DRUMMER’SPERSPECTIVE
THE ADVANTAGE OF ELECTRONIC AND HYBRID KITS
Yes, you read the title correctly. There is
an advantage to playing digital or hybrid
drum kits. Some drummers don’t often
like to admit that, but it’s true… or at least
it can be. Let’s take an honest look at the
issue.
We all love to play our “real” (acoustic)
drums. There’s something so “organic”
and powerful about that contact with an
acoustic instrument. Every musician feels
this… the connection and vibration we
feel from real drums, acoustic guitars,
pianos (not keyboards), etc. But there’s
world of sound, texture, and color that
electronics makes available to us that
would be very difficult and maybe even
impossible to create with only acoustic
sources. If you keep an open mind, the
world of electronic/digital drums opens
up unlimited possibilities to your creativity.
In many churches I know the drummers
must play digital drums just to deal with the
challenges of small venues or bad acoustics.
You also might be dealing with playing with an
orchestra & choir, so acoustic drums just don’t
work. I’ve been there. The latest digital kits from
companies like Yamaha, Roland, ddrums, and
others are pretty amazing options. My favorite
is Yamaha DTX series. The feel of the pads
and the new sampling technology makes them
unbeatable in the digital drum market.
The key with all of these types of kits is working
on your setup to be totally comfortable with the
feel, and liking the sounds you choose. Take
the time to dial everything in to the best of your
ability. There are so many sample and effect
options that it can be a bit overwhelming, but
it’s worth the time to build your favorite kit. Be
patient… and just do it. I’ve been impressed
that the DTX series has awesome kits ready to
go without much editing.
Job number two - Working on the sound mix
with your house engineer! This applies to any
20
electronic setup you use. Especially when you one mounted tom. If you look on YouTube at
blend acoustic and digital sources together. various worship bands, this has become very
We call this a “hybrid kit.” Be sure your house popular.
engineer is aware of what you’re doing and how As always, let the music determine what you
the sounds work together. Triggered sounds need to use. There are so many options in this
can easily get lost if the engineer is not paying world of modern drum technology that it’s easy
attention to the total sound of a drum kit. And to forget that it still about serving the music and
when adding electronics to acoustics they have the people. Don’t just become a “tech geek” to
to be extra careful to incorporate those sounds show off your creative chops. Keep that as your
into what they already hear from the real drums prime directive and you’ll be good to go.
so it sounds like one full set up.
Blessings as you continue to grow in all that the
The “hybrid drum kit” is what I enjoy the most.
Lord has made you to be.
Using drum-triggers on my kit, a kick pedal
trigger, and a multi-pad set up allows me to
incorporate a little bit of everything along with
the feel and power of acoustic drums and
cymbals. I’ll use a trigger kick pedal just to the
right of my real kick pedal for any electronic
bass drum or low sound needed. I may even
use a snare trigger to add extra snare samples
to either one of my snares. Placing other pads
at different places around the kit is also an
option (See photo – the pad to the right of the
floor tom.) And last but not least, the multi-pad.
I usually put it to the left of my hi-hat… but it
could also go over the kick drum if I use only
May Jun 2017
WorshipMusician.com
CARL ALBRECHT
Professional drummer for
over 30 years, playing with
Paul Baloche, Don Moen,
Ron Kenoly, Abe Laboriel &
Friends, LeAnn Rimes and
many others. He’s also a
clinician, author & pastor.
www.CarlAblrecht.com