Subject: Help, my base drums wont talk to each other...!!!!

Hey Tommy,

I have another tuning question for you Tommy (sorry mate but people just want that sound you got). I was just wondering about how you get two large base drums to sit comfortable with each other tone wise. I have two 24/16 inch base drums. I am finding it hard to get them to match in sound and feel wise. I have listen to people like yourself and the great Louie Bellson and your drums always match each other, how do you achieve this...??? One more question, what is your opinion on players like Louie, He was the inventor of twin base set up did you ever listen to any of the Jazz players when you were growing up.???

Thanks for any answers you have to share Tommy.

Graham.

Hi Graham,
Thanks for your query.

It's almost impossible to get 2 similar drums to sound similar. It sounds funny but it's true. It's always a struggle to keep my kix sounding alike. Even tuning to the same note is no guarantee. Don't know why one always sounds cooler than the other:o) All I can suggest is to make sure they are identical in every way, i.e.., tuning, head, muffling, pad...etc.

As for Louis Belson...I've met Louis but wasn't aware of him when I was younger. I only came to appreciate him after having met. In fact, Joe Morello was my inspiration to become a drummer. His solo on 'Take Five' mesmerized me as a kid. Still does:o)

Thanks again Graham and God bless.
Tommy

Subject: talk (drum) shop

Hello, Tommy Aldridge
How are you
Im planning on purchasing a new set and I wanted to get your opinion on a couple of things. I know that you use a zildjian 20" med. thin crash - How do they sound? Do they have ALOT of overtones, like a ride, or are they still crash sounding? Iv'e noticed that alot of heavy drummers are using smaller tom sizes, like 8x10,9x12 instead of 11x12 or 12x12,14x14. But you still use powertom sizes. Are larger size toms harder to tune or harder to get good tones out of?

Are their advantages of using smaller size toms or is it all personal preverence ?
Thankyou for your time -
Denis Kelleher , Iowa

Hi Dennis,
Thanks for checkin out the site. I appreciate your support.

I use an assortment of crashes including the 20" med thin you mention. It's obviously not as fast as a smaller crash but that's one of the characteristics about it I like. It also has a longer decay and a lower tone. I use it in instances where there is some space for it to build and sustain. As for overtones, it's not an issue as I don't ride on it.

I have 2 sets of toms w/all my kits. Live I use 12-14-16-18. None of them being square. In the studio/smaller venues I use 10-12-14-16. Smaller drums ALWAYS sound bigger. They have more 'cut' and I find them easier to tune. The larger setup is for aesthetics only. Hope this helps. Have fun in your search for that new kit! Thanks again Dennis and God bless.
Tommy

Subject: Tuning/new remo powerstroke 4

Dear Tommy hello I am a big fan and I would like some advise on tuning. Although I have been playing for some time I have yet to capture that fine tom sound that you have or the thunder bass drum sound.What tuning methods can you recommend for me on toms to fl toms.I use coated ambassadors on the tops and clear ambassadors on the bottoms of my toms and pinstripes for my kick batters.Also I know you used powerstroke 3's for your kicks in the past but have you tried the 4's and if so, can a coated powerstroke 3 or 4 be as effective as a clear powerstroke ? Sorry for all the questions Tommy but if anyone can give me a straight foward answer it's you,I just don't want to spend a bunch of money on new kick heads and be dissapointed.....Thanks tommy god bless.....Tony,Denver,Co........

Hi Tony,
What's shakin? Thanks for checkin out the site. I appreciate it.

If you will check out the Q&A section I answer a question similar to yours from another gentleman.

It is so tough to verbalize tuning but I will try. I start w/my 1st tom and tune it to the sound I like..see what I mean?:o) I am not going for any specific note but just a sound that I like...lots of body w/plenty of thud but w/sustain as well. All I want is everything:o) I then determine what note it is (or as close as possible) and tune the other 3 toms in descending 1/4 notes. I tune the bottoms as closely to the tops as I can. I use no dampening on any of the toms. I do use a DW BD muffle in the kicks. I also use my signature Danmar wooden beaters w/a falam pad.

I really like the P3s so I've not tried the P4s but on your recommendation will. As for the coated vs clear...I prefer clear heads on everything. I really prefer Ambs on the toms but just can't get enough time out of the them. Consequently I use Emperors...on the snare batter as well.

Thanks again Tony and I hope this helps. God bless.
Tommy

Subject: Bicycle commuting and drumming

Hey Tommy, I really dig the new site and I've been following your career since the Black Oak days. Anyway, I recently had to make the switch from playing bass to playing drums full time for one of the bands I play in. I 've been playing drums on and off for alot of years, which is whenever I can. I ride about ten miles one way to rehersals and depending on which bike I ride,either my fixed gear w/no brakes (track bike) or an off road single-speed w/freewheel. My "fixy" is much faster, but I notice my stamina behind the kit is less because of all the output energy of riding to practices on the thing. My question is, does this or have you ever experienced this yourself being the rider that you are? Steve
.
P.S. Thanks for all the inspiration over the years.

Riding a fixed gear is great for your spin but I am sure you already know that. I often ride on days that I am performing but I have to be careful not to get carried away. Need to leave a little in the tank for the show. I don't play in a jazz trio so my gig is definitely an aerobic endeavor. I've made the mistake of putting in too many miles before a show and it's not fun. Nothing worse than goin out there being a big show-off and runnin outta gas:o)

If I plan my same-day workouts properly I find that they enhance my playing. I am a firm believer that cycling is one of the best excercises for drumming. I just don't get tired behind the kit.

Thanks again Steve. Keep riding/playing and God bless.
Tommy

Subject: Sound Quality - live performances

Tommy, as I write this I am listening to " Speak of the Devil". Anyone can sound good in studio. What I want to know is EXACTLY what goes into your live performances with regard to SOUND QUAITY?

I saw you in 1982, with ozz, at Lexington's Rupp Arena, a few weeks before Randy Rhoads was killed. We were watching to see if the sound quality was there. Many groups play well studio, but its the LIVE performance that tells the tell.

What was everyone talking about the next day? After "Diary of Madman", it was the "drummer"; how well you played and most of all your drums could be heard .
Please note me and tell me what, please be specific, what goes into your sound checks???????????
Jack

Subject: Drum Heads

I was just wondering what brand and types of drumheads you use on each of
your drums, and also how you tune/tension your heads (pitch, tightness, etc..)
Thanks!
I saw you in 2000 with Ted Nugent and you ripped things apart!
-Mike G.,North Attleboro, MA

Subject: Double Bass

Tommy, how are you doing, your new web site looks great!
Please tell me what is the best way to practice double bass.
I play double bass but i can not play long and steady.
Would you please teach me how to practice for that?
Thank you and GOD bless you! Peter Kim

First off I'd like to thank you for being a huge inspiration. I last saw you with Ted Nugent in Camden, New Jersey and Hershey, Pennsylvania and your playing was incredible.

Now on to my question; What do you do to keep in shape as far as diet and workout routine? I'd like to build my endurance and speed but I'm almost afraid weight lifting would slow down my playing.

Thanks,
Mike

If you will check out the Q&A section I answer a question similar to yours from another gentleman.

It is so tough to verbalize tuning but I will try. I start w/my 1st tom and tune it to the sound I like..see what I mean?:o) I am not going for any specific note but just a sound that I like...lots of body w/plenty of thud but w/sustain as well. All I want is everything:o) I then determine what note it is (or as close as possible) and tune the other 3 toms in descending 1/4 notes. I tune the bottoms as closely to the tops as I can. I use no dampening on any of the toms. I do use a DW BD muffle in the kicks. I also use my signature Danmar wooden beaters w/a falam pad.

I really like the P3s so I've not tried the P4s but on your recommendation will. As for the coated vs clear...I prefer clear heads on everything. I really prefer Ambs on the toms but just can't get enough time out of the them. Consequently I use Emperors...on the snare batter as well.

Thanks again Tony and I hope this helps. God bless.
Tommy