Back The Breakdown-

I don't really care, I'll play with whatever is in front of me. I love playing regular 4 piece sets, I love playing monster sets. Doesn't really matter. What matters is that it sucks lugging around a monster kit...lets please not begin to make this thread a kit size/penis size correlation thread!

Also, I think I'm the only drummer that does enjoy playing on other peoples kits. It makes you see things differently sometimes.








_________________
Rata-tata-zzzzzzz......Drums Always!

www.youtube.com/robthedrummer

Rob the Drummer wrote:

I don't really care, I'll play with whatever is in front of me. I love playing regular 4 piece sets, I love playing monster sets. Doesn't really matter. What matters is that it sucks lugging around a monster kit...lets please not begin to make this thread a kit size/penis size correlation thread!

Amen to you Broski

-ZaQ-








_________________
-Bringin Back The Breakdown-

It all comes down to what works for you. Also remember the more you bring, the more you set up, take down etc.(unless you have racks/skids) For me I like my 7/11 kit(drums/cymbals), and would feel the loss of even one piece. I'm still thinking of adding 2 more drums, and 3 or 4 more cymbals, but $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ we'll see.








_________________
I PROUDLY ENDORSE MEDICINE MAN DRUMS AND SALUDA CYMBALS, and Bud light.



www.drumroadtrip.com
www.myspace.com/newconceptpercussion
www.myspace.com/bngrzn

ZaQ[MTG] wrote:

Whats up to all my brothers in the drummin world!

Long story short...

I used to be a simple jazz drummer...ive been seriously drumming for about 8 to 9 years and ill be turning 20 in september...
anyway...my jazz set up was was tiny... a kick drum...2 toms...hi hats...1 crash...1 ride and a snare...and i was happy...recently...ive evolved my jazz roots by joining a hardcore band...very much into the double bass and break downs...ive only added another crash and one other tom...i love my set up...its easy and simple and i can really work it...

However when i play shows with other hardcore and metal bands...i see drummers with countless cymbals and drums...im glad that there giving themselves more to work with but...i cant see myself with all that gear...i just love keeping to a minimal and was wondering if any of you feel the same way?

-ZaQ-

The drummer from This Is Hell has one bass drum, one rack tom, and one floor tom with about 4 cymbals, and he's still pretty amazing, don't let size get to your head, just worry about playing right.








_________________
"A cult is a religion with no political power." - Tom Wolfe

Eventual Acoustic/Ambient/Stuff band

I have an old 7pc Tama kit and tons of cymbals. Back in the day I used to use every drum and cymbal I had along with extra goodies thrown in. It was the 80's and it was all about the bling. After a while, I got tired of draggin all that crap to every gig, setting it up and tearing it down each time. I started limiting what I'd bring based on the show being played, size of the venue, etc. More often than not, I'd end up using 4 or 5 pcs with 3 or 4 cymbals and a hi-hat. I could get the same job done with less but it's good to know I have more if I need it.

Anymore, I stick with a middle of the road sized kit and it works great (for me).

i honestly have no preference, i play a 6 piece but i would just as happily play a 4 piece, i have fun no matter what not counting those days where you suck it up and can't think of anything creative to play








_________________
After I funked my drumset at 11 o'clock, i rocked it all night long, and then we swung til the early morning, where I jazzed all over it. The next day my drumset and i did a little reggae, then shuffled, made a little salsa, and then waltzed.

whatever is comfortable will work. Ive seen some amazing drummers on big and small kits...but when a drummer can shred on a small kit and make less SOUND like more, Im always more impressed! Check out candiria or dillinger escape plan if your into hardcore. both guys play with 3 -4 piece sets and really play some amazing stuff! you might like my band www.myspace.com/mutuallines if you like dbl bass and breakdown stuff...








_________________
Check out my bands! www.myspace.com/mutuallines www.myspace.com/osiva757 let me know what you think!

Timekeep69 wrote:

Why is it that drummers with small kits feel the need to start posts complaining about large kits and how they're happy with their small kits and that large kits are a waste of time? I've never seen a large kit owner start a thread saying how rediculous and limiting a small kit is.

Is it drum envy?

YES. I play a small kit because it's easy but if I had a pair of cojones, I'd probably have a bigger kit too.








_________________
Do what you can and do it well.

www.myspace.com/spacelounge1
www.myspace.com/whitehallsessions

"Less is more" tends to be a difficult concept for most younger/less experienced players. It's a concept that everyone needs to learn for themselves and it only happens with time.








_________________

Dr. Rodney McKay wrote:

Well, I only know one thing and that is that flying darkness that eats energy can only be very, very bad.

http://www.MySpace.com/PageFive

Less isn't more.

Less isn't worse than more.

More isn't better.

More is simply that... more stuff.

some people will say, what matters more is what you DO with the stuff you have

my question is... does it REALLY make the music better?

I've NEVER been in a situation where I saw a drummer with a 4 piece kit and said, "man, i wish he had more stuff"

I HAVE been in situations where I saw a drummer with a shit-ton of gear and wondered "why?"

so, my take on it is.. whatever you feel better with.

on that note, I use a 4 piece kit and have had NO problems with metal/hardcore styled stuff.

I do however take note when we play with bands that have full rack systems and countless toms and cymbals and it takes them 40 minutes to get their gear on and off stage on a 5 band bill.








_________________
www.jeffgretz.com
www.myspace.com/jeffgretzmusic
www.myspace.com/fromautumntoashes
www.myspace.com/zao
www.myspace.com/conelrad


Precision Custom Drums
Regal Tip Sticks
Sabian Cymbals
Evans Drumheads

SGarrett wrote:

"Less is more" tends to be a difficult concept for most younger/less experienced players. It's a concept that everyone needs to learn for themselves and it only happens with time.

_________________
www.pjclevenger.com

www.medicinemandrumsaz.com

DML Special: 20% off all drums.

Two wrongs don't make a right, but three rights do make a left!

"Less is more" is just another loaded catch fraise thrown around by jazz band flunkies to inflate themselves while trying to diminish the talents of others.

What is a "jazz flunkie?"

is there a test??

i make a living playing metal/hardcore type music for the most part.

I like the 4 piece because i've never been in a situation where i said, "I can't do that because I don't have more drums"

do i get looked at weird when we play with other bands that have larger sets?
sometimes

do i care?
not at all

and 9 times out of 10 the only people that find it odd are other drummers.
and other drummers don't give you gigs.
guitar players and bass players do

the "less is more" arguement is no more or a cop out than hiding behind a bunch of gear.

i'm merely saying that if you're going to have all that stuff... use it in a tasteful way








_________________
www.jeffgretz.com
www.myspace.com/jeffgretzmusic
www.myspace.com/fromautumntoashes
www.myspace.com/zao
www.myspace.com/conelrad


Precision Custom Drums
Regal Tip Sticks
Sabian Cymbals
Evans Drumheads

What is a "jazz flunkie?"

I said jazz band flunky, in reference to those whose only experience is high school jazz band and online forums. They're great at pointing to the experience of other more famous drummers like they're reading the stats of a baseball card, but can't add anything beyond slogans like "groove" and "less is more".

i make a living playing metal/hardcore type music for the most part.

I make my living setting tile, mostly to pay for playing black and death metal

I like the 4 piece because i've never been in a situation where i said, "I can't do that because I don't have more drums"

More power to you, just don't tell me that everyone who has a 4 piece is great about getting their stuff on and offstage

Do I care what you play?
Not at all
Do I care when internet forums are full of losers insulting my genre of music, my style of playing, my gear?
Yes

do i get looked at weird when we play with other bands that have larger sets?
sometimes
and 9 times out of 10 the only people that find it odd are other drummers.
and other drummers don't give you gigs.
guitar players and bass players do

It seems drummers in general are more concerned with what other people are doing to pay attention to focus on there own talents. It would benefit us all to focus on what we are doing ourselves.

the "less is more" argument is no more or a cop out than hiding behind a bunch of gear.

Yes it is. Less is more is insinuating that playing on less gear somehow makes you better, just like saying having more gear makes you better.

i'm merely saying that if you're going to have all that stuff... use it in a tasteful way

Then say that, not "less is more"

empyrean,

i don't think anyone (at least not in this thread) was insulting your playing style or gear.

I happen to like black/death metal (a lot actually), my point was that it's not CRUCIAL to have a lot of gear to play that style.

I said eariler, Less is NOT exactly more

I was also pointing out that MORE is not BETTER

it depends on what you do with it.

Less is more = More is better. Both are dangerous roads to travel down

i think you were misunderstanding my point








_________________
www.jeffgretz.com
www.myspace.com/jeffgretzmusic
www.myspace.com/fromautumntoashes
www.myspace.com/zao
www.myspace.com/conelrad


Precision Custom Drums
Regal Tip Sticks
Sabian Cymbals
Evans Drumheads

Gretz wrote:

empyrean,

i don't think anyone (at least not in this thread) was insulting your playing style or gear.

I happen to like black/death metal (a lot actually), my point was that it's not CRUCIAL to have a lot of gear to play that style.

I said eariler, Less is NOT exactly more

I was also pointing out that MORE is not BETTER

it depends on what you do with it.

Less is more = More is better. Both are dangerous roads to travel down

i think you were misunderstanding my point

I wasn't singling you out (or even reallyu refering to you). If you don't think there are any insulting comments, you need to re-read this thread. This forum is full of the same condescending tone towards extreme metal drummers that is typical of most of the drumming community. Some may not be aware of the insulting nature of their comments, but it is insulting none the less. Some may say I have a chip on my shoulder, and that may be right. I've put up with it for almost 2 decades, but after watching those douchbags walk out on Marco Minneman for playing "Seven", it's time for a change.

While I'm not a fan of extereme metal drumming, I do have nothing but respect for any drummer who can play those beats for 2-3 minutes at a time. That drumming takes alot of stamina to do.

Kudos to extreme metal drummers.








_________________
www.pjclevenger.com

www.medicinemandrumsaz.com

DML Special: 20% off all drums.

Two wrongs don't make a right, but three rights do make a left!

Do whatever you like. Part of developing your own style is to not make changes based on what everybody else does. You can try using a bigger set up, and if you like it, that's cool. But changing your style just because everybody else is doing it is not necessary.

well, I've been on a kick about semantics lately, so maybe this would be the right thread to ask;

if you believe in the "Less is More" philosophy, what does it mean to you? Why do you use that phrase?

I know it's not literal. The fact that it's an oxymoron means it can't be literal.
But if you apply it to mean "fewer pieces of gear is better/more appropriate," how few is exactly few enough?
Is a 4 pc better than a 5 pc under "less is more" law? Is a 1-pc kit the ultimate embodiment of the LiM mantra?
am I asking unanswerable questions again?








_________________
analog missionary
M=yspace

Play what you like to play, who gives a fuck what people think about it. Believe in yourself and your philosophies. Play drums.

Too many of these threads turn into "my way is better than yours" because some people have something against others. Deal with it, this is a discussion forum, not a bashing forum.

I believe less can be more in the appropriate situation, however if you need the tools to play certain things, use them! Again, it's not the size of the kit, it's how you play it.








_________________
Rata-tata-zzzzzzz......Drums Always!

www.youtube.com/robthedrummer

Quote:

who gives a f@#k what people think about it.
Deal with it, this is a discussion forum, not a bashing forum.

just a general observation, not directed at the quoted poster per se~
this is the whole reason I participate on a forum like this. I DO care what other people think, that's why I like to hear what they think, expressed clearly so I can understand their point of view. I think we can learn from each other's perspective.

Yes, it's a discussion forum. So let's discuss these topics, not just use phrases as mottos, but spell it out- say what we really mean.








_________________
analog missionary
M=yspace

m wrote:

well, I've been on a kick about semantics lately, so maybe this would be the right thread to ask;

if you believe in the "Less is More" philosophy, what does it mean to you? Why do you use that phrase?

I know it's not literal. The fact that it's an oxymoron means it can't be literal.
But if you apply it to mean "fewer pieces of gear is better/more appropriate," how few is exactly few enough?
Is a 4 pc better than a 5 pc under "less is more" law? Is a 1-pc kit the ultimate embodiment of the LiM mantra?
am I asking unanswerable questions again?

thats a very good question, and you made me think about something that i hadnt thought about before...

if less is more then by defalut more is also less which is implied but never directly stated by the ones that live by the less is more philosophy. logic says that the more you have the more you can do but many people dont believe that idea. id love to hear the responses you get to this.








_________________

Rob the Drummer wrote:

Play what you like to play, who gives a fuck what people think about it. Believe in yourself and your philosophies. Play drums.

Too many of these threads turn into "my way is better than yours" because some people have something against others. Deal with it, this is a discussion forum, not a bashing forum.

I believe less can be more in the appropriate situation, however if you need the tools to play certain things, use them! Again, it's not the size of the kit, it's how you play it.

Once again, I agree with Rob.

I'll try to explain this. Younger/less experienced drummers tend to spend most of their time working on and blowing chops. As you progress you start to gain musical maturity and you play fewer notes while focusing on the feel. A great example is the change in Joey Jordison's playing from the first to second Slipknot albums. He played "less" and as a result "more" of the music was heard. Instead of using drum acrobatics to cover up melody and bass lines he let them breathe and be heard. If you're just looking at it in the literal sense, of course less isn't more. Less is always less in the literal sense, but how often is art talked about in the literal sense? If you're thinking about it like that you're too concerned with the acrobatics and techniques of playing. Every experienced player has been through that phase in their playing. So when an older/more experienced player says "less is more" they're speaking from the same experiences you're currently going through. There are very few situations where over-playing is appropriate.

With the number of instruments you chose to use, again, it matters how you use them. Jason Bittner uses his big kit very musically but the guy at the local club with the 19 piece kit and 57 cymbals who just plays basic beats doesn't need the kit. Someone who knows how to get more than one sound out of a drum generally doesn't need a lot of drums either. Cymbal colors are nice but too many can be a temptation to over-play and cover up melody lines with crashes in the confines of many genres.

"Less is more" just means that everyone is working together and playing for the song instead of playing for themselves and/or trying to be a musician's musician. It's when you know you can pull off the triple parama-ratta-flama-drag in perfect time but don't need to to make the music move and feel good. Again, this is something people have to come to on their own and it just takes time and experience to get to "musical maturity".








_________________

Dr. Rodney McKay wrote:

Well, I only know one thing and that is that flying darkness that eats energy can only be very, very bad.

http://www.MySpace.com/PageFive

Here's an idea - Speak for Yourself.

Empyrean Drums wrote:

Here's an idea - Speak for Yourself.

Read this month's Modern Drummer.








_________________

Dr. Rodney McKay wrote:

Well, I only know one thing and that is that flying darkness that eats energy can only be very, very bad.

http://www.MySpace.com/PageFive

Empyrean Drums wrote:

Here's an idea - Speak for Yourself.

Haha, coming from a guy that 90% of what his band plays, requires a double kick, snare, and a couple cymbals. I'm not saying your music is bad, but you don't need a lot of equipment to play it.








_________________
Rata-tata-zzzzzzz......Drums Always!

www.youtube.com/robthedrummer

I always hated hearing that phrase. It's designed to let the steam out of one's sail... "Less is more...." Bah!!

On one hand, less options of things to hit=More chance to learn to "dig deep" rather than "wide". Less gear to carry in or out=More cool for you! Less stuf on stage=More happy bandmembers that they get to stretch out on stage.

But there's the "other side". What gets your energy going better than a big array of stuff to smack around and all those cool noises spring forth? Sheesh I kinda miss those days. I don't even use a splash cymbal anymore and I can remember the day when I HAD to have at least one and felt so naked without it! So yeah, having fun things to play and do the things you hear in your mind mean alot to creating "more" to begin with. To this day I go and add another drum to my kit, then I can't stand it after awhile!! So It's back to the 4pc. kit.....

I kinda figured it all out though. No matter how or what you are playing, you cannot lose sight of the ENERGY that you radiate. There's many ways to ride the wave so to speak. So that's where I get my ya-yas out.


~B








_________________
13612
www.billraydrums.com
www.myspace.com/billraydrums

I'll take a couple of things that sound great before alot of things that sound crappy..Tho I must say I've heard guys that can make noise into music..I know a guy that had ( in my opinion ) a bad sounding rack tom on a beat up ole four piece..He had no bottom head on the rack and his floor had the bottom a head ( floor sounded great )..There was no match between the two..I would play that kit at blues jams and think, " jeeez, this thing sounds like crap ' but he would get behind it and smoke..His cymbals also sounded ( in my opinion ) weak..But man that guy could play and when it was all said and done he played for like 8 bands in the area..!! he had less and made it sound great..Tho I like havin a bit more cuz I like options..!!








_________________
Not into all that competetive who's better crap..Just love to have fun when I drum..!! <|:O)

www.myspace.com/70275304

Rob the Drummer wrote:

Empyrean Drums wrote:

Here's an idea - Speak for Yourself.

Haha, coming from a guy that 90% of what his band plays, requires a double kick, snare, and a couple cymbals. I'm not saying your music is bad, but you don't need a lot of equipment to play it.

....and a couple of toms. But what works for me doesn't work for everyone

There are alot of sayings out there..Ya know ? Like KISS ? Keep it simple stupid..Really we all understand what the term means..If someone wrote something in 5/4 and the it changes to 3/4 and something cool happens and it goes to 4/4/ for awhile and back..Well music has a form..What ever that may be..No one wants to stop creativity in writng music so no one should want to stop creativity as far as what/how many dums someone wants to use..I feel that ist's anyones right to do what they want..keep in mind that some things call for this or that..You got a Country or Blues gig and the leader wants a small kit on stage not even caring what you can do whith a big one..Well that's that !! Just remember that marching bands don't play with only one snare drum..they use many drums..Yeah one guy plays a single snare and another guy plays a bass drum and so on..Why ? Cuz they want more options and more valume..!! That's a simple solution..Really waht ever works is the deal in my opinion..Look at what BillyRay can do with a smaller kit and look at what Terry Bozzio can do with a large one..They're both great anddto just fine with their set ups...Right Billy ? Tho I must also say that marketing is a different story..What sells can also come into play..!!








_________________
Not into all that competetive who's better crap..Just love to have fun when I drum..!! <|:O)

www.myspace.com/70275304

i play with

one bass
double bass pedal
1 mounted tom
1floor tom
3 cymbals a hi hat and a snare




but then again this is prolly the reason i suckkk








_________________
In order for God to increase we need to decrease.

a friend and myself used to use the MSSU principle, kinda a joke between us since that the college we will be going to, but we use the letters so as to mean Make Stupid Shit Up, and thats how i got through boring jazz band last year, although we did play Lateralus half way through On Broadway, lol, the crowd wasn't expecting that one, anyways i'm just rambling on for no reason at all, Dave's post reminded me of MSSU, and i couldn't help but post








_________________
After I funked my drumset at 11 o'clock, i rocked it all night long, and then we swung til the early morning, where I jazzed all over it. The next day my drumset and i did a little reggae, then shuffled, made a little salsa, and then waltzed.

haha this is like the charmin ultra commercial





da-da-da charmin ultra ...less is more!








_________________
In order for God to increase we need to decrease.

ccrdrums wrote:

i play with

one bass
double bass pedal
1 mounted tom
1floor tom
3 cymbals a hi hat and a snare




but then again this is prolly the reason i suckkk

No you suck for many different reasons, HA! Just kidding!
Anyway, getting to the topic, how about the phrase "just enough." I have the perfect kit for the music I do (classic rock/metal)
It's a 6 piece with 7 to 8 cymbals and it fits my style of playing perfectly. I have tried many different set-ups from a 3 piece to a 10 piece and it always ends up back to my original configuration. I do flip-flop between a 1 and 2 kick drum set up, but I usually go back to my double pedal and 1 kick drum. It's all about lugging a lot of stuff around and I don't want to add to my huge mass of stuff I have to carry. Plus there are the times that the venue is too small for a huge kit and one HAS to limit the kit size, so then you need to adapt to a smaller kit anyway.
Play on what feels right to you. If you have a kick, snare, hi-hat and 1 cymbal then play the shit out of it, the same goes for the 12 piece players with 40 cymbals, just play it and respect any drummer who has the balls to get on stage and play to a crowd bigger than 10 people, no matter what their kit size may be.








_________________
ROCK ON!!!
http://www.myspace.com/thanimal