DRUMS
BEST DRUMS FOR WORSHIP? | Carl Albrecht
I’m about to reveal to you the greatest set of through the years, and this was always part of have a lot of tone. In some settings maple
drums I’ve ever played. Without a doubt, I know the common shoptalk. “Oh, man, you should drums can be a little too big sounding. So, if
these drums will “blow away” any other drum really get these!” or, “What? You’ve never you want a little more focused or dry sound
kit out there. Don’t even try to change my mind played those drums? They’re the best!” It maybe you should try birch, or other drums.
on this, because I’ve played every kind of drum didn’t take long for me to realize that the art of There are tons of options.
set made. All of the greatest drummers play drumming is much more than what drum set them too. OK... Ready?! The best drums ever you play.
Besides types of wood, there are also variations
are “……………..” What? You say you couldn’t
in size and thickness of the shell. Deeper drums
hear me? I said, “……………..” They really are My favorite equipment recommendation is will sound fatter, and maybe darker. Shorter
amazing. You must get them or you’re just to play what you love and what inspires you. drums will be punchier. Thinner shells will
not the most hip, cool, “up to date”, stylin’ cat It doesn’t matter if it’s Yamaha, Pearl, DW, sound brighter than thicker shells, and so on.
out there; like all of the other really happenin’ Gretsch, or any of the other great drums out If the drums have die cast hoops rather than
drummers who play these drums. there. Play the drums that make you want machined steel they will probably have more of
to play! When you play “that” drum kit, then a snap, or cutting sound.
OK, OK, STOP!!! For those of you that know you’ve found your instrument. And don’t let
me, you know I don’t get into these kinds of anyone “mess with your head” about it.
discussions. There is no “greatest drum set
ever.” I’ve even worked in several drum shops
I also look for the tom mountings to be some
kind of suspension system. Even on a cheap
What makes drums sound great is a great kit this can make all the difference in the
player, making great music, with a great team, resonance of the toms and how easily they will
when everything technically comes together. tune. Mountings that attach to the shell or go
Now, that can be a very complicated thing, but through the shell will usually distort the sound
let’s stay focused on the drum issue. or choke them. Unless you want that old-
school tom sound, you have to have isolation
In all drum making, even with custom-built
mounting for the toms.
drums, there are some concepts that apply
to everyone. I know there are a thousand I hope this helps keep your mind at ease if
variations in the small details, but we’ll focus you’ve been wondering if your drums aren’t the
on the big issues. Types of wood, the sizes, the best drums in the world. Or maybe this will help
rims, and the tom mounting system of the kit you in your journey if you’ve been thinking of a
are probably the biggest factors of drum sound. change in kits. Test drive a lot of drums, and get
your ears tuned in to what’s out there.
First, all-maple drums will probably be the first
item in every company’s catalog. I happen to Happy drum hunting! Oh, and remember, don’t
play a Yamaha Maple Custom Absolute series worry about finding the best drums in the world.
kit with aluminum die cast hoops. A 22” kick; I think they’re in heaven with Buddy Rich. Ha!
10”, 12”, 14” & 16” toms (all standard depths);
and a 14”x5” snare. (I do have other kits and Peace,
about 15 snares, but this is my primary set up.) Carl
Yes, I think they’re awesome, and I’m thrilled
with the sound they create.
Maple, in general, is a very hard wood, but it
is also very resonant. I don’t know all of the
technical reasons, but they are “punchy” and
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July 2018
Carl Albrecht
Professional drummer for 30+ years, playing with
Paul Baloche, Don Moen, Ron Kenoly, Abe Laboriel,
LeAnn Rimes and others. He’s also a clinician,
author & pastor. Contact Carl with questions or
inquire about lessons.
www.CarlAlbrecht.com
WorshipMusician.com