Imperial Theater nyc.

Ludwig Symphonic Snare A Rare but Great Instrument

I have a pair of Ludwig Symphonic snare drums, and I'm lucky to have them. One is a 1959 WFL, with white pearl wrap. The other snare is a 1960's Ludwig, also with a white pearl wrap. The '59 is all original, with the WFL Classic throw. The interior is not painted white, as the 1960's version is. Both drums look the same, and are the same size, but they sound very different.

Interior Snare Drum Paint on Ludwig Drums

The interior paint of the 1960's snare brings that drum a bit of attack. Using identical drum skins, I can feel that this snare has a more solid feel. That's not surprising, seen that the paint does add a layer to the drum thickness, no matter how thin. I can't say that the wrap is any thicker when compared to the 1959 model, nor can I comment on the thickness of the glue that was used to stick the wrap to the wood. Finally, what was the condition of the wood used for each drum. The maple of one tree is certainly different from the other.

Turn Down the Drums!

The Bass player wanted me to play softer, all night long. I don't mind playing softer for quiet parts, but I'm not turning down my drums. It's frustrating to have others in the band deciding that your instrument needs to be quiet. I'm not saying that I'm one of those guys that bangs the crap out of my kit. I'm quite the opposite. I never noodle between songs, I come to rehearsal prepared, and I'm silent when the band is working on an issue.

Drummers Need To Play at Performance Level Sometimes

If your band wants you to use something like Hodrods every night at rehearsal, you will need to find a time to play with real drumsticks. Performance level playing is not the same as hitting your skins with dowels wrapped in a sheath of plastic. You have to bang them sometimes. I understand that the string section likes to rehearse at a low volume. Their feel on the guitar is the same at any volume. Not so for we drummers. Holding back sucks.

Where Is My Set List?

Since this is my first post of my new blog, I thought I would start with the set list. I can't hit the stage, whether a blog or a real stage, without that sheet of paper that tells me what direction the show is going to go. I'll try to give you a hint or two right now. I started playing drums a long time ago. Most of the time, it's been here in Wisconsin. Other times, I have toured the US, and Europe. I have recorded lots of music, and been on a number of small, but well distributed labels. I have seen some amazing things from my drum riser. I have also played plenty of gigs where the opening band is the audience. I'll try not to puff myself up too much, but I won't back down from what I know. The stage is mine.